Former JBLM Sergeant pleads guilty in attempting to share military secrets with China
SEATTLE—Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, a former United States Army Sergeant previously stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington, on Wednesday, June 18, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two federal charges: attempting to deliver national defense information and retaining national defense information. Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced the plea. […]
Governor Ferguson appoints Ryan Moran as Health Care Authority Director
OLYMPIA—Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Ryan Moran director of the Washington State Health Care Authority, effective August 18. Moran currently serves as Deputy Secretary for Health Care Financing and Medicaid Director for the Maryland Department of Health. “Ryan’s passion and experience make him a great choice to lead the Health Care Authority,” Ferguson said. “His expertise […]
Snohomish County Leaders and Builders Unite to Tackle Housing Crisis
MUKILTEO—Dozens of elected officials hobnobbed with developers, architects, remodelers, suppliers, manufacturers, and sales and marketing professionals at Snohomish County Elected Officials Reception, hosted by the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) on Tuesday, June 17, at Rosehill Community Center in Mukilteo. MBAKS is a longstanding organization—established in 1909—that represents builders who are […]
US Supreme Court upholds law banning gender-affirming care for trans youth
The United States Supreme Court, on June 18, affirmed the Sixth Circuit’s ruling upholding Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1) that prohibited healthcare providers, within the state, from administering puberty blockers or hormones to minors for the purpose of treating gender dysphoria, gender identity disorder, or gender incongruence, while allowing such treatments for other medical conditions. […]
Juneteenth Flag proudly flies over Snohomish County
EVERETT—Snohomish County held its annual Juneteenth flag ceremony at the County Campus Wednesday, June 18, to crowd of roughly 40 people. “Juneteenth is one of those incredible holidays that the entire community, people from all walks of life, regardless of politics, can come together to solemnly recognize our country’s past while celebrating how far we’ve […]
Cascade Symphony Orchestra announces 2025-26 concert schedule
The Cascade Symphony will open its 2025-26 season at the Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA) in late October, and orchestra Music Director Michael Miropolsky is promising “exciting discoveries” for the patrons. “We will be performing many pieces for the first time,” said Miropolsky, who will be beginning his 24th season as Cascade Symphony’s maestro. […]
Community Transit Driver Steers to Victory at International Bus Roadeo
EVERETT—Community Transit bus driver Matt Chomjak has once again proven he’s among the best bus drivers in the world, clinching the first-place title at the 2025 International Bus Roadeo. This is Chomjak’s second time earning the award of First Place Operator. Chomjak credits his winning skills to his love of driving: “I had a customer […]
Two dead, three injured after car plunges off Edmonds ferry dock
EDMONDS—A high-speed chase ended in tragedy late Tuesday night when a Mini Cooper drove off the Edmonds ferry dock, resulting in two fatalities and three injuries, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP). The incident began around 11:10 p.m., June 17, when WSP troopers observed a Mini Cooper traveling at 79 mph in a 60-mph […]
Toll rates on the SR 99 tunnel set to increase July 1, 2025
Beginning Tuesday, July 1, toll rates for the SR 99 tunnel in Seattle will increase by 3 percent. The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) approved this increase during its May 13 meeting as part of a scheduled rate adjustment plan adopted in 2018. What’s changing: Tolling helps repay the cost to build the tunnel, along […]
Rep Davis urges Lynnwood Council to consider lasting health concerns if retail cannabis is allowed
LYNNWOOD—Lynnwood City Councilmembers continued its ongoing discussion on whether, or not, they will be allowing retail cannabis stores to operate within city limits during its Work Session, Monday, June 16, where councilmembers heard from Representative Lauren Davis (LD-32) and community health advocates on the potential health risks of cannabis, specifically high potency THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. […]
