NEWS
(LACEY)– The Washington Department of Ecology issued $3,838,100 in penalties of $1,000 or more from Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025, according to a news release from Ecology. Ecology works with thousands of businesses and individuals to help them comply with state laws. The agency issues penalties when someone doesn’t comply with the laws after Ecology provides technical assistance or warnings, or for particularly serious violations. In some cases, a penalty may be reduced through a court ruling or settlement. The penalty amounts go to the state’s general fund or dedicated accounts that help prevent pollution. Ecology strives to protect, preserve and enhance Washington (read more)
(SEATTLE) – Four-legged travelers on Washington State Ferries may “paws” and take notice the next time they step on board. An updated pet policy outlining where pets are allowed on vessels is rolling out in time for the busy summer travel season, which unofficially kicks off this Memorial Day weekend. The holiday surge will begin Thursday, May 21. More than 350,000 people are expected on over 2,000 sailings through Monday, May 25, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Just ahead of the holiday weekend, WSF will begin a six-week education and transition period to help people learn the new (read more)
(GIG HARBOR) — The second cohort of the Washington Secretary of State’s Institutional Civics Academy graduated on Tuesday, May 19. Fifteen students completed an eight-week course at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, where they gained tools to remain active participants in their communities, both in and out of incarceration, according to a news release from the Office of the Secretary of State. A photo of the class, their instructor and guest speakers is available on the Office of the Secretary of State Flickr account. Students learned about the foundations of government, founding government documents, how bills become law, identifying misinformation (read more)
(MOUNT VERNON)- The SR 536 Skagit River Bridge repainting project is getting set to start. The Washington State Department of Transportation is expecting crews to begin to prepare the area on Friday, May 29th, according to David Rasbach, Communicator for WSDOT. Crews are expected to implement traffic control on Monday, June 8th, according to Rasbach. This includes an east bound closure. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane and will be west bound only. The project is expected to be finished before the 2027 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, according to Rasbach. For up to date information, visit WSDOT's website. (read more)
(NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND)- There will be training evolutions at the Seaplane Base Training Area on Thursday May 21, 2026, between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This training evolution will involve simulated gunfire, according to a news release from NAS Whidbey Island. Safety precautions will be set to ensure ground operations pose no threat to neighboring property or persons. (read more)