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 […]
US Supreme Court rules to allow third-country deportations
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision of Monday, June 23, granting the Trump administration’s request to stay a lower court injunction, now paving the way to proceed with deporting illegal immigrants to a third county not specified in their removal orders. The unsigned order pauses a ruling by U.S. District Judge […]
ACCESS Project’s Youth and Cops basketball comes to a close, more events planned through summer

LYNNWOOD—The ACCESS Project’s weekly Youth vs Cops basketball character building events came to a close on Tuesday, June 17, but its founder Wally Webster II says similar sporting events are planned through the summer – including volleyball, soccer, and flag football. The ACCESS Project was started in 2022 as a collaborate movement bringing together government […]
Iran’s nuclear ambitions hammered, world reminded of US military dominance, now braces for Strait of Hormuz showdown

On Saturday. June 20, the world not only witnessed a precision military strike against Iran’s nuclear targets, the United States military, under President Donald J Trump as Commander-in-Chief, has likely removed any doubt to America’s adversaries and “allies” that it can “completely and totally obliterate” any threat in the world within 24 hours undetected. President […]