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Six Rite Aid and two Bartell Drugs locations in Washington will close following a recent U.S. Bankruptcy Court ruling. Bartell Drugs, a cherished Seattle institution since 1890, faces closure unless a buyer intervenes. Rite Aid has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy twice and plans to shutter stores nationwide.
Residents in Seattle's East Precinct identified traffic and mental health as their top safety concerns during a recent community-police dialogue. Seattle Police Department officials attributed ongoing issues to staffing shortages and highlighted efforts to improve crisis intervention training for officers. The city aims to enhance public safety with increased hiring and better resource allocation.
Sound Transit plans to launch the 2 Line connecting Seattle to the Eastside by early 2026, after multiple delays due to construction challenges. Celebrations marked the opening of new light rail stations in Redmond, but the Eastside will not see another light rail project for at least 20 years. Seattle aims to expedite future expansions to West Seattle and Ballard by 2033 and 2039, respectively.
Pierce County jail now houses juvenile inmates due to staffing shortages and maintenance issues at Remann Hall. Four juveniles were transferred to the adult jail under a court order, with concerns raised about safety and security at the juvenile facility. Officials plan to monitor the situation and return the youth to Remann Hall when conditions improve.
King County's Juvenile Division faces criticism for its low rate of charging juvenile sexual assault cases. Advocates question the effectiveness of the prosecutor's office in handling these cases, highlighting a growing concern among community members.
A man, Garett Merlino, faces felony charges after allegedly threatening an attorney and assaulting Thurston County deputies during an investigation. He is currently held on a $50,000 bond, with a court appearance scheduled for May 22. The deputies involved are recovering from injuries sustained in the altercation.
The Acer House affordable housing project is under construction at 23rd and Cherry, alongside the $8.4 million Garfield Super Block project. Ron Rubin is transforming garages into sMALL Box, a micro-business incubator to boost local commerce and cater to neighborhood youth.
Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson faces criticism over proposed changes to conflict of interest rules, which would allow council members to vote on legislation despite disclosing conflicts. Former representative Kshama Sawant and her supporters protested the proposal, claiming it undermines ethics and worker rights. The council meeting was disrupted by chants, leading to a temporary shift to remote proceedings.
Public Health warns of potential measles exposure at Stoup Brewing in Capitol Hill on May 2, following a Canadian visitor's itinerary through the Seattle area. The health department advises individuals who may have been exposed to verify their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination amid a national resurgence of measles cases.
A King County Superior Court judge upheld the sale of a Central District property that was once the headquarters of the Seattle Black Firefighters Association. The property, sold for $680,000, sparked controversy among association members and some community groups. The group is considering an appeal against the ruling.