From burning cities to the Boeing recession, the state’s history is a litany of tough times and meeting challenges. Fifty years ago, Seattle was in the middle of a major economic crisis. Boeing had massive layoffs and the future of Seattle looked bleak. Despite setbacks, the city made major progress in shaping itself into the city we know today. We've faced tough times before the current pandemic and economic downturn and, each time, the people of the Pacific Northwest have risen above the challenges. Join host Knute Berger for a special look at the grit and resilience of our region's history, told through the stories of the people and places that have faced adversity in the past — and the lessons learned for today.

Prayers streamed on Facebook. Curbside confessions. Parking lot masses. At St. Joseph Catholic Church in Issaquah, as with many other religious organizations around the state, finding ways to worship during the pandemic has required creativity, out-of-the-box thinking and meticulous logistics.

Varisha Khan is a first-time city council member in Redmond. She drafted, proposed and passed recent legislation that protects Redmond residents from late fees and evictions, and offers support during other hardships. She recognizes this pandemic as a collective trauma for society and the only way she feels she can cope is by doing what she knows: helping her community through writing humane policy that mends a frayed social safety net.

Bye-bye Red Delicious, there’s a new apple in town: the Cosmic Crisp. Growers are betting a new apple will reshape the apple market, one designed to be consumer, as well as grower, friendly.