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 […]
City of Mill Creek accepting applications to Park & Recreation Board, deadline is December 10
MILL CREEK—The City of Mill Creek is currently accepting applications for one unexpired term on its Park & Recreation Board. The term will expire on October 31, 2027. Applications will be accepted through December 10, 2025, by close of business day. Advisory boards and commissions are excellent options for anyone who has wanted to have […]
Car plows through Marysville home, lands in basement
MARYSVILLE—The Marysville Police Traffic Collision Investigation Unit (TCIU) is investigating a collision that resulted in injuries to the driver and significant structural damage to a Marysville home. At approximately 05:45 a.m., Sunday, November 16, Marysville Police and Marysville Fire District personnel responded to a single-vehicle collision in the 5400 block of Sunnyside Blvd., in Marysville. […]
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 […]
