Ferguson may have broken ethics laws allowing ex-adviser to fly on state plane

TUMWATER [JERRY CORNFIELD]—Washington Governor Bob Ferguson likely violated state ethics laws by allowing his former top adviser, Mike Webb, to travel with him on a state plane to the Tri-Cities last summer, the state Executive Ethics Board ruled Friday, January 9, 2026 (Case No. 2025-061). In a unanimous vote, the board concluded there was “reasonable […]
Refusing to take fraud concerns seriously will add to public’s distrust

Allegations of fraud involving childcare funding and other government-subsidized programs elsewhere have people here concerned that something similar could be happening in Washington. I know this because of the calls and emails that have come in since federal Republicans began investigating the suspected theft, through fraud, of billions in taxpayer dollars intended to subsidize a […]
What’s on the agenda for Washington’s 2026 legislative session

With a looming $1.6 billion to $2.3 billion budget shortfall hanging over the Washington state legislature, House and Senate leaders and Governor Bob Ferguson presented differing proposals to address the issue. Three panels of House and Senate leaders discussed the state’s transportation budget and general fund, while Ferguson renewed his support for a “millionaire tax.” […]
WSP graduates 58 new troopers from the 121st Basic Training

OLYMPIA—The Washington State Patrol (WSP) added 58 newly commissioned troopers to its ranks on Wednesday, January 7, during the 121st Trooper Basic Training (TBTC) and 5th Trooper Lateral Training Class (TLTC) graduation ceremony held at the state Capitol Rotunda. For the 121st TBTC, the graduation marks the completion of more than 1,400 hours of rigorous […]
Lynnwood actor Jon Meggison begins filming feature film directorial debut

LYNNWOOD—Lynnwood-based actor/director/screenwriter Jon Meggison began filming his feature directorial debut last week – an upcoming film entitled ‘Where the Road Ends’ which he also wrote and stars in. Where the Road Ends is an extension of a short film Meggison wrote called ‘Battle of Love’ which won him two awards at the IndieFest Film festival […]
The original Washington State Constitution to be displayed in the Governor’s office this week

OLYMPIA—To mark the start of the 2026 Legislative session, the Washington State Archives, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, will temporarily display the original 1889 Constitution of the State of Washington in the Governor’s office. Members of the public are invited to view the document between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. […]
Snohomish County Solid Waste Voucher Program Extended

EVERETT—Snohomish County residents impacted by December 2025 flooding can continue to dispose of flood-damaged household items with waived disposal fees at county solid waste facilities through its flood voucher program through March 19, 2026. The program had previously been authorized through Jan. 18, 2026. The voucher program is authorized under county code during a state […]
‘We Are All Children of God:’ Rick Steves celebrates opening of $26M Lynnwood Neighborhood Center

LYNNWOOD—Philanthropist Rick Steves hailed the opening of the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center on Friday, Jan. 9, as the realization of a 30-year dream, a community hub nicknamed the “piazza” that will foster connection and provide vital services to vulnerable residents. Speaking at the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center ribbon-cutting ceremony, Steves described the 40,000-square-foot facility as a living […]
From Sinaloa Cartel Arrests to Cybertruck Vandalism: Top Snohomish County Crime Stories of 2025

In 2025, Snohomish County faced a mix of serious incidents and proactive law enforcement efforts. Below are the highlights from our 2025 crime and public safety coverage. Marysville Police Department welcomes new K-9 Officers On December 8, 2025, the Marysville Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for two new K-9 officers: Kona (15-month-old Belgian Malinois […]
Edmonds College Leads Snohomish County Education Innovation with Robotics, AI, and Free Training Programs

In 2025, Snohomish County schools and colleges navigated a dynamic year of expansion, adaptation, and advocacy. The following are the highlights of our education coverage in 2025. VIPs tour Snohomish County STEM’s ECHO Tour at Edmonds College On December 16, 2025, approximately 120 high school students from Edmonds Woodway, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and Meadowdale High […]