Bill targets elected sheriffs for removal by appointed state board without a public vote
OLYMPIA—A divided Washington state Senate committee advanced a bill on February 9, 2026, that would empower a state oversight board to remove elected sheriffs from office if their peace officer certification was revoked, igniting a fierce debate over balancing accountability in law enforcement with the rights of local voters. Senate Bill 5974 cleared the Ways […]
FBI Seattle 2026 Citizens Academy now accepting applications
SEATTLE—The FBI Citizens Academy in Seattle is now accepting applications for a stimulating six- to eight-week program that gives business, religious, civic, and community leaders an inside look at the FBI. During the academy, students gain insight into the structure and operation of FBI field offices and resident agencies and learn the services the FBI […]
WA income tax on higher earners clears first legislative hurdle
OLYMPIA [Jerry Cornfield]—Democrats advanced controversial income tax legislation out of a key Washington state Senate committee on Monday after pledging more proceeds to local public defender costs and increasing a tax break for small businesses. Senate Bill 6346 passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee on a voice vote. This marked the first legislative test of […]
First Amendment Battle Heats Up: Journalists sue WA State House over denied press credentials
OLYMPIA—The Citizen Action Defense Fund (CADF) filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, February 10, against the Washington State House of Representatives and the Washington State Capitol Correspondents Association (WSCCA) on behalf of three prominent journalists—Ari Hoffman, Brandi Kruse, and Jonathan Choe—after all three were denied legislative press credentials to cover proceedings at the Washington State Capitol. […]
Second lawsuit filed against Snohomish County alleging sexual abuse at Denney Juvenile Justice Center
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—A former detention officer, represented by Seattle-based law firm Hagens Berman, has filed a lawsuit against Snohomish County, accusing it of discrimination and retaliation after she reported sexual harassment at Denney Juvenile Justice Center. This is the second complaint brought forward against the county in the last three months. The first lawsuit, also brought […]
Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Parade set for February 11
SEATTLE—The Seahawks World Champions Parade, presented by Bud Light, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, and T‑Mobile is this Wednesday, February 11. The event will begin with a Trophy Celebration at 10 a.m. at Lumen Field (tickets required), followed by a parade along 4th Ave in downtown Seattle at 11 a.m. Fans are encouraged to line up anywhere […]
Millionaires’ Tax Showdown in Olympia: Fears of Business Exodus vs Calls for Fairness
OLYMPIA—Washington lawmakers heard impassioned pleas from both sides during a packed Senate Ways and Means Committee hearing on Friday, February 6, 2026, over Senate Bill 6346, a proposal to impose a 9.9% tax on individuals earning more than $1 million annually. Supporters cast the measure as a vital step toward fixing what they call a […]
State-Funded Media and Press Pass Denials: The Slippery Slope to Fascism Exposed
State-funded private media looks a lot like fascism. If the state funds preferred media while restricting access to critics, it stops looking like support for journalism and starts looking like state control of the news and political narratives. I’m somewhat of a free speech absolutist, even when it’s uncomfortable. We don’t have the 1st amendment […]
Artist Michael Reagan honors beloved Marysville K-9 heroes
MARYSVILLE—The Marysville Police Department received two hand-drawn portraits of its late K-9 officers Copper and Steele from artist Michael Reagan of the Fallen Heroes Project during a presentation on Feb. 2, offering a tribute to the dogs’ years of service and the lasting impact of their loss on the community. “We are deeply grateful to […]
19-year-old Tristan Weeks arrested in connection to Friday morning shooting and kidnapping
MONROE—Around 6:30 a.m. today, Snohomish County deputies responded to reports of a shooting in the 7800 block of 206th Drive NE. Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, a 38-year-old woman, with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported by aid to Providence Regional Medical Center. During the investigation, deputies learned that a 19-year-old male suspect, […]
