It wasn’t cheap to beam a live opera into KeyArena, project it onto a 50-by-80-foot screen, and then invite in more than 5,000 viewers for free, so Seattle Opera’s simulcast of Madama Butterfly on May 5 was a brilliant success—funded by a one-time grant—that won’t likely be repeated, especially given the company’s recent retrenchment. Still, it was hugely enjoyable, and I dream of them doing it at least once a year—in a smaller venue, maybe? Or even outdoors? GAVIN BORCHERT seattleopera.org
Mercer Island School District faces $13.4M sex abuse claim
School leaders received numerous reports that former high school English teacher Curtis Johnston was “dating” a student but failed to intervene, complaint says.
By Moe K. Clark, InvestigateWest • March 5, 2026 3:08 pm
O’Reilly Auto Parts to pay $5.6M for employee discrimination
Missouri-based O’Reilly Auto Enterprises will pay $5.6 million for widespread denial of pregnancy and nursing accommodations to Washington workers under…
By
Steve Hunter • March 5, 2026 9:47 am
KC Council approves moratorium on detention centers
The King County Council approved a moratorium on detention centers in unincorporated King County as an effort to limit immigration…
By
Drew Dotson • March 4, 2026 4:10 pm
