As some may know, there will be a new Kent Des Moines Station directly across Highway 99 for the light rail on Dec. 6 right outside of Highline.

The highly anticipated light rail stop connects Highline to the 1-line, which will have the system grow by nearly eight miles. This extension will be its fourth in the past two years.

The PBS NewsHour’s recent report on the “K-shaped economy” is more than a story about recovery statistics. It is a mirror, reflecting a truth Black Americans have long known: when wealth and opportunity diverge, a nation begins to fracture.

The K-shaped recovery describes how, after COVID-19, one half of America shot upward – stockholders, remote workers, homeowners, while the other half concentrated in service jobs and hourly labor, fell behind. The upward line of the “K” marks a nation of investment portfolios and real-estate gains; the downward line represents the invisible workforce who kept the economy running but never received its dividends.

History is filled with ruins. Stones, broken statues, and scattered manuscripts bear witness to civilizations that once believed themselves eternal. Thebes, Carthage, Byzantium, and Tenochtitlán each stood as mighty centers of culture and power, yet today they live only in history books and archaeological fragments. Their destruction was not just military defeat; it was cultural annihilation. They were erased.

The West, in its current trajectory, stands on a similar precipice. Victor Davis Hanson’s “The Dying Citizen” and “The End of Everything” capture this reality in stark terms: a hollowing out of institutions, a fragmentation of civic culture, and a loss of will that once bound nations together. Hanson shows that civilizations collapse not only by the sword but also by decay from within; cultural amnesia, decadence, and the abandonment of shared identity.

After 232 years of production for circulation, the last one‑cent coins rolled off the press at the United States Mint in Philadelphia on Nov. 12, 2025.

The penny’s story began in 1793, making it one of the oldest continuously produced coins in American history. Over the centuries, it has gone through many faces, metals, and minor design tweaks – but none so famous as Abraham Lincoln, whose profile first appeared on the coin in 1909.

When former President Trump returned to the White House, many people expected bold moves, but almost no one expected pardons to become one of the earliest headlines of his second term. Within weeks, Trump issued a wave of pardons to political allies, campaign loyalists, and even celebrities caught in swirling legal battles.

The decisions instantly reignited one of the biggest debates around presidential power: Should one person have the authority to completely erase federal convictions?

The government shutdown has come to an end after eight Democratic Senators broke from their party to pass a spending bill that does not address ACA healthcare credits, which was the sticking point in negotiations.

After it passed the house Wednesday, President Trump signed it into law last night, ending the longest government shutdown in American history, lasting 43 days.

Two men, worlds apart in background and ideology, cut down mid-speech: Malcolm X in Harlem, 1965, and Charlie Kirk in Utah, 2025. One was a Black revolutionary seeking liberation from centuries of oppression. The other, a white conservative activist warning against cultural decay.

On the surface, nothing connects them. But look deeper and the parallels reveal something profound.

As of Thursday morning, neither of the closest-watched local elections have yet to be called. Girmay Zahilay leads by a slim majority against Claudia Balduccii for King County Executive, an office that has been occupied by Dow Constantine for nearly 15 years.

Incumbent Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell holds a steady lead in front of Katie Wilson.

As 25 states across the nation sue the Trump administration for withholding funding for SNAP, more commonly known as food stamps, food banks prepare for an unprecedented surge. Washington state has ordered a weekly $2.2 million to assist food banks in preparation. Food insecurity relief can be found in community gardens and working together to ease tensions. 

Nearly a million Washingtonians receive food stamps. According to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), “If federal funding is not restored, DSHS will not be able to issue food benefits after Oct. 31.”

With the holiday season comes leaves changing color, sweaters pulled out of storage, the music of Vince Guaraldi Trio playing in the distance, and the beginning of Snoopy Mania. While a beloved cartoon Beagle since his inception, Snoopy has ascended to a new level of popularity adored across generations. 

In recent years, Charles Schulz’s iconic “Peanuts” comics and cartoons have found a place in the hearts of Gen Z. In particular, Snoopy has become an icon, representative of cuteness, nostalgia, and positivity.

Are winter storms coming early? It seems so as fall weather is coming to an end. Recent weather patterns suggest an approaching winter for the PNW. The Farmers’ Almanac for the 2025-2026 winter forecasts “Chill, Snow, Repeat” weather patterns. 

Fall did not seem to be in the cards this year for mother nature. It almost seems like we didn’t have much of a fall season at all due to the temperature drops across the month of October, including a fatal atmospheric river this past weekend.   

