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Savvy Senior: Navigating Social Security as it downsizes

My local Social Security office was recently shut down because of staff layoffs and large-scale downsizing by the Department of Government Efficiency. All this disruption makes me very nervous, as I’ll be applying for my Social Security retirement benefits later this year. My question is, how are we supposed to get help with our Social Security questions or problems now that our office is permanently closed? What can you tell me?

Environmental learning center

Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space and a Pacific Northwest jewel, drawing in over a million visitors each year. From families on weekend outings to international tourists marveling at its sweeping views, the urban oasis is a vital refuge within the city’s landscape.

WA Senate approves 38% price hike in hunting, fishing licenses — first since 2011

After more than a decade of holding steady, Senate Democrats voted Wednesday to advance a 38% “inflationary adjustment” that would raise the price of hunting and fishing licenses in Washington state if passed by the House.

Dow Constantine officially hired as new Sound Transit CEO

The Sound Transit Board of Directors voted unanimously Thursday to hire King County Executive Dow Constantine as the agency’s new CEO. Constantine will start his new job on April 1. Sound Transit is the Seattle metropolitan area’s public transit agency and has been without a permanent CEO for more than a year since Julie Timm resigned from the position in January 2024.

Get Growing: When life throws curveballs

What can we do when life upsets us? Take time to notice how often you are upset during the day. You’ll likely see that usually it’s because life upended your expectations. Therapist and author Christine Hassler calls this an “expectation hangover” – the frustration and internal pushback we experience in disappointment. It might be something small, like the café is out of your favorite coffee, or something more challenging.

Report: Worsening roads, lower transit ridership in WA despite increased spending

Just prior to competing transportation budgets being introduced in Olympia this week, the Washington Policy Center put out a policy brief making the case that Washington state, despite increased spending, is failing to meet expectations when it comes to the state’s transportation system.

King County executive says county is financially healthy, but tough decisions loom

Finances figured prominently in King County Executive Down Constantine's final State of the County address Wednesday afternoon. He said the county is in good financial standing, but warned tough decisions are coming.

King County homeless agency activated severe weather response 40 times this winter

Between November 2024 and February 2025, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority activated its Tier 2 and Tier 3 cold weather response plans 40 times. That translates into the opening of short-term emergency shelters and the implementation of expanded emergency operations, including coordinating with cities for additional shelter sites and supporting food distribution and transportation.

King County Metro to add safety enhancements to current, future buses

King County Metro is making enhancements to its buses to ensure bus operator and rider safety. Following the murder of King County Metro bus driver Shawn Yim last December, the department has fast-tracked efforts to install operator safety partitions.

Falling Awake: You can't put the skin back on the chicken

They say death comes in threes. A crazy superstition, one of those fallacies that has no grounding in truth but you secretly believe it anyway. Because I have been waiting for the third shoe to drop, waiting since I lost my nephew last year, and my dad a few months later. And when I say “drop,” I mean it fell from the sky with all the weight and intensity of a meteor landing.

Skatepark fundraiser April 2

The Magnolia Skatepark project is having a fundraiser on Wednesday, April 2 hosted by Mulleady’s Irish Pub, 3055 21st Ave W, Seattle.

Seattle Center & Pacific Science Center announce partnership

Seattle Center and Pacific Science Center (PacSci) announced a bold new partnership to advance PacSci’s mission and financial stability, preserve and expand public space, and establish new programming, including a Maker & Innovation Lab for STEM education and creative exploration.

Seattle Public Schools superintendent announces departure from district

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Brent Jones is stepping down after holding his role for three years. Jones’ last day with the district will be Sept. 3. Seattle Public Schools will have five months to find a new superintendent.

Queen Anne Little League's Opening Day

On Saturday, Queen Anne Avenue was alive with the sound of Brazilian drums and about 200 young softball and baseball players to celebrate the Opening Day of the 2025 Little League Season.

Recipe: A unique take on French toast

Few breakfasts are as beloved as French toast, a dish so hearty and fulfilling that many people enjoy it for dinner. Though traditional French toast is very popular, the traditional recipe can be altered to make the dish even more delightful.