by Tom Banse, Washington State Standard July 2, 2026 The province of Alberta late Thursday announced a route for a new, one-million-barrel-per-day crude oil pipeline to Canada’s West Coast that terminates within about a mile...

by Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard July 2, 2026 TUMWATER – Opponents of Washington’s new income tax on high earners turned in more than 500,000 signatures Thursday for an initiative to repeal the levy, nearly...

Tens of thousands of Canadian postal workers have rejected a proposed contract deal with Canada Post, deepening a long-running labour standoff that has already disrupted mail services and raised alarm among small business...

Canada has made a new diplomatic appointment in India, the first posting since a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Ottawa under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government. Diplomat Jeff David will replace...

China is enforcing new travel restrictions that now extend to a broad range of public employees, including those in non-sensitive, low-level positions such as elementary school teachers and nurses, according to a report in The New York Times. These employees have been ordered to hand in their passports as part of a measure to enforce what authorities describe as ‘discipline’. This policy represents a significant expansion of previous passport controls, which were typically limited to high-ranking officials. The move is seen as part of a wider trend to increase state...

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced the establishment of the National Anti-Narcotics Authority and named Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan as its Chairman.The new authority will replace the General Department of Anti-Narcotics in the Ministry of Interior and will function as an independent federal entity affiliated to the UAE Cabinet. It will be tasked with formulating and implementing policies, legislation and strategies to combat narcotics, as well as tracking and dismantling smuggling and distribution networks in coordination with relevant authorities at both...

NEW DELHI / WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. government has announced a significant update to its nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application policy, requiring most applicants to apply in their country of residence or nationality beginning September 6, 2025. According to the U.S. Mission in India and the U.S. Department of State, all NIV applicants must submit their applications either: In their home country, or At a U.S. Embassy or Consulate officially designated to process visas for their country of residence or nationality. The updated rule will apply with limited exceptions, which officials...

Kent resident Sharn Shoker is no stranger to community service. A lifelong Kent local and graduate of Kent schools, Shoker has spent her career advocating for youth, families, and small businesses. Now, she’s bringing that experience to the campaign trail as a candidate for Kent City Council Position 6. As a mother, community advocate, and policy leader, Shoker has dedicated her life to ensuring Kent remains a safe, thriving place for families to grow. She holds a Master’s degree in Policy from the University of Washington and has led policy...

The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday a clutch of petitions concerning the management of the revered Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura-Vrindavan in the aftermath of the Uttar Pradesh government’s 2025 Ordinance. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi will take up the pleas, including the petition challenging the Uttar Pradesh government's recent Ordinance, which effectively takes over the management of the Shri Banke Bihari Temple, for hearing on August 4. Last week,...

The Washington Huskies closed out their Rose Bowl appearance in commanding fashion, securing a decisive 48–14 victory over the UCLA Bruins. The win capped off a standout performance marked by explosive offense, strong defensive stands, and undeniable team chemistry. A celebratory post from Washington Football highlighted the moment, featuring two Huskies players—jersey numbers 72 and 56—exchanging a powerful post-game handshake as they celebrated under the stadium lights. The message was simple and triumphant: “Signing off from the Rose Bowl with a DUB.” The scoreboard told the story. Washington outpaced UCLA in...