News

Washington’s unemployment rate rises for fourth straight month

Washington’s unemployment rate rises for fourth straight month

Photo: Saga Communications


BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The state’s unemployment rate rose once again, continuing a steady climb amid a five-year high.

That’s according to the latest jobs report from the state Employment Security Department, which says Washington’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate sat at 5.1% in February.

That was just a tick higher than January’s rate of 5%.

It marks the state’s fourth straight monthly increase in unemployment, with the rate still at its highest since 2021.

The department will release the February data for Whatcom County next Tuesday, April 21.

The state has been behind in releasing jobs reports due to delays stemming from last year’s federal government shutdown.

Recent Headlines

9 hours ago in Entertainment

Man pleads guilty to Atlanta auto break-in that led to theft of unreleased music by Beyoncé

Kelvin Evans, 41, entered guilty pleas in Fulton County Superior Court to entering an automobile and criminal trespass. He was sentenced to two years in prison, according to news outlets. He was scheduled to go on trial this week.

9 hours ago in Sports, Trending

30 days out, Los Angeles is ready for the World Cup. The playing surface? Not just yet

The U.S. men open at SoFi Stadium (to be known as Los Angeles Stadium) against Paraguay on June 12, the first of eight matches to be played at the NFL stadium in Inglewood. The field was all dirt on Tuesday.

16 hours ago in Entertainment

Rick Riordan unveils new ‘Camp Half-Blood’ novels, starting this fall

Starting this fall, fans of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" books can discover some adventures that took place at the demigod training facility Camp Half-Blood when Percy himself wasn't around.

16 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Eurovision song competition starts with the first semifinal after boycott over Israel

Competition starts Tuesday at the Eurovision Song Contest, with divisions over Israel's participation hanging over the 70th birthday of the over-the-top pop music extravaganza.

1 day ago in Business, Entertainment, Government, Lifestyle, Local

Alaska Airlines adds second daily flight from Bellingham to Portland

The new midday flight will begin round-trip service in November.