An aerial shot of farm land in the Snoqualmie Valley. Courtesy photo

Opinion

Lawmakers in Olympia did nothing about WA farming crisis | Commentary

As the 2026 Washington state legislative session came to a close, there was at least one thing worth…

The seven-member board of Valley Animal Partners volunteers their time to help low-income individuals in Snoqualmie Valley. Photo courtesy of Kelly Swedick

Life

As pet care costs climb, Snoqualmie Valley nonprofit becomes lifeline

Residents across Snoqualmie Valley are facing dire choices in the wake of rising veterinary costs. For Kassandra Maffitt,…

Peter Herzog, Sarah Ballew and Carrie Lee Gagnon speak at a recent gathering for the SnoValley Regional Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Kelly Coughlin and Rene Price

Life

Wander Wisely builds wilderness knowledge to protect tourists

If a tourist looked at social media, they’d think Snoqualmie Valley hikes were an easy walk. The stats…

Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Opinion

About that battery site on Snoqualmie Ridge … | Cartoon by Frank Shiers

This cartoon by Frank Shiers is in reference to a proposed battery storage site in Snoqualmie Ridge. Read…

Kris Johnson is president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s chamber of commerce and manufacturers association.

Opinion

Washington employers are looking for the exit | Commentary

Back in February, when the Association of Washington Business released a survey showing that nearly one in five…

File photo
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia.

News

Legislative races to watch in WA

This year’s primary is Aug. 4, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election. Election Day…

File photo

Life

Wine boss: How to find an outstanding wine

What makes wine stand out?

Pat Cokewell | Obit

Obituaries

Pat Cokewell | Obit

Pat B. Cokewell

File photo
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia.

News

Lawsuit filed over WA police and firefighter pension fund

Retired police officers and firefighters in Washington, including former Congressman Dave Reichert, sued the state April 30 to…

File photo

Life

Wine boss: Light reds, blends and the difference between right and left bank

When most people think of red wine bold, heavy wines come to mind. However, there are red varietals…

Photos by Aaron Gustafson
Volunteer Karen Fletcher hands out free native trees and shrubs to visitors during Carnation Arbor Day on April 25. Carnation is a Tree City USA community and this year received the Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Life

Carnation hosts annual Arbor Day celebration

Free event April 25 included live music, storytelling, crafts, tree and plant giveaways, t-shirt printing and more.

Two birdwatchers scan for red-winged blackbirds at a wetland at Meadowbrook Farm in North Bend. Mary Norton, president of the Meadowbrook Farm Preservation Association, led a group of avian enthusiasts on a circuit of the park on April 25.

Life

Winter bird walk at Meadowbrook

A winter bird walk was held April 25 at the Meadowbrook Farm Interpretive Center to see what birds…

Members of Mount Si High School’s Straight Ahead Jazz Band perform at the North Bend Theatre on April 25. Two of the school’s bands kicked off a lineup of performances by numerous groups throughout the city during this year’s North Bend Jazz Walk.

Life

North Bend Jazz Walk hits the right notes

Annual event was April 25. Pictured: Members of Mount Si High School’s Straight Ahead Jazz Band perform at…