There are plenty of items today that have been created by Black people that have changed our lives for the better. 

One of the items that have made a drastic impact on the world is the three-position traffic signal, such as stop, go, and yield. Garret Morgan, a Black man, created it at the age 47, after witnessing car accidents that were often fatal, as well as roads often being congested with horse carriages, street cars, automobiles, bicycles and pedestrians. He decided to make a change on the roads that created a positive outcome.

In the broad morning daylight of Paris on Sunday, four professional thieves broke into the Louvre Museum, stealing French Crown Jewels from the Napoleonic Era. The heist took less than eight minutes, and the thieves made away with eight priceless artifacts. 

Disguised as maintenance workers, the thieves rode up on scooters outside the museum, where accomplices waited with a basket truck to lift them up to the second floor of the Apollo Gallery.

Across cities nationwide, protesters gathered at “No Kings” rallies and marches to denounce what they see as the growing threat of authoritarianism under President Donald Trump’s second term. An estimated 2,600 events took place and attended by nearly seven million people, overshooting the four to six million who attended the first national protest in June. 

With Halloween coming up and all of the haunted attractions starting to open for business, a lot of those attractions have a long and questionable history that have yet to be proven, but can still scare the daylights out of you. 

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed executive orders strengthening protections and limiting cooperation with federal enforcement in an effort to defend the city’s immigrant communities from ICE raids and overreach by federal grants. 

“The first Executive Order protects local communities and control over law enforcement resources in the event that federalized National Guard troops are deployed to Seattle,” said a press release from the city of Seattle.

Last month, Starbucks announced they would be steadily closing stores nationwide. The given reason is the chain has had a profit downturn for about six quarters, and as a result, the company is trying to cut down on stores that aren’t making as much money as the other stores whilst laying off over 900 employees.

The Starbucks store closures are part of a bigger plan to restructure Starbucks as a whole, starting with some unpopular changes like the required doodles on every Starbucks drink, and bathrooms that are locked for non-paying customers.

Hispanic Heritage Month was originally a week-long celebration to recognize the contributions of the minority population in America – more specifically in East L.A., represented at the time by California Congressman George E. Brown. Now it’s a month-long dedication to Hispanic Independence. 

Hispanic Heritage Month starts on Sept. 15 and ends on Oct. 15.

From financial strain and the pressures of work, external challenges often weigh heavily on college students, threatening their ability to perform academically. College life is often pictured as a time of freedom and opportunity, but according to a recent National College Attainment Network (NCAN) study, 71% of students had experienced financial difficulties while in school, making the reality clearly different. 

Rising tuition costs and financial instability often force college students to take on multiple jobs to be able to stay afloat and keep attending school. In addition to that, the exhaustion of balancing work shifts with late-night study sessions can become a heavy burden that can lead to lower grades.

Yesterday marked the first day of the partial government shutdown, with Democrats digging their heels in over Medicare subsidies that help millions of people afford their healthcare premiums. While Republicans proposed a stop-gap measure that cut these subsidies, Democrats filibustered the vote.

It’s been seven years since the last government shutdown, which took place December 2018-January 2019.

In a nation that prided itself on free speech, America is increasingly proving that the right to speak, or even be heard, depends on popularity and politics. America needs to get their priorities straight. The controversy surrounding Charlie Kirk’s assassination has dominated headlines, yet the same day a school shooting almost claiming young lives, barely made a ripple in national conversation. 

In today’s climate, opinions that are not popular are scrutinized and censored. Many people had words about Kirk’s assassination, strong opinions going one way or the other. Kirk was known for his conservative ways and his views on things struck a lot of different chords for people with opposing views.

Cinderella Day was hosted for the first time this year by Cinderella Project Seattle which is a student-run and volunteer based community organization inspired by similar initiatives across the U.S. and Canada. 

Cinderella day is dedicated to providing free formal wear to teens and young adults for life’s biggest moments like prom, graduation, ceremonies, and job interviews. This event was about so much more than clothes. The organization wanted to create magical moments and help them gain confidence celebrating their youth.

On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. 

Kirk, 31, was one of the most visible figures on the American right, known for his sharp critiques of progressive politics, outspoken support of President Donald Trump, and his pro-Israel positions.

El centro Mast cuenta con un instructor de buceo llamado Carlos López, quien se encarga de enseñarles a los estudiantes cómo bucear correctamente y cómo mantenerse seguros durante una expedición.

On Sunday, Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives fled the state to block a vote on a law that redraws congressional districts.

