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Washington State Auditor's Office Issues Credit Card Fraud Prevention Tips for Government Entities

Washington State Auditor's Office Issues Credit Card Fraud Prevention Tips for Government Entities

The Office of the Washington State Auditor has released tips to help safeguard government credit cards during Fraud Awareness Week. Since 2021, investigations have revealed over $1.8 million in questionable and misappropriated credit card transactions within state and local governments, making it the most costly loss scheme apart from cyber-related incidents. These investigations frequently highlight control issues such as inadequate card safeguarding, insufficient transaction monitoring, lack of supporting documentation, and unauthorized personal use of government credit cards. From January to October 2026 alone, over 400 instances of personal use were reported by state and local governments. While most were accidental and quickly repaid, some have escalated into active fraud investigations. The State Auditor's Office emphasizes that all personal use of government credit cards, even if repaid, constitutes 'other illegal activity' under RCW 43.09.185 and must be reported.

Imprisoned Cattleman Cody Easterday Seeks Clemency from President Trump for $244 Million Fraud

Imprisoned Cattleman Cody Easterday Seeks Clemency from President Trump for $244 Million Fraud

Cody Easterday, a Washington cattleman and farmer currently serving an 8-year and 9-month prison sentence for defrauding Tyson Foods and Segale Properties out of $244 million, has applied for clemency from President Trump. Easterday, 55, was initially sentenced to 11 years in 2022 for billing Tyson for 265,000 'ghost cattle' and involving Segale Properties in the scheme. His sentence was later reduced due to changes in federal sentencing guidelines. He is scheduled for release on May 31, 2028. Easterday attributed his fraudulent activities to a gambling addiction. Presidents possess broad powers to pardon or commute sentences, including the ability to eliminate unpaid restitution. While applications are not publicly available, President Trump has previously issued pardons, including to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol protests and two Alaska mechanics convicted of Clean Air Act violations.

Trump's Justice Department faces a new era of scrutiny under a Democratic-led Congress

Trump's Justice Department faces a new era of scrutiny under a Democratic-led Congress

The Justice Department has functioned for nearly two years as an extension of the White House, unchecked by a Republican-controlled Congress

NAU Alumni Colin Towne Leads Reforestation Efforts at Weyerhaeuser Nursery in Washington

NAU Alumni Colin Towne Leads Reforestation Efforts at Weyerhaeuser Nursery in Washington

Colin Towne, an alumnus of Northern Arizona University (NAU) with degrees in Business Economics and Forestry, is currently serving as the Site Leader for Weyerhaeuser’s Mima Nursery near Olympia, Washington. In this role, Towne oversees nursery operations that produce approximately 14 million conifer seedlings annually. These seedlings are primarily used for reforestation efforts across the timber industry. His work involves ensuring the safe and efficient execution of the annual agricultural cycle to deliver high-quality products at optimal costs to customers. Towne's career trajectory highlights a commitment to leadership, innovation, and a passion for forestry, stemming from his experiences at NAU, including leading the university's Logging Sports Team.

Avista Launches Smart Thermostat Program, Offering Bill Credits for Energy Reduction During Peak Demand

Avista Launches Smart Thermostat Program, Offering Bill Credits for Energy Reduction During Peak Demand

Avista, an energy company, has introduced the MyEnergy Rewards: Smart Thermostat Program for its residential electric customers in Washington and Idaho. This optional program rewards participants for helping reduce electricity use during high-demand summer days. When electricity use is anticipated to be at its highest, participating smart thermostats may automatically adjust temperatures by up to four degrees. Customers receive a $30 Avista bill credit upon enrollment and an additional $5 bill credit each month they participate, up to $20 per summer season (June-September). Participants retain control and can skip adjustments or leave the program at any time. Eligibility requires an Avista residential electric account and a qualified smart thermostat controlling a central air-conditioner or heat pump.

Hampton Lumber Seeks Forklift Operator in Darrington, WA, Offering Competitive Salary and Benefits

Hampton Lumber Seeks Forklift Operator in Darrington, WA, Offering Competitive Salary and Benefits

Hampton Lumber Seeks Forklift Operator in Darrington, WA, Offering Competitive Salary and Benefits

Keel Infrastructure, Formerly Bitfarms, Pivots from Bitcoin Mining to AI Data Centers in the U.S.

Keel Infrastructure, Formerly Bitfarms, Pivots from Bitcoin Mining to AI Data Centers in the U.S.

Keel Infrastructure, Formerly Bitfarms, Pivots from Bitcoin Mining to AI Data Centers in the U.S.

Former Washington Representative Jim McDermott Dies at 89, Leaving Legacy in Healthcare and Anti-War Advocacy

Former Washington Representative Jim McDermott Dies at 89, Leaving Legacy in Healthcare and Anti-War Advocacy

Former U.S. Representative Jim McDermott, a Democrat from Washington, passed away on Thursday at the age of 89. McDermott served 28 years in Congress, where he was known for his strong advocacy for universal healthcare and his outspoken opposition to war. Throughout his nearly 50-year career in state and federal office, the liberal lawmaker from Seattle championed an aggressive agenda focused on expanding healthcare access for all Americans. As the leading Democrat on the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, McDermott was a staunch defender of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which significantly expanded health insurance coverage. He also consistently voted against military interventions, including the 2002 resolution authorizing the use of military force in Iraq and U.S. intervention in Syria in 2013. His retirement from Congress in 2016 was met with praise from then-President Barack Obama, who recognized him as a vital voice for vulnerable constituents.

Crane Aerospace Electronics Secures $11.8 Million Defense Logistics Agency Contract for J85 Engine Rotary Pumps

Crane Aerospace Electronics Secures $11.8 Million Defense Logistics Agency Contract for J85 Engine Rotary Pumps

Crane Aerospace Electronics Secures $11.8 Million Defense Logistics Agency Contract for J85 Engine Rotary Pumps

Bessent says Treasury favored limits on Megaspeed

Bessent says Treasury favored limits on Megaspeed

WASHINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday his department had favored putting Singapore-based cloud computing firm Megaspeed on the US entity list for months but that it was up to the Commerce Department to act, adding that the FTC could possibly take other action

Suquamish Estate Auction Features 2023 Subaru Forester, Woodworking Tools, and Antiques

Suquamish Estate Auction Features 2023 Subaru Forester, Woodworking Tools, and Antiques

Suquamish Estate Auction Features 2023 Subaru Forester, Woodworking Tools, and Antiques

Gale Warnings Issued for Pacific Offshore Waters

Gale Warnings Issued for Pacific Offshore Waters

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple Gale Warnings for offshore waters along the Pacific coast, including areas from Washington to California. Strong winds ranging from 30 to 45 knots (55 to 83 km/h) are expected, with some areas experiencing gusts up to 50 knots (93 km/h). Significant wave heights are forecasted to reach 18 to 37 feet (5.5 to 11.3 meters) in certain regions. These conditions are associated with a series of strong cold fronts and low-pressure systems moving through the area. The warnings are in effect for various zones, including Cape Flattery, Cape Shoalwater, and Point St. George, among others. Mariners are advised to exercise caution as these hazardous conditions persist.