House, Senate Democrats release $16B transportation package

Projects range from new hybrid electric ferries and more walking and biking corridors, to highway maintenance and replacing fish passage culverts.

US job growth soars past expectations with 467,000 added, shaking off omicron surge

U.S. job growth blew past expectations in January, as the economy brushed off a record-breaking surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide that threatened to sideline millions of workers and kept many consumers at home.

Washington schools appeal for votes on special election levies

School districts across Washington are asking voters to support major projects. Dozens of bond requests and levies are on the ballot for the special election on Feb. 8. 

Insurer groups sue over Washington state credit scoring ban

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s adoption this week of a rule prohibiting insurers from using credit scoring to set rates for auto, homeowner and renter insurance has already drawn a legal challenge from insurer groups.

Starbucks to raise menu prices to offset inflation

The Seattle-based coffee franchise had already raised prices — once in October 2021 and December 2021 — but inflation woes and labor issues have forced the company to hike prices once again.

Valentine's Day 2022: Spending expected to near $24B

More than half of U.S. consumers are planning to celebrate Valentine's Day despite rising inflation.

Washington insurance commissioner adopts credit scoring ban

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler has adopted a rule prohibiting insurers from using credit scoring to set rates for auto, homeowner and renter insurance for three years after the end of pandemic-related federal and state emergency financial protections, whichever is longer.

Boeing lands huge airplane order from Qatar Airways

Boeing said Monday that Qatar Airways ordered up to 50 large cargo planes and committed to buying up to 50 Boeing 737 Max jets, a huge win for the U.S. aircraft maker over European rival Airbus.

Mega Millions jackpot reaches $421 million; drawing Friday night

At $421 million, Friday’s jackpot is creeping closer to being in Mega Millions’ 10 most valuable jackpots of all time.

Unemployment claims drop for the first time in a month

The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claims fell by 30,000 to 260,000 last week, slightly less than the 265,000 analysts were expecting.

Washington’s paid family leave program running short on cash

Washington’s paid family leave program could hit a deficit as early as March, and there are concerns about long-term solvency, following a significant increase in demand for the benefit that launched in 2020.

Federal Reserve plans to raise interest rates as soon as March

The Federal Reserve signaled Wednesday that it plans to begin raising its benchmark interest rate as soon as March, a key step in reversing its pandemic-era low-rate policies that have fueled hiring and growth but also escalated inflation.

Expecting a 2022 tax refund? Tips for getting your money back faster

The 2022 tax season is officially underway, and the IRS has a few tips for Americans looking to get their tax refund as quickly as possible.

Michigan woman collects $3M lottery prize after checking spam folder

Laura Spears, 55, said she saw the e-mail that she had won the prize while looking for a missing e-mail in her spam folder.

IRS: Tax-filing season begins on Monday

Tax filing season begins Monday and the IRS is advising you to file as soon as possible.

Omicron surge takes toll on Washington childcare centers

Child care centers in Washington are at a breaking point as Omicron continues to shake the industry.