The re-drawing was a demand of President Donald Trump in an effort to secure five more Republican seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Arrest warrants for the missing House Democrats were promptly issued the following day. 

Voter trends are changing across the country, and Washington State does not escape the progressive shift reflected in this week’s primary election.

The top two vote-earning candidates across the all primary elections will move up to the general election. This brings more vetted choices to citizens by the November 4 election. 

Federal funding has been pulled for the LGBTQI+ youth 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline following the Trump Administration’s dropping of the Biden-Harris “Unity Agenda”. As of July 17, 2025, these clients were funneled into the general crisis line, despite option #3’s usage and community impact.

Confidential crisis services will still be available through the line, however this vital subnetwork specializing in counselors specifically designated and trained in LGBTQI+ issues has been completely defunded.

Recently, Thunderword staff sat down with Des Moines Mayor Traci Buxton to discuss her involvement with Highline’s Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST).

Mayor Buxton chatted about the “Shark in the Park” festival, pressing conservation issues, as well as her passion in creating educational opportunities for the Des Moines community.  

An 8.8 magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history, struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula Tuesday evening (local time), prompting a tsunami advisory for the entire North American west coast.

Washington’s outer coast was under tsunami advisory until Wednesday morning, with the tallest tsunami waves measuring about a foot and a half at La Push around 1 a.m.

Three G7 countries have agreed to recognize Palestine as a sovereign nation, under certain conditions. The war in Gaza has officially been dubbed a genocide. The conflict has continuously restricted food and other humanitarian aid, leading to daily starvation deaths. 

According to the IPC report, there have been over 1,000 deaths during attempts to access food. IPC calls it the “worst–case scenario of famine,” predicting “widespread death” without immediate actions.

Congress has approved a Trump administration demand to rescind $1.1 billion dollars of public media spending, targeting NPR and PBS. Trump cites the “bias” reporting of these organizations, but station leaders say the move will disproportionately affect rural communities.

The money was set aside to fund public media across the nation for the next two years, but with fiscal budgets already in place, stations will take the hit in the coming months.

With new policy changes to Medicaid, and raising costs of medication, many Washingtonians might be asking if there is a better solution to the private healthcare model. Whole Washington, a healthcare advocacy group, has the answer: State run healthcare for all using existing tax structures.

Through legislation, they would create the Washington Health Care Trust (WHCT), bridging the insurance gap for the estimated 480,000 residents without health insurance. 

Highline’s Marine Science Technology Center (MaST) in partnership with the Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP), a group dedicated to bringing educational experiences to incarcerated individuals, brought a growing red octopus to the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) in Gig Harbor. 

Their goal: give the students imprisoned there an opportunity to study, ponder and come to an individual conclusion on the connection between this oceanic species and our own.

For those who conquered the parking at Redondo Beach on Sunday, sharks were circling Wooton Park ready to celebrate the City of Des Moines proclaiming Redondo Beach as the “Sixgill Shark Capital of the World”.

The first annual Shark in the Park went off without a hitch. With nearly 30 volunteers and around 25 vendors, the event was well supported in greeting local shark enthusiasts and the estimated 750-1,000 attendees. All organizations gathered had a simple mission: Celebrate the docile Sixgill, and teach others how to protect their home. 

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBA) is Donald Trump’s multi-trillion dollar budget reconciliation, after being battled out by the legislative branch, it has been signed into law with presidential approval. The OBBA has garnered harsh headlines due to its drastic cuts to American institutions such as Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP).

These changes disproportionately target part-time, working students, as well as differently-abled students. Around 46% of Highline students are part-time, meaning they are enrolled in fewer than 12-credit hours per quarter.

With the summer comes campaigns, and with Seattle’s Mayoral election around the corner, this year promises the potential for new and actionable leadership. Katie Wilson is the cofounder and Executive Director of the Transit Rider’s Union, and her plan, if elected, would be to make public transportation safer by addressing the unhoused and housing crisis in the area. 

Wilson goes up against the incumbent Bruce Harrell, who has occupied various seats in city hall since 2008.

Calling all shark enthusiasts!

Do you have a soft spot for sharp teeth and fish gills? Maybe you want to support Highline’s Marine Science and Technology center (MaST)? Either way, join the MaST Center on Sunday, July 6, at Redondo Beach to celebrate the Sixgill Shark.

As Sixgill Shark season swims in and to kick off  Shark Week, join the MaST center in celebrating the Sixgill’s life & legacy with a day of “discovery, food, and family adventures”. The event will be held from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at both the Redondo Pier and the adjacent Wooton Park.

