BRIEFLY

NEWPORT – The fire danger in Pend Oreille County is “Moderate” as of Tuesday, Oct. 7. All debris burning remains prohibited in Pend Oreille County. This includes rule (debris) burning and permit burning. Campfires and Recreational fires are permitted in all of Pend Oreille County, provided that the fire is attended at all times, is no larger than three feet by three feet and no taller than two feet, a charged hose or five gallons of water is present along with a shovel and there is a fire break/non-combustible surface of at least three feet around the fire. If a fire escapes, the property owner is responsible for any and all fire suppression costs.

Daily updates on burn restrictions are available from DNR at 1-800-323-BURN.

WA minimum wage increasing next year

TUMWATER — Washington’s minimum wage is increasing by 2.8% next year to $17.13 an hour.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries announced the increase and it takes effect Jan.

1, 2026.

Washington’s current minimum wage of $16.66 is the highest in the nation. The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 an hour.

No Kings demonstration Oct. 18

NEWPORT - There will be a second No Kings demonstration in Newport, Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. at the Big Wheel downtown.

This is meant to be a safe event protesting the actions of President Donald Trump and his administration.