Washington

Shalom UCC in Richland became Washington's first WISE-certified faith community, promoting mental health inclusion, reducing stigma and expanding supportive programs.

At the Walla Walla Pride Festival, drag performers lip-synced to pop songs. Downtown was decked out in rainbow flags and filled with vendors and activities. People wrote chalk messages of love and support: “Love is love.” “Be the best you.” “Be Loud Be Proud.”

If the timeline holds, Walla Walla will have a library fit for the 21st century next year.

Opening Thursday and closing on June 27, the festival’s 19th season features about 30 musicians from across the country. In vineyards, wineries and the Gesa Power House Theatre, audiences will hear works ranging from classical to contemporary.

There’s a push to create an ombuds office to investigate complaints about the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. Some members of the Pierce County Charter Review Commission have proposed it as an amendment to the county’s charter.

The anxiety around young people’s drinking habits came up during a recent panel discussion at Walla Walla Community College’s Institute for Enology & Viticulture.

Journalists at McClatchy-owned papers in Washington and Idaho are calling for higher wages.

At least one person died and others were being treated for injuries after a chemical vat imploded at Southwest Washington paper mill Tuesday morning.

A theater in Walla Walla now has wearable devices to help deaf audience members feel live music through their bodies.

Parks Tacoma is facing roughly $9 million in budget cuts. The district is anticipating layoffs and cuts to services and programs.