Snohomish County facing $23.6 million biennium budget deficit

EVERETT—It was revealed at Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting, that Snohomish County is projecting at least a $23.6 million deficit for the 2025-2026 biennium, in addition to a $14 million year-over-year structural deficit extending through December of 2030. “So, it’s a doubling of our structural deficit,” Mead said during Tuesday’s meeting. “So, our hair is on […]
DOC and law enforcement searching for individual who escaped at SeaTac Airport

The Department of Corrections and local law enforcement are looking for John Nino. The 20-year-old, who is 6 feet 2 inches and weighs 154 pounds, escaped while being transported through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday evening. Nino was wearing a red coat and grey sweatpants. Officers last saw him crossing the railroad […]
Democrats call for investigation into Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than 90 House Democrats, including Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-D02) and Sean Casten (IL-D06), sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding an investigation over “serious concerns” into the ownership structure and operations of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), that has ties to Israel and “no prior humanitarian experience.” “I joined Rep. […]
Lynnwood Council creates Youth Council, discusses $255,000 increase in Public Defender Service costs

LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood City Council created its first-ever Youth Council, discussed a 25% increase to Public Defender Service costs, signed a proclamation recognizing Labor Day, and reappointed Wally Webster to the Public Facilities District Board at its Business Meeting Monday, August 11. Youth Council The newly formed Youth Council Committee aims to give youth a voice […]
Larsen meets with Edmonds College to discuss the impact of Trump’s spending bill

LYNNWOOD—Representative Rick Larsen (WA-D02) met with the Edmonds College leadership team earlier this month to hear how President Donald J Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” or what Larsen calls the “Big Ugly Law,” will impact student loan repayment plans. The President’s spending bill, which was signed into law on July 4, cancels certain student loan repayment […]
State Senator John Braun announces congressional run

CHEHALIS—Republican State Senator John Braun, 58, Centralia, announces his candidacy for Congress in Southwest Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. A U.S. Navy veteran and president of Braun Northwest, a family-owned manufacturer of emergency vehicles that provides 350 jobs in the region, Braun brings decades of leadership experience in business, the military, and public service. “Whether in […]
The new USX-1 Defiant: Puget Sound is leading autonomous naval readiness

EVERETT—The USX-1 Defiant was christened at Everett Ship Repair on Monday, August 11, marking a key ceremonial milestone for unmanned surface vessel developed under DARPA’s No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program, that aims to redefine naval operations through fully autonomous, crewless platforms that enhance efficiency and increase lethality in contested environments. “In the name of […]
2025 Evergreen State Fair commences on August 21

MONROE—The annual Evergreen State Fair, which has been part of summer memories in Snohomish County for 116 years, will kick off with Opening Day on August 21. The Evergreen State Fair is scheduled to commence on August 21, 2025, in Monroe, with an 11-day run featuring agricultural exhibits, entertainment, and community activities under the theme […]
Governor Ferguson, Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises launch certification for LGBTQ-owned businesses

OLYMPIA – LGBTQ small business owners and entrepreneurs can now certify their businesses with Washington state’s new LGBTQ Business Enterprise program. The statewide certification is free of charge, and will help LGBTQ-owned businesses access valuable government contracts to grow and sustain their businesses. “It’s a particularly important moment to show our support as a state […]
Washington House adds to list of government transparency assaults, auto-deletion

Our state Legislature’s march toward secrecy is speeding up, despite lawsuits, massive public outcry and even a ruling that was largely against them from the state Supreme Court. In the latest move against government transparency, the public records officer of the Washington House of Representatives sent an internal email in July to House members outlining […]