WAGOP Chair accuse AG Brown and Sen Wellman of shielding fraudsters in childcare scandal
BELLEVUE—Washington State Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh criticized Democratic officials for their responses to an expanding federal investigation into alleged childcare fraud, accusing them of siding with potential wrongdoers over taxpayers amid claims the schemes have spread from Minnesota to states including Washington. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a nationwide probe into […]
HHS activates Defend the Spend system, evidence now required for ACF childcare payments to combat fraud
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a press statement released today, HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, alongside Assistant Secretary Alex Adams who oversees the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announced the immediate freeze of all federal child care payments to Minnesota and nationwide activation of the Defend the Spend system amid allegations of widespread fraud in child care […]
Key US-2 bridge near Skykomish set for full reopening Jan 4, restoring western access to Stevens Pass
SKYKOMISH — A key bridge on US-2 near Skykomish has been cleared of debris and deemed structurally sound, allowing the western section of the route to reopen from Monroe to Stevens Pass starting January 4, Governor Bob Ferguson and Washington State Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith announced Tuesday. Repairs along a 49-mile stretch of US-2 are […]
Federal judge allows sharing of immigrant Medicaid data with ICE
SAN FRANCISCO—A federal judge ruled Monday that states must share basic personal information, including citizenship status, about undocumented immigrants enrolled in Medicaid with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation efforts, but barred the exchange of sensitive health records. The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria, partially upholds a President Donald J Trump’s […]
Boeing awarded $10.6B for Israeli Jets and B-52 upgrades
WASHINGTON — The Boeing Company secured two major contracts from the United States Air Force on Monday, totaling more than $10 billion, to supply advanced fighter jets to Israel and upgrade engines for the aging B-52 bomber fleet. The deals were announced the day President Donald J Trump was meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu […]
Washington secures $181 million in federal funds for rural health
BALTIMORE—Washington state has secured $181.3 million in federal funding for 2026 as part of a sweeping $50 billion initiative to bolster rural health care nationwide, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Monday, December 29. The award marks the first installment for Washington under the Rural Health Transformation Program, which will distribute $10 billion […]
Construction delays close 57 parking spaces at Lynnwood City Center station during New Years
LYNNWOOD—The south parking lot of the Lynnwood Link City Center station will remain closed to general public parking closing 57 parking spaces (about 3% of total capacity) until January 9, 2026. Access during the closure is restricted to only five ADA (accessible) parking spaces, and DART and ZIP drop off/pickups. First announced on September 11 […]
New Year’s Eve service: Community Transit joins regional agencies for fare-free rides
Need a safe ride on New Year’s Eve? Community Transit and regional partners are offering fare-free service. Below is what you can expect from Community Transit and our regional partners on Dec. 31, plus a quick guide to New Year’s Day service. Community Transit King County Metro King County Water Taxi The water taxi will […]
Fatal Fire at The Martin at Meadowdale Displaces 20, Claims One Life in Lynnwood
LYNNWOOD—A woman was found dead following a fire at an apartment complex in Lynnwood on Sunday night. South County Firefighters also transported a man to a hospital for smoke inhalation. South County Firefighters were dispatched just before 11:40 p.m., December 28, to a fire at The Martin at Meadowdale—a two-story apartment complex in the 16000 block […]
December Flood Accelerates Seasonal Road Closure of Index-Galena Rd
EVERETT—Due to damage from recent flooding, Snohomish County Public Works has closed a portion of Index-Galena Rd for the winter season. The road is closed between the access gates near milepost 10 to the west and milepost 14 to the east. This section historically closes for the winter months due to the amount of snow […]
