Latest Northwest

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, surrounded by community members, announces an executive order to protect immigrants at a press conference Feb. 12, 2026. Photo courtesy of King County Office of the Executive

Northwest

King County executive signs order to better protect immigrants

Girmay Zahilay’s first executive order goes into effect immediately.

Photo by the CDC.

Northwest

Measles in Washington state: What you need to know

At least 23 cases reported so far in 2026.

Stock photo

Northwest

As pennies disappear, WA seeks solution that makes sense

When the federal government stopped making pennies, it left it up to states to decide how retailers deal…

A homeless encampment along the Green River. FILE PHOTO

Northwest

State bill would prohibit local bans on encampments in Washington

Would keep cities and counties from criminalizing camping on public property.

COURTESY PHOTO, Washington State Patrol

Northwest

Extra DUI patrols set for Super Bowl weekend in King County

More police to be out Feb. 6-8

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Northwest

State Senate approves lower drunk driving limit

The bill drops it to 0.05% from 0.08%; still needs House approval

Gov. Bob Ferguson answers a question during a joint press conference with Attorney General Nick Brown Jan. 26. Photo by Cassie Diamond

Northwest

Gov. Ferguson denounces recent actions by ICE as ‘un-American’

OLYMPIA – Gov. Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown condemned the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs…

Dwight Dively poses with the proclamation and the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service. Photo courtesy of King County

Northwest

King County honors budget director for distinguished service

The King County Council a former county employee with the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service, only the fourth…

Leesa Manion. COURTESY PHOTO, Leesa Manion

Northwest

Leesa Manion seeks reelection as King County Prosecuting Attorney

Defeated Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell in November 2022

From left to right: Rep. Travis Couture, Sen. Chris Gildon, Sen. June Robinson, and Rep. Timm Ormsby speak during the general fund budget panel at the 2026 legislative session preview Jan. 9. Photo by Cassie Diamond

Northwest

What’s on the agenda for Washington’s 2026 legislative session

With a looming $1.6 billion to $2.3 billion budget shortfall hanging over the Washington state legislature, House and…

King County Flood Patrol members Thomas Bannister (left) and Seth Ballhorn on their patrol route, Dec. 9, 2025. (Grace Gorenflo/Sound Publishing)

Northwest

Flood Patrol is King County’s ‘eyes and ears’ in flood emergencies

“This work is physically demanding and often unseen,” the county said.

U.S. District Courthouse in Seattle. COURTESY PHOTO, USDOJ

Northwest

US Marshals alert public of fraudulent court order scams

Warning comes from Seattle-based Western District of Washington

On Dec. 8, 2025, the atmospheric river stretched thousands of miles from Guam to Washington before bringing moist subtropical air to the region for nearly a week. Photo from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES-18 Satellite

Northwest

Flood science: How December’s atmospheric river soaked Washington

After recovering from record-setting flooding, many in King County are wondering why December’s flooding has been more extreme…

COURTESY PHOTO, PSE

Northwest

Puget Sound Energy electric, natural gas rates go up

Roughly a 12% hike for electric customers and 7% for natural gas customers

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

Northwest

New laws and taxes take effect in WA on Jan. 1

Tax hikes on big business and rental cars. Unemployment benefits for workers on strike.

The flooded Cedar River flowing into Lake Washington. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing

Northwest

Tenants’ rights and resources following floods

Washington state law has protections for tenants.

Photos by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.

Northwest

Try Furoshiki: Japan’s eco-friendly way to wrap gifts

In collaboration with the Seattle Consulate-General of Japan and the King County Library System, local residents learned “Fabulous…

A breach in the Desimone levee Dec. 15 along the Green River in Tukwila. COURTESY SCREENSHOT/Video, King County Sheriff’s Office

Northwest

Army Corps assists King County with Green River levee breach

Reduces water flow from Hanson Dam; provides personnel support; super sacks

Floodwater from the Snohomish River partially covers a flood water sign on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Sound Publishing photo)

Northwest

Feds approve WA emergency declaration for record flooding

As rivers began to recede, the federal government on Dec. 12 approved Washington’s request for aid to respond…

An AR-15 rifle and a loaded magazine that were recovered from a suspect in a shooting incident at the Kent Station parking garage in 2019. (Photo courtesy of King County Sheriff’s Office)

Northwest

WA’s ban on assault weapon sales survives another challenge

A judge last month once again upheld Washington’s 2023 law banning the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms classified…