In a move that has reignited fierce debate around the country, President Donald Trump’s administration has reinstated a sweeping travel ban on nationals from 12 countries, primarily targeting Africa and the Middle East.

The executive order took effect on Monday, June 9 at 12:01am EST, and now they are exploring additional restrictions on up to 36 nations.

Former President Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis has understandably taken much of the nation’s attention since its announcement almost two weeks ago. Since then, the conversation around the tragic news now includes CNN anchor Jake Tapper who, in his new book, accused the former president of minimizing his declining health in order to keep his political office.

Now, the timing and intent of the book has raised questions about journalistic ethics in today’s landscape.

President Donald Trump has ordered all new appointments for student/visitor visa applicants to stop immediately, likely in an attempt to allow the administration to more thoroughly investigate foreign students via social media. The news comes from a cable first reported by Politico, and did not provide specific direction as to how social media would be vetted.

Per the cable, which has been confirmed by a senior State Official, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said already-scheduled appointments may continue, but every new appointment to obtain a visa will be blocked.

Investigators have confirmed that earlier this week, an unknown male parked his car outside of a Southern California fertility clinic and set off an explosion immediately killing himself and injuring four others. 

The tragedy sent fear into the community of Palm Springs, where a witness told NBC that the blast that damaged multiple businesses “felt like an earthquake.”

The juvenile incarceration system, meant to be a place of rehabilitation for troubled kids, not a punishment, has been brought into the light for its treatment of children, causing detriment to physical and mental health. Youth that experience the juvenile justice system are usually left to face many different difficulties, like PTSD and dental issues, after their stay in jail. 

“A normal day when I [was] first incarcerated was: I wake up and go to breakfast, and then I go to school till 3 p.m., and then I used to go back and eat dinner and then sit in my room till 7 p.m. and then I’ll come out for two hours,” said Shamar Slaughter, now an adult, that spent most of his childhood in the system.

The partition of British India over 78 years ago continues to cast a long shadow over the relationship between India and Pakistan, two nations that share a common history and people. Despite this shared heritage the bitter relationship is carried on by politics, and was further trenched in hardship by the recent deadly militant attack in Pahalgam.

On April 25, 2025, an attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, resulted in the tragic deaths of Hindu pilgrims, a Christian tourist, and a local Muslim. India swiftly accused Pakistan of staging the attack, pointing their fingers towards Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist group with ties to Pakistan, and alleging that the attack specifically targeted the Hindu population in what India considers to be territory under its control.

El Papa Francisco fue el primer papa latino americano en ascender al más alto cargo de arzobispo en la Iglesia Católica Romana, él viene de Buenos Aires, Argentina y era hijo de inmigrantes italianos, su nombre era Jorge Mario Bergoglio vivió una vida sencilla para un arzobispo, el hombre de 76 años arzobispo mantuvo una vida sencilla y humilde.

El difunto arzobispo era conocido por no creer que estaba por encima de nadie y que todos debían ser tratados con respeto, una frase por la que era conocido era “Mi pueblo es pobre y yo soy uno de ellos”.

The standoff between Harvard University and the Trump administration began this past April when Harvard refused to accept the government’s demands, leading the administration to freeze over $2.2 billion in federal research funding.

This fight is more than just about money; it raises the question of whether the federal government can force universities to change their internal policies and academic priorities in exchange for public funding.

Have you ever held a $2 bill in your hand? If you have, you probably remember it. It’s one of those things that makes people pause and go, “Wait, are these even real?” Despite being totally legit money, the $2 bill is one of the rarest sights in anyone’s wallet.

Some people think they stopped making them. Others think they’re worth more than face value. The truth? The $2 bill is still out there, still spendable, and still way cooler than most of our cash.

HopeLink hosted a panel of community members with ties to the food industry to highlight food assistance programs, answer questions about the nuances of the industry, and to network with like-minded entrepreneurs.  

To start off the event Jodi Panya, a program manager at HopeLink, shared some information about the food assistance program at HopeLink. She talked about the purpose of the food markets and how they even have a mobile version of their market. Panya explained how the markets worked.

This past Monday, the day after Easter, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis at age 88. The cause itself was a stroke, followed by heart failure, and came after his initial recovery from a prior one-month stay in the hospital. The worldwide response has seen far-reaching public celebration, noting some of Francis’s humanitarian efforts and pacifist philosophies.

