Aaron Kunkler

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Whole Foods grocery store entrance (Shutterstock)

King County considers grocery store worker hazard pay for those in unincorporated areas

The King County Metropolitan Council will vote during its next meeting on whether to grant hazard pay to grocery store workers employed by large stores… Continue reading

Whole Foods grocery store entrance (Shutterstock)
Freshwater variety of kokanee salmon from Lake Sammamish. File photo

Encouraging numbers for kokanee salmon spawn count

Lake Sammamish kokanee aren’t out of the woods by any stretch, but there’s reason to be optimistic about the fate of the little red fish… Continue reading

Freshwater variety of kokanee salmon from Lake Sammamish. File photo
Malden, after a wildfire burned down 80% of the town’s buildings in Eastern Washington. Courtesy photo

DNR commissioner seeks $125 million to fight wildfires

In Washington state last September, some 600,000 acres burned within 72 hours.

Malden, after a wildfire burned down 80% of the town’s buildings in Eastern Washington. Courtesy photo
Entrance to the Tukwila Library branch of the King County Library System. File photo

King County libraries will reopen in some cities for in-person services

Fall City, Kent libraries among six selected for partial reopening.

Entrance to the Tukwila Library branch of the King County Library System. File photo
A South King Fire & Rescue firefighter places a used test swab into a secure COVID test vial on Nov. 18, 2020, at a Federal Way testing site. (Sound Publishing file photo)

Masks are still king in combating new COVID strains

A top UW doctor talks new strains, masks and when normal could return.

A South King Fire & Rescue firefighter places a used test swab into a secure COVID test vial on Nov. 18, 2020, at a Federal Way testing site. (Sound Publishing file photo)
Of the 84 schools that had COVID-19 outbreaks across the state, 69% were public schools and the remaining were private schools, according to a new report. Courtesy photo

State releases data on COVID outbreaks in schools

A new statewide report outlines how COVID-19 outbreaks have moved through Washington schools. The report, released on Feb. 11, lists outbreaks in King County and… Continue reading

Of the 84 schools that had COVID-19 outbreaks across the state, 69% were public schools and the remaining were private schools, according to a new report. Courtesy photo
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

Legislature examines restructuring public health in WA

Lawmakers in Olympia are considering an overhaul of Washington state’s public health system to increase access to basic services. A number of changes are expected… Continue reading

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo
Gray wolves historically roamed across the state but were eradicated in Washington by 1930s. In recent decades wolves have been migrating back to the state from Canada, Idaho and Oregon. John and Karen Hollingsworth/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Pack to the future: Will more wolves come to King County?

Some experts believe we’re on the cusp of discovering packs in King County.

Gray wolves historically roamed across the state but were eradicated in Washington by 1930s. In recent decades wolves have been migrating back to the state from Canada, Idaho and Oregon. John and Karen Hollingsworth/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Spring Chinook salmon. Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Report: Washington salmon are in hot water

Ten of the 14 salmon species listed as endangered are in crisis.

Spring Chinook salmon. Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
An AR-15. Courtesy photo

Mags, open carry at protests and AR-15s on Olympia’s agenda

Lawmakers are eyeing a number of bills which could change firearm regulations in the state.

An AR-15. Courtesy photo
June 2018 algae bloom. Photo courtesy of Department of Ecology

Human-caused ‘dead zones’ threaten health of Puget Sound

Wastewater treatment plants account for about 70% of the excess nutrients.

June 2018 algae bloom. Photo courtesy of Department of Ecology
Teaser

Social media site Parler returns after registering with Sammamish company

The right-wing social media website is not being hosted by Epik, but registered its domain.

Teaser
The ballistic-missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) arrives home at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor following a strategic deterrent patrol in this 2015 file photo. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Brian Badura/Released)

What could Biden’s nuclear policy look like?

King County sits only miles away from one-third of the deployed U.S. nuclear arsenal.

The ballistic-missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) arrives home at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor following a strategic deterrent patrol in this 2015 file photo. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Brian Badura/Released)
Screenshot from a YouTube stream of the Jan. 6, 2021, protest at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

WA, King County lawmakers react to Capitol Building storming

A mob of right-wing agitators stormed the Capitol Building on Jan. 6, as Congress was preparing to certify the Electoral College presidential election count in… Continue reading

Screenshot from a YouTube stream of the Jan. 6, 2021, protest at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

Bills to follow in the 2021 Legislative session include police reform

It’s legislation filing season, and the floodgates have opened in Olympia.

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo
File photo

Report: WA nets only 100 new jobs in November

Unemployment rates held steady between October and November, according to a newly released preliminary monthly state employment report. November unemployment numbers were released on Dec.… Continue reading

File photo
PSE workers rebuild circuit 27 in North Kenmore. Photo courtesy of Puget Sound Energy.

Who should foot the bill for pandemic-era power?

Utilities could eventually raise rates to recoup lost costs, activists say that’s a bad plan.

PSE workers rebuild circuit 27 in North Kenmore. Photo courtesy of Puget Sound Energy.
A King County Metro bus with an ad from the natural gas organization Partnership for Energy Progress. Contributed photo

Should fossil fuel ads go the way of the dino on county buses?

King County ran ads for a natural gas coalition on its buses this year.

A King County Metro bus with an ad from the natural gas organization Partnership for Energy Progress. Contributed photo
In this 2019 file photo, Puget Sound Energy product development manager John Dooley stands in front of one of four units at the Glacier Battery Storage Project in northwest Washington state. The project can provide power to the small town of Glacier for around two hours if needed. (Sound Publishing file photo)

What will a green WA electric grid look like?

It will require a lot more coordination, but will be more resilient.

In this 2019 file photo, Puget Sound Energy product development manager John Dooley stands in front of one of four units at the Glacier Battery Storage Project in northwest Washington state. The project can provide power to the small town of Glacier for around two hours if needed. (Sound Publishing file photo)
University of Washington logo

Study: Nonprofits struggle amid pandemic

Nonprofits around the state are struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic, according to a new study by the University of Washington. The study,… Continue reading

University of Washington logo