John Braun commentary: Olympia’s concern for affordability continues to be one-sided
Republicans still seem to be alone at the state Capitol when it comes to knowing what “affordability” truly means. The proof is in the nearly 70 bills proposed or reintroduced by majority Democrats over the past several weeks that would make living in our state even more expensive. This long list of legislation would increase […]
Super Bowl LX Champions, Seattle Seahawks up for sale
SEATTLE—The estate of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen announced Wednesday, February 18, it has begun the formal process of selling the Seattle Seahawks, just 10 days after the team won its second Super Bowl title and two days after the Washington State Senate passed a Millionaires’ Tax. Speculation about a potential sale circulated for weeks, […]
Port of Everett unveils new sculpture at Waterfront Place
EVERETT—Inspired by a historic photograph of a young girl overlooking the marina, the Port of Everett’s newest bronze-cast sculpture honors the waterfront’s past while inviting visitors to look ahead to the future as the Port’s Waterfront Place continues to take shape. Visitors can find the new sculpture, brought to life by Sultan-based artist Kevin Pettelle, […]
Puyallup School District under federal investigation after alleged assault at girls wrestling match
PUYALLUP—The Puyallup School District is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) after a female wrestler was allegedly assaulted by a competitor during a competition designated as a female’s only wrestling event. Back in December 6, 2025, a 16-year-old female wrestler at a District school reported being sexually assaulted […]
Democrats quietly pushing rollback of estate tax increase
OLYMPIA [THE CENTER SQUARE]—As majority Democrats in Olympia push ahead with a controversial income tax bill, they are also moving to roll back another tax-the-rich policy passed during the 2025 session. Senate Bill 6347, authored by Sen. Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent, would change the rates approved a year ago for all eight brackets exactly to where […]
WA State Senate approves Millionaires’ Tax on personal income
OLYMPIA [JERRY CORNFIELD & BILL LUCIA]—Washington state moved one step closer Monday, February 16, to creating a personal income tax two years after the Legislature said it wouldn’t. Majority Democrats in the Senate advanced legislation on a 27-22 vote to tax households earning more than a million dollars. Passage of the bill followed a three-and-a-half hour debate on […]
Snohomish County Sports Tourism Generates $42 Million in Economic Impact for 2025
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—The Snohomish County Sports Commission had a stellar year in 2025, supporting more than 150 sports tournaments and welcoming over 230,000 visitors to the area. These events generated approximately $42 million with nearly 43,000 room nights booked, and there were a record number of 37 different sports played throughout 12 communities. This was also […]
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 […]
