John Braun commentary: A state income tax is illegal, but don’t expect that to stop Democrats
Our state’s Democratic legislators have a long list of tax dreams. It’s safe to say a state income tax is at the top of their list, even though Washington voters have repeatedly said no to one over the past 90 years. Even so, according to recent news reports, an income tax is a hot topic […]
Atmospheric river to slam Pacific Northwest with days of heavy rain
LYNNWOOD—A potent atmospheric river will unload several days of heavy rain across the Pacific Northwest starting Monday, raising the risk of river flooding, urban flash flooding, and landslides across western Washington and Oregon, the National Weather Service reports. The onslaught begins Monday morning when a sub-tropical moisture begins to flow inland along a strong Pacific […]
AG Brown proposes legislation to help fight against ICE raids by requiring notice and warrants for workplace I-9 audits
OLYMPIA—Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, joined by Senator Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) and Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self (D-Mukilteo), announced on Friday, December 5, proposed legislation titled the Immigrant Worker Protection Act that aims to shield immigrant workers from fear and intimidation caused by federal immigration enforcement actions and to strengthen workplace protections in the state. “When workers […]
Snohomish County Public Works Receives $1.1 million in grants for safety improvements
EVERETT—Snohomish County Public Works has received two grants totaling more than $1.1 million that will fund safety improvements at a south Everett intersection and a study for overcrossing plans at Interstate 5 (I-5) and the Interurban Trail. Public Works’ County Road Safety Program will receive a $914,000 grant to construct a quick-build (or modular) roundabout […]
Seattle pushes Olympia for funding on housing, public safety and immigrant aid
[The Center Square]—Seattle is pushing for a state-level backstop to help fund immigrant services and other top priorities as the Trump administration escalates federal immigration enforcement nationwide. The Seattle Office of Intergovernmental Relations briefed the city council on a proposed state legislative agenda for next year’s session during a council briefing on Monday. Priorities ranged from public […]
Snohomish County honored survivors and restored its vandalized memorial, as the promise of an HIV cure grows stronger than ever
EVERETT—Community members, health officials, and elected officials gathered for a World AIDS Day event in Snohomish County on Monday, December 1, to honor those lost to HIV/AIDS and support those impacted by the virus. The commemoration was co-sponsored by Everett Pride, LifeLong, the AIDS Project Snohomish County, and Snohomish County’s Executive’s Office and Health Department. […]
Washington lawmakers want to regulate license plate readers
OLYMPIA [Jake Goldstein-Street]—Washington state lawmakers next year hope to rein in law enforcement’s use of automated license plate readers amid revelations federal immigration authorities are using the data. The readers are mounted everywhere from street poles to police patrol cars. They take pictures of vehicles and use artificial intelligence to analyze the data. Police can […]
Washington Sentencing Commission Recommends Reduced Penalties for Sex-Offense Sting Busts Against Minors
The Washington State Sentencing Guidelines Commission voted 7-2-3 on November 14, 2025, to recommend lighter sentences for adults convicted of attempting to sexually exploit minors in law-enforcement “Net Nanny” operations, if the offender has no prior convictions exploiting a child. The proposal now advances to the Washington State Legislature for consideration in the 2026 session […]
Public invited to 38th anniversary of World AIDS Day
A special World AIDS Day event is planned for Monday, December 1, to raise awareness, honor those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, and show solidarity with people living with HIV. The event will kick off at 4:30 pm with an open house at the Snohomish County Health Department, followed by a walk at 5:30 pm to […]
Who Really Gets Your Property Taxes in Snohomish County? The Surprising Breakdown Most Homeowners Don’t Know
Each fall, as local governments consider their budgets for the coming year, the issue of property taxes comes front and center in council chambers across the County. Our property tax system is complicated, but the impact of property taxes on residents and business owners is clear. In this month’s column, I will share information about […]
