Aaron Kunkler

Bars, gyms and more ordered closed in Washington state

Bars, gyms and more ordered closed in Washington state

The orders are an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Bars, gyms and more ordered closed in Washington state
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

Public events in King County to be cancelled or restricted due to outbreak

It applies to everything from faith events to sporting events and concerts.

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo
Low-wage workers will be hardest hit by economic coronavirus impacts

Low-wage workers will be hardest hit by economic coronavirus impacts

Nonprofits are expecting dramatic increases in requests following layoffs and hour reductions.

Low-wage workers will be hardest hit by economic coronavirus impacts
Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. Photo courtesy Wikipedia

Possible medical supply shortages worry Virginia Mason doctor

Masks, gowns and gloves are all in high demand.

Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. Photo courtesy Wikipedia
King County cancels most in-person meetings, moves to Skype

King County cancels most in-person meetings, moves to Skype

Responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, non-essential in-person meetings for March have been called off.

King County cancels most in-person meetings, moves to Skype
The state coronavirus hotline is dropping calls

The state coronavirus hotline is dropping calls

A state Department of Health spokesperson said their phone system is being overwhelmed.

The state coronavirus hotline is dropping calls
COVID: Call before seeing a doctor, especially the elderly, asthmatic

COVID: Call before seeing a doctor, especially the elderly, asthmatic

Those with underlying lung or immune system problems are more at risk for serious complications.

COVID: Call before seeing a doctor, especially the elderly, asthmatic
Passengers on a King County Metro bus. File photo

King County transit agencies say stay home if you’re sick

Metro and Sound Transit continue to operate normal routes for now.

Passengers on a King County Metro bus. File photo
PNW plant-based foods could help in climate fight

PNW plant-based foods could help in climate fight

Animal products create a lot of emissions, but veggie alternatives are coming from King County.

PNW plant-based foods could help in climate fight
Aerial view of the Amtrak Cascades train derailment in 2017 near DuPont, Wash. Courtesy Wikipedia

Amtrak, Sound Transit and the state all named in derailment lawsuit

It was filed on behalf of the family of a teenager who was paralyzed in the 2017 crash.

Aerial view of the Amtrak Cascades train derailment in 2017 near DuPont, Wash. Courtesy Wikipedia
King County approves low-income Metro fare waivers

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 approves low-income Metro fare waivers
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

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

Voters could vote to affirm subpoena powers for civilian KCSO oversight agency

The King County charter review commission recommended enshrining the power in the charter.

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

Charter review could overhaul King County Sheriff’s Office

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

Charter review could overhaul King County Sheriff’s Office
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
Federal Way resident Mi’Chance Dunlap-Gittens, 17, died Jan. 27, 2017. Courtesy photo

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
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

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