Aaron Kunkler

Sound Publishing file photo

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

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
Screenshot from paradisofestival.com.

Paradiso Festival is on the rocks following lawsuit

Paradiso Festival, one of the most popular annual EDM events in Washington state, may be in trouble after one of its owning companies is suing… Continue reading

Screenshot from paradisofestival.com.
Recredentialed: Hundreds of WA doctors are stuck working survival jobs

Recredentialed: Hundreds of WA doctors are stuck working survival jobs

Unable to find residency positions, many are driving Ubers, working warehouses or unemployed.

Recredentialed: Hundreds of WA doctors are stuck working survival jobs
Sarah Abdullah is a pharmacist who left Iraq as a refugee. She joined the Welcome Back Center at Highline College and is now only two tests away from gaining Washington state certification to practice her trade. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo

Recredentialed: Barriers face Washington’s immigrant, refugee professionals

Even with degrees from abroad, it can be difficult for many to get certified in the state.

Sarah Abdullah is a pharmacist who left Iraq as a refugee. She joined the Welcome Back Center at Highline College and is now only two tests away from gaining Washington state certification to practice her trade. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo
File photo

Pot shops group up in unincorporated King County

A report found the retailers are not distributing around the county.

File photo
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson (center) announced a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in a press conference Jan. 2. Debbie Warfield of Everett (left) lost her son to a heroin overdose in 2012. Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki (right) lost her son to an overdose of OxyContin in 2017. They are joined by Rep. Lauren Davis of Shoreline (second from right), founder of the Washington Recovery Alliance. (TVW screenshot)

AG Bob Ferguson talks lawsuits, gun control

Washington state Attorney General stopped by Sound Publishing’s Kirkland office.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson (center) announced a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson in a press conference Jan. 2. Debbie Warfield of Everett (left) lost her son to a heroin overdose in 2012. Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki (right) lost her son to an overdose of OxyContin in 2017. They are joined by Rep. Lauren Davis of Shoreline (second from right), founder of the Washington Recovery Alliance. (TVW screenshot)
King County Metro’s battery-electric bus. Photo courtesy of kingcounty.gov

King County could bump up Metro electrification deadlines

Transportation generates nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

King County Metro’s battery-electric bus. Photo courtesy of kingcounty.gov
A 50-minute film called “Spawning Grounds,” which documents the effort to save a freshwater variety of kokanee salmon from Lake Sammamish, is finally ready for its debut in North Bend on Jan. 18. (Screenshot from film)

Spawning Grounds: Lake Sammamish kokanee documentary premieres Jan. 18

The film tracks the ‘all hands on deck’ effort to save the little red fish from extinction.

A 50-minute film called “Spawning Grounds,” which documents the effort to save a freshwater variety of kokanee salmon from Lake Sammamish, is finally ready for its debut in North Bend on Jan. 18. (Screenshot from film)
Meet the group trying to electrify America’s railroads

Meet the group trying to electrify America’s railroads

The Backbone Campaign hopes it will reduce emissions and jump-start depressed communities.

Meet the group trying to electrify America’s railroads
A man works on a balcony at the Cedar Pointe Apartments, a 255 apartment complex for seniors 55+, on Jan. 6, 2020, in Arlington, Washington. (Andy Bronson/The Herald)

Washington state has been under-producing housing units for decades

A new report said there should have been an additional 225,000 units created between 2010 and 2015.

A man works on a balcony at the Cedar Pointe Apartments, a 255 apartment complex for seniors 55+, on Jan. 6, 2020, in Arlington, Washington. (Andy Bronson/The Herald)
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

Homelessness, guns among 2020 legislative priorities

WA lawmakers examine issues heading into 60-day session.

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo
Girmay Zahilay (District 2) is the newest member of the King County Council. Courtesy photo

New King County Council members sworn in

The King County Council was sworn in on Jan. 8, with three familiar faces and one new face. Councilmembers Jeanne Kohl-Welles (District 4), Claudia Balducci… Continue reading

Girmay Zahilay (District 2) is the newest member of the King County Council. Courtesy photo
Insulin pumps are worn by diabetics to monitor blood glucose levels and replace manual injections. (Wikimedia Commons)

WA lawmakers propose capping insulin costs at $100 a month

With the federal government in gridlock, states and finding ways to lower costs.

Insulin pumps are worn by diabetics to monitor blood glucose levels and replace manual injections. (Wikimedia Commons)

Swedish nurse strike still possible following Dec. 30 negotiations

Not enough progress was made, nurses unions say.

Swedish Medical Center nurses could send notification of strike by year’s end

Swedish Medical Center nurses could send notification of strike by year’s end

Union reps say negotiations have stalled since they began in April.

Swedish Medical Center nurses could send notification of strike by year’s end
Who owns King County forestlands?

Who owns King County forestlands?

It’s a hodgepodge mix, but large investment companies own a substantial chunk.

Who owns King County forestlands?