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 […]
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 […]
Lynnwood Neighborhood Center actualizes 30-year vision with ribbon cutting: An investment for ‘generational twinkles’
LYNNWOOD—Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW), travel writer guru Rick Steves, multiple stakeholders and investors, and community supporters finally cut the ribbon on Lynnwood’s brand-new, highly anticipated, Lynnwood Neighborhood Center (LNC) near Trinity Lutheran Church and Schools on Friday, January 9. “The Lynnwood Neighborhood Center is a long-awaited dream and it’s about to open its […]
Former Edmonds College Physics Professor arrested in child predator sting
EDMONDS—Houston Curry Wade, 44, of Bainbridge Island, who was a part-time onsite faculty member teaching Physics and Astronomy at Edmonds College until 2022, was arrested on December 17, 2025, attempting to meet an 11-year-old girl for sexual activities, according to Bremerton Police. If convicted, Wade faces up to life in prison. Wade is still in […]
South County Fire swears in three new commissioners
EVERETT—South County Fire’s Board of Commissioners swore in three members, including one newly elected commissioner, during a meeting on Tuesday, January 6. Commissioner Joe Wankelman joins the board after being elected in November from District 1, which includes Mountlake Terrace, Brier, the Esperance community and portions of unincorporated southwest Snohomish County. Wankelman has 17 years […]
