State Government

Eligible donors urged to give blood as national blood shortage continues

The Washington State Department of Health, in partnership with the Washington State Blood Coalition, is encouraging eligible donors to give blood this summer. In addition to celebrating World Blood Donor Day on June 14, blood centers in Washington state are preparing for the summer months ahead—which is a critical time for blood donations. “Blood donations…

Multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry

The Washington State Department of Health is working with local and federal public health partners to investigate 11 identified cases of salmonella linked to backyard poultry in Pierce, Kitsap, Snohomish, Lincoln, King, Yakima and Lewis counties. This is part of a nationwide outbreak that has sickened 219 people in 38 states. In Washington, two people…

Sound Transit asks public to weigh in on proposed free youth fares

Sound Transit is asking for public feedback on a proposed policy change to implement free fares for passengers age 18 and younger. The Sound Transit Board is expected in July to consider a proposal to make fares free for youth. The change would be implemented by Sept. 1, 2022, before the start of the school…

State officials caution against touching sick or dead wild birds

The Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are asking the public to avoid contact with wild birds, especially sick or dead wild birds or their young. An outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is impacting wild birds including Canada geese, snow geese, bald eagles, and…

Three days of free access to state parks coming in June

In honor of three different events, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is providing the public with a free day of access to state parks on three days in June during which visitors will not need a Discover Pass for day-use parking. Free days of access this month include : Saturday, June 11 — National Get…

Candidate filing for federal, state and county office opens May 16

Candidate filing begins at 9 a.m. Monday, May 16, for the 2022 ballot. There are 41 offices available for filing including U.S. senator, U.S. representative, state senator, state representative, judicial positions, county prosecuting sttorney and public utility district commissioner.  Candidate filings for political party precinct committee officer positions will also be accepted. A complete list…

MLT resident works to raise awareness about group of connective tissue disorders

Thanks to Carter Hemion, awareness about a group of rare hereditary disorders that affect connective tissues is being raised throughout Washington state. The 21-year-old Mountlake Terrace resident’s efforts resulted in Gov. Jay Inslee recently signing a ceremonial proclamation that recognizes May as Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a…

That bumpy ride on southbound I-5 through Seattle will start to change May 7

There’s a rhythm to the drive on southbound Interstate 5. It comes from a series of unpleasant bumps on the section between I-90 and Spokane Street. The familiar cacophony reverberates as tires bump the original expansion joints along this stretch. Last year, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) started with new concrete, grinding down…

Officials break ground in Lynnwood for Swift Orange Line transit route

Approximately 100 people gathered at the Lynnwood Transit Center Tuesday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Swift Orange Line rapid transit route. Among those in attendance were Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, U.S. Reps. Suzan DelBene and Rick Larsen, State Sen. Marko Liias, Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell and…

Reminder: Free access to state parks on April 22 for Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is providing the public with a free day of access to state parks on Friday, April 22, during which visitors will not need a Discover Pass for day-use parking. There are various other free days throughout the year as part of the legislation that created…

32nd District legislators to hold virtual town hall April 13

State legislators representing the 32nd District are hosting a virtual town hall from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13. State Sen. Jesse Salomon and Reps. Cindy Ryu and Rep. Lauren Davis will discuss legislation from the 2022 legislative session and field questions and concerns from constituents. You can watch the meeting live on this Facebook page or at…

Department of Health issues advisory regarding sturgeon in lower Columbia River

The Washington State Department of Health has issued a health advisory for consumption of sturgeon from the lower Columbia River. The advisory extends from the mouth of Columbia (see A on map below) upriver to the Bonneville Dam (see B on map). The advisory, in accordance with findings from the Oregon Health Authority, recommends limiting…

Fair Vote Washington Snohomish County chapter to meet virtually April 2

The Snohomish County chapter of FairVote Washington will hold a virtual meeting Saturday, April 2 from 10-11 a.m. over Zoom. There will be updates from the state legislative session as well as news from Snohomish County regarding ranked-choice voting. RSVP here to attend and you’ll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link. Questions or suggestions…

Commercial drone registration starts April 1

Beginning April 1, people or businesses using drones for commercial purposes will need to start registering their drone with the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division. In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill directing the WSDOT Aviation Division to create and manage a commercial drone registration program. Commercial drone operators must register…

Studded tire removal deadline March 31

The arrival of spring brings a reminder to drivers in Washington to remove studded tires before the end of the day Thursday, March 31. By planning ahead, drivers can beat the rush at tire service shops and avoid a potential fine of $136, starting Friday, April 1. Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov….

Department of Health outlines next phase of Washington’s COVID-19 response

The Washington State Department of Health on Thursday released its long-term ForWArd plan for the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and “co-exist with COVID-19 for the foreseeable future,” the department said in a news release. To date, more than 13 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across Washington, which the department says…

Washington State Legislature approves nearly $17 billion transportation package

The Washington State Legislature gave final approval Thursday to a transportation package that  invests $16.9 billion over 16 years in major projects throughout the state.   Move Ahead Washington was sponsored by 21st District Sen. Marko Liias and 27th District Rep. Jake Fey, the respective chairs of the Senate and House transportation committees.  “We said when this package was announced that it…

State commission next week to discuss driverless vehicles, transportation impacts on communities

Current efforts to reconnect and revitalize communities that have been divided by transportation construction projects is one of the topics of discussion when the Washington State Transportation Commission meets virtually next week. The commission will also hear about General Motors’ collaboration with Cruise to introduce the Origin, one of the latest developments in electric autonomous…

Bill aimed at deterring catalytic converter thefts headed to governor’s desk

The Washington House of Representatives granted final legislative approval Tuesday night to HB 1815, aimed at deterring the theft of catalytic converters. The bill now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk for his signature. The bill, sponsored by 32nd District Rep. Cindy Ryu of Shoreline, was prompted by a wave of catalytic converter thefts over the…

Free access to state parks during two days in March

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is providing the public with a free day of access to state parks on two days in March, during which visitors will not need a Discover Pass for day-use parking. Free access is available on Wednesday, March 9 in honor of Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday and also on Saturday, March…

The “Luckiest Retailers’ for lottery tickets? 164th St. SW Fred Meyer makes list

Each year, Washington’s Lottery announces its “Luckiest Retailers,” stores that sold the most tickets worth $1,000 or more.  Topping the 2021 list of top 10 retailers was Rosario Market in Anacortes, with 17 wins, which also made it the Luckiest Retailer in the North Puget Sound region. The following South Snohomish County locations made the…

Legislation restricting sale of high-capacity firearm magazines headed to governor’s desk for signature

Legislation to restrict the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines was approved by the Washington House of Representatives on a 55-42 vote Friday. Senate Bill 5078, sponsored by 21st District State Sen. Marko Liias, prohibits the manufacture, sale, import or transfer of large-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The approved legislation does not ban the current possession of…