2025 Federal Politics Recap: Trump’s Return Sparks Sweeping Changes

In 2025, President Donald J. Trump’s second term began with an unprecedented wave of executive action, signing 225 orders in a record-breaking push to reshape federal policy. Below are our highlights of our 2025 federal politics coverage. Trump signs order to reschedule marijuana for medical use On December 18, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed […]
2025 Transportation Recap: New Major Infrastructure Advances in Snohomish County

In 2025, Snohomish County and surrounding areas saw significant strides in transportation infrastructure amid ongoing funding challenges. Below are some of the highlights of 2025 regarding major transportation stories. Port of Everett’s New Marina Fuel Dock Now Open The Port of Everett’s new 500-foot Marina Fuel Dock, costing $8.1 million, is now open after replacing […]
Larsen and Graves bill to safeguard Air Traffic Controllers advances from committee

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I Committee) has approved a bipartisan bill aimed at shielding the nation’s air traffic control system from the disruptions of future government shutdowns, ensuring that essential aviation workers continue to receive pay even amid federal funding lapses. The measure, known as the Aviation Funding Solvency Act or H.R. […]
Senate passes critical funding package to end historic GOVT shutdown: What you need to know

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Senate passed HR 5371 tiled, “Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026,” on November 10 with a 60-40 vote, and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration on Wednesday, November 12. The longest government shutdown in U.S. history could end Wednesday if […]
Trump targets ‘Fat Cat’ insurers, wants to redirect billions in ACA subsidies directly to Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C.—One major issue of contention in the current government shutdown debate is over ACA exchange subsidies—premium tax credits set to expire at the end of 2025. Democrat lawmakers are pushing for a one-year or longer extension of these enhanced subsidies to maintain affordability for millions of enrollees, while Republican lawmakers are proposing to redirect […]
Seattle’s SEATAC airport one of 40 airports nationally to reduce flights amid gov. shut down

SEATAC—Seattle/Tacoma International airport (SEATAC), Washington State’s largest airport, is just one of 40 airports nationally to receive a 10% reduction in flights this Friday, November 7, amid the ongoing government shutdown. The announcement came on Wednesday, November 5, by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy who cited air traffic control safety concerns as the reason. Wednesday […]
Lawmakers point fingers over government shutdown while blue-collar people suffer

WASHINGTON D.C.—At 35 days and counting, the current government shutdown now ties the record for the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Both Democrats and Republicans are placing the blame across the aisles claiming the opposite side is responsible for federal workers not being paid and millions of Americans left without food assistance, heat, and […]
DelBene: Trump, GOP holding emergency SNAP funds over politics

Earlier this year, Marysville resident Gail Nigro was experiencing health problems and needed some extra assistance to keep food on the table and pay her health care bills. She signed up for Washington’s Basic Food program, the name we give to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to help her buy groceries. Gail is […]
Unemployment claims roll in from laid-off feds in Washington state

[WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD]—More than 1,600 federal workers in Washington state have filed for unemployment benefits since the government shutdown began at the start of October. Of the 1,625 claims the state Employment Security Department had received by Tuesday, 411 had been paid. The rest were pending. The state’s goal is no more than 21 days […]
Larsen Op-Ed: Republicans in Congress are doubling down on a health care crisis of their own making

At a time when families are already struggling with high prices and a weak job market, Republicans in Congress are doubling down on a health care crisis of their own making. Deep Medicaid cuts, major changes to Medicare coverage, and the pending expiration of essential health care tax credits are creating immense uncertainty in the […]