OLYMPIA — The state Legislature Saturday approved a bipartisan, $15.5 billion transportation plan that in part increases the state gas tax for the first time since 2016. The state tax on regular gas will rise from $0.494 per gallon now to $0.554 on July 1. It codifies a 2% annual gas tax increase from summer 2026 onward. Diesel gas tax will rise by 3 cents per gallon July 1, and another 3 cents in summer 2027, then have 2% increases every year from 2028 onward.
A letter commenting on the SRFR "Firefighter 8" lawsuit.
The Snohomish fishing dock at Hill Park that's down for the count will be rebuilt this year as the contractor has just been hired.
A letter to the editor responding to letters about First Street and criticisms of President Trump.
Pretty soon, the county will be in the thick of candidate filing week, which runs from May 5 to 9. State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) records reviewed April 17 give an indicative picture of the local races shaping up for Snohomish, Monroe, Everett and Lake Stevens.
SNOHOMISH — Snohomish’s Earth Day celebration is growing for its third year at the Carnegie Building. The takeaway is to learn something you can do yourself to, as the event theme says, “move the needle” for sustainability.
A letter with a rebuttal defense of FD4’s levy needs.
The Everett Silvertips have forced a final seventh game during second round WHL Playoffs against the Portland Winterhawks. The Tips staved off elimination Saturday, April 19 with a 8-4 win on Portland’s ice. It makes it 3-3 in the series after taking three consecutive losses April 15, 16 and 18. Friday’s game went to overtime. The final game of seven was Tuesday, April 22 after press time in Everett’s Angel of the Winds Arena.
EVERETT — The Everett Police Department is launching its Drone as a First Responder pilot program.
SNOHOMISH — Lowering the speed limit on Second Street won’t automatically make it safer, City Council members heard at the March 18 meeting.
The Snohomish County Council last month updated the rules to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in more settings through Ordinance 25-014.
A letter to the editor discussing marijuana arrests.
A letter to the editor regarding First Street planning.
The increased use of Flock license-plate reading cameras, including plans to add in Snohomish, provokes questions on warrantless monitoring.
Dr. George Diaz, the physician who diagnosed the first case, discusses COVID-19.
SNOHOMISH — A federal government cutback has food banks such as Snohomish’s hunting for help.
SNOHOMISH — Prominent changes to First Street, displayed last week as concepts being evaluated, could see narrower road lanes to accommodate wider sidewalks and may see angled parking switched for parallel parking. These options are meant to make the street safer for crossing pedestrians and more attractive streetside. As the corridor is one of the city’s crown jewels, City Hall is taking as much feedback it can get.
EVERETT — Mayor Cassie Franklin announced a renewed directive to address youth safety as part of her eighth State of the City speech Thursday, March 27 in APEX Everett and more.
A letter applauding Mayor Cassie Franklin.
MONROE — The appeal case of the “Firefighter 8,” a religious discrimination case of eight Snohomish Fire and Rescue (SRFR) frontline personnel suing for back pay after they were put on months of unpaid leave for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, has its next step in federal appeals court this week. Oral arguments will be heard April 3 in Portland in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
