Aaron Kunkler

Pete, with his companion Nina, served as “the foundation” of the zoo’s gorilla program when he first arrived in Seattle in 1969. Photo courtesy of Dennis Dow / Woodland Park Zoo

Prop 1 would fund parks, zoos and open spaces

King County voters could approve the renewal and increase of the levy on the August ballot.

Pete, with his companion Nina, served as “the foundation” of the zoo’s gorilla program when he first arrived in Seattle in 1969. Photo courtesy of Dennis Dow / Woodland Park Zoo
Warning sign for a road closure. File photo

King County examines options to fund roads and bridges

Shortfall is roughly $250 million each year; county may seek tax from unincorporated voters.

Warning sign for a road closure. File photo
Attendees of the Drag Queen Story Hour at the Fairwood Library exit the event. A walkway was held open for them by supporters while protesters held signs condemning the event behind them. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo

Tensions run high at Renton library over Drag Queen Story Hour

Supporters and protesters traded chants at June 27 event.

Attendees of the Drag Queen Story Hour at the Fairwood Library exit the event. A walkway was held open for them by supporters while protesters held signs condemning the event behind them. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo
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King County examines gun violence trends

Nearly 77 percent of shooting victims so far this year in county have been people of color.

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In this file photo, marchers make their way from Trinity Episcopal Church in Everett on Feb. 26, 2017. Muslim refugees’ admissions into the U.S. have declined by 85 percent since the Trump administration came into power in 2017, according to the International Rescue Committee. Sound Publishing file photo

Report: Fewer refugees settling in U.S. and Washington state

Admissions are on pace to only reach around one-fifth of their limit in 2019.

In this file photo, marchers make their way from Trinity Episcopal Church in Everett on Feb. 26, 2017. Muslim refugees’ admissions into the U.S. have declined by 85 percent since the Trump administration came into power in 2017, according to the International Rescue Committee. Sound Publishing file photo
A high tide at Raymond’s Willapa Landing Park in Grays Harbor County, Washington. Sound Publishing file photo

On the West Coast, Washington is most prone to sea level rise damage

Report by the Center for Climate Integrity shows multibillion-dollar cost of battling back the sea.

A high tide at Raymond’s Willapa Landing Park in Grays Harbor County, Washington. Sound Publishing file photo
Photo Provided by Naomi Parkman Sansome Facebook Page

Buckle up for another smoky summer

Wildfires in Washington will likely roar back this year and into the future.

Photo Provided by Naomi Parkman Sansome Facebook Page
What’s next for Washington’s 2045 green energy goal?

What’s next for Washington’s 2045 green energy goal?

The Legislature set the goal, but how does the state actually get there?

What’s next for Washington’s 2045 green energy goal?
Tasting room proposal could redefine alcohol production in King County

Tasting room proposal could redefine alcohol production in King County

Pilot program would benefit wineries, breweries and distilleries. Several farmers are concerned.

Tasting room proposal could redefine alcohol production in King County
In a 2015 report from the Washington State Department of Ecology, King County’s Cedar Hills Regional Landfill received 53,739 tons of of plastic bags and wrap from housing and commercial sources alone. File photo/Sound Publishing

No good solution to the plastics problem

Plastic is piling up everywhere from King County to ocean floors, and humans keep making more.

In a 2015 report from the Washington State Department of Ecology, King County’s Cedar Hills Regional Landfill received 53,739 tons of of plastic bags and wrap from housing and commercial sources alone. File photo/Sound Publishing
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King County homelessness count shows 17 percent decrease overall

Decreases are not even among different demographics.

Courtesy photo
King County’s $5 million derelict boat problem

King County’s $5 million derelict boat problem

When a boat sinks, it costs a lot to bring it up, with millions being spent since 2003 on removals.

King County’s $5 million derelict boat problem
Self-driving cars: Heaven or hell?

Self-driving cars: Heaven or hell?

Depending on factors, traffic and environmental impacts could become better or worse.

Self-driving cars: Heaven or hell?
King County Councilman Reagan Dunn sent a letter to the FBI asking for them to help investigate Allan Thomas (pictured), who is under investigation for stealing more than $400,000 of public funds and skirting election laws in an Enumclaw drainage district. Screenshot from King 5 report

King County Council requests report on special districts in wake of fraud allegations

Small, local special districts will face more scrutiny following Enumclaw drainage district case.

King County Councilman Reagan Dunn sent a letter to the FBI asking for them to help investigate Allan Thomas (pictured), who is under investigation for stealing more than $400,000 of public funds and skirting election laws in an Enumclaw drainage district. Screenshot from King 5 report
The Marquee on Meeker Apartments, 2030 W. Meeker St. in Kent, will feature 492 apartments and 12,000 square feet of retail. The first phase of 288 apartments is expected to be completed in early 2020. Developers are targeting people in their 20s and 30s to rent their high-end, urban-style apartments. Steve Hunter/staff photo

Housing study pokes holes in conventional wisdom

High construction and land costs will incentivize developers to build luxury units.

The Marquee on Meeker Apartments, 2030 W. Meeker St. in Kent, will feature 492 apartments and 12,000 square feet of retail. The first phase of 288 apartments is expected to be completed in early 2020. Developers are targeting people in their 20s and 30s to rent their high-end, urban-style apartments. Steve Hunter/staff photo
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Eviction reform passed by state Legislature

Tenant protections included longer notices and more judicial discretion.

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Overdose deaths continue to rise locally and nationally

Overdose deaths continue to rise locally and nationally

This may not be the same opioid epidemic anymore.

Overdose deaths continue to rise locally and nationally
Cherry trees fully in bloom at the State Capitol Building in Olympia. Photo by Linda J. Smith

I-1000 passes state Legislature as advocates hope to increase equality

The initiative could allow affirmative action to return to Washington state after 20 years.

Cherry trees fully in bloom at the State Capitol Building in Olympia. Photo by Linda J. Smith
Homelessness may be trending down after seven years

Homelessness may be trending down after seven years

A press release from the annual count showed a reduction in people living without a home.

Homelessness may be trending down after seven years
King County International Airport, also known as Boeing Field. Photo courtesy of kingcounty.gov

King County airport operators will stop serving ICE flights

Three companies at Boeing Field have indicated they will not service deportation flights.

King County International Airport, also known as Boeing Field. Photo courtesy of kingcounty.gov