Hannah Saunders

A heatmap showing the inclusivity of each state, which is based on the total Business Climate Score. The green states are the most inclusive, while the red are least inclusive; yellow and orange fall in the middle. Courtesy of Out Leadership.

Washington ranks 13th in State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index

Washington’s lowest score was 13 out of 20 points in the Work Environment and Employment section.

A heatmap showing the inclusivity of each state, which is based on the total Business Climate Score. The green states are the most inclusive, while the red are least inclusive; yellow and orange fall in the middle. Courtesy of Out Leadership.
Main Street Bridge. Courtesy of WSDOT.

Full closure of I-405 set for Father’s Day weekend in Bellevue

Signs with detour routes will be available; closure will take place from June 17-20 to demolish Main Street Bridge.

Main Street Bridge. Courtesy of WSDOT.
Courtesy of Hazardous Waste Management Program.

Study: Lead exposure linked to kitchen cookware from Afghan refugees in King County

The issue was first noticed in Afghan children in King County, but more communities may be at risk.

Courtesy of Hazardous Waste Management Program.
World War II veterans in Auburn, Wash. File photo

Washington ranks 7th among states for number of World War II veterans

12,364 WWII veterans are living in the state, with a total population of 517,912 military veterans.

World War II veterans in Auburn, Wash. File photo
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No more stolen sisters: How WA is responding to missing and murdered Indigenous people

Across the state, 126 Indigenous people remain missing, with 31 having gone missing in King County.

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Love A Tree Day to mark the beginning of ORCA’s new card system

In most transit areas, fares won’t be collected from 3:00 a.m. on May 14 until 2:29 a.m. on May 16.

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Photo courtesy of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Washington wolf population continues to rise, report shows

In 2021, four new wolf packs were documented in four different counties.

Photo courtesy of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
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How a Ukrainian and Russian couple escaped a war zone

“We will never forget that sound. Boom. Boom,” said Valeriia Horodnycha, who has been staying in Mercer Island.

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Igor Soloydenko, who said he identifies as Russian, holds a sign urging “Peace for Ukraine” at a ceremony Feb. 25 in Federal Way. Soloydenko said: “There’s just so much shame. I feel helpless in the way I cannot change anything in my home country. It was unimaginable that Russia would do such a thing.” Olivia Sullivan/Sound Publishing

Ukrainian Honorary Consul speaks out about Russian invasion of Ukraine

“As long as we breathe, as long as our hearts beat, we’re going to protect our land,” said Valeriy Goloborodko.

Igor Soloydenko, who said he identifies as Russian, holds a sign urging “Peace for Ukraine” at a ceremony Feb. 25 in Federal Way. Soloydenko said: “There’s just so much shame. I feel helpless in the way I cannot change anything in my home country. It was unimaginable that Russia would do such a thing.” Olivia Sullivan/Sound Publishing
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World’s longest surviving kidney patient dies

Mercer Island resident Nancy Spaeth went on dialysis at age 18 and received four kidney transplants.

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File photo.

Man accused of fatally shooting 11-year-old girl’s dog in front of her

The defendant is being charged with first-degree animal cruelty and reckeless endangerment.

File photo.
90-year-old Life Care resident recovering after testing positive for COVID-19

90-year-old Life Care resident recovering after testing positive for COVID-19

Geneva Wood remains in isolation at Harborview Medical Center.

90-year-old Life Care resident recovering after testing positive for COVID-19
CDC: Life Care staff worked in multiple facilities and while symptomatic for COVID-19

CDC: Life Care staff worked in multiple facilities and while symptomatic for COVID-19

Staff members assisted in spreading coronavirus throughout long-term care facilities.

CDC: Life Care staff worked in multiple facilities and while symptomatic for COVID-19
Bloodworks Northwest reports drop in blood donations following coronavirus outbreak

Bloodworks Northwest reports drop in blood donations following coronavirus outbreak

The blood bank has lost 143 donations since March 1.

Bloodworks Northwest reports drop in blood donations following coronavirus outbreak