OSPI and WIAA respond to Trump restrictions on trans athletes from participating in women’s sports

OLYMPIA—President Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, January 5, which would prohibit transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports. This order could also block transgender athletes from entering the country for the 2028 Olympics. The order directs the Department of Education, of which Trump seeks to eliminate, from carrying out “enforcement actions” […]
AG sues Trump admin over new Executive Order defunding gender-affirming care

SEATTLE—Attorney General Nick Brown filed a multi-state federal lawsuit today to halt a presidential order that threatens to end federal funding to medical institutions providing gender-affirming care. President Trump’s executive order – which Brown called clearly illegal and unusually cruel – also directs criminal enforcement against medical professionals and patients involved in such care. The […]
Larsen donates books to Mariner Sno-Isle Library, latest on new Mariner Community Campus

EVERETT—Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02) personally hand-delivered 47 children’s and young adult books to Mariner Library from the Library of Congress’ Surplus Books Program on Saturday, February 1 as part of the inaugural Mariner Future Fest presented by ChildStrive, Sno-Isle Libraries, and Sound Transit. He then sat down with kids and young adults and read to […]
Everett refugee advocacy nonprofit will “stay in the fight” in 2025

“A few people told me not to talk to the news,” Van Dinh-Kuno chuckled. “They said to watch out, because Trump’s people might see it and go after us! But I don’t care…it’s important to speak.” Dinh-Kuno is the Executive Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest (RISNW), a nonprofit “multi-service organization” that provides a […]
Liias introduces bipartisan bill to limit use of cellphones, other devices in classrooms

OLYMPIA—Study after study shows the use of cellphones and other devices in classrooms have a detrimental effect on students. With that in mind, Senator Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) has introduced bipartisan Senate Bill 5346 to ask every school district in the state to develop policies to keep cellphones and other devices out of Washington’s classrooms. “We know […]
Sound Transit’s link light rail extension to Lynnwood named 2025 Mega Project of the Year

The Lynnwood Times is recognizing Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link light rail extension as the Mega Project of the Year for bringing light rail across county lines for the first time in state history and paving the way toward a more robust transportation network for years to come. In addition to offering commuters a more affordable, […]
Engineer Julie Meredith to be new Secretary of WSDOT

MUKILTEO—Governor-elect Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Assistant Secretary Julie Meredith, P.E., as Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), while he was on a Washington State Ferries listening tour Tuesday, January 7. The appointment is effective January 15, 2025. “Julie Meredith brings deep experience and leadership and a strong commitment to public […]
‘Friday the 13th’ budget protest: County Exec will not sign Council-adopted budget

EVERETT—In a surprising use of his authority, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, known for his reserved and sagacious leadership, announced late Friday afternoon that he will not sign the $3.22 billion 2025-26 biennium Council-adopted budget. “Since receiving the budget from the County Council on November 27, my team and I have been carefully reviewing what […]
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 […]
Liias leads on jobs, energy, and transportation for 2025 Legislative session

OLYMPIA—Senator Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) expanded his leadership roles in the Washington State Senate, following a vote among Senate Democrats on Thursday, November 21. Liias will continue to chair the Senate Transportation Committee, where he has been focused on expanding sustainable transportation options that help fuel a growing economy and serve the needs of Washington families. […]