Everett’s council voted April 22 to put an EMS levy lid lift on the Aug. 4, 2026 ballot to restore the rate to $0.50 per $1,000 and shore up Everett Fire staffing. The city provided sample cost estimates for homeowners and said the funding would support EMS personnel and equipment.

A state task force is drafting changes to Washington high school graduation rules, from a possible fourth year of math to a senior‑year demonstration, ahead of a 2027 legislative proposal.

A federal appeals panel vacated the NLRB’s order that Starbucks' subpoenas were coercive and sent the case back for reconsideration under a new standard.

A Central Washington ranch is challenging a $267,540 wetlands penalty and asking for a jury, not an administrative board, to decide whether stockwater ponds count as protected wetlands.

A Renton resident found a box of about 500 ballots behind a strip mall. King County Elections and state officials say they are investigating and reviewing signatures.

About $637,500 in Washington’s Lottery prizes are set to expire soon, including a $617,500 HIT 5 ticket. Winners have 180 days to claim; unclaimed funds support education.

A state audit found only a small share of Washington officers have finished the 40‑hour de‑escalation and mental‑health training; auditors warn many could miss the 2028 deadline.

Beijing told Chinese nationals to strengthen safety awareness and avoid entering the U.S. through Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport after alleged "malicious questioning" of scholars.

Gov. Bob Ferguson is directing $500,000 from the state's Strategic Reserve Fund to help IonQ expand in Bothell; officials say the project could add up to 2,000 jobs.

Trump has endorsed John Braun in the competitive WA‑3 race, escalating national GOP attention against Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. The endorsement pits national muscle against the incumbent’s fundraising edge.

A Kent trucking owner joined a suit to block Washington’s 9.9% tax on income above $1M, saying the levy would squeeze small businesses and workers.

A new Washington law forces employers to notify workers within five business days when federal authorities seek I-9 records. The change includes translation rules and potential penalties.

Masked ICE agents detained a man during an asylum hearing at Seattle’s immigration courthouse despite no deportation order, his attorney says. The arrest was filmed and will be challenged in court.