Northwest

Needles littered the ground throughout a homeless encampment at Federal Way’s Hylebos Wetlands, which is public property. Sound Publishing file photo
2020 WA Legislature

Republican leadership doubts effectiveness of homelessness spending

Democrats propose hundreds of millions toward affordable housing.

  • Feb 26, 2020
Needles littered the ground throughout a homeless encampment at Federal Way’s Hylebos Wetlands, which is public property. Sound Publishing file photo

King County approves low-income Metro fare waivers

Low-income transit riders could see their King County Metro fares waived beginning in July, after the King County Council voted Feb. 25 to approve a… Continue reading

King County Council has nine members who each represent a district. Courtesy of kingcounty.gov

Charter amendments could allow King County Council to remove elected officials

The change was recommended by the charter review commission.

King County Council has nine members who each represent a district. Courtesy of kingcounty.gov
Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht gave a response to an Office of Law Enforcement Oversight report on Feb. 25 before the King County Law and Justice Committee. The report recommended ways her department could reform use of force policy and internal investigations. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo
‘Reforms did not die on the vine’

Council unsatisfied with Sheriff’s response to use of deadly force report

The King County Sheriff’s Office could be required to explain why it didn’t implement recommendations.

Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht gave a response to an Office of Law Enforcement Oversight report on Feb. 25 before the King County Law and Justice Committee. The report recommended ways her department could reform use of force policy and internal investigations. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo
The house purchased by Kvashuk, according to King County parcel records.
Crime and courts

Renton resident convicted of defrauding Microsoft

A former Microsoft employee living in Renton was convicted on 18 charges related to a scheme to defraud Microsoft of $10 million in digital currency.… Continue reading

  • Feb 25, 2020
The house purchased by Kvashuk, according to King County parcel records.
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo
2020 WA Legislature

Democratic lawmakers roll out spending plans for climate change, homelessness

Republican opposition calls for tax relief, rather than spending the increased revenue.

  • Feb 25, 2020
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo
Photo courtesy of Rylee Russell Mark’s family. He was shot last Sunday, Feb. 16 at a transient camp in Renton. Police are still trying to track down the suspect identified as Kelsey M. Gornowich, who also goes by Loki.

Family mourns son who lived a life on the streets

Rylee Russell Marks was identified as the victim of a shooting at a Renton encampment

Photo courtesy of Rylee Russell Mark’s family. He was shot last Sunday, Feb. 16 at a transient camp in Renton. Police are still trying to track down the suspect identified as Kelsey M. Gornowich, who also goes by Loki.
Fentanyl (Courtesy photo)

Fentanyl overdoses keep increasing in King County

Meth overdoses are on the rise as well, continuing a trend reported on last year.

Fentanyl (Courtesy photo)
The Colstrip Power Plant in Montana. Puget Sound Energy owns 25 percent of the remaining two units. File photo

PSE files to sell part of Colstrip coal plant

The utility owns two units at the Montana power plant.

The Colstrip Power Plant in Montana. Puget Sound Energy owns 25 percent of the remaining two units. File photo

Charter review could overhaul King County Sheriff’s Office

Several changes to the King County Sheriff’s Office were proposed.

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
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
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.

A proposal to make King County Metro fares free for low-income households could be approved in the coming months. File photo
Courtesy of City of Renton. Site area for the Park Avenue North extension, a project from the city and SECO development that creates a second access point for Southport.
Renton business development

SECO expands its reach

Two new land acquisitions will expand Southport

Courtesy of City of Renton. Site area for the Park Avenue North extension, a project from the city and SECO development that creates a second access point for Southport.
Students achieving excellence

February’s Rotary Youth of the Month

Rotary members recognize three Renton School District high school students each month as Youth of the Month. After being selected by counselors at each of… Continue reading

  • Feb 14, 2020
Courtesy of City of Renton. The Cedar River Trail experienced a significant undermining, and much of the bank was gone after flooding over the weekend, some of it just feet away from the paved trail.
Floods and rain

River flooding pushes Renton to the limits

Heavy rains and rising waters could cost Renton millions

Courtesy of City of Renton. The Cedar River Trail experienced a significant undermining, and much of the bank was gone after flooding over the weekend, some of it just feet away from the paved trail.
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.

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