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Recipe: Respecting the mushroom

Stuffed mushrooms are timeless, popular appetizers. They make terrific hors d'oeuvres. The fillings vary from luxurious crabmeat or crumbled sausage to melty cheesy and wilted spinach.

Washington cities to ask state to raise cap on annual property tax increases

As federal COVID-19 pandemic aid dries up and budget deficits mount, cities across the state are asking their legislators to let them tax residents more than the 1% cap on annual property tax increases.

Facing $10 billion in budget overspending, Washington considers $1.4 billion state worker pay hike

According to the Office of Financial Management, Washington state is projected to face a budget imbalance of between $10 billion and $12 billion over the next four-year outlook period.

Washington trucking industry warns of Jan. 1 limit on new gas truck and RV sales

Washington state’s trucking industry is urging Gov. Jay Inslee to reconsider a first-of-the-year commitment to align with California’s Advanced Clean Trucks regulation, which requires a certain percentage of so-called "zero emissions" trucks to be sold in the state.

Savvy Senior: What you’ll pay for Medicare in 2025

I know there will be a small 2.5 percent cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits next year, but what about Medicare? What will the Medicare Part B monthly premiums be in 2025, and when do the surcharges kick in for higher income beneficiaries?

After evading repeal, will Washington expand its capital gains tax to lower incomes?

A general income tax in Washington state appears to be off the table for now, even as voters retained the state’s capital gains tax by failing to pass Initiative 2109 on Nov. 5, which would have repealed it.

King County Council approves 2025 budget; $150M general fund gap looms for 2026

The King County Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted its 2025 budget, totaling $10.2 billion as a $150 million budget deficit looms.

Magnolia seeks community support for new skatepark

A new skatepark is planned for Magnolia. The project is sponsored by the Magnolia Community Center Advisory Council and has been supported by a small group of volunteers from the neighborhood.

Arboretum holiday sale returns Dec. 7-8

The Arboretum Foundation's beloved annual holiday sale, Gifts & Greens Galore, returns to the Graham Visitors Center (2300 Arboretum Drive East, Seattle) at Washington Park Arboretum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8.

Washington auditor finds $1.9M in 'double dip' unemployment/paid leave payouts

A new report from the Washington State Auditor’s Office found the state’s Employment Security Department did not have adequate internal controls and did not follow state requirements related to the Paid Family and Medical Leave program.

Seattle City Council approves expanded use of payroll tax to boost general fund

The Seattle City Council has approved the continuing use of its payroll tax toward its general fund despite opposition from residents and local organizations.

Seattle mayor expands downtown public safety emphasis team following crime spike

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has issued an executive order focusing on public safety amid a recent spike in cases of violent crime in residential neighborhoods.

Seattle Schools superintendent reconsiders closure of 4 schools despite deficit

Seattle Public Schools may not go through with a proposed plan to close four schools despite looming budget challenges.

Red Cross shares safety reminders after power outages

Thousands in western Washington were without power after a bomb cyclone impacted the area. At the American Red Cross, we see every day the impact of the climate crisis and how extreme weather events continue to wreak havoc on families across the country.

Recipe: Take a timeout with this restorative soup

A steaming bowl of nourishing soup is the perfect antidote to a hectic holiday season punctuated by social evenings and heavy meals.