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope to ascend the highest archbishop role in the Roman Catholic church, he originated from Buenos Aires Argentina, and his name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was a son of Italian immigrants and he lived a simple and humble life for an archbishop.

Jasmine Crockett, Texas State Representative, is a rising force in politics. She has become a strong voice for justice, fairness, and the people she serves. 

Born in 1981 in St. Louis, Mo., she earned her degree in business administration from Rhodes College in 2003. Crockett didn’t come to Congress quietly, and has made her own indelible mark in the past two years on the national stage.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or the SAVE Act, is the newest G.O.P. lead bill that would redefine eligible voters to those with specific citizenship documents. This bill would not have passed in the House without the support of four democrats, including Washington State House member Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.

In an official statement to the press, Perez stated her vote was based on the following, “I do not support noncitizens voting in American elections.”

The Washington State Fair has been a gargantuan PNW staple of community pride and tempting cuisine for the past century. Last Sunday’s event was no exception; here are some highlights from the Puyallup centered celebration. Maybe you’ll be enticed to attend in 2026!

Employees of the popular American grocery chain Trader Joe’s were in for a surprise earlier this month when the high demand for a limited edition rerelease of a fan favorite – canvas tote bags – led to lines for miles outside the front doors.

But these aren’t just any bags, they’re plastered with light pastel colors. These are perfect for the Easter season, or any occasion where you need a bit of color or a bit of extra cash, as resellers camped to market these totes for  thousands of dollars more than their original $2.99 price on secondhand sites.

The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival (SCBJCF) took place this past weekend showcasing beautiful art, vendor booths, and even sumo wrestling.

The festival was able to bring hundreds of people to come celebrate the long friendship between the people of Japan and Washington state. The SCBJCF committee presented culturally educational programs, arts, technologies, the rich heritage of Japan, and celebrated the beautiful sakura cherry tree.

Ser Hispano/Latino no significa que olvides tus raíces, ni abandonaste tu cultura si no te adaptaste a una nueva cultura, aunque en algún momento puedes ser discriminado.  

Muchos de los inmigrantes son niños que aún están aprendiendo cómo sobrevivir un día en la escuela, con currículos diferentes como los curriculum de México, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, etc.

Thousands of Washington state residents joined the fight against President Trump and Elon Musk, saying “Hands Off” medicare, social security, deportations, and veteran benefits. That message has been spread throughout America, with at least 40 protests scheduled in Washington state alone. 

The biggest “Hands Off” protest in Washington happened in Seattle on April 5 starting at noon. It’s estimated that the protests gathered a crowd of around 25,000 people all chanting the phrase, “Who saves us? We save us!”

Over the course of 25 hours and five minutes, Senator Cory Booker completed the longest speech in Senate history. The record, previously held by Strom Thurmond, was once used to block the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

During Sen. Booker’s impassioned speech, he championed the opposite, and left anyone watching with the firm belief of hope and optimism in America. 

President Trump’s long-threatened tariffs are finally here, thrusting the United States into an unwarranted and ongoing global trade war.

The policy aimed at reducing trade imbalances has sparked an immediate backlash from international partners. Tensions are continuously rising as American consumers, global trade partners, and economists alike are preparing for the possible economic consequences. 

Elon Musk has spent much of the 2000s being seen as the brains behind Tesla and SpaceX, but lately, the story around him has changed. What once felt like admiration has turned into frustration. Between his political moves, chaos posts online, and the way he runs his businesses, a lot of people are honing in on Musk’s most violent ideologies.

So why has Musk become such a divisive figure, and is the hate justified?

National parks have been hemorrhaging park rangers since the Trump administration’s recent focus on cutting funds from programs it has deemed unnecessary. As the 750+ former federal employees have made their exit, the dialogue on the decision has been met with protesting, confusion, and further insistence by the administration that federal programs are a drawback to the nation’s economy.

This decision was one of the many inaugural choices by the Trump administration, and in similar fashion sparked protests, maybe most famously including an upside down flag display at Yosemite National Park.

Seattle celebrates Women’s History Month (WHM) across the city with exhibitions, group events, and festivals across the region. These events highlight the history of women’s fight for equality and equity, while addressing ongoing issues such as the wage gap, gender-based violence, and reproductive rights.

WHM takes place every March, recognizing the achievements of women throughout history and the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), planned a brunch for the Latina women in the community. 

Upon arrival at the brunch, guests were greeted with multiple members of ALPFA and were even gifted a little box with goodies. They also had a photo booth where a member would take a picture using a polaroid camera.

The Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) kicked off this weekend in the ever-busy streets of Seattle, with about 90,000 people attending the con over the four days. Every year, the city turns into a playground for comic book fans at the ECCC. 

One way to think of the Comic Con is to think of it like a multi-day party where you can meet the people who make your favorite comics, learn from experts, and hang out with others who are just as excited as you are. These comic cons, like ECCC, are usually big events spanning a long weekend.

The SAT is a standardized test used to assess academic readiness, but for students who perform well in school yet struggle with timed exams, it can serve as an unfair barrier in college admissions, especially with those who aren’t as successful during exams, such as myself.

For high school students, the SAT is a defining moment in the college application process. It serves as a standardized measure that colleges use to compare applicants from different educational backgrounds. While some institutions have adopted test-optional policies, many still consider SAT scores an important factor in admissions and financial aid decisions.

Groundhog Day, observed annually on Feb. 2, has origins that intertwine ancient European traditions with American customs. The day is marked by the belief that if a groundhog sees its shadow, winter will continue for six more weeks, while an overcast sky signals an early spring.

Though today it is largely seen as a lighthearted tradition, its roots date back centuries to weather lore and religious observances.

Plane crashes have been happening in the U.S. on a near-daily basis, and while the Trump Administration argues that diversity is the culprit, experts are posing a different explanation for the string of tragedies that have made the front page for the past several months – and it is the likely combination of public perception of social media and years of aggressive budget cuts.

The Trump Administration’s firing of roughly 400 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees came on the very day of President Trump’s 2025 inauguration, in the midst of an already troublesome shortage of air traffic controllers.

There’s been a statistic rapidly growing among the King County area – juvenile crime has skyrocketed in recent years, concerning citizens, businesses, and law enforcement. While Seattle ranks #21 for most dangerous cities, according to US News, a disturbing percentage of crime is committed by juveniles. 

“Renton data shows police were called to reports of juveniles committing crimes with guns almost three times more often in 2023 than the year before,” K5 reported in their “Underage and Under Arrest series. They found that the most common instances were armed robberies of gas stations and convenience stores.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were institutions established to provide higher education for Black students before desegregation, playing a crucial role in Black history by expanding access to education and professional opportunities.

HBCUs were founded in response to the systemic exclusion of African Americans from mainstream higher education. These institutions created opportunities for African Americans to pursue careers that were otherwise inaccessible.

As the weeks advance in President Trump’s second term, he has been true to his word on past promises with deportation and immigration. With the current administration considering pulling from the Department of Defense funds to hire contractors and expand detention facilities to process the hundreds of undocumented persons that have been targeted for their immigration status. 

Democrats have opposed these executive decisions, arguing that deporting immigrants is not a smart move, citing that it could affect labor shortages. These deportations may affect, and   reduce crop yields because with fewer agricultural workers to plant, tend, and harvest crops, farmers may struggle to maintain productivity.

Congress has had their sights on starting off with the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) along with the tax foundation to provide the insight and analysis on the policies at stake since the enactment in 2017. 

They have overlooked some of the weaknesses and strengths of the TCJAs. “We have also analyzed fundamental reforms that would dramatically improve the U.S. tax system to support economic growth as well as greater efficiency and simplicity,” said the writers of tax foundation.

President Donald Trump has announced plans to expand the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay to hold up to 30,000 migrants. Multiplying the current capacity of less than 200 by a factor of over 150. With ICE setting up tents to prepare for the incoming wave of migrants, Trump and his administration are moving fast to enact this unprecedented move. 

Guantanamo Bay Detention Center, also known as GITMO, is one of the most infamous places in modern American history. A military prison located in Guantanamo Bay Cuba, the place was opened in 2002 to hold prisoners of war during the War on Terror. Since then it has been home to countless human rights violations.

White Day, celebrated on March 14, is a holiday in several Asian countries where men give gifts to women in return for the chocolates or presents they received on Valentine’s Day. This tradition is common in Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China.

The origins of White Day trace back to Japan in 1978 when the National Confectionery Industry Association launched it as a marketing campaign to promote sweets.

President Trump started off his second term by signing a slew of executive orders, including one attempting to revoke birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents with unlawful or even temporary status.

The public response has ranged from nationwide protests to preliminary injunctions against the order.

On a day marked by shifting skies in Seattle, voices rose in unison against the policies of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), echoing the rallying cry, “Families belong together.” The morning had greeted the city with snowfall, but by the time the protest began, the sun had broken through, casting a sharp light on the determined crowd gathered in solidarity. 

