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Pour One Out For Environmental Science

In December, the Trump administration announced its intent to close the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), which was founded in 1960 by a group of universities, including the University of Washington. For those concerned about the state of the environment, this isn’t great news, especially considering the flooding we just experienced in December. [KNKX]

• Scientists Raise the Alarm: Scientists across the globe and many in the PNW are expressing serious concern about this decision, calling it ‘unbelievable,’ and saying that the center is a ‘unique & valuable asset.’ [Scientific American]
• Studying Climate Is Practical and Relevant: UW professor Abigail Swan says studying climate is ‘entirely practical’ and ‘prepares us for what is coming.’ Losing the center ‘makes us less safe.’
• Floods Cause $50 Million in Damages: In December, flooding caused up to $50 million in emergency repairs. Route 2 was closed for over two weeks, making popular ski destinations inaccessible, which triggered refunds for pass holders and losses to the local economy in towns that benefit greatly from tourism. Climate change is affecting us right now. [Washington State Standard]
• NCAR’s Future Remains in Limbo: Members of Congress are trying to pass funding to save NCAR, and Colorado’s attorney general is suing the federal government to keep NCAR open — and to keep research from institutions like UW going. [EENews, The Colorado Sun]

Seattle’s Elected Officials Are (Finally) More Diverse 🏢

Seattle grew (slightly) more diverse in 2024, and so did its elected officials, including the first Black City Attorney Erika Evans and Rhonda Lewis, the first-ever Black woman on the King County Council. Over on Instagram, Mario Sweet talks about the first elected Black officials in various counties in Seattle's history. It’s eye-opening, to say the least.

Gov. Ferguson Wants To Regulate Chatbots 🤖

Gov. Ferguson (who delivered his ‘State of the State’ yesterday) wants lawmakers to establish safeguards around chatbots, especially as they relate to minors. We talked about this on yesterday’s episode, as well as some other bills being considered by the Washington legislature. WA democrats are also saying they won’t hold hearings on two initiatives about requiring schools to reveal counseling notes to students’ parents and banning transgender athletes in schools. [KUOW]

Will Seattle Children’s Theater Perform at the Kennedy Center? 🎭

Seattle Children’s Theater is ‘assessing’ whether to go forward with an April performance of their show ‘Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story’ at the Kennedy Center in D.C. Many artists have cancelled engagements in protest of the Trump administration’s cutting of staff and other controversial changes, including its recent name change. [Broadway World]

Wi-Fi Will Be Tested at Bremerton Ferry and Station ⛴️

The WA Ferry System is going to test Wi-Fi from May through August at Bremerton Terminal and aboard the M/V Chicacum. Bremerton was selected because it's one of the system's longest sailing trips. If successful, they will expand Wi-Fi, but will need to find funding to support it. [Axios]

Seattle Has Emergency Hubs. Do You Know Where Yours Are? 📍

You can visit this map to find out. This helpful video breaks down where you can get help and gather during a major disaster. Also, be sure to sign up for city alerts!

Check Your Cheese 🧀

There has been a cheese recall in 20 states, including Washington, due to listeria concerns. It is a Class 1 recall — the FDA’s highest danger level — so it’s quite serious. [Seattle Times]