WA lawmakers want to restrict ICE access to schools, health facilities
OLYMPIA [Jake Goldstein-Street]—Legislation to force U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to get court approval before entering schools and health care facilities cleared the Washington state Senate on Thursday. Senate Bill 5906 covers “nonpublic areas” of preschools, K-12 schools, health facilities, adult family homes, higher education institutions and election offices. It also prohibits early learning providers and […]
WA Fish and Wildlife saga deepens with claims of collusion
OLYMPIA [Jerry Cornfield]—Two members of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission are pushing back on newly surfaced allegations that they shunned government transparency laws and appeared to have colluded with the leader of a wildlife advocacy group on policy matters. A scathing 10-page memo says the behavior of commissioners Lorna Smith and Melanie Rowland posed “serious risks” […]
Letter to the Editor: Protect Crime Victim Services in Snohomish County
Crime victim services in Washington are facing a serious funding cliff, and consequences will be felt in communities like ours if action is not taken this legislative session. Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center serves children and families impacted by abuse, sexual assault, and other serious crimes in Snohomish County — some of the most vulnerable […]
Everett Cracks Down on Unpermitted Food Vendors to Protect Public Health
EVERETT—The Everett City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Wednesday cracking down on unlicensed mobile food vendors, citing rising public health risks and unfair competition from unpermitted stands. The measure, which takes effect immediately, requires mobile food vendors — defined as movable stands, carts or kiosks selling prepared food for profit — to obtain a city […]
Snohomish County voters approve $2.9 billion for education in Special Election
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Voters in Snohomish County approved 17 out of 21 school district levies and bonds in the Feb. 10, special election, channeling $2.916 billion toward educational programs, facility upgrades and technology amid a 22.62% turnout from 454,289 registered voters. Bonds require a 60 percent threshold to pass, whereas levies require a simple majority. The results […]
WA officials address voting concerns after Trump’s comments on SAVE Act
OLYMPIA – Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is pushing back against President Donald Trump’s comments about “nationalizing” elections and the SAVE America Act, saying Washington’s election system will remain secure and locally controlled. In an email statement to the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association (WNPA), Hobbs said Washington is prepared to protect voters’ rights despite […]
New Telehealth Hub at LETI in Snohomish County Boosts Access to Care
EVERETT—Latino Educational Training Institute (LETI) in Everett recently launched a new telehealth space, at its Everett training center, thanks to a donation from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Washington (UHC). The space features 25 Wi-Fi-enabled computers and medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors and infrared thermometers, helping residents without reliable internet access or personal devices […]
Boeing sets midsummer launch for new 737 MAX North Line in Everett
LYNNWOOD—Boeing plans to open an Everett “North Line” assembly for its 737 MAX in “midsummer” of 2026, marking a key step in the aerospace juggernaut’s push to ramp up output after years of production setbacks. Katie Ringgold, Boeing’s vice president and 737 program general manager, revealed the timeline during a speech at the Pacific Northwest […]
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 […]
