Vancouver taps 38-year fire service veteran to lead growing fire department

(The Center Square) – The city of Vancouver, Wash., has appointed veteran fire service leader John L. Drake II as its new permanent fire chief, citing his decades of experience overseeing large metropolitan emergency operations. Drake most
Sections of U.S. Highway 2 closed due to flooding to reopen Dec. 29

(The Center Square) – Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson and Washington State Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith announced on Friday that sections of U.S. Highway 2 between Leavenworth and Stevens Pass closed due to flooding will be reopened
WATCH: How abandoned big box stores could help solve WA’s housing crisis

(The Center Square) – A recently released report from the office of Lt. Gov. Denny Heck suggests vacant big-box stores and empty strip malls in many communities could be a partial solution for Washington state’s housing shortage.
Washington State Patrol prepares to honor fallen trooper

(The Center Square) – A Washington State Patrol trooper who was struck and killed by a more vehicle one week ago will be laid to rest Saturday in an intimate family-focused service in Tacoma. “Fallen Trooper Tara-Marysa
BREAKING: Kash Patel announces permanent closure of FBI HQ Hoover Building
HHS public health emergency declaration signals more federal aid for flood-ravaged WA

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recent emergency declaration for Washington state signals continued federal support as communities recover from a series of severe December storms that strained health care access
Trump admin strikes Nigerian ISIS terrorists on Christmas to protect Christians
Pope Leo XIV delivers first Christmas address with calls for compassion and dialogue to end global conflicts

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas address as pontiff to issue a sweeping appeal for empathy, peace and international cooperation, focusing repeatedly on the suffering caused by war, poverty and displacement, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine.
Pres. Trump confirms launch of airstrikes on ISIS targets in Nigeria on Christmas Day

President Donald Trump announced that the United States carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, saying the operation targeted extremists he accused of attacking civilians, particularly Christians. The strikes come shortly
A’s sign left fielder Tyler Soderstrom to record setting 7-year, $86M extension

The Athletics have secured one of their rising stars for the long haul, reaching a long-term agreement with left fielder Tyler Soderstrom on a seven-year contract worth $86 million. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported: “BREAKING: Left fielder Tyler