You know, every day on Up First, NPR's Golden Globe nominated morning news podcast, we bring you three essential stories.

At the heart of each story are questions.

What really happened?

What really mattered?

What happens next?

At NPR, we stand for your right to be curious and to follow the facts.

Follow up first wherever you get your podcasts and start your day knowing what matters and why.

Hey, good morning.

I'm Paige Browning.

It's Wednesday.

This is Seattle Now.

An iconic local carpentry program is facing the axe.

The Wood Technology Center, a program of Seattle Central College,

is the starting point for many of our region's carpenters, contractors, and boat builders,

but budget issues plague community colleges across the state, and now Wood Tech's future is up in the air.

We'll hear from three graduates, one who's now teaching in a minute, but first,

let's get you caught up.

Today, officials will unveil a long-awaited plan to improve Seattle's Route 8 bus. Mayor

Katie Wilson says she'll give details about a new dedicated bus lane that'll be

built along Denny Way. In a news release, Wilson quotes Seattle band Taco Cat with the line,

I think I've been stood up. Are you ever going to come and pick me up? Wilson says a dedicated lane

would eliminate choke points and create a faster trip for the route known as

...