Labor Dept unveils $145M incentive program to boost apprenticeship programs
The U.S. Department of Labor announced Friday a $145 million funding opportunity aimed at expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs through a performance-based incentive model, targeting key industries to boost workforce skills. The initiative, known as the Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program, will award up to five cooperative agreements over four years to organizations focused on growing new […]
Possible snow Tuesday night in Snohomish County
EVERETT—Snow is accumulating in Washington’s Cascade Mountains as a series of weather systems deliver much-needed precipitation this week, but experts warn the gains are insufficient to overcome a severe snow drought that has plagued the state throughout the winter. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the South Washington Cascades on […]
‘Fight the good fight,’ the inspiring path to public service of new AG Nick Brown
SEATTLE — When Nick Brown was sworn in as Washington’s attorney general in January 2025, he not only etched his name in history as the state’s first Black attorney general — he brought a reservoir of experiences in public service, civil rights advocacy and a profound conviction that government can serve as a catalyst for […]
WA lawmakers want to restrict ICE access to schools, health facilities
OLYMPIA [Jake Goldstein-Street]—Legislation to force U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to get court approval before entering schools and health care facilities cleared the Washington state Senate on Thursday. Senate Bill 5906 covers “nonpublic areas” of preschools, K-12 schools, health facilities, adult family homes, higher education institutions and election offices. It also prohibits early learning providers and […]
WA Fish and Wildlife saga deepens with claims of collusion
OLYMPIA [Jerry Cornfield]—Two members of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission are pushing back on newly surfaced allegations that they shunned government transparency laws and appeared to have colluded with the leader of a wildlife advocacy group on policy matters. A scathing 10-page memo says the behavior of commissioners Lorna Smith and Melanie Rowland posed “serious risks” […]
Seattle-area state House race draws crowded field of Democratic hopefuls
OLYMPIA [Jake Goldstein-Street] – Four Democrats are on track to battle this year for an open Washington state House seat in a district stretching north from Seattle. Rep. Cindy Ryu’s decision to challenge Sen. Jesse Salomon, a fellow Democrat, is opening up her seat in the 32nd Legislative District. The safely blue district represents a slice of […]
SOS Steve Hobbs announces John Lewis Youth Leadership Award recipients
OLYMPIA — Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is proud to announce the Washington state recipients of the 2025 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, Kiprey Kalume and Luna Esmeralda Perez. The award recognizes these outstanding youth for their commitment to civic engagement, social justice, and community empowerment. “Both of these individuals are doing fantastic work supporting their communities,” Secretary Hobbs said. “Their hard […]
Letter to the Editor: Protect Crime Victim Services in Snohomish County
Crime victim services in Washington are facing a serious funding cliff, and consequences will be felt in communities like ours if action is not taken this legislative session. Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center serves children and families impacted by abuse, sexual assault, and other serious crimes in Snohomish County — some of the most vulnerable […]
Everett Cracks Down on Unpermitted Food Vendors to Protect Public Health
EVERETT—The Everett City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Wednesday cracking down on unlicensed mobile food vendors, citing rising public health risks and unfair competition from unpermitted stands. The measure, which takes effect immediately, requires mobile food vendors — defined as movable stands, carts or kiosks selling prepared food for profit — to obtain a city […]
Snohomish County voters approve $2.9 billion for education in Special Election
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Voters in Snohomish County approved 17 out of 21 school district levies and bonds in the Feb. 10, special election, channeling $2.916 billion toward educational programs, facility upgrades and technology amid a 22.62% turnout from 454,289 registered voters. Bonds require a 60 percent threshold to pass, whereas levies require a simple majority. The results […]
