Aaron Kunkler

Contributed by the Society for Conservation Biology 
A map showing the locations where plants have gone extinct in the U.S. and Canada since European settlers arrived.

Study: 65 plant species have gone extinct in U.S., Canada

More than 65 species of plants have gone extinct in the U.S. and Canada since European colonization, according to a new study. The study was… Continue reading

Contributed by the Society for Conservation Biology 
A map showing the locations where plants have gone extinct in the U.S. and Canada since European settlers arrived.
File photo
Snow Lake, located near Snoqualmie Pass in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Washington releases new forest plan

It outlines ways the state will protect and maintain forest health.

File photo
Snow Lake, located near Snoqualmie Pass in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
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All King County charter amendments are passing

Voters are approving an appointed sheriff along with other measures.

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Aaron Kunkler/staff photoAlvin Sweet is a resident of Martin Court in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. Martin Court is a former motel which was transformed into a supportive housing complex two decades ago. New funding from King County’s Health through Housing ordinance could expand this type of program across the county.

King County wants to buy motels for emergency, affordable housing

The concept has proven results in addressing homelessness.

Aaron Kunkler/staff photoAlvin Sweet is a resident of Martin Court in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood. Martin Court is a former motel which was transformed into a supportive housing complex two decades ago. New funding from King County’s Health through Housing ordinance could expand this type of program across the county.
King County 2020 unemployment numbers. Source: Washington State Employment Security Department

Boeing, coronavirus likely to impact King County economy

Unemployment remained high in September.

King County 2020 unemployment numbers. Source: Washington State Employment Security Department
power grid electricity power lines blackouts PG&E (Shutterstock)

State extends moratorium on some electric, gas shutoffs

Investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in WA can’t disconnect customers through April.

power grid electricity power lines blackouts PG&E (Shutterstock)
A Sept. 10 satellite image shows smoke from U.S. wildfires blanketing the majority of the West Coast. (European Space Agency)

University of Washington professors talk climate change, U.S.-China relations

Downside for climate policy supporters is it can risk alienating moderate or right-leaning voters.

A Sept. 10 satellite image shows smoke from U.S. wildfires blanketing the majority of the West Coast. (European Space Agency)
High speed rail and hub cities explored in Cascadia Corridor study

High speed rail and hub cities explored in Cascadia Corridor study

A new paper outlines a potential plan for the region.

High speed rail and hub cities explored in Cascadia Corridor study
A view of the Palmer Fire, located seven miles southwest of Oroville in north central Washington. Source: InciWeb

Antifa isn’t starting Washington wildfires

Online conspiracy theories are spreading as the West Coast burns.

A view of the Palmer Fire, located seven miles southwest of Oroville in north central Washington. Source: InciWeb
Seven decades later, the search for two missing Navy pilots continues

Seven decades later, the search for two missing Navy pilots continues

The pilots are thought to have disappeared near Black Lake, northeast of North Bend.

Seven decades later, the search for two missing Navy pilots continues
A plane drops fire retardant on the Palmer Mountain Fire last week. The fire is listed as 84 percent contained, and fully lined. Laura Knowlton/Sound Publishing staff photo

Threat multiplier: How climate change, coronavirus and weather are scorching WA

Dry summer conspired with the pandemic and a wind storm.

A plane drops fire retardant on the Palmer Mountain Fire last week. The fire is listed as 84 percent contained, and fully lined. Laura Knowlton/Sound Publishing staff photo
Image courtesy of the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

Massive wildfires incinerate WA

All state Department of Natural Resources lands were closed to recreational activities on Sept. 8.

Image courtesy of the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
The YMCA of Greater Seattle opened its King County branches to provide child care centers dedicated to serving the families of essential workers. Courtesy photo

COVID continues to whittle away at child care in Washington

It’s estimated that 25% of Washington child care facilities have closed since the pandemic began.

The YMCA of Greater Seattle opened its King County branches to provide child care centers dedicated to serving the families of essential workers. Courtesy photo
Alki Beach. Photo by Alabastro Photography

Heat wave is on the way this weekend

Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-90s on Sunday.

Alki Beach. Photo by Alabastro Photography
School lunch. File photo

School district distributes thousands of extra meals amid pandemic

Congress hasn’t renewed the program, which provided twice as many student meals for free last spring.

School lunch. File photo
Abortions could stop at Virginia Mason if merger is approved, reproductive rights advocates say

Abortions could stop at Virginia Mason if merger is approved, reproductive rights advocates say

Hospital representatives said “certain services” would cease, but wouldn’t give specifics.

Abortions could stop at Virginia Mason if merger is approved, reproductive rights advocates say
Do opportunity zones in King County work?

Do opportunity zones in King County work?

The zones were created by Congress in 2017 to create jobs and spur economic development.

Do opportunity zones in King County work?
Elected or appointed? King County weighs sheriff options

Elected or appointed? King County weighs sheriff options

Voters could be asked to decide in November.

Elected or appointed? King County weighs sheriff options
A train route that would shuttle people between Eastern and Western Washington could tie in with the proposed ultra-high-speed rail between B.C. and Portland. Photo courtesy RobertStafford/Pixabay.com

State receives King County to Spokane rail study

It would take about eight and a half hours to reach the Inland Empire from Puget Sound.

A train route that would shuttle people between Eastern and Western Washington could tie in with the proposed ultra-high-speed rail between B.C. and Portland. Photo courtesy RobertStafford/Pixabay.com
King County Board of Health declares racism a crisis

King County Board of Health declares racism a crisis

Racism was declared a public health crisis by King County’s Board of Health. Along with the proclamation, the county’s health authority pledged to work more… Continue reading

King County Board of Health declares racism a crisis