‼️ WA school’s ‘catastrophic’ funding system

Is Seattle the Best City in the Summer?

The 12 cities of City Cast held a bracket-style competition where City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson determined where he’d want to vacation this summer. Seattle had some tough competition with Chicago, D.C., Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Salt Lake, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Portland, but City Cast Seattle Host Jane pitched a pretty perfect day.

• 🚲 Start with a bike ride on the Bainbridge Ferry and enjoy the newly renovated waterfront. The ferry’s bike fee is the high price of $1, plus there are some beautiful views of the mountains and the possibility of an orca sighting– oh la la!
• 🧭 When you get to the island, having already let loose on the ferry with a beer, check out some of the local businesses in town! Jane recommends Proper Fish for fish and chips, Blackbird Bakery for a sweet treat, and Eagle Harbor Book Co. for finding your next read.
• Jane has some other tips up her sleeve, but you are going to have to tune in to see if Seattle won!

🕵️ DOJ investigates prison policy: Last month, a woman held at the Gig Harbor women’s prison filed a lawsuit against the state alleging a transgender woman attacked her. Now, the Trump administration has opened an investigation into Washington’s policy of housing transgender women in women’s prisons. [Washington State Standard]

🏗️ Mayoral zoning plans underway: Last week, city council considered a resolution to implement and influence Mayor Katie Wilson’s “Taller Denser Faster” plan. The resolution would put resources towards researching new and expanded growth changes, study zoning changes within walking distance of transit, and consider implementing a state transit-oriented development bill. [The Urbanist]

🎓 Schools in trouble: A recent audit from the state raised alarms about the system the state uses to distribute billions in school funding. Auditors found the system relies on outdated infrastructure, manual workarounds, and a group of longtime employees. This makes it extremely vulnerable, and the audit referenced “catastrophic failure.” [KING 5]