Law & Courts BNSF Railway ordered to pay $395 million after years of trespassing on Swinomish land A federal judge has ordered BNSF Railway to pay the Swinomish Tribe $395 million for illegally running mile-long oil trains through the tribe’s reservation for nearly a decade. John Ryan
Car crashes take deadly toll on Native Americans in Washington state Fatal traffic crashes are up in Washington state, and they are hitting especially hard among Native American communities, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. John Ryan
Federal grant to help people in Northeastern Washington get hooked up to the power grid Courtney Flatt
Damaged track switch derailed sulfur-hauling train in Whatcom County Federal officials say a damaged track switch knocked a train carrying hazardous materials off the rails in Whatcom County last week. John Ryan
Environment Train carrying hazardous sulfur derails in Whatcom County A BNSF Railway freight train derailed in Whatcom County late Tuesday night, with six cars going off the rails near the town of Custer, Washington. John Ryan
The tricky business of charging Washington's coming hybrid electric ferries Washington State Ferries dodged a bullet in preparing for the energy needs of its coming hybrid electric fleet. Joshua McNichols
Government A sneak peek at Washington's planned hybrid electric ferries The state put five new ferries out to bid this week. That means shipyards may compete for the right to build them. A look through the plans reveals similarities to the old ferries, new details, and big changes under the hood. Joshua McNichols
Environment Free Amtrak for kids in Washington state – funded by big polluters Young passengers can travel free on Amtrak trains and buses between Bellingham and Vancouver, Washington, thanks to fees paid by major polluters in the state. John Ryan
Did you pay your fare? Inspections start Monday at Sound Transit stations Starting Monday, Sound Transit fare ambassadors will begin checking passengers for proof of payment on some Link station platforms. This adds to the current fare checks that take place on Link and Sounder trains. Kate Walters
How much are safer streets worth? Seattle leaders, voters to decide Making roads (and sidewalks and trails) safer for everyone can be an expensive proposition. John Ryan
