Students are back in class, as schools try to make things work with fewer staff. KNKX’s Anna Marie Yanny reports that school districts are dealing with budget pressures that could get even worse.

Ridgefield is one of the fastest-growing cities in Washington. Part of the attraction is its peaceful waterfront. But now, that area is slated for development, and some residents are pushing back on what that could mean for the character of the city and its wildlife. Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Elena Neale-Sacks reports.

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Students are back in class, as schools try to make things work with fewer staff.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.knkx.org/education/2026-09-20/washington-teachers-feel-strain-budget-pressures-fewer-staff">KNKX&rsquo;s Anna Marie Yanny reports</a> that school districts are dealing with budget pressures that could get even worse.
Ridgefield is one of the fastest-growing cities in Washington. Part of the attraction is its peaceful waterfront. But now, that area is slated for development, and some residents are pushing back on what that could mean for the character of the city and its wildlife. <a href="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/09/18/ridgefield-washington-wildlife-refuge-city-growth/">Oregon Public Broadcasting&rsquo;s Elena Neale-Sacks reports</a>.
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us.&nbsp;<a href="https://donate.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">Tap here</a> to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.&nbsp;
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or <a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback">leave us feedback online</a> or on <a href="https://meet.kuow.org/question/">the KUOW App.</a>

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

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Students are back in class, as schools try to make things work with fewer staff. KNKX’s Anna Marie Yanny reports that school districts are dealing with budget pressures that could get even worse.  Ridgefield is one of the fastest-growing cities in Washington. Part of the attraction is its peaceful waterfront. But now, that area is slated for development, and some residents are pushing back on what that could mean for the character of the city and its wildlife. Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Elena Neale-Sacks reports.