Local News

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Delay on Critical Areas Ordinance update draws criticism from groups

Edmonds is considering delaying updates to a section of the ordinance that would restrict stormwater wells near its drinking water aquifer.

 

The newly elected Mayor of Lynnwood George Hurst outside of Lynnwood City Hall on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

New Lynnwood mayor talks his vision for the next four years

George Hurst will be tasked with leading the city out of its financial crisis. He also says he’ll prioritize safety and affordability.

 

Jonni Ng runs into the water at Brackett’s Landing North during the 19th annual Polar Bear Plunge on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 in Edmonds, Washington. The plunge at Brackett’s Landing beach was started by Brian Taylor, the owner of Daphnes Bar. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Photos: Hundreds take the plunge in Edmonds

The annual New Year’s Polar Bear Plunge has been a tradition for 19 years.

 

Everett

Two killed in fatal collision Friday in Everett

Four cars were involved in the collision, including one car flipping and hitting a pole.

Everett
Multiple vehicles sit along Fleming Street with yellow evidence ID tents at the scene of a fatal shooting on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Multi-county pursuit ends in officer-involved shooting Friday in Everett

Officers attempted to use less lethal means to apprehend the suspect before resorting to deadly force in the 6100 block of Fleming Street, police said.

Multiple vehicles sit along Fleming Street with yellow evidence ID tents at the scene of a fatal shooting on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
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Providence Swedish welcomes first babies of 2026 in Everett, Edmonds

Leinel Enrique Aguirre was the first baby born in the county on Thursday in Everett at 5:17 a.m. He weighed 7.3 pounds and measured 20 inches long.

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Marysville house fire on New Year’s Day displaces family of five

Early Thursday morning, fire crews responded to reports of flames engulfing the home. One firefighter sustained minor injuries.

People wear burger-themed shoes for the grand opening to the Everett location of Dick’s Drive-In on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

The top 10 most-read Herald stories of the year

Readers gravitated to articles about local businesses, crime, and human interest throughout 2025.

People wear burger-themed shoes for the grand opening to the Everett location of Dick’s Drive-In on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Stanwood man allegedly stole a WSP vehicle to get home for Christmas

The 24-year-old is facing robbery and eluding charges in connection with the Christmas day incident.

Back to rain and snow in Snohomish County in time for the new year

The last few days of blue skies will give way to rain in the lowlands, with 5-8 inches of snow also expected in the Cascades

US 2 to reopen Sunday west of Stevens Pass

The major east-west route was badly damaged during heavy rain and flooding that hit the state earlier this month.

  • Dec 31, 2025
  • By Bill Lucia Washington State Standard
Anthony Parra carries a tree over his shoulder at Pilchuck Secret Valley Tree Farm on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Need to get rid of your tree, Snohomish County? Here’s how.

As the holiday season comes to an end, here are some ways you can properly dispose of your Christmas tree.

Anthony Parra carries a tree over his shoulder at Pilchuck Secret Valley Tree Farm on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood

Lynnwood to host collection event for Styrofoam, e-waste

Those with Styrofoam or e-waste to dispose of can bring it to the city’s operations and maintenance center from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Lynnwood
Lake Stevens Sewer District wastewater treatment plant. (Lake Stevens Sewer District)

Many Snohomish County residents will see tax increases in 2026

Several tax and utility rate increases local governments passed this year will begin in early 2026.

Lake Stevens Sewer District wastewater treatment plant. (Lake Stevens Sewer District)
Nory Hang, right, watches cars pass by while picketing with fellow Boeing workers on strike along Airport Road on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

New state laws and taxes take effect on Thursday

Tax hikes on big business and rental cars, and unemployment benefits for workers on strike are some of the changes in store for 2026.

  • Dec 30, 2025
  • Jake Goldstein-Street Washington State Standard
Nory Hang, right, watches cars pass by while picketing with fellow Boeing workers on strike along Airport Road on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
A selection of leather whips available at Lovers Lair on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

What’s behind the tinted windows at Everett’s ‘#1 Kink Store’

From beginner toys to full-on bondage, Lovers Lair opens the door to a world most people never see.

A selection of leather whips available at Lovers Lair on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

One dead, one injured in two-alarm Lynnwood apartment fire Sunday night

The Lynnwood fire impacted eight units and left 20 people, including 10 children, displaced.

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Snohomish City Council takes final action before new administration

The lame duck council called a special meeting two days before Christmas to appoint a new member to the planning commission.

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The newly rebuilt section of Index-Galena Road is pictured on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, near Index, Washington. (Jordan Hansen / The Herald)

Part of rural Index-Galena road closed due to flood damage

County officials say it’s unknown when the section of road, which closes seasonally due to winter weather, will reopen.

The newly rebuilt section of Index-Galena Road is pictured on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, near Index, Washington. (Jordan Hansen / The Herald)
Ari Smith, 14, cheers in agreement with one of the speakers during Snohomish County Indivisible’s senator office rally at the Snohomish County Campus on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

The best photos of 2025 in Snohomish County

From the banks of the Snohomish River to the turf of Husky Stadium, here are the favorite images captured last year by the Herald’s staff photographer.

Ari Smith, 14, cheers in agreement with one of the speakers during Snohomish County Indivisible’s senator office rally at the Snohomish County Campus on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)