NEWS

(NEWHALEM)– The Washington State Department of Transportation fully reopened State Route 20/North Cascades Highway in both directions Sunday, June 14, after two emergency repair projects completed work. The June 14 opening matches 1974 for the latest opening of the scenic seasonal highway since records began being kept in 1972. But Sunday’s opening comes nearly three weeks before the Fourth of July, which was the goal WSDOT set for fully reopening North Cascades Highway in early May, according to a news release from WSDOT. Before Sunday, a section of SR 20 between Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) and Porcupine Creek (milepost 156) remained closed after North Cascades     (read more)

(MOUNT VERNON)- The Mount Vernon Police Department on June 11, 2026 at approximately 5:30pm, was dispatched to a report of several gunshots in the 1300 block of South 2nd Street in Mount Vernon. According to a news release from the Mount Vernon Police Department, through investigation it is believed there was an altercation between two groups with several shots fired. A 23-year-old male was stuck by gunfire. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, Mount Vernon Police Department, and Mount Vernon Fire, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. This is an ongoing investigation. Information will be released as it becomes available.     (read more)

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- In accordance with Washington state stormwater management regulations, the Skagit County Stormwater Program will expand its municipal stormwater permit area starting on July 1, 2026. New additions to the permit area include parcels around the current permit area and unincorporated land around Anacortes. As the permit area expands, projects within the newly added areas will be subject to the full set of County stormwater minimum requirements, as described on Skagit County’s stormwater permitting webpage, according to a news release from the county. The municipal stormwater permit area is the area covered by the County’s Phase II Western     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)– Just in time for international soccer matches, traveling into the United States from Canada on Amtrak Cascades trains will be a little easier – and quicker. Beginning June 8, 2026, Amtrak Cascades passenger trains connecting Vancouver, British Columbia with 18 stations in western Washington and Oregon began offering streamlined customs inspections for passengers traveling into the United States, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Under a “preclearance” designation, trains no longer need to stop in Blaine, Washington, for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to board and conduct a second review of declaration cards, luggage and     (read more)

(GLACIER)– In time for weekend recreating, the final 2.7 miles of State Route 542/Mount Baker Highway—also known as the Road to Artist Point—reopened for the season at 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 10. Since late May, Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews have removed as much as 20 feet of snow covering the highway and the Artist Point parking lot, according to a news release from WSDOT. Many of the trails accessed from Artist Point remain under deep snow, and most signs with directional maps are still unavailable. Vault toilets and garbage cans are available at Artist Point. Recreationalists should plan     (read more)