NEWS

(OLYMPIA)– Starting Jan. 1, 2026, a scheduled 4-cent increase in the price for plastic film carryout bags at Washington restaurants and retailers will raise their minimum cost to 12 cents per bag from the current 8 cents. The increase is part of a 2020 law meant to encourage shoppers to bring their own carryout bags. The minimum charge for a paper carryout bag will remain at 8 cents, according to a news release from the Washington Department of Ecology. Washington’s single-use plastic bag ban was implemented in 2021 and prohibits thin, .5 mil disposable plastic bags. The law sets standards for thicker, 2.25 mil reusable plastic film bags     (read more)

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- On Monday, November 10th, 2025, the Skagit County Commissioners approved Resolution #R20250259, adopting the 2026 ferry fare schedule. The new fare schedule will be in effect starting January 1, 2026. The Commissioners additionally approved Resolution #R20250260, which establishes a method for riders with non-expiry COVID punch cards to exchange the unused rides for equivalent electronic tickets (e-tickets), according to a news release from the county. Non-expiry COVID paper punch cards can still be used through December 31, 2025. However, beginning January 1, 2026, all unused cards will need to be converted to non-expiry e-tickets for travel. Conversion is by appointment at the Anacortes ferry terminal.     (read more)

(MOUNT VERNON)— Enrollment for Skagit Valley College’s winter quarter classes is now open. Winter quarter begins Jan. 6, marking an excellent time for new and returning students to take the next step in their education across SVC’s four campuses and centers: Mount Vernon, Whidbey Island, San Juan Center, and the Marine Technology Center in Anacortes. SVC offers affordable, high-quality educational opportunities for students beginning their college journey or preparing for a career change. Students can save money by studying close to home while completing prerequisites, earning transfer degrees, or training for careers in one of 22 workforce programs, including data     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)- Approximately one in five students on Washington’s college campuses care for a dependent. These parenting students face higher levels of basic needs insecurity than their peers: 68% of Washington parenting students report food insecurity, housing insecurity or both, compared to 52% of all students statewide, according to a news release from the Washington Student Achievement Council. These findings are from a new research brief, Designing Postsecondary Education for Parenting Students, which explores the challenges that parenting students face and strategies to help them succeed. Other key findings include: - Most parenting students are female and come from low-income backgrounds.     (read more)

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Skagit County Budget and Finance Department has published the preliminary 2026 budget online and is available for public comment through Monday, December 1st, at 4:30 p.m. Written comments can be submitted via email to commissioners@co.skagit.wa.us or mailed to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, ATT: 2026 Budget. The County Commissioners hosted a televised presentation on Monday, November 17, on the preliminary budget. A recording of the meeting will be available on the TV21 archive page. A public hearing to receive testimony on the preliminary budget proposal is scheduled for Monday, December 1st, at 10:00 a.m. in     (read more)