Lawmakers advanced a bill this week that narrows Washington’s cookware lead law and hands testing and enforcement questions to state regulators, drawing sharp criticism from health advocates.

Starbucks will close its University District store on April 5, 2026, after months of union pickets. The Ave location is expected to be replaced by Xian Noodles.

The state chapter of NAMI announced it will dissolve after its national board revoked the charter, prompting questions about how local support and training will continue. Local affiliates say services will keep running while leaders sort a new structure.

O’Reilly agreed to a $5.6M consent decree after the Washington AG said the company denied basic pregnancy accommodations and retaliated against workers. The settlement requires policy changes, training and state monitoring.

Washington Commerce flagged a conflict after Tacoma Urban League leadership sought CRP dollars for a company tied to the CEO, prompting reviews and community concern.

Ne’Iani Allen‑Bailey pleaded guilty to second‑degree murder in the 2023 SoDo killing of rideshare driver Amare Geda and faces 15–23 years at sentencing on March 27.

A 26-year-old was hospitalized after someone punctured his tent and stabbed his leg on East Olive Street in Capitol Hill. Seattle police are asking witnesses to contact the tip line.

UW field work shows selective thinning can raise winter snowpack and recover water for the Yakima Basin, offering a dual benefit for wildfire and water managers.

An investigation found Seattle privately weighed huge fish‑passage costs while publicly downplaying the dams’ impacts; the city now faces a nearly $1B bill to reconnect Skagit habitat.

King County deputies recovered roughly 40,000 pressed M‑30 pills and more than 18 pounds of narcotics during a traffic stop that led to three arrests. The investigation is ongoing.

LIHI topped out a seven-story, 90-unit senior building on Aurora Ave, financed with HUD 202, city awards and tax-credit equity. Completion is expected by year-end.

A King County jury awarded four women $2.1M after finding Solomon “Raz” Simone liable for criminal profiteering following a monthlong civil trial.

Seattle police say a 36-year-old man was arrested after hurling rocks at vehicles on Rainier Ave S, injuring two and damaging Metro buses.