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Alex Bruell

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News

‘Triangle’ highway project suspended due to lack of funds

First phase at I-5 / SR 18 / SR 161 interchange was completed in 2012.

Photo by Alex Bruell / The Mirror
Forensic scientist Darlene Valencia tests a blood sample for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, at the new Washington State Patrol toxicology lab in Federal Way. While scientists like Valencia are not yet working on real evidence at the Federal Way lab, they are testing their equipment to ensure its accuracy.

News

Washington State Patrol to open toxicology lab in Federal Way

The State Patrol hopes the facility will be testing cases by the end of the year.

Photo by Alex Bruell / Sound Publishing
From left to right: mentor Ron Howell, resource navigator Adriane Karg, executive director De’Vonte’ Parson and COO Kechi Amaefule pose for a photo at the Pro Se Potential office in Federal Way.

Life

Former inmate helps King County youth unlock their potential

After a troubled start, De’Vonte’ Parson turned his life around and wants to do the same for others.

The Green River, where a swimmer was swept away and drowned the summer of 2022. Image courtesy Enumclaw Fire Department.

News

Don’t let the heat fool you: Rivers pose cold-water threat this time of year

Advice from local rescue agencies on how to stay safe while cooling off.

Gary Ichinaga, a volunteer fixer at the South King Tool Library, works on a microwave during last week’s repair cafe, an event in which locals can get help repairing their stuff rather than throwing it away. Photo by Bruce Honda.

News

South King Tool Library will open second branch thanks to grant

The South King Tool Library in Federal Way will open a second branch in the South King County…

This chart is from the National Park Service.

Life

Mount Rainier Park relaxes rules on non-native fishing to help native fish thrive

The National Park Service will remove restrictions on taking some fish at Mount Rainier that should both help…

Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-31, Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-31, and Rep. Eric Robertson, R-31.

News

Here’s what 31st District legislators are pursuing this year in Olympia

Police chases, tax credits, graffiti, and emergency powers — check out what’s on the table this session.

Photo by Alex Bruell
Behind the Howard Hanson Dam lies around 100 miles of prime fish-spawning habitat.

News

Congress, Biden give go-ahead to Howard Hanson Dam project

Congress and President Joe Biden signed off on major bills last month giving the go-ahead to two big…

Joni’s son Dale, born in 2021, strides across a blanket of snow on Mount Rainier in January of this year. He now has at least three other siblings who share the mountain, not to mention his mom and dad.

News

Joni the wolverine does it again – and makes babies on Mt. Rainier

For the third year in a row, she’s the MVP — Mom, Very Proud — of Mount Rainier’s…

Hilde at her 103rd birthday party. Photo by Alex Bruell.

Life

Lessons from Hilde, who fled Nazi Germany for a better life

Here’s a few things my great-aunt would have liked you to know.

The word of the day is “slush” from the Federal Way Mirror office in Federal Way, overlooking South 336th Street on Nov. 29, 2022. Photo by Alex Bruell/the Mirror

News

Slushy snow signals start of winter weather

Plus, a wind advisory is in effect the night of Nov. 29

Challenger Holly Stanton and her opponent Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-31, Rep. Eric Robertson, R-31, and challenger Chris Vance and his opponent, Sen. Phil Fortunato.

News

Fortunato, Robertson, Stokesbary lead in 31st District

Results are still pouring in, but voters in Washington’s 31st District have likely re-elected their three Republican legislators.

This letter from the ACLU appeared in the Federal Way Mirror and other newspapers in King County this month. Photo by Alex Bruell.

News

ACLU responds to South Sound mayors on public safety

An array of community organizations, service providers and public defender associations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU),…

The Washington State Department of Transportation used this image in an online open house to show the approximate location that a “King County East” airport would be considered. The image reflects the general area the report considered and is not an exact snapshot of the hypothetical airport’s geographic footprint.

News

King County SE airport draws criticism from local leaders

A full copy of the letter is attached to this story.

Chris Vance, left, will challenge incumbent Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-31st District, in November. Courtesy photos.

News

31st District: Fortunato and Vance spar on abortion, crime, GOP

Candidates are vying for the Senate seat of Washington’s 31st District, which includes Auburn, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Buckley…

Behind the Howard Hanson Dam lies around 100 miles of prime fish-spawning habitat.

News

Tribes, legislators, local leaders celebrate revival of Howard Hanson Dam project

Congressmembers, Tribal leaders and dozens more local leaders gathered at the Howard Hanson Dam to celebrate the revival…

Photos by Alex Bruell/Sound Publishing

Northwest

Hiking at Mt. Rainier: This summer, visit a paradise on Earth

If you’ve never visited the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier, there’s still time this summer to correct that…

Kim Schrier (D) and Matt Larkin (R) will face off this November for Washington’s 8th Congressional District.

News

Larkin will face Schrier for Congress this November

A photo finish between Reagan Dunn and Matt Larkin has turned toward the latter.

Chris Vance, left, plans to challenge Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-31st District, during the 2022 election. Courtesy photos

News

Chris Vance, Holly Stanton will likely challenge incumbents in District 31 races

Chris Vance, Holly Stanton will challenge incumbents in District 31 races

Eastside Fire and Rescue responds to a large brush fire July 25 on Interstate 90 near High Point Way east of Issaquah. Courtesy photo

News

County sets plan to reduce wildfire risk in rural areas

Communities like the Enumclaw Plateau, Issaquah and the Snoqualmie Valley will need a blend of strategies to face…