House Passes High School Testing Reform: A bill passed by the state House of Representatives would temporarily get rid of a requirement to pass a science test to graduate from high school, saving about 2,000 students who won't get their diplomas this spring if the bill doesnât pass. It would also simplify the alternatives students have to taking the test. The bill will have to pass in the senate today or it will die with the end of the special session.
Council Member Nick Licata Wants Taxes on Businesses to Help Pay for Transportation Improvements: Instead of the $930 million property-tax levy the mayor is pitching for road maintenance and improvement projects, Licata wrote on his blog that the council should consider a $600 million levy combined with a commercial-parking tax, employee-head tax, and transportation-impact fee charged to developers. In an earlier letter to Licata, Mayor Ed Murray said he believes citizens are willing to fork over the $930 million in property taxes without alternative sources. The council will have its first meeting on the levy tomorrow.
One of the Men Shot by an Officer in Olympia Has Been Released from the Hospital: Andre Thompson, who was shot after allegedly trying to steal beer, is now recovering at home.
Homeless Man Set on Fire Dies: The man was taken to Harborview after the incident in March and died there Monday night. He told investigators someone set him on fire, but they still haven't found the person who did it.
A University of Washington Frat Is Temporarily Banned from Having Parties Because of a Rape Investigation: "Someone raped a woman inside Zeta Psi during a party last week, according to Seattle police, and now the fraternity is under strict new discipline," KOMO reports.
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What Will Seattle Look Like in 2035? The city is in the process of updating its comprehensive plan, which outlines how the city should grow. As part of that, they're looking at an environmental-impact statement with four possible options for how to direct growth in the future, and you have a few more weeks to comment on which you support. Some of the options focus growth in downtown or near other urban centers; others would prioritize growth near transit. The Urbanist has a good rundown right here. The city's online open house about the update is right here. Send your comments to 2035@seattle.gov.
The Board of Park Commissioners Will Vote on the Smoking Ban Tonight: Their recommendation will go to the park superintendent, who will make the final decision and has already said he's in favor of the ban. Some, including the ACLU of Washington, worry it will disproportionately affect homeless people. The park commissioners' meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 100 Dexter Avenue North.
King County Will Increase Patrols to Catch People on Their Cell Phones While Driving: Those start on Sunday and will continue throughout the summer.
The Governor of Alaska Came to Town and Toured the Polar Pioneer: After checking out the 400-foot Arctic drilling rig, he defended oil drilling, reports KING 5, and said this: "The best way to describe the economics of our state: If you took Boeing and Microsoft, a few others, and combine them together, that's what oil is for us."
The County Is Sick of Shell's Shit: Shell contracted with a waste-management company, which applied for a permit to dump the Polar Pioneer's human excrement directly into a King County manhole. The county said "no thanks."
Nebraska Abolished the Death Penalty: Lawmakers defied their Republican governor and overrode his veto of a bill repealing the death penalty in that state.
