A new requirement that Gov. Bob Ferguson's office approve most state agency press releases and media responses is delaying information from reaching the public, drawing repeated concerns from state officials, records obtained by Axios show.

Why it matters: The policy has held up multiple agency communications — from updates on bridge repair plans to public health guidance on vaccines to explanations of how a federal shutdown would affect Washington state.

• Staffers for three former governors say no such policies were in effect during their administrations.

Ferguson communications director Brionna Aho defended the policy in an email to Axios, saying it aims to increase collaboration across state government.

• "A new administration has different ways of doing things," Aho said. "People are used to doing things a certain way, and change can be hard."

Zoom in: Emails Axios obtained through public records requests show state staffers frustrated by the glacial pace at which communications move through Ferguson's office.

• "We've missed opportunities to share key information with the public," wrote Rachelle Alongi, a former communications manager with the Washington State Health Care Authority, wrote in a September email.

At times, agency staff said the policy was used to avoid answering tough questions — such as about funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food aid program, which was affected by last year's federal government shutdown.

• "Last week, we were instructed by the Governor's office to decline all interview requests related to WIC to avoid questions related to the State's budget shortfalls and why there was no backup funding for the program," Raechel Sims, a spokesperson for the state Department of Health, wrote in an email to colleagues in October.

Even some public health alerts have been subject to the review requirement — such as an October news release that included notice of a confirmed measles case at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

• That release ultimately went out about an hour later than public health officials had aimed for, after the governor's office asked for changes.

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Some delays have lasted more than a month. For example, six weeks after the Health Care Authority was asked to participate in a KOMO segment last summer, the agency was still waiting for direction from the governor's office on how to respond, per email records.

How it works: The governor's office must approve most agency press releases, interview requests and responses to reporters — including replies to follow-up questions. The new rules took effect in July.

What they're saying: Agency officials repeatedly warned of the system's inefficiency.

• "...It is increasingly difficult to get any actual work done because all our time is spent on sending things in for reviews, tracking reviews and reminding their comms shops of our deadlines," Barbara LaBoe, a communications official at the Washington State Department of Transportation, wrote in an email in October.
• Short-staffed agencies often spend time preparing responses for reporters, only for the governor's office to miss those deadlines, Sims wrote.

Agencies have been instructed not to tell members of the media about the new approval policy, emails show.

• "Going forward, we should not reference the governor's office in any procedural context — including processes, deadlines, or timelines when communicating with reporters on inquiries," former DOH communications director Maranatha Hay wrote to colleagues in October. "They've requested that their office not be mentioned at all."

Behind the scenes: Ferguson has been directly involved in reviewing and editing at least some agency communications, contributing to delays.

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The Woodland Park Zoo's new Forest Trailhead exhibit opens to the public Friday, providing a new habitat for red pandas and tree kangaroos, among other animals.

What to expect: A canopy path allows visitors to wind through the treetops, mimicking the perspective of some of the tree-dwelling creatures.

• Other parts of the exhibit showcase colorful amphibians, reptiles, fish and kea (a type of New Zealand parrot).
• The exhibit is free with zoo admission.

⛽ Local gas prices hit a record $5.72 per gallon yesterday, the highest in the Seattle metro area's history. (MyNorthwest)

⚖️ Washington state is seeking a court order to force GEO Group, which runs the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, to let state inspectors inside the facility. (KUOW)

🎶 The New York Times has named Brandy Clark, who hails from Washington state, as one of the greatest living American songwriters. (Seattle Times)

🏀 Rainier Beach High School star Tyran Stokes, the top-ranked senior basketball recruit in the nation, has committed to play at the University of Kansas. (Seattle Sports)

🥢Tendon Kohaku, a buzzy Tokyo-based chain that's drawn big crowds on the Eastside, is opening a new restaurant in the Chinatown International District on May 6. (Seattle Times)

Alaska Airlines launched its first nonstop flight from Seattle to Rome yesterday.

• It's the first direct air connection between the two cities, KOMO reports.

The seasonal service runs daily through October and is part of the airline's push into more international destinations.

🇮🇹 Melissa's thought bubble: Tickets aren't in my budget right now — but it's nice to have the option.