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Monday, June 30, 2025
Campfires banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area
SEDRO WOOLLEY, Wash – Effective Thursday, July 3, campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. This ban includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley. Pressurized or
Thursday, June 26, 2025Housing infrastructure grants workshop set for July 10
Commerce will begin accepting applications for Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) grants next month, and an application workshop is scheduled July 10. CHIP is a competitive grant program that helps local governments encourage the creation of affordable housing. It works by reducing or covering the cost of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure associated with housing development.Virtual application workshop July 10 The virtual application workshop will present program
Tuesday, June 24, 2025County employment data for May 2025 released
OLYMPIA – County unemployment rates and employment data for May 2025 are now available on the Employment Security Department website. Visit the labor force page to view historic and current data on the unemployment rate. To learn more about monthly job gains and losses from payroll data, check out the employment estimates.Please keep in mind: Unemployment rates and employment estimates at the county level are not seasonally adjusted because the sample size is too small to accommodate the additional
Wednesday, June 18, 2025Washington state unemployment rate increases slightly to 4.5%
OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy increased by an estimated 400 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in May 2025, and the monthly unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.5%. “The Washington economy picked up 400 jobs in May – a slight increase following three consecutive months of net job losses. Total nonfarm employment in May 2025 was down relative to May 2024. Job growth has effectively stalled,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist at the Employment Security Department. She added, “The number of
Tuesday, June 17, 2025Provide feedback on Washington’s draft Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
Attend the kick-off meeting, listening sessions, or complete the public comment form. Washington has made progress on climate action and setting emissions limits, but we haven't had a comprehensive, economy-wide climate plan in more than a decade. The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) serves as a roadmap for reducing emissions and building a sustainable future. It evaluates current policies, incorporates community input, and recommends new strategies developed through broad collaboration with
Thursday, June 12, 2025Second webinar for state workers to learn about Washington benefits and reemployment services set for June 25
OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department, along with state and local partners, will host a layoff assistance webinar for state of Washington employees and contractors. The webinar is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 25. Registration is free and is open until the event starts. There is no limit to the number of participants who can register. Register for the June 25 webinar. The webinars, part of the state’s rapid response efforts for large layoffs, are intended to help state workers who
Thursday, June 12, 2025National Park Service invites public input on Ross Lake National Recreation Area visitor use planning
Sedro Woolley, WA–North Cascades National Park Service Complex will open a 60-day public comment period June 12 to gather input that will inform a new frontcountry planning process for Ross Lake National Recreation Area and adjacent areas along State Route 20. Submit your thoughts online or by mail by August 11, 2025. Public input will play a vital role in helping identify meaningful solutions to protect park resources, improve access, and ensure a positive experience for all. The National Park Service
Friday, June 06, 2025Stehekin Trail, Camp, and Area Closures
Update 6/8/25 Park officials have opened Stehekin area trails, road, and areas for day use in coordination with the Chelan County Sheriff's Office. Overnight stays on previously closed trails, including backcountry camps and cross-country zones, remain closed through June 12.Authorities are still searching for the suspect, and we encourage visitors to the area to remain alert. For further information and a description of the suspect, visit https://www.facebook.com/chelancountysheriffsoffice or
Friday, June 06, 2025Washington’s average wage increased to $95,160 in 2024
OLYMPIA – Washington’s average annual wage grew by 6.8% in 2024 to $95,160, according to the state Employment Security Department. The average wage grew more in 2024 than in 2023, when it grew by 5.9%. Employment Security uses the average annual wage to calculate:Minimum and maximum unemployment insurance (UI) benefit levels for new claims opened on or after July 6, 2025.Paid Family & Medical Leave maximum benefit levels for new claims filed on or after Jan. 1, 2026.Employers’ unemployment taxes
Thursday, June 05, 2025Employment Security’s new website wins major plain language award
OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department’s new website received a 2025 ClearMark Award from the Center for Plain Language. Employment Security launched its redesigned website in November 2024. Employment Security, in partnership with consultant Anthro-Tech and developer WaTech, won the Short Materials category with the webpage “How to apply for unemployment benefits.” The Center for Plain Language announced award winners earlier this week. The winning webpage directs customers through a step-by-step
Wednesday, June 04, 2025Cascade Job Corps set to Shut Down at End of June
As a part of the Trump administration’s efforts to give a tax break to the richest Americans and wealthiest corporations, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer has closed the Job Corps program. This terrible decision directly harms Northwest Washington. In its 40 year history, Cascade Job Corps has helped more than 10,000 low-income young people complete college credits and professional certifications. Today, the program serves 250 young people and employs 119 staff members. It also supports
Tuesday, June 03, 2025Fines against a host of construction companies show safety often a secondary concern
TUMWATER — More than 1,600 workers are injured by falls every year in Washington. It’s the leading cause of death in the construction industry, and it’s entirely preventable. Yet, in the last three months, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has fined four construction companies more than half a million dollars combined for continuing to violate basic rules about workers using fall protection gear. Vea abajo para esta información en español. As the weather warms up, many