Despite the earlier snow, the streets of Alki remained clear, with no snow on the ground—a striking contrast to the wintry backdrop seen elsewhere in the city. As a journalist, I rode King County Metro’s #50 bus, arriving at the protest around 2:38 p.m., ready to capture the spirit of the day through photos and videos.

After 15 months of horrendous fighting in the Gaza strip, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement just days before the second Trump administration.

The cease fire began on Sunday, Jan. 20 and phase one is projected to last six weeks. The pause in fighting is meant to allow Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to be flooded into the region.

Since returning to office, Donald Trump has taken several controversial actions that have attracted public attention.

These actions include mass deportation efforts, attempting to end birthright citizenship, imposing tariffs that strained relations with Colombia, withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement again, and rolling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. 

As 2025 begins, Washington State and King County announced increases to their minimum wage rates, marking a commitment to the people to provide fairer wages for workers across the region. These increases, which are connected to inflation, and the ever-rising cost of living, aim to ensure workers are compensated adequately for their labor.

The statewide and local wage increases in Washington for 2025 has been set to $16.66 per hour, a 2.35% increase from the previous year. This raise reflects the ongoing efforts to adjust salaries in line with inflation and rising costs.

Social media, despite its widespread use and connectivity benefits, has been increasingly linked to negative impacts on mental health. One of the most significant concerns is the way social media fosters unrealistic comparisons. 

Platforms like Instagram and Facebook often highlight curated, idealized images of people’s lives, leading individuals to compare themselves to these filtered versions of reality.

Los Angeles investigators are still on the search for the origins of the Palisades fire, which has destroyed over 5,000 homes and businesses, along with the lives of 25 people, as of the release of this article.

Members of the public actively mourn the loss of life and home, while news outlets report a combination of safety updates, as well as speculation on the qualifications of LA officials charged with carrying out public safety. 

Within a week of this article, President-Elect Donald Trump will have been formally sentenced for his 34 felony count conviction, in which a guilty verdict fell down on him like a hammer for paying off a porn-star, and he will also be inaugurated as America’s 47th president, serving two non-consecutive terms; a feat that only President Grover Cleveland accomplished.  

Did you know that there are at least 24 known New Year’s traditions from around the world, and all of them have some different meaning or superstition attached to them?

The most popular tradition in the United States that millions gather to watch, is the annual ball drop in Times Square. According to Times Square, this tradition started in 1907 when the first New Year’s Eve ball, made of iron and wood and adorned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs, was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds.

Washington State, known for its dreary, gray weather and depressing atmosphere, ranks highest in adults, 18 years of age and older, who feel symptoms of depression, anxiety, loneliness, or just feeling down. 

Although, Washington is at the tops in these statistics, it may surprise readers that the states inhabitants don’t score that much higher than the rest of the country when it comes to depression amongst adults and suicide rates.

As fall comes to an end and we enter the winter season, we can see the shift in temperature dropping.

With this in mind it’s essential to know how to properly take care of your body to help protect your immune system so it can be healthy during these chilly months. 

Most of the Puget Sound region was under a dense fog advisory from the National Weather Service. Bellevue, Bremerton, Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, and the Hood Canal region are all included in the advisory.

The moist air cools until its humidity reaches 100% and fog occurs when the cool air combines with the warm, humid air over the water.

Before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and turkey trots dominated Thanksgiving traditions, the holiday holds a dark and gruesome past not very well taught in schools. 

Originating from a harvest once ‘held’ by the Pilgrims in 1621, the original European settlers in the New World celebrated growing relations with Indigenous tribes, but the economic tool covers a sordid tale. 

UGGs became popular in the 90s then, after a decades-long hibernation, they found success again in the 2000s. The brand is no stranger to ebbing and flowing through the market; and only recently, UGGs have skyrocketed yet again – proving that the furry boots will always have a place in consumer’s hearts.

The UGG brand was founded in 1978 in Southern California by two young Australian surfers, Brian Smith and Doug Jensen. Only 28 pairs were sold in the company’s first season. But in 1994, when the U.S. winter Olympic team sported them, they garnered a lot of international attention.

Animal testing, used extensively in the cosmetic industry, is a harsh reality of millions of small animals, and protest efforts have led to legislation banning the sale of such companies that engage in the practice.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an animal rights activist group, held a worldwide campaign after anger over animal testing statistics were released. Across the globe public protests were held, phone calls were made, and thousands of emails sent to legislatures.

