Traffic deaths in Washington declined for the second straight year in 2025, with 659 people killed in crashes statewide, down from 737 in 2024 and 809 in 2023, according to preliminary data released by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Officials said deaths involving impaired driving, speeding and distracted driving all decreased last year, though totals remain above pre-pandemic levels. Pedestrian, bicyclist and motorcycle fatalities also dropped slightly, while deaths involving adults age 70 and older reached a record high, according to the Washington State Standard.
Skagit County has allocated about $2.6 million in funding to local organizations providing homeless services, according to the Skagit Valley Herald. The funding includes $424,450 generated through a surcharge on documents recorded by the Skagit County Auditor’s Office and $2.2 million from the state Consolidated Homeless Grant program. Organizations receiving support include Friendship House, Welcome Home Skagit, Family Promise of Skagit County, Community Action of Skagit County, Northwest Youth Services, the Skagit Valley Family YMCA, Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, the Samish Indian Nation and the Anacortes Family Center. Much of the funding will support shelter operations, staffing, diversion programs, transitional housing and youth services.
As wildfire season approaches, emergency managers in 13 Western Washington counties — including Skagit County — and the Suquamish Tribe are urging residents to prepare through the regional “Ready, Set, Go!” evacuation campaign. The effort, launched May 7, promotes clear evacuation guidance for wildfires and other emergencies, using simplified messaging to help communities respond quickly to changing conditions. Under the campaign, “Ready” encourages residents to prepare evacuation plans and emergency kits, “Set” signals that evacuation may be imminent and vulnerable residents should leave early, and “Go” means evacuate immediately. Officials say the west side of the Cascades faces increasing wildfire risks linked to climate change, making preparedness essential across the region. The campaign also emphasizes neighbor check-ins, staying informed through local alerts, and leaving immediately if conditions feel unsafe, even before an official evacuation order is issued.
