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These scientists are keeping an eye on which KC beaches are safe for swimming

Memorial Day is a time to honor America’s fallen soldiers past and present. It’s also the unofficial start of summer. Today’s weather isn't exactly ideal for a beach swim. But once we get to magical Seattle summer weather, don’t forget to check King County Public Health’s website before you take a dip. They send out environmental scientists like Wyatt Klepac each week to test our swim beaches for toxic algae and bacteria. Right now, Green Lake’s West Beach is closed because of toxic algae and Newcastle Beach due to high bacteria. Last summer, we were curious about how the county decides to close beaches and went out with Wyatt to see for ourselves. Here’s that episode again. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weekend Listen: Diesel prices are squeezing the PNW’s fishing industry, digging up mammoth bones near the Tri-Cities, and Tacoma renters are forming tenant's unions

Today, we’re bringing you the best from newsrooms across Washington. First, rising diesel prices are squeezing the Pacific Northwest fishing industry. They're cutting into profits and adding new uncertainty to an already challenging business. Next, for around 15 years, people have slowly dug up mammoth bones near the Tri-Cities. Along the way, people have made a lot of other discoveries. And finally, renters in six apartment complexes in Tacoma have voted to form unions in the last six months. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.  Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Evening Headlines

Airports in Washington are getting some extra money, the North Aurora Avenue community wants gun violence addressed now, and a Seattle middle schooler is heading to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Podcast: Seattle’s Child Care Assistance Program Offers Affordable Child Care And Education

The Seattle Preschool Program and the City's Child Care Assistance Program are actively expanding access to affordable, high-quality early learning opportunities for families. These initiatives are designed to alleviate significant financial burdens, enabling households to save thousands of dollars annually on child care expenses.

Podcast: Seattle Medium’s Inaugural Best Of Awards Spotlights Black Beverage Makers

The Seattle Medium has launched its inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Reader's Choice Awards, an initiative designed to recognize businesses, organizations, leaders, and changemakers shaping the Pacific Northwest. A significant feature of this year's awards is the Black Beverage Maker category, sponsored by Urban Connoisseurs. This category aims to spotlight and elevate Black winemakers, brewers, spirit makers, and non-alcoholic beverage creators, reflecting Urban Connoisseurs' mission to enhance Black food, wine, and cultural experiences in the region.

Podcast: King County Settles $3.5M Wrongful Death Suit For Michael Rowland’s Jail Death

King County has agreed to a $3.5 million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit following the 2022 in-custody death of Michael Rowland, a 63-year-old Black man who was restrained by correctional officers during the booking process at the King County Jail.

Meet Byron Allen, The Comic-Turned-Media Mogul Who’s Taking Over CBS Late Night

Billionaire media mogul Byron Allen, who began his career as a comedian, is set to occupy CBS's 11:35 pm late-night slot with 'Comics Unleashed.' This low-cost, politics-free comedy program reflects Allen's stand-up origins and his distinctive business model. The move signifies a notable departure from the network's previous topical late-night content.

Black Teens Face A Hidden Crisis Of Dating Violence

Intimate partner violence disproportionately affects Black youth, posing significant challenges in its recognition and escape. In response, mental health professionals are implementing targeted support and guidance to assist these young individuals in breaking free from abusive relationships.

U.S. Funding Cuts Have Hampered Response To The Deadly Ebola Crisis, Aid Workers Say

The deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has drawn critical scrutiny to the Trump administration's foreign aid reductions and withdrawal from the World Health Organization. First responders and health experts contend these policy changes have significantly impeded global response efforts, contributing to delayed virus detection and severe shortages of critical medical supplies.