John Braun commentary: Clarity on climate policy cost comes too late for our state
I have spoken many times about the importance of giving people a second chance to get on a better path. It usually comes up when the topic is our state’s management of juvenile offenders. I never had a reason to consider whether that should also extend to billionaires. Then in late October, Bill Gates — […]
WA state budget gets $105M boost, Ferguson warns of “Deep Financial Challenges” still ahead
OLYMPIA [Jake Goldstein-Street]—Washington state budget writers got a mild dose of good news on Tuesday, but are still looking at a strained balance sheet. Revenue projections show collections up $105 million for the current two-year state budget compared to the last forecast in September. That amounts to a 0.1% increase, a change from previous reports […]
Sno-Isle Libraries begins site preparation for future Mariner Library
EVERETT—Sno-Isle Libraries has taken a major step forward in establishing a permanent, community-driven library in Everett’s Mariner neighborhood with the start of site-clearing activities this week for its upcoming Mariner Library Community Campus that will expand equitable access to educational, cultural, and community resources in the rapidly growing Mariner area. Beginning the week of November […]
US designates Saudi Arabia a Major Non-NATO Ally
WASHINGTON, D.C.—President Donald J Trump announced on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia has been granted status as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), a designation that expedites U.S. arms sales, technology transfers, and joint military exercises without the mutual-defense obligations of full NATO membership. Other MNNA countries are Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, […]
Stephanson affirms priority of ST3 Spine completion
EVERETT—Ray Stephanson, President & CEO of Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC), joined leaders from across Western Washington on Thursday for the “Build the Damn Trains!” rally outside Union Station. The event highlighted growing regional concern over delays and rising costs associated with Sound Transit 3 (ST3), the voter-approved light rail expansion package. The gathering took […]
Thousands of Starbucks baristas strike over stalled labor contract negotiations, but company still going strong
SEATTLE—More than 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers, representing 65 stores in over 40 different cities, are striking across the country as of Thursday, November 13, to protest what they’re calling “stalled contract negotiations” with the Seattle-based coffee giant. The union’s demands are for a fair union contract with improved staffing, hours, take-home pay, and on-the-job protections, […]
WA Forest Practices Board approves new rule restricting timber harvests
[The Center Square]—The state Forest Practices Board has narrowly approved a controversial water buffer rule that has drawn criticism from forestry and farming advocates, as well as local counties that say their economies will be negatively impacted. In its 7-5 vote at its Wednesday meeting, the FPB approved the new buffer that expands riparian shade protections […]
Trump admin moves to gut Washington’s new medical debt protection
OLYMPIA [Jake Goldstein-Street]—Just months after Governor Bob Ferguson signed a Washington law to keep medical debt off consumers’ credit reports, the Trump administration is looking to block such policies. The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau now says federal law preempts laws like Washington’s. The federal agency’s position is a reversal from the Biden era. Backers of Senate […]
Thanksgiving safety tips by Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office
OLYMPIA—As families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s important to keep fire safety in mind to ensure a safe and joyful holiday. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving Day has the highest number of home-cooking fire incidents across the nation, and residential fires are approximately three times more likely to occur on this […]
Ballmer Group announces up to $1.7B for early education programs in Washington state
[The Center Square]—Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson on Wednesday announced a huge philanthropic commitment to the state’s Early Childhood Education and Assessment Program, with the Ballmer Group committed to donating up to $170 million per year for the next decade. The boost comes months after Washington lawmakers, facing a potential budget shortfall, made substantial cuts […]
