News & Comment

Tim Eyman. File photo

Eyman: I may never qualify another ballot measure again

The anti-tax activist, accused of campaign violations, testified one last time in his bench trial.

Tim Eyman. File photo
Courtesy of Gov. Inslee’s office

Inslee announces new guidelines for schools and in-person learning

Staff reports Gov. Jay Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced Dec. 16 an update in the metrics used to inform local school… Continue reading

Courtesy of Gov. Inslee’s office
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
A “closed” sign at Jackson’s restaurant on Cole Street in downtown Enumclaw. Sound Publishing file photo

Governor extends restrictions on businesses and gatherings

It’s been a month since the governor imposed the new rules. And the pandemic has only gotten worse.

A “closed” sign at Jackson’s restaurant on Cole Street in downtown Enumclaw. Sound Publishing file photo
King County bought the Econo Lodge on Central Avenue in Kent in March for $4 million and turned it into an isolation and quarantine facility for COVID-19 patients. The center had temporarily closed, but reopened Nov. 30 due to an increase in COVID-19 cases across the county. FILE PHOTO, Kent Reporter

King County reopens COVID-19 isolation center in Kent at former hotel

City leaders satisfied with operation after controversy about March opening

King County bought the Econo Lodge on Central Avenue in Kent in March for $4 million and turned it into an isolation and quarantine facility for COVID-19 patients. The center had temporarily closed, but reopened Nov. 30 due to an increase in COVID-19 cases across the county. FILE PHOTO, Kent Reporter
A King County Sheriff’s Office photo of the crawlspace in which Urbano Velazquez was hiding when a K-9 unit was used. Sound Publishing file photo

King County settles $2 million dog bite lawsuit

The county agreed to pay $100,000 after being sued after a 2016 K-9 unit arrest.

A King County Sheriff’s Office photo of the crawlspace in which Urbano Velazquez was hiding when a K-9 unit was used. Sound Publishing file photo
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.
Sage Viniconis is a career performing artist in King County who’s been out of work and seeking creative outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy photo/Sage Viniconis
Special Report

Puget Sound artists adapt creativity, and business sense, to pandemic

Artists Sunday is an online directory that connects artists across the county, state and nation.

Sage Viniconis is a career performing artist in King County who’s been out of work and seeking creative outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy photo/Sage Viniconis
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.
Chris Fagan trekking across Antarctica in 2014. Contributed by Chris Fagan

South Pole or Bust

The story of a North Bend couple who trekked across Antarctica.

Chris Fagan trekking across Antarctica in 2014. Contributed by Chris Fagan
King County Council has nine members who each represent a district. Courtesy of kingcounty.gov

King County Council passes $12.59 billion biennial budget

King County Council on Nov. 17 passed a $12.59 billion biennial budget for 2021-2022, providing funding for anti-racist programs, transformation of the criminal legal system,… Continue reading

King County Council has nine members who each represent a district. Courtesy of kingcounty.gov
State Sen. Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah) authored the letter to Gov. Jay Inslee. Mullet represents the 5th Legislative District. File photo

Democratic lawmakers ask Inslee to lift ban on indoor dining

They want to try to scaling back on occupancy before forcing an end to inside service.

State Sen. Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah) authored the letter to Gov. Jay Inslee. Mullet represents the 5th Legislative District. File photo
Tim Eyman get in some last minute campaigning for I-976 in downtown Bellevue on the afternoon of Nov. 5, 2019. File photo

Eyman fights allegation he repeatedly broke campaign laws

In a lawsuit, the state accuses the prolific initiative promoter of getting kickbacks.

Tim Eyman get in some last minute campaigning for I-976 in downtown Bellevue on the afternoon of Nov. 5, 2019. File photo
Kabal Gill, owner of East India Grill in Federal Way, wears gloves to hand over take-out orders at his restaurant. File photo

State halts indoor service at bars, restaurants, home guests

Amid soaring new coronavirus cases and an overburdened health care system, the state’s clamping down.

Kabal Gill, owner of East India Grill in Federal Way, wears gloves to hand over take-out orders at his restaurant. File photo
Screenshot from Gov. Jay Inslee’s news conference Nov. 12 with his wife, Trudi.

Inslee to hold news conference to announce new restrictions

Among them, reportedly, will be a ban on indoor service at restaurants and retail limitations.

Screenshot from Gov. Jay Inslee’s news conference Nov. 12 with his wife, Trudi.
Jay Inslee (D), left, and Loren Culp (R). File photo
Election 2020

Gov. Inslee surges to big lead as he nears rare third term

Statewide office roundup: Schools chief Reykdal in close contest; Secretary of State Wyman fends off challenge.

Jay Inslee (D), left, and Loren Culp (R). File photo
Screenshot
Election 2020

Sex education bill Referendum 90 is passing

It will decide whether Senate Bill 5395 will be enacted into law.

Screenshot
Exterior building and signage view from 9th Avenue of Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA.
Election 2020

Voters approve $1.74 billion bond for Harborview Medical Center

King County voters are saying yes to upgrades at Harborview Medical Center. Prop. 1 would authorize King County to issue up to $1.74 billion in… Continue reading

Exterior building and signage view from 9th Avenue of Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA.