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A group of volunteers from Raise the Wage Renton, shown gathering signatures in 2023. Renton residents approved a higher minimum wage for the city in a Feb. 2024 special election. (Photo courtesy of Raise the Wage Renton)

Northwest

Minimum wage is going up in Washington

Cities can set minimum wages higher than the state. Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham and Burien all will…

File photo

Northwest

Fewer Washington residents have delinquent debt than national average

About 14% of Washington residents carry delinquent debt, lower than the national average of 22%, according to a…

Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler, left, and Democrat Dave Upthegrove, right, are competing in the 2024 Washington state lands commissioner race. (Photos courtesy of campaigns)

Northwest

WA lands commissioner debate: Herrera Beutler and Upthegrove square off

The candidates disagreed on land management and timber strategies as they compete for the job of running the…

Former Congressman Dave Reichert, a Republican, left, and Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, right, are seen on stage during the second debate of the 2024 Washington state governor’s race, Sept. 18, 2024, in Spokane, Wash. (Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)

News

Reichert strikes different tone in second debate with Ferguson

The two candidates for Washington governor clashed over abortion, public safety and who will be a better change…

Republican Dave Reichert, left, and Democrat Bob Ferguson, right, are competing in Washington’s 2024 governor’s race. (Photos courtesy of campaigns)

Northwest

Ferguson and Reichert clash on crime, abortion and Trump in first debate

Clear differences in style and substance emerged in the first face-to-face encounter between the candidates battling to be…

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Wellness

Hemp Care Gummies Review – Does It Really Support Overall Care and Wellness?

Many individuals seek natural solutions to enhance their overall health and wellness in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. One product…

Washington Corrections Center, a prison in Shelton, Washington. (Grace Deng/Washington State Standard)

Northwest

Report: Prisoners still routinely isolated in WA

At least 176 people from 2014 to 2023 have attempted suicide while in solitary confinement at a Washington…

Primary candidates in the 2024 Washington state governor’s race. From left to right, Semi Bird (R), Bob Ferguson (D), Mark Mullet (D) and Dave Reichert (R). Photos courtesy of campaigns

News

Ferguson and Reichert move toward Nov. showdown in governor’s race

Both dusted off intraparty challenges to their political right.

Richard Ray (Dick) Sutton | Obituary

Obituaries

Richard Ray (Dick) Sutton | Obituary

Richard Ray (Dick) Sutton, 97, Bothell, WA, passed away on July 29, 2024. He was born on March…

State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

Northwest

What’s the cost if WA voters erase capital gains tax or end cap-and-trade?

A pair of new reports outline financial consequences if voters approve ballot measures this fall repealing Washington’s capital…

A gray wolf. Gary Kramer/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Northwest

‘Endangered’ status to remain in effect for WA wolves

A sharply-divided state panel on July 19 retained strict protections for gray wolves in Washington, concluding their status…

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Wellness

Alpha Drive Rx Review: Is It Really an Effective Male Enhancer?

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining optimal sexual health and performance can be a challenge for many men. With…

A boy picks out Honeycrisp apples for his family at Swans Trail Farms in Snohomish, Washington. Sound Publishing File Photo

Northwest

Selling Washington’s food and farm products to the world

Department of Agriculture is assembling a program to help promote products grown, raised, caught, baked and brewed in…

Fuse Washington created the tongue-in-cheek ‘Save Our Yachts’ website to poke fun at those pushing a ballot measure to repeal the capital gains tax that is paid by the state’s super wealthy. (Screenshot)

Northwest

Attack websites seep into WA election battles

Such undertakings tend to change few minds and can incite a backlash, especially in communities where negative campaigning…

The use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, but several cities in the county host a professional fireworks show for the public on July 4. File photo

News

Fourth of July weekend weather: Sunny skies and warm highs

In light of preventable drownings, King County officials are urging the public to be cautious at rivers, lakes…

Traffic slows as it moves around the bend of northbound I-5 through north Everett on May 22, 2024. (Sound Publishing file photo)

Northwest

Washington’s population exceeds 8 million

More than 68% of the growth occurred in the state’s five largest metropolitan counties

A gray wolf. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Northwest

Vote nears on ending ‘endangered’ status for WA wolves

The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s recommendation is to downlist wolves from “endangered” to “sensitive.”

File photo
State Capitol Building in Olympia.

Northwest

Poll: WA voters want their lawmakers working all year long

Most Washington voters want their lawmakers to be at the Legislature in session during the entire year, according…

State Capitol in Olympia. FILE PHOTO

Northwest

Hundreds of new laws will take effect in state June 6

Legislature approved changes in police pursuits, parental rights, firearms and other laws

Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.

Opinion

Thoughts on Memorial Day and the ultimate sacrifice | Brunell

On Memorial Day, we traditionally honor Americans in our military who gave their lives in battle for our…