A conversation with Dr Steve Woodard, new Mayor of Mountlake Terrace
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE—Dr Steve Woodard was unanimously voted, by the council, to serve as the Mayor of Mountlake Terrace – a privilege he said he is extremely “humbled” by. As such, his ultimate vision for the city, he added, is one shared by the council at large – a vision that has been a collaboration between […]
Road damage from WA flooding to cost at least $40M
[Jake Goldstein-Street]—Last month’s heavy flooding inflicted at least $40 million to $50 million of damage on Washington’s highways, state transportation officials estimated to lawmakers Monday. The state Department of Transportation has responded to dozens of locations due to flooding, officials told lawmakers. The state has signed 16 contracts for emergency repairs. A few more are […]
From engineers to advocates: Here are the hopefuls vying for Lynnwood’s open council seat
LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood City Council selected the following eight finalists to interview to fill the Position 6 vacancy after voters elected Councilman George Hurst as mayor in November 2025. The City Council will interview the eight applicants on the evening of Tuesday, January 20, with an anticipated final decision on Monday, January 26. The appointed Council […]
Mukilteo to hold first ever Lunar New Year celebration at Rosehill Community Center
MUKILTEO—The City of Mukilteo will be holding its, first-ever, Lunar New Year celebration this year, on February 12, at Rosehill Community Center. The event – which will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – is completely free, open to the public, and will feature delicious food, jaw-dropping performances, and the opportunity for cultural exchanges […]
New Everett PD Chief Robert Goetz plans to bring a ‘community focused’ approach to law enforcement
EVERETT—Newly appointed Everett Police Chief, Robert Goetz, officially swore in on Wednesday, January 7, optimistic about what 2026 has in store for Everett’s Public Safety sector. Bringing with him 25 years of law enforcement experience, Chief Goetz plans to approach his new position with a “community-oriented” vision. Chief Goetz was appointed to the position by […]
Ferguson may have broken ethics laws allowing ex-adviser to fly on state plane
TUMWATER [JERRY CORNFIELD]—Washington Governor Bob Ferguson likely violated state ethics laws by allowing his former top adviser, Mike Webb, to travel with him on a state plane to the Tri-Cities last summer, the state Executive Ethics Board ruled Friday, January 9, 2026 (Case No. 2025-061). In a unanimous vote, the board concluded there was “reasonable […]
Refusing to take fraud concerns seriously will add to public’s distrust
Allegations of fraud involving childcare funding and other government-subsidized programs elsewhere have people here concerned that something similar could be happening in Washington. I know this because of the calls and emails that have come in since federal Republicans began investigating the suspected theft, through fraud, of billions in taxpayer dollars intended to subsidize a […]
What’s on the agenda for Washington’s 2026 legislative session
With a looming $1.6 billion to $2.3 billion budget shortfall hanging over the Washington state legislature, House and Senate leaders and Governor Bob Ferguson presented differing proposals to address the issue. Three panels of House and Senate leaders discussed the state’s transportation budget and general fund, while Ferguson renewed his support for a “millionaire tax.” […]
Cassie Franklin begins historic third term as Everett’s first female Mayor
EVERETT—At the Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, City Council meeting, the City of Everett swore in multiple elected and appointed leaders, including Cassie Franklin for a new mayoral term, five city councilmembers and Everett’s recently appointed police chief. Mayor Franklin begins her third term after being re-elected by Everett voters in the November 2025 General Election. […]
Snohomish County Solid Waste Voucher Program Extended
EVERETT—Snohomish County residents impacted by December 2025 flooding can continue to dispose of flood-damaged household items with waived disposal fees at county solid waste facilities through its flood voucher program through March 19, 2026. The program had previously been authorized through Jan. 18, 2026. The voucher program is authorized under county code during a state […]