A ‘bomb cyclone’ swept into Western Washington Tuesday night, leaving half a million people without power and killing two individuals.

Puget Sound Energy reports over 400,000 of their customers suffered outages, many of which could potentially last for multiple days. 

Satirical newspaper and media company, The Onion, has officially purchased Infowars at bankruptcy auction, following Alex Jones’ recent court loss to victims of Sandy Hook.

Infowars was founded by Alex Jones in 1999, carrying the McCarthyism torch from the ‘Satanic Panic’ through the ‘Obama Birther Movement’, and has had its fingers in nearly every conspiracy theory you’ve heard of in the Western Hemisphere.

As Thanksgiving fast approaches, the Thunderword is proud to serve up a steamy selection of the top dishes that you’ll want on your family table to ensure happiness and joy this holiday season.

Follow our findings and these approved recipes will have your family and friends coming back for seconds and thirds.

Companies and private workers suffer from the existence and sale of counterfeit products, and not just because of loss of sales hurting revenue and company reputations. The more alarming fact is that the counterfeit industry has actually been linked to terrorist activity. 

In the 21st century, advanced machinery enables factories overseas to create a 1:1 replica of  products from luxury brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci. This huge counterfeit industry is worth over “$3 trillion dollars annually” as reported by AlpVision.

There are less than 100 math museums in the entire world, and only a handful in America. We, however, have one of them right here in Seattle, called the Seattle Universal Math Museum (SUMM).

What is SUMM? SUMM is located all around Seattle and although it is not currently in a physical location, they host all sorts of events in the area, such as family events, hands-on exhibits, and conversations, all about math.

The creators are extremely passionate about math and want to share that with the community.

The LGBTQIA+ Task Force and Q Center invite you to participate in Transgender Awareness Week (Nov. 13-19) and Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20).

During this time, we honor and uplift the trans community and reaffirm Highline’s commitment to a learning environment rooted in social justice, mutual respect, understanding, civility, and non-violence.

With the election closed, analysis begins on voter turnout, demographics, and how we got to where we are. As the results of the election settle, and the reality of Donald Trump being elected to return to the presidency, some recent campaign events can be looked on with a clearer light. 

Perhaps most recently, Tony Hinchcliffe’s joke about Puerto Rico being an “island of garbage,” became the centerpiece of a national argument about what damage a joke can do, or not do in this case, on the political stage.

Bob Ferguson is Washington state’s newly elected governor, leading his competitor, Dave Reichert by almost 400,000 votes.

The Seattle-born former Washington Attorney General has been in the public eye for some time, but may not be as ubiquitous as his contemporaries–at least for now. So who is Ferguson?

Almost everyone has kept a goldfish in an aquarium once in their life, right? But have you ever thought about how disastrous they are to our environment if they were to be released into the wild? 

Goldfish seem to be inexpensive and low maintenance which make them among a  favorite in home aquarium pets. In pet stores they can be seen as tiny little swimmers but in the wild they can grow as big as 10 lbs and 18 in.

Strike action at 14 ports on the US east and Gulf coast has ended, after a temporary new wage agreement was reached. The union representing the U.S. dockworkers agreed to suspend the strike while further negotiations continue.

After the initial short-lived strike concluded, a temporary agreement on wages was put in place. This agreement will last until Jan. 15, when the parties will need to return to the bargaining table on other issues under the threat of another strike.

The finish line for this election season is less than a week away.

Along with the hotly contested Presidential campaigns pushing all they can in the final days, Washington has its own hot-button ticket issues that will racket through its own economy, depending on how the votes go. 

Over the weekend there was a 45-car pileup accident that happened on southbound I-5 in Kent, Wash. This forced the closure of all five lanes on southbound I-5 to allow for first responders and tow trucks to get to the scene.

The accident occurred on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 around 1:20 p.m. and expanded a little over five miles in total.

Diaspora refers to a large group of people who share a cultural and regional origin but are living away from their traditional homeland. This dispersion can be due to various reasons such as economic opportunities, political instability, or conflicts.

Diasporas play a significant role in fostering cultural exchange, economic development, and maintaining connections between their homeland and host countries.

Las Vegas, also known as Sin City, is popular for being the biggest place in America to host adult entertainment and gambling, but this year, it was also the host of the biggest trading card game and its convention Magic: The Gathering!

Created by game designer and mathematician Richard Garfield, Magic: The Gathering (or MTG for short) has become one of the most popular card games ever since its initial release in 1993 and has enjoyed immense popularity since then.