• Washington State Patrol battles toxicology backlog
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    Washington State Patrol battles toxicology backlog

    May 30, 2026 - By 

    The lab, which handles evidence for criminal cases, is currently processing more than 15,700 cases. SEATTLE — Washington State Patrol officials say a backlog in toxicology testing is delaying impaired driving investigations across the state as forensic scientists work overtime to keep up. The lab, which handles evidence for criminal cases, is currently processing more than 15,700 cases, far exceeding its goal of delivering results within 60 to 90 days. The backlog affects a wide range of cases, though about 65 percent of the lab’s work is tied to impairment investigations. According to State Patrol spokesperson Chris Loftis, delays can…

  • 5 things to do in western Washington this weekend: May 29-31
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    5 things to do in western Washington this weekend: May 29-31

    May 29, 2026 - By 

    Celebrate across western Washington this weekend with events like Mason County’s Forest Festival, a farewell to Ume the tapir and an international festival in Kent. SEATTLE — May is coming to a close, but the season of celebration is in full swing. Festivals are in full bloom across the region, from wildfire prevention and logging to a global festival honoring culture and community. This weekend also includes some goodbyes and graduations. Here are five things to do in western Washington this weekend: Legends of the Timber: May 28-31 — The annual four-day Forest Festival takes place in Mason County this…

  • Video shows devastation, crushed cars after deadly chemical tank implosion at Washington paper mill
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    Video shows devastation, crushed cars after deadly chemical tank implosion at Washington paper mill

    May 28, 2026 - By 

    New video shows the sheer amount of devastation after a tank holding corrosive white liquor imploded at a paper mill in Longview, Washington. WASHINGTON — New video is showing the aftermath of a deadly implosion at a Washington state paper mill that is presumed to have killed 11 people and injured another eight. Crews resumed the search Wednesday for nine workers at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. in Longview, although authorities have already said there is no hope of finding survivors. If the 11 deaths are confirmed, it would be one of the deadliest industrial accidents in the U.S. in…

  • A rough year for Washington wine — and a push to bounce back
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    A rough year for Washington wine — and a push to bounce back

    May 27, 2026 - By 

    Washington’s wine grape production plummeted 28% in 2025, pushing wineries to reinvent how they attract and keep customers. YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. — Washington’s wine industry is facing one of its toughest years on record, and producers across the state are continuously looking for new ways to adapt. “It’s been very hard on the industry, but I think we’re resilient,” said Kristina Kelley, executive director of the Washington State Wine Commission. Kelley said rising costs, shifting consumer habits and a drop in tourism to wine country have all contributed to the downturn. In response, some producers are cutting back on certain…

  • Immigration attorney accused in federal lawsuit permanently resigns from Washington bar
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    Immigration attorney accused in federal lawsuit permanently resigns from Washington bar

    May 27, 2026 - By 

    The resignation permanently ends Lozano’s ability to practice law in Washington as a federal lawsuit and years of complaints mount against her. TUKWILA, Wash. — Tukwila-based immigration attorney Alexandra Lozano has permanently resigned from the Washington State Bar Association in lieu of discipline, effectively ending her ability to practice law in Washington and represent clients in immigration cases. The resignation, filed Tuesday, comes just days after a federal lawsuit accused Lozano and her law firm of steering immigrants into abuse-based immigration claims they allegedly did not qualify for, mishandling applications and submitting filings clients said they did not fully understand.…

  • Washington Court of Appeals upholds $21M award to doctor in Seattle Children's racial discrimination case
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    Washington Court of Appeals upholds $21M award to doctor in Seattle Children’s racial discrimination case

    May 27, 2026 - By 

    The Washington Court of Appeals upheld a $21 million jury award for Dr. Benjamin Danielson in his racial discrimination lawsuit against Seattle Children’s Hospital. SEATTLE — The Washington Court of Appeals has unanimously upheld a $21 million jury award in favor of a doctor who filed a lawsuit against Seattle Children’s Hospital for racial discrimination. Dr. Benjamin Danielson, the former medical director of the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, led the clinic for 21 years, serving a largely Black and low-income community. He alleged he was subjected to a racially hostile work environment and faced retaliation after raising concerns about inequitable…

  • Washington state ready for permanent daylight saving time as bill gets House committee backing
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    Washington state ready for permanent daylight saving time as bill gets House committee backing

    May 26, 2026 - By 

    On May 21, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted in favor of referring the “Sunshine Protection Act” to the House. WASHINGTON — As a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States advances in Washington, D.C., Washington state has already shown its support for the change. On May 21, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted in favor of referring the “Sunshine Protection Act” to the House. If it receives congressional approval and is signed off by President Donald Trump, it would end the semi-annual changing of clocks. This story continues below. …

  • Skydiver dies, second injured in midair collision in southeast Washington
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    Skydiver dies, second injured in midair collision in southeast Washington

    May 25, 2026 - By 

    Deputies said two skydivers collided in the air Sunday evening, leaving one dead and another injured. ADAMS COUNTY, Wash. — One skydiver died and another was injured in a midair collision Sunday evening in Adams County, according to the local sheriff’s office. Emergency crews were called to the 2000 block of E. Schoessler Road at about 5:37 p.m. May 24 after receiving a report that two skydivers needed medical attention. Deputies said they learned at the scene that the two skydivers had collided in the air. One was pronounced dead, while the second was taken to a medical facility for…

  • 22 gray whales found dead in Washington as researchers warn of rising strandings
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    22 gray whales found dead in Washington as researchers warn of rising strandings

    May 25, 2026 - By 

    Washington researchers report 22 gray whale strandings this year, highlighting concerns over malnutrition and vessel strikes as Arctic feeding areas change BREMERTON, Wash. — Gray whale deaths continue to climb along Washington’s coast and in the Puget Sound, with researchers now documenting 22 strandings statewide this year as concerns grow over changing conditions in Arctic feeding grounds. The latest confirmed death involved a male gray whale found near Bremerton on May 20, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Researchers said the whale showed signs of malnutrition and blunt force trauma. Scientists with the Cascadia Research Collective and…