DCYF reveals three-fold increase in opioid-related child death and near-death numbers for 1Q-2025
[The Center Square-WA]—The Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) has reported a significant rise in child fatalities and near-fatal incidents linked to opioid exposure in the first quarter of 2025. With 54% of child deaths under state supervision attributed to opioids, particularly fentanyl, officials are grappling with how to address this escalating […]
Hegseth, Caine tout Iranian nuclear site strikes success, criticize leaks
[The Center Square] – Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine touted the United States’ early success against Iranian nuclear site strikes in a news conference, Thursday, June 26. “President Trump directed the most complex and secretive military operation in history, and it was a resounding […]
Kayak Point Park Beach Clean Up: Inspiring the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards
Environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility. From broad policies to daily choices, we all play a role in preserving our natural environment for future generations. To engage young people in this mission, my office is partnering with WSU Beach Watchers to host a Youth Beach Cleanup at Kayak Point Park. On Saturday, July 12, from […]
OSPI steps in to sustain Washington’s Imagination Library Program amid budget cuts
OLYMPIA—In a move to preserve early literacy opportunities, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has committed discretionary funds to maintain Washington’s Imagination Library program for the 2025–26 fiscal year. This decision follows the state Legislature’s elimination of the program’s funding in the recent session due to a $12 billion budget shortfall, highlighting OSPI’s […]
Slight Decline in Homelessness According to 2025 Point-in-Time Count
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Snohomish County conducted its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count on January 22, 2025, documenting 1,140 individuals experiencing homelessness, marking a 1.8% decrease from the previous year—21 fewer people. “The Point in Time Count is important to help us better understand homelessness in our county and the impact of local programs working to reduce homelessness. While […]
Thank you for the veto, now let’s squarely address Mukilteo’s challenges
Thank you, Mayor Marine, for vetoing the councilmanic sales tax. Now let’s turn our attention to other pressing matters facing the city. We need 10% cuts immediately – as I outlined in detail last September and October, both at the dais and in op-eds. Here is my 20-point plan for Mukilteo: 1. Rollback non-represented salaries to […]
Fourth of July fireworks: Celebration guide, where to discharge your own, and where they’re banned
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Get ready for a vibrant Fourth of July in Snohomish County! While personal fireworks are banned in cities like Everett and Lynnwood, you can catch professional displays at Mountlake Terrace’s Lake Ballinger, Everett’s Thunder on the Bay, and Marysville’s Ebey Waterfront Park. The Lynnwood Times compiled this guide covering legal firework zones, safety tips, […]
Mpiima Mugambe runs for Lynnwood City Council to champion community, diversity, and change
LYNNWOOD—Mpiima Mugambe, a candidate for Lynnwood City Council, aims to better represent the citizens of Lynnwood through improved communication and engagement with residents. His platform focuses on supporting the city’s first responders by enhancing their social work resources, zoning for more diverse housing, and strengthening the city’s small business core while prioritizing a community-driven budget. […]
Lynnwood City Council adopts new Unified Development Code, boosts density, rejects fire sprinkler mandate
LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood City Council at its Business Meeting on June 23, unanimously adopted its Unified Development Code (UDC), which updated and consolidated building development, regulations, and boosts density but excludes a fire sprinkler mandate due to housing affordability concerns. The council also adopted the City Center + Alderwood Subarea Plan, updated the City’s Emergency Operations […]
Mayor vetoes sales tax increase that would have made Mukilteo highest in Washington state
MUKILTEO—Mayor Joe Marine has vetoed Ordinance 1518, a measure adopted by the Mukilteo City Council on June 16, 2025, that would have raised the city’s sales tax to the highest rate in Washington State. “As Mayor, I take seriously the responsibility to balance our financial needs with the realities our residents and businesses face,” said […]
