Looking for free or discounted Veterans Day food? Try these 10 deals at western WA spots

Several places in western Washington are offering deals and discounts for Veterans Day on November 11 for veterans and active-duty service members. While Veterans Day is a federal holiday, most businesses will remain open, except for banks and the postal service.

Where’s that smoke coming from? Online maps show location, status of Idaho wildfires

Smoke from multiple active wildfires in the Northwest, particularly in North Idaho, Washington, and Canada, is affecting Boise and the Treasure Valley. Idaho offers several online resources to track wildfires, including interactive maps from Fish and Game, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Lands. The Department of Lands also issues wildfire alerts and maintains a fire news feed. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality provides air quality advisories. Residents can report wildfires to 911 or local sheriff's offices and should move away from the fire source. Human activities cause 60% of wildfires, with the rest caused by lightning. Red flag warnings indicate conditions ripe for wildfires.

Free film screening in Olympia on Monday features a community fighting the overdose crisis

Fentanyl deaths have significantly increased in Washington state, with synthetic opioids causing a high percentage of drug-related fatalities. A free documentary screening of 'Love in the Time of Fentanyl' at Olympia’s Timberland Library will showcase a supervised drug consumption site in Vancouver, B.C., offering hope to a marginalized community. The event, organized by the Emma Goldman Youth & Homeless Outreach Project and the Olympia Harm Reduction Network, will include a discussion on local responses to the fentanyl crisis and overdose reversal training.

Olympia landmark quiz results: Did you know the names of these local parks and buildings?

The article presents the results of a quiz conducted among Olympian readers to identify the current names of five local landmarks. The quiz covered Isthmus Park, Squaxin Park, Heritage Park, and the new restaurant El Sitio, which replaced the Urban Onion restaurant. The results show varying levels of correct answers, with Squaxin Park having the highest recognition at 95%.

Possible government shutdown this weekend: 10 questions, answered for WA state residents

The federal government faces a potential shutdown if Congress does not pass the annual spending bill by midnight Saturday. This would impact various federal programs and employees, including those in Washington state. Essential services like the U.S. Postal Service and Social Security will remain unaffected, while others like SNAP and WIC may see funding deplete quickly. National parks will close, and food inspections will continue with some limitations. Veterans' services and active-duty military operations will persist, though without pay. Tribal nations will rely on emergency plans, and airport operations may experience delays due to unpaid essential workers.

Possible government shutdown this weekend: 10 questions, answered for WA state residents

The federal government faces a potential shutdown if Congress does not pass the annual spending bill by midnight Saturday. This would impact various federal programs and employees, including those in Washington state. Essential services like the USPS, Social Security, and Medicare will continue, but others like national parks and some food inspections may halt. Veterans' services and active-duty military operations will persist, though without pay. Tribal nations may need emergency plans, and airport operations could see delays due to unpaid TSA workers.

Explosions and low flyovers shaking your home? It’s JBLM, and here’s when it will stop

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is conducting mortar, demolition, and artillery training, causing explosions and low-flying helicopters in the area between Olympia and Tacoma. The training, initially scheduled to end on September 15, has been extended to September 19. JBLM spokesperson Joseph Piek confirmed that the exercises could occur at any time, day or night, with artillery training being the primary source of noise until the end of the training period.

Where’s that smoke coming from? Online maps show location, status of Idaho wildfires

Smoke from multiple active wildfires in North Idaho, Washington, and Canada has been observed in Boise's Treasure Valley. Idaho offers online resources to track wildfires, including Fish and Game's interactive fire map, the EPA's national fire and smoke map, and the Department of Lands' detailed map. The Department of Lands issues wildfire alerts but not evacuation notices, which are the responsibility of local sheriff's offices. Air quality advisories are issued by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Residents can sign up for emergency notification systems, and wildfires can be reported to 911 or the local sheriff's office. Nationally, there have been 35,702 wildfires in 2023, with about 40% caused by lightning and the rest by human activities. The National Weather Service issues red flag warnings when conditions are conducive to wildfires.

WA state household bills $2.5k more than national average. Which counties cost the most?

Washington state ranks as the 8th-most expensive place for household bills in the U.S., with residents spending about 37% of their income on expenses like rent, utilities, and insurance. The average monthly household bill in Washington is $2,468, significantly higher than the national average. King County is the most expensive, followed by Snohomish and Island counties. Financial experts suggest that a sustainable amount to spend on a mortgage is around 28% of income, but many Washingtonians exceed this due to high housing costs. The 50/30/20 budgeting rule is recommended for managing expenses.

Street musicians bring harmony to Jerusalem's narrow streets

Musician Adi Hazan, originally from Haifa, moved to Jerusalem to pursue his passion for music, performing covers of Michael Hedges and Tommy Emmanuel. Jerusalem's city center, particularly Zion Square, has become a hub for street musicians, creating a magical atmosphere. The Machane Yehuda market, known as 'the souq,' has transformed into a vibrant nightlife spot, hosting live music and DJ performances. The Jerusalem Season of Culture (JSOC) has played a significant role in this cultural renaissance, organizing events that draw large crowds and promote tolerance in the city. Key figures like David Elgart and Yonatan Abramowitz contribute to this thriving music scene, highlighting Jerusalem's unique cultural depth.