Bill targets elected sheriffs for removal by appointed state board without a public vote

OLYMPIA—A divided Washington state Senate committee advanced a bill on February 9, 2026, that would empower a state oversight board to remove elected sheriffs from office if their peace officer certification was revoked, igniting a fierce debate over balancing accountability in law enforcement with the rights of local voters. Senate Bill 5974 cleared the Ways […]
ICE arrest of high school theater manager raises questions on immigration verification in school hiring

KIRKLAND—Fernando Rocha, theater manager at Juanita High School in Kirkland, was arrested by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as first reported by independent journalist, and senior fellow with Discovery Institute, Jonathan Choe on Sunday, July 20. Rocha’s arrest by ICE may signal a loophole in the Keep Washington Working Act that may […]