Republicans fighting for Latino representation as WA state redistricting dispute heads to US Supreme Court

SEATTLE—On Friday, March 22, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the request to stay (put on hold) the adoption of a redistricting map ordered by Judge Robert Lasnik, of the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, on March 15. The matter now heads to the United States Supreme Court where Justice […]
Filing fee for Initiatives to the Legislature, up $151

OLYMPIA—For the first time in more than a century of voter-submitted ballot proposals, the filing fee for Initiatives to the Legislature has moved from $5 to an inflation-indexed amount, currently set at $156 (a 3,020% increase). Similar adjustments to the filing fees for referenda and Initiatives to the People will take effect in January, the […]
Emerald City Comic Con 2024 comes to a close with a knockout celebrity guestlist

SEATTLE—Emerald City Comic Con, the region’s largest celebration of geek and pop culture, returned last weekend for its 21st year with what may be its biggest celebrity lineup since the pandemic. The convention spanned from Thursday, February 29 through Sunday, March 3, opening each day at 10 a.m. with events lasting until passed midnight in […]
Wizards of the Coast donates scores of Dungeons & Dragons box sets to Washington State Library

OLYMPIA—Through a partnership between Wizards of the Coast and the Office of the Secretary of State, a donation of 75 Dungeons & Dragons Library Kits will ensure that every library system and institutional library in Washington can obtain a free gaming kit for patron use. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and Wizards of the Coast […]
Suspect charged with vehicular homicide of Trooper Gadd, in US illegally

EVERETT—Raul Benitez Santana, 32, the Snohomish County man charged with the death of Washington State Trooper Chris Gadd, 27, entered the United States without permission and was in the country illegally, an ICE spokesman confirmed with FOX13 Seattle on March 5. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Mr. Santana, “entered the U.S. without […]
Economic Alliance shares forecast for Snohomish County, presents awards

TULALIP—The Economic Alliance of Snohomish County shared its economic forecast and presented five awards to key community members at its annual meeting on Wednesday, February 21, at Tulalip Resort and Casino. The event kicked off with a networking lunch in the resort’s gorgeous Orca Ballroom before Wendy Poischbeg, Interim President and CEO, took the stage […]
Medals of Merit and Valor to be awarded at state Capitol

OLYMPIA — For the first time in nine years, Washington’s Medals of Merit and Valor will be awarded Wednesday, February 21, at a ceremony in the state Legislative Building. The Medal of Merit recognizes exceptional individuals who perform outstanding services for Washington and its residents. The Medal of Valor is awarded to anyone who has […]
2024 Student Mock Election is now open for all Washington K-12 students

OLYMPIA—K-12 students across the state can now participate in the 2024 Student Mock Election presented by the Office of the Secretary of State. The Student Mock Election is a non-partisan, educational event that teaches children to be informed voters. Through the March 12 Presidential Primary, K-12 students in Washington state are welcome to participate by […]
Voter registration bill unanimously passes in House, heads to Senate

OLYMPIA—With a unanimous 97-0 vote on Friday, February 9, the Washington State House of Representatives approved House Bill 1962 to improve the accuracy of voter registration lists, that if signed into law, would take effect on June 1, 2025. The bill now heads to the Senate for further deliberation. Currently, if a county auditor receives […]
All six Let’s Go Washington initiatives certified for legislature by SOS

TUMWATER—All six Let’s Go Washington initiatives have been certified to the legislature after a careful review of the nearly three million signatures garnered. This marks the first instance in state history where six initiatives to the legislature have been certified in the same year. The signatures have been verified by the Office of the Secretary […]