Northwest

Between Saturday, Sept. 12, and Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, every air quality monitor in Washington state recorded levels of particulate pollution above the federal 24-hour standard. (Source: Department of Ecology)

Wildfire smoke: A burning health issue is getting worse

Health experts are urging Washingtonians to prepare for more of what they suffered through last September — what the Department of Ecology called an unprecedented… Continue reading

Between Saturday, Sept. 12, and Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, every air quality monitor in Washington state recorded levels of particulate pollution above the federal 24-hour standard. (Source: Department of Ecology)
Olivia Sullivan/the Mirror

Shopping cart protests cost Federal Way taxpayers thousands of dollars

Residents pressure city to clean up homeless encampments

Olivia Sullivan/the Mirror
Dr. Amit Desai of St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way receives a COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 17, 2020. Photo courtesy of CHI Franciscan

Vaccination data reveals disparities among regions and race

South King County and certain minority groups are far behind on COVID-19 vaccine goals.

Dr. Amit Desai of St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way receives a COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 17, 2020. Photo courtesy of CHI Franciscan
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3 deaths in one week along stretch of Federal Way road

Mayor seeking roadway safety changes along Pacific Highway South from WSDOT

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Entrance to the Tukwila Library branch of the King County Library System. File photo Tags

King County libraries move to Phase 4 this month

Libraries across King County will advance to Phase 4 on June 30, and all remaining library buildings will be open by July 13. After the… Continue reading

Entrance to the Tukwila Library branch of the King County Library System. File photo Tags
A protective mask hanging on a front door. (Sound Publishing file photo)

King County to lift indoor mask mandate on June 29

About 1.3 million county residents have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series.

A protective mask hanging on a front door. (Sound Publishing file photo)
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King County leaders propose emergency funding for gun violence prevention initiative

Sixty-nine people were reportedly shot during the first quarter of 2021.

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Pills taken during police investigation (photo credit: Bellevue Police)

Renton man charged with homicide after selling fentanyl pills to a Bellevue woman

Law enforcement warns of an alarming increase in fentanyl deaths.

Pills taken during police investigation (photo credit: Bellevue Police)
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Too Good To Go app aims to creatively reduce food waste

Nearly 40 percent of all food goes to waste worldwide, according to compnay spokesperson.

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King County logo

Auditors find racial disparities in King County contracts

BIPOC-owned businesses earn contract bids at a much lower rate than white-owned businesses.

King County logo
A plane drops fire retardant on the Palmer Mountain Fire last summer in north-central Washington. Laura Knowlton/Sound Publishing staff photo

Washington can expect a warmer, drier summer – and more wildfires

The threat of wildfires in much of Washington state is expected to be above average this summer as hot and dry conditions are predicted through… Continue reading

A plane drops fire retardant on the Palmer Mountain Fire last summer in north-central Washington. Laura Knowlton/Sound Publishing staff photo
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State to allow ‘Joints for Jabs’ promotions to support vaccinations

Retailers temporarily allowed to provide a joint for adults vaccinated at in-store clinics

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Pedro Miola inspects the panel to ensure the bees are healthy. (Photo by Cameron Sheppard)

Eye of the bee-holder: Urban beekeeping buzzes in the Pacific Northwest

How a young man on-track to become a doctor found his calling in an ancient trade.

Pedro Miola inspects the panel to ensure the bees are healthy. (Photo by Cameron Sheppard)
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As vax rates ease in WA, here come the prizes — including $1 million

Incentives range from big cash drawings to sports tickets and tuition. Drawings start next week.

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Jackie Hoernor winces as she gets her Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination during a Walgreen’s Vaccine Clinic at South Pointe on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Everett, Washington. (Sound Publishing file photo)

Washington no longer on pace to beat June 30 vaccine goal

Reaching 70% of adults with at least one shot would trigger the state to drop most COVID-19 restrictions.

Jackie Hoernor winces as she gets her Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination during a Walgreen’s Vaccine Clinic at South Pointe on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Everett, Washington. (Sound Publishing file photo)
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King County Council approves facial recognition technology ban

Software ban applies to King County Sheriff’s Office

  • Jun 2, 2021
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PSE’s electric customer rates increasing slightly

The new rates will go into effect July 1

  • Jun 1, 2021
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Flames attack the hillside in Bonney Lake on Sept. 8, 2020. (East Pierce Fire & Rescue photo)

WA firefighters brace for potentially busy weekend

Washington state Department of Natural Resources firefighters were preparing for what could have been a busy Memorial Day weekend after a record number of wildfires… Continue reading

Flames attack the hillside in Bonney Lake on Sept. 8, 2020. (East Pierce Fire & Rescue photo)
Graphic rendering of ADU design used for Renton’s Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit program (courtesy of City of Renton)

Backyard cottages might offer a partial solution to King County’s housing problem

Some cities are embracing the solution better than others.

Graphic rendering of ADU design used for Renton’s Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit program (courtesy of City of Renton)
Courtesy Photo, Public Health - Seattle & King County

King County health officials urge caution around rivers, lakes

Warm Memorial Day weekend weather expected to draw people to swimming, boating

  • May 28, 2021
Courtesy Photo, Public Health - Seattle & King County