The new USX-1 Defiant: Puget Sound is leading autonomous naval readiness

EVERETT—The USX-1 Defiant was christened at Everett Ship Repair on Monday, August 11, marking a key ceremonial milestone for unmanned surface vessel developed under DARPA’s No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program, that aims to redefine naval operations through fully autonomous, crewless platforms that enhance efficiency and increase lethality in contested environments. “In the name of […]
Kongsberg to begin AUV manufacturing in US for the first time, right in the heart of Lynnwood

LYNNWOOD—Norwegian company Kongsberg Discovery has decided to manufacture its HUGIN Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) in the United States, beginning at its existing facility in the heart of Lynnwood. This is the first time Kongsberg will be manufacturing AUVs outside of Scandinavia. AUV’s are free-swimming, electric, vessels preprogrammed with a specific mission in mind. HUGIN collects […]
US Dept of Education releases $137 million in frozen funds to Washington State

OLYMPIA—The United States Department of Education announced Friday, July 25, that it will release the entirety of the $137 million in frozen funds to Washington state. “This is a welcome change in direction—school districts, educators, families, and students can take a deep breath knowing vital services won’t be abruptly ended or reduced in the upcoming […]
Lynnwood’s $9.3 million budget crisis: All options are on the table

LYNNWOOD—Lynnwood Finance Director Michelle Meyer and Committee Chair George Hurst reviewed the City’s 2nd Quarter 2025 Financial and Sales Tax reports on Wednesday, July 23. The City is now projecting a $5.1 million shortfall in the General Fund through second quarter in addition to an already projected $4.2 million deficit. In a memo, Mayor Christine […]
Everett’s Intermodal Yard awarded $2 million to improve waste management

EVERETT– The Snohomish County Public Works Department was awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for its Everett Intermodal Yard Curve Improvement project – a $34 million project designed to improve rail capacity and safety while bringing much-needed improvements to the county’s solid waste management system. The dollars come from […]
Island County ballot observer convicted of felony after refusing to wear a mask

ISLAND COUNTY—A jury found Tim Hazelo, a Republican ballot observer in Island County, guilty of unauthorized access to a voting center (felony) and criminal trespass (gross misdemeanor) during a jury trial Thursday, July 10, stemming from an incident where he refused to wear a mask, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, during the ballot counting […]
USDOT releases $42.4 million in federal funding for the Second Congressional District

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Department of Transportation has released $42.4 million in federal funding for various transportation projects across Washington’s Second Congressional District, as announced by Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), the ranking Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The funds, allocated across fiscal years2022 through 2024, will support initiatives aimed at […]
City of Lynnwood cuts the ribbon on its brand-new Scriber Lake Boardwalk Trail

LYNNWOOD—For the last 40-years Lynnwood’s Scriber Lake Boardwalk Trail floated through peatlands, providing access to nature for generations but over time its infrastructure began to deteriorate and fail. At that time the City of Lynnwood was presented with a difficult decision: Either close the trail permanently or completely replace it. Choosing the latter, the City’s […]
Port of Everett Memorial Day ceremony honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice

EVERETT—Approximately 150 attended the second annual Port of Everett Memorial Day Ceremony at Pacific Rim Plaza to honor the brave men and women who died in war. The event was opened, and emceed, by Lt. Colonel Dan Mathews, Retired Air Force veteran before Robin Hilt performed the National Anthem. Chaplain Lt. Kurtis Matheny, U.S. Navy, […]
FAA proposes multi-billion-dollar plan to overhaul air traffic infrastructure

On Thursday, May 8, Democratic Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) spoke at a press conference with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy in Washington D.C, who announced plans by the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) to revamp and replace air traffic infrastructure nationwide. As the ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Larsen (WA-02) helped […]