On November 8, 2005, Washington voters overwhelmingly approve a sweeping ban on smoking indoors (and near doorways), and authorize performance audits of government agencies. Two initiatives proposing...
On December 6, 2005, Spokane voters recall Mayor Jim West (1951-2006) from office by a margin of 65 percent to 35 percent in a special single-question election. Ten days later, the election will be ce...
On December 8, 2005, a new anti-smoking law goes into effect in Washington state, banning smoking in all public places and work areas and requiring people who light up to stay at least 25 feet away fr...
On December 16, 2005, the Future of Flight Aviation Center at Paine Field in Mukilteo opens its doors to the public. With an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and speeches by Governor Christine Gregoir...
On December 22, 2005, Weyerhaeuser Company's large-log sawmill in Aberdeen closes after 81 years of operation. Eighty-three employees, some of them third-generation sawmill workers, lose their jobs. A...
On January 24, 2006, two murder suspects attempt to flee into Canada at the Peace Arch Crossing in Blaine. The suspects, wanted in a murder case in Richmond, California, flee northbound on Interstat...
On January 31, 2006, Governor Christine Gregoire (b. 1947) signs a law that adds "sexual orientation" to existing prohibitions on discrimination in employment, housing, lending, and insurance. The sig...
On February 5, 2006, the Seattle Seahawks play in Super Bowl XL (No. 40), marking their first appearance in the National Football League’s championship game. They face the Pittsburg...
On February 14, 2006, Seattle-based Theo Chocolate makes its first batch of chocolate bars, becoming the nation's first producer of organic and free-trade chocolates. The company, founded by Joe Whinn...
On March 21, 2006, after years of controversy and litigation delays, King County officially opens the central seven miles of the East Lake Sammamish Trail. The 11-mile trail runs from the end of the ...
On March 25, 2006, Kyle Huff opens fire at a rave afterparty held at 2112 E Republican Street in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Six people are killed and two are wounded. Police officer Steve L...
On April 10, 2006, more than 15,000 people, mostly Latinos, converge from across the state to march through the streets of Seattle to protest a bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 4...