The WSIB approved new private‑equity commitments that include funds with holdings tied to Kalshi and Flock Safety, prompting legal and climate worries. Critics say the state’s retirement money faces outsized risk and opaque fees.

Burien’s City Council appointed veteran manager Bob Larson as interim city manager; he’ll begin work Tuesday, April 28 amid a recent leadership shakeup.

South County Fire is proposing a roughly $420 million bond to rebuild and expand stations across south Snohomish County; a public hearing is set for May 5.

Two veteran Pierce County juvenile court officials were separated last week; an interim administrator was named as county leaders say operations will continue. The departures remove figures central to local reform work.

Councilmember Bob Kettle called a forensic audit of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority “damning,” after it found a $44.7M negative balance and about $8M unreconciled.

Everett’s council voted April 22 to put an EMS levy lid lift on the Aug. 4, 2026 ballot to restore the rate to $0.50 per $1,000 and shore up Everett Fire staffing. The city provided sample cost estimates for homeowners and said the funding would support EMS personnel and equipment.

A state task force is drafting changes to Washington high school graduation rules, from a possible fourth year of math to a senior‑year demonstration, ahead of a 2027 legislative proposal.

A federal appeals panel vacated the NLRB’s order that Starbucks' subpoenas were coercive and sent the case back for reconsideration under a new standard.

A Central Washington ranch is challenging a $267,540 wetlands penalty and asking for a jury, not an administrative board, to decide whether stockwater ponds count as protected wetlands.

A Renton resident found a box of about 500 ballots behind a strip mall. King County Elections and state officials say they are investigating and reviewing signatures.

About $637,500 in Washington’s Lottery prizes are set to expire soon, including a $617,500 HIT 5 ticket. Winners have 180 days to claim; unclaimed funds support education.

A state audit found only a small share of Washington officers have finished the 40‑hour de‑escalation and mental‑health training; auditors warn many could miss the 2028 deadline.

Beijing told Chinese nationals to strengthen safety awareness and avoid entering the U.S. through Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport after alleged "malicious questioning" of scholars.