Sound Transit Weaponizes Eminent Domain Against Federal Way Church

The term, “eminent domain,” when invoked by government, infers a sense of nobility, honorability, and indicates an exercise for the public’s common good. In many cases, the use of eminent domain can be beneficial to a community in need but should only be utilized when no other alternatives exist. Sadly, more often than not, it’s used […]
Faith, Equity, and the Responsibility to Protect Opportunity

As a pastor, educator, and proud member of the African American community, I approach public policy through both a moral lens and a deep sense of responsibility to those who are too often left behind. In both the Black church and across the African diaspora, leadership has always carried a sacred expectation: to protect the […]
Sound Transit $34.5 Billion Budget Shortfall, Line 2 Opens March 28

SEATTLE — Sound Transit confronted a $34.5 billion budget shortfall for its Sound Transit 3 expansion as leaders searched for ways to deliver on voter promises amid soaring construction costs. Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, who chairs the Sound Transit Board, issued a statement outlining the board’s approach to the latest challenges. “In the face […]
Fatal Everett Police Shooting Near Emerson School Under SMART Investigation

EVERETT — A man died after being shot by law enforcement officers early Friday in Everett when he advanced on them following reports of gunfire near an elementary school. The Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team is investigating the use of force incident that took place around 2:30 a.m., Friday, March 20, in the 8700 […]
Navy Veteran Chris Elder Announces Candidacy for Washington State Legislature

Chris Elder, a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran who served in naval aviation and a longtime Snohomish County resident, on Thursday announced his candidacy for State Representative in Washington’s 44th Legislative District against incumbent Rep. Brandy Donaghy. Below is the press release by the Chris Elder campaign in its entirety: Running to represent the hardworking families […]
Federal Judge to Block HHS Declaration That Cuts Medicare Medicaid Funding for Trans Youth Procedures

PORTLAND, Ore. — A federal judge in Oregon said on Thursday it would grant a summary judgment against a declaration by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that sought to cut Medicare and Medicaid funding to hospitals performing certain procedures on transgender minors. U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai will rule that the […]
SAVE America Act could cost Washington $40M and block eligible voters, Hobbs warns

Election officials warned Thursday that the SAVE America Act could saddle the state with tens of millions of dollars in new costs and erect fresh barriers for eligible voters already accustomed to convenient mail-in balloting. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs joined U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla of California and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, along with […]
Op-Ed: The ballooning cost of the I-5 bridge is unjustified

Back in 2009, the Washington Policy Center noted that the preferred Columbia River bridge alternative, which included light rail, was estimated to cost $4 billion, with light rail chewing up about $1 billion of that projection. The Oregonian reported the same year that project officials were “searching for ways to make the project affordable.” Apparently, they didn’t find anything, as […]
Sexual Abuse Allegations Rock César Chávez Day — But the Farm Worker Movement Lives On

EVERETT — Sexual abuse allegations against César Chávez have led to the cancellation or scaling back of observances for César Chávez Day, which is on March 31, across the country, including the lack of an official proclamation in Washington state this year. “In light of the shocking allegations, the governor will not be issuing a […]
Everett Detectives identified suspect in fire engine theft via DNA

Everett Police property crimes detectives have referred charges to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office after completing the investigation into the July 2025 theft of an Everett Fire Department engine and the series of collisions that followed. “Stealing a fire engine is not only unlawful – it puts our community and our first responders at risk,” […]