News

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In 2018, the city of Seattle approved and then repealed a head tax within a month.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In 2018, the city of Seattle approved and then repealed a head tax within a month.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

King County Prosecutor Satterberg seeks more help for drug addicts

Supports business head tax to raise revenue

U.S. Department of Justice sues King County for banning ICE flights | Update

Constantine responds to claims of unlawful, unconstitutional restrictions on use of Boeing Field

  • Feb 10, 2020

Man rescued from the ruins of a collapsed retaining wall

The Valley Regional Fire Authority Technical Rescue Team – along with help from technical rescue specialists from South King Fire and Puget Sound Fire –… Continue reading

  • Feb 10, 2020
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

Developer of 8-story apartment building to break ground

Auburn Partners Development Associates expects to break ground on its Legacy Plaza Auburn Senior Living Apartments project immediately south of City Hall on Feb. 10.… Continue reading

The swollen Green River floods Isaac Evans Park. City officials are keeping watch on the rising waters. CITY OF AUBURN photo
WEATHER WATCH

Controlled dam releases push Green River to Phase 4 flood alert level – severe flooding

Flood Warning Center continues to monitor widespread river flooding in King County after a powerful rainstorm swept across the region earlier this week.

  • Feb 7, 2020
The swollen Green River floods Isaac Evans Park. City officials are keeping watch on the rising waters. CITY OF AUBURN photo

Auburn Police blotter | Feb. 7

Auburn Police responded to many calls for service between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2, among them the following: Jan. 28 Robbery by firearm: 9:01 a.m.,… Continue reading

  • Feb 7, 2020

VRFA fire and rescue botter | Feb. 7

The Valley Regional Fire Authority responded t0 247 calls for service between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2, among them the following: Jan. 27 Aid call:… Continue reading

  • Feb 7, 2020

Pedestrian killed on State Route 164

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a car on west bound State Route 164 at 408th early Saturday morning, Feb. 1. The man, 30-year-old… Continue reading

  • Feb 6, 2020

Army Corps running emergency operations, deploys spotters on Green, White rivers

Levels continue to rise with constant rain

  • Feb 6, 2020

South King County leaders meet with CHI Franciscan CEO

CHI Franciscan CEO Ketul Patel joined King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s February Good Eggs breakfast at Twin Lakes Golf Club in Federal Way. The… Continue reading

  • Feb 6, 2020

Stokesbary seeks more transparency, accountability, affordability at state’s higher education institutions

Rep. Drew Stokesbary, R-Auburn, has introduced a series of bills aimed at increasing transparency, accountability and affordability at the state’s higher education institutions. House Bill… Continue reading

  • Feb 6, 2020

Auburn Police arrest Haggen grocery store burglar

Man hid in rafters, then after hours helped himself to items