News

National Guard troops, pictured Jan. 11 at the state Capitol in Olympia, have been on standby in case of violent protests. (Photo by Roger Harnack, Cheney Free Press)

At the state Capitol, a quiet day amid heightened security

There were no protests or arrests as troopers patrolled and the National Guard assumed a lower profile.

  • Jan 21, 2021
  • By Jerry Cornfield jcornfield@soundpublishing.com
National Guard troops, pictured Jan. 11 at the state Capitol in Olympia, have been on standby in case of violent protests. (Photo by Roger Harnack, Cheney Free Press)
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The Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center is located at 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S. Olivia Sullivan/the Mirror

New vaccination site may open at Federal Way’s Performing Arts and Event Center

While no location decision has been made yet, Public Health — Seattle & King County says new sites will serve between 500-2,000 people per day.

The Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center is located at 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S. Olivia Sullivan/the Mirror
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ShoWare Center in Kent could be COVID-19 vaccination site

City leaders in discussions with King County staff to finalize agreement

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West Point Treatment Plant in Seattle. Photo courtesy of King County

Power outages cause massive wastewater spill into Puget Sound, Lake Washington

King County estimates millions gallons of untreated wastewater overflowed into surrounding waters.

West Point Treatment Plant in Seattle. Photo courtesy of King County
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Kent School Board to select finalists for vacant seat

Executive session set for Jan. 21

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Democrats in the Washington State House are proposing to pay for transportation improvements partly by raising the gas tax by 18 cents. (Sound Publishing file photo)

House Democrats lay out massive $26B transportation package funded by gas tax hike

An 18-cent gas tax increase and a fee on carbon emissions would fund new roads and more.

  • Jan 19, 2021
  • By Jerry Cornfield jcornfield@soundpublishing.com
Democrats in the Washington State House are proposing to pay for transportation improvements partly by raising the gas tax by 18 cents. (Sound Publishing file photo)
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Report: 70 percent of gun deaths in Washington are attributable to suicide

Research done at The Firearm Injury and Policy Research Program at Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center suggest three policy solutions to help reduce rates… Continue reading

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A look at the Meet Me on Meeker sidewalk upgrades completed last year looking east in front of the Riverbend Driving Range on West Meeker Street in Kent. The sidewalk project will be extended another 700 feet on the south side of the street to the Midtown 64 Apartments. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent

City of Kent accepts $1.2 million federal grant for Meet Me on Meeker project

Promenade construction from Russell Road to Midtown 64 Apartments

A look at the Meet Me on Meeker sidewalk upgrades completed last year looking east in front of the Riverbend Driving Range on West Meeker Street in Kent. The sidewalk project will be extended another 700 feet on the south side of the street to the Midtown 64 Apartments. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
When completed in the first quarter of this year, the South 228th Street overpass will allow drivers to go over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent

South 228th Street overpass in Kent to open in first quarter of 2021

Drivers will be able to go over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks

When completed in the first quarter of this year, the South 228th Street overpass will allow drivers to go over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
Robert Allen, 61, had never been homeless in his life before 2019, when he lost his housing. The chef has been trying to get back on his feet, and hopes to open a nonprofit and make hot sauce. File photo

King County implements 0.01% sales tax to raise money for housing the homeless

Officials plan to buy hotels, motels and nursing homes for conversion into permanent housing.

Robert Allen, 61, had never been homeless in his life before 2019, when he lost his housing. The chef has been trying to get back on his feet, and hopes to open a nonprofit and make hot sauce. File photo
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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.

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Courtesy Photo, Kent School District

Kent schools set Feb. 22 as earliest return date for hybrid learning

Youngest students to return first; families asked to complete survey

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
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Man dies in single-vehicle crash fleeing from Kent Police after robbery

25-year-old Des Moines man reportedly robbed two convenience stores earlier in the night

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A proposal before the Kent School Board would move sixth graders from elementary schools to middle schools, including Mill Creek Middle School (above) starting in the fall. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District

Parents raise concerns about Kent moving sixth graders to middle schools

School Board to vote Jan. 27 on proposal that would make change in the fall

A proposal before the Kent School Board would move sixth graders from elementary schools to middle schools, including Mill Creek Middle School (above) starting in the fall. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Local restaurants have had to adapt to new rules during the COVID pandemic. Pictured: JP’s Tavern in Federal Way’s turkey club sandwich with a side of tater tots. File photo

State lawmakers propose bill to fast-track the governor’s reopening plan

Bill’s sponsors want to give legislature control over COVID-19 restrictions.

Local restaurants have had to adapt to new rules during the COVID pandemic. Pictured: JP’s Tavern in Federal Way’s turkey club sandwich with a side of tater tots. File photo
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Federal Way Public Schools rethinks approach of in-person learning for elementary students

Survey sent to parents; students may return in late February

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An airport developer looks to add to the Auburn Municipal Airport 17 general aviation hangars and six box hangars that will house multimillion-dollar aircraft and aviation-related businesses. ROBERT WHALE, Auburn Reporter

Hangar expansion and more ahead for Auburn airport

If approved, private development would bring tax revenue to the city.

An airport developer looks to add to the Auburn Municipal Airport 17 general aviation hangars and six box hangars that will house multimillion-dollar aircraft and aviation-related businesses. ROBERT WHALE, Auburn Reporter
Fentanyl. (Courtesy photo)

King County reports record numbers of drug overdose deaths

Preliminary toxicology testing shows most overdose victims used multiple types of drugs.

Fentanyl. (Courtesy photo)
A portion of State Route 99 will be closed this weekend as crews work on Sound Transit's Federal Way Link Extension.

Sound Transit to close portion of State Route 99 this weekend

All lanes between S. 204th Street and S. 208th Street closed Friday night to Sunday night; detours available.

A portion of State Route 99 will be closed this weekend as crews work on Sound Transit's Federal Way Link Extension.