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…

The strike began at midnight Friday, Sept. 13, with Renton workers and supporters picketing from the early morning hours and into the afternoon, and some saying they will picket and strike for as long as it takes. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing

Northwest

Boeing makes ‘best and final offer’ to striking machinists

Proposed deal would include a 30% pay increase, which falls short of the 40% increase sought by the…

Letters

Letters to the Editor

Principals urge you to vote yes for Kent School District levy | Letters

Editor’s note: This is a revised letter.

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…

Dorothy Rishel | Obituary

Obituaries

Dorothy Rishel | Obituary

December 20, 1925- September 3, 2024

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…

David Jules Harris | Obituary

Obituaries

David Jules Harris | Obituary

November 24, 1945 – May 26, 2024

MaryLou Becvar | Obituary

Obituaries

MaryLou Becvar | Obituary

October 12, 1937- July 21, 2024

Dr. Larry D. Faris | Obituary

Obituaries

Dr. Larry D. Faris | Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Larry Dean Faris, D.D.S. He left…

Voting is underway for the Best of Kent 2024!

Business

Best of Kent 2024: Vote for your local favorites

Vote today for your favorite Kent businesses, restaurants, people and more!

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.

Irene Bartley | Obituary

Obituaries

Irene Bartley | Obituary

Irene B Bartley, lifelong resident of Kent passed away July 1st 2024. She was preceded in death by…

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…

Alexander Ryan Kusulos | Obituary

Obituaries

Alexander Ryan Kusulos | Obituary

12/28/1982 – 7/24/2024

Eric Robert Christian Reitan | Obituary

Obituaries

Eric Robert Christian Reitan | Obituary

Eric Robert Christian Reitan, age 84, passed away after battling aggressive Lymphoma on May 15, 2024. He was…

Major Walter T. Tanimoto | Obituary

Obituaries

Major Walter T. Tanimoto | Obituary

Major Walter T. Tanimoto, U.S. Army (Ret.), a distinguished veteran, volunteer, and father, passed away in the early…

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…