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 […]
Some public employees could get a pension boost
OLYMPIA — Retired teachers and other public employees who established state pensions before 1977 might receive a one-time, 3% increase in retirement benefits this year — up to $110 dollars per month, under a bipartisan bill this legislative session. The Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) on Plan 1 includes […]
Washington Senate passes abortion medication expansion
OLYMPIA – Legislation increasing the accessibility of mifepristone and misoprostol, used for abortion and to manage miscarriages, advanced out of the Washington Senate Feb. 10. Senate Bill 5917 is a follow-up to Senate Bill 5768, which passed during the 2023 legislative session as a safeguard against potential national bans on abortion access. SB 5768 allows […]
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 […]
Lynnwood Mayor Hurst launches committee to counter ICE Activity
LYNNWOOD—At its Business Meeting on February 9, 2026, the Lynnwood City Council revised councilmember liaison assignments and approved an Interlocal Agreement with South County Fire regarding an Embedded Health Worker program. Mayor George Hurst, inspired by a recent Cops and Clergy meeting, proposes forming a mayor’s committee of service providers—including LETI, Refugee & Immigrant Services Northwest, […]
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 […]
