Northwest

The language of the original bill prohibited privately-owned detainment facilities from being contracted by local, state, or federal government entities, but a last-second amendment was adopted to substantially narrow the focus of the legislation. File photo
2020 WA Legislature

Lawmakers flinch on banning for-profit detention facilities

Last minute amendment exempted ICE detainment facility.

  • Feb 19, 2020

 

A proposal to make King County Metro fares free for low-income households could be approved in the coming months. File photo

King County considers free transit for low-income residents

The program would target those at or below 80 percent of the federal poverty level.

 

Federal Way resident Mi’Chance Dunlap-Gittens, 17, died Jan. 27, 2017. Courtesy photo
Deadly force

Law enforcement challenges report on sting operation that killed Federal Way teen

King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight’s findings rattle Sheriff’s Office, police union.

 

Government assistance programs

Unstable housing? Apply for Section 8

Applications open in February for housing vouchers

  • Feb 11, 2020
In 2018, the city of Seattle approved and then repealed a head tax within a month. It would have levied a $275 per employee tax on businesses grossing more than $20 million annually. Sound Publishing file photo
Homelessness

County head tax bill passes committee

Bill would let King County levy a tax on businesses to fund housing and address homelessness.

In 2018, the city of Seattle approved and then repealed a head tax within a month. It would have levied a $275 per employee tax on businesses grossing more than $20 million annually. Sound Publishing file photo
Gov. Jay Inslee signs the first bill of the 2020 legislative session into law. On the right stands the bill’s primary sponsor, Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, who is wearing a red tie. Photo by Cameron Sheppard, WNPA News Service
2020 WA Legislature

Gov. Inslee signs tax bill to help fund higher education

Law shifts a portion of the tax burden to large tech companies.

  • Feb 11, 2020
Gov. Jay Inslee signs the first bill of the 2020 legislative session into law. On the right stands the bill’s primary sponsor, Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, who is wearing a red tie. Photo by Cameron Sheppard, WNPA News Service
Sound Publishing file photo
Roads and bridges

King County Council could place roads levy lift on 2020 ballot

Levy could increase taxes for a median home by about $224 a year.

Sound Publishing file photo
King County Metro’s battery-electric bus. Photo courtesy of kingcounty.gov

King County Metro bus fleet will be electrified by 2035

Future base in South King County would house hundreds of the zero-emission vehicles.

King County Metro’s battery-electric bus. Photo courtesy of kingcounty.gov
Three-quarters of the suicide deaths among children ages 10 to 14 are caused by firearms, according to a new report from the Firearm Injury and Policy Research Program at the University of Washington. File photo

King County studies youth gun violence amid rising suicides

It’s unclear what’s driving the trend.

Three-quarters of the suicide deaths among children ages 10 to 14 are caused by firearms, according to a new report from the Firearm Injury and Policy Research Program at the University of Washington. File photo
A King County work crew clears a road near Preston on Feb. 7, 2020. Heavy rains appear to have caused multiple landslides along the road. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo

The future could look a lot like this year’s flood season

Climate change is expected to lead to more winter flooding in King County.

A King County work crew clears a road near Preston on Feb. 7, 2020. Heavy rains appear to have caused multiple landslides along the road. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo
High tides, as seen in this file photo of Raymond’s Willapa Landing Park in Pacific County, could become the norm in the future due to sea level rise. Sound Publishing file photo
Climate change

UW summarizes Washington climate impact on water

The report localizes information from the United Nations.

High tides, as seen in this file photo of Raymond’s Willapa Landing Park in Pacific County, could become the norm in the future due to sea level rise. Sound Publishing file photo
State Capitol Building, Olympia, Washington. File photo
2020 WA Legislature

Mental illness: Lawmakers propose plan to treat without consent

Concerns raised on the guardianship and loss of rights for incapacitated persons.

  • Feb 8, 2020
State Capitol Building, Olympia, Washington. File photo
Black Press file photo

North Bend facility will serve as U.S. quarantine zone

Facility will be one of five nationwide.

Black Press file photo
Screenshot from paradisofestival.com.

Paradiso Festival is on the rocks following lawsuit

Paradiso Festival, one of the most popular annual EDM events in Washington state, may be in trouble after one of its owning companies is suing… Continue reading

Screenshot from paradisofestival.com.
Special Report

Recredentialed: Hundreds of WA doctors are stuck working survival jobs

Unable to find residency positions, many are driving Ubers, working warehouses or unemployed.

A stump left over from a previous timber cut on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, in Gold Bar, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
2020 WA Legislature

Lawmakers back timber industry to help reduce WA’s carbon emissions

8 million acres of private forests offset 12% of state’s carbon emissions, says forestry group.

  • Jan 31, 2020
A stump left over from a previous timber cut on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, in Gold Bar, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sarah Abdullah is a pharmacist who left Iraq as a refugee. She joined the Welcome Back Center at Highline College and is now only two tests away from gaining Washington state certification to practice her trade. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo
Special Report

Recredentialed: Barriers face Washington’s immigrant, refugee professionals

Even with degrees from abroad, it can be difficult for many to get certified in the state.

Sarah Abdullah is a pharmacist who left Iraq as a refugee. She joined the Welcome Back Center at Highline College and is now only two tests away from gaining Washington state certification to practice her trade. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo
File photo

Pot shops group up in unincorporated King County

A report found the retailers are not distributing around the county.

File photo
Washington state lawmakers will consider a system that would charge drivers fees based on how many miles they travel. File photo
2020 WA Legislature

Lawmakers hear pitch to replace gas tax with per-mile fees

Transportation officials recommend 10-year transition.

  • Jan 29, 2020
Washington state lawmakers will consider a system that would charge drivers fees based on how many miles they travel. File photo
If passed, Senate Bill 6254 would limit the nicotine concentration of vape products, ban certain flavoring chemicals and require vape manufacturers, distributors and retailers to obtain licenses from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. File photo
2020 WA Legislature

Lawmakers propose sweeping regulations for vaping industry

Bill supporters cite concerns over health issues and teen use.

  • Jan 23, 2020
If passed, Senate Bill 6254 would limit the nicotine concentration of vape products, ban certain flavoring chemicals and require vape manufacturers, distributors and retailers to obtain licenses from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. File photo