WA State Senate adopts new rule restricting press in chamber to ‘maintain decorum’
OLYMPIA—In a voice-only vote, the Washington State Senate on Wednesday, March 27, overwhelmingly adopted a rule within its last four weeks of the Legislative Session to restrict members of the press from “the wings” and adjacent areas of the of the Senate unless accompanied by a sitting senator or senator’s staff member. The members of […]
Snohomish County state lawmakers talk 2025 legislative priorities
EVERETT—Under the theme “One County, One Voice,” Representative Mary Fosse (D-Everett) moderated a bipartisan forum hosted by the Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) on December 5 at Elks Lodge in Everett where panelists discussed housing affordability, behavioral health, childcare, economic development and labor force, transportation, infrastructure, and public safety. With Washington state facing a projected […]
Public invited to 2025 Legislative Kickoff: “One County, One Voice”
EVERETT—Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) will host the Legislative Kickoff on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Elks Lodge #479 in Everett. Presented by Boeing and Republic Services, this annual event connects local business leaders and elected officials to advocate for policies that drive economic success in Snohomish County. Under […]
How wealthy is your elected official? Looking at politicians’ worth amidst 14% wage increases
Washington state-level lawmakers are set to receive up to a 14.7 percent wage increase following the proposed 2025/26 salary schedule adopted by the Washington Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials on October 10. The final vote is scheduled for February 5, 2025. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck is advocating for the higher pay stating that […]
New roundabout unveiled near Granite Falls to reduce traffic and improve safety
GRANITE FALLS—The Snohomish County Public Works unveiled a brand-new roundabout on 84th Street Northeast and 163rd Avenue Northwest near Granite Falls, on Thursday, September 12, to reduce traffic congestion on the corridor while preventing risk of collision. The two-lane road was previously controlled by a two-way stop. Attending Thursday’s ceremony was Senator Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro […]
Waiting for justice: Teen trafficked by a man she met on Tinder
As online recruitment and exploitation of child sex trafficking victims rise, Washington may need to pass legislation for exploited minors seeking justice. It started as a way to get her mind off things. Hannah Power was 16 when she first saw Max—one face among a sea of adult men that she scanned on her phone […]
A look at Portugal’s drug experiment, what’s working and what’s not
PORTUGAL, August 10, 2023—In July 2001 Portugal made a paradigm shift in how it handled drug crimes. The Portuguese Drug Policy Model implemented that year, decriminalized the public and private use, acquisition, and possession of all legal drugs if the amount did not surpass a 10-day supply. The decision was intent on moving drug use, […]
What you should know: New laws that go into effect on July 23
OLYMPIA, Wash., July 23, 2023—Bills signed into law take effect 90 days after the end of the session in which they were passed. From a controversial parental rights exemption to an anti-hazing law to promoting water safety, below are some new laws going into effect as of July 23, 2023. SB-5599: Supporting youth and young […]
VOAWW celebrates opening of regional food distribution center in Arlington
ARLINGTON, Wash., June 25, 2023—Community leaders gathered to celebrate Perdue Farms presenting a donation to Volunteers of America of Western Washington (VOAWW) for its new Food Distribution Center in Arlington on Friday, June 23. The 79,000-square-foot facility, located in the Raine Building, serves as Snohomish County’s distribution center for its 19 food banks. In 2022, […]
Those convicted of a drug crime in Snohomish County urged to seek Blake relief
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 26, 2023—State v. Blake is a 2021 Washington State Supreme Court decision that held that the drug possession law was unconstitutional. If you were convicted of soliciting possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, or certain other drug related misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses in Snohomish County District Court you […]
