Amid Trump crackdown, Lynnwood proposes protections for immigrants from ICE
LYNNWOOD—Amid escalating national outrage over fatal shootings and tactics by ICE in sweeping immigration crackdowns — which has deported over 540,000 people since January 2025 — the Lynnwood City Council debated a resolution on Tuesday, February 17, to shield immigrant residents from federal agents and raids. The Lynnwood police warned of legal risks if they […]
A proposed bill would place worker rights under state protection
OLYMPIA [Annika Hauer]— Under a bill before the legislature, a state agency would step in to protect workers under collective bargaining should a federal board fail to do so. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) enforces labor laws and rights in the private sector with the exemption of agricultural workers. In January 2025, President Donald […]
Legislators promise support for survivors of gender-based violence
OLYMPIA [Cassie Diamond] – As Washingtonians geared up to celebrate love in anticipation of Valentine’s Day, lawmakers highlighted how the state is addressing gender-based violence and supporting survivors. During a press conference Feb. 13, Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, said we are facing a “worldwide reckoning” after the release of the Epstein files. She went on […]
Tension rising over how to spend revenue from proposed WA income tax
OLYMPIA [Bill Lucia] — A day after the Washington state Senate approved an income tax on millionaire earners, Gov. Bob Ferguson said he’s still not satisfied with the bill. He’s previously preached the need to pump a significant portion of the proceeds toward tax relief. On Tuesday, he said lawmakers hadn’t gone far enough and […]
Bill critics dubbed the ‘initiative killer’ appears dead for 2026 session
OLYMPIA [The Center Square] — The initiative killer bill appears to be dead in Olympia, at least for this session. SB 5973 – sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, cleared out of the Senate State Government Tribal Affairs and Elections Committee last month, but on Tuesday, Sen. Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, said the bill was not expected to […]
Washington flood damage totals at least $182M, governor says
OLYMPIA [Jake Goldstein-Street]—Washington Governor Bob Ferguson on Tuesday asked the Trump administration for up to $173 million to deal with damage to roads, levees and more from flooding in December, and prepare for similar future disasters. The preliminary damage estimate for the state is $182.3 million, Ferguson said. “This historic flooding resulted in, we believe, […]
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 […]
