Northwest

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
Gov. Jay Inslee signs into law Feb. 8 a bill that reduces unemployment taxes for small businesses. COURTESY PHOTO, The Office of the Governor

New state law averts big spike in unemployment taxes on businesses

Inslee signed a measure to spread out increases and boost weekly benefit checks for those who are unemployed.

Gov. Jay Inslee signs into law Feb. 8 a bill that reduces unemployment taxes for small businesses. COURTESY PHOTO, The Office of the Governor
The U.S. Department of Justice released a photo of Ethan Nordean, circled in red, during the Jan. 6 Capitol riots in Washington, D.C. COURTESY PHOTO, U.S. Department of Justice

Proud Boys member with local ties to be transferred to D.C. to face charges

A federal judge orders Ethan Nordean to District of Columbia court related to Capitol riots

The U.S. Department of Justice released a photo of Ethan Nordean, circled in red, during the Jan. 6 Capitol riots in Washington, D.C. COURTESY PHOTO, U.S. Department of Justice
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Legislator’s bill proposes wiping advisory votes from your ballot

‘They are nothing more than push polls designed to instill distrust in government,’ says state senator.

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Remi Frederick, a Village Green employee receives her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Jan. 26 in Federal Way. Olivia Sullivan/Sound Publishing

Inslee: We have vaccine capacity, we just need the doses

Despite continued frustration from those seeking a shot, the state is making progress, he said.

Remi Frederick, a Village Green employee receives her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Jan. 26 in Federal Way. Olivia Sullivan/Sound Publishing
Sunken and abandoned boat at Kirkland’s Marina Park (Photo Credit: King County Sheriff’s Office)

Abandoned boats in waterways are a ‘regional challenge,’ says King County Sheriff’s Office

Spokesperson says expensive and time-consuming boat recoveries happen about 20 times a year.

Sunken and abandoned boat at Kirkland’s Marina Park (Photo Credit: King County Sheriff’s Office)
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Pay freeze for Inslee and state lawmakers this year

A citizen panel approved a 1.75% increase for executives, legislators and justices 17 months from now.

  • Feb 4, 2021
  • By Jerry Cornfield jcornfield@soundpublishing.com
  • Coronavirus
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WA Democrats consider new tax on billionaires

Plan could raise $5 billion from fewer than 100 taxpayers. Detractors fear it could drive Washington’s wealthiest out of state.

  • Feb 4, 2021
  • By Mirror Staff
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A Renton man died in a single-car crash Feb. 3 along Interstate 5 in Federal Way near South 320th Street. COURTESY PHOTO, State Patrol

Renton man dies in crash along NB I-5 in Federal Way

Washington State Patrol says a medical emergency caused the crash.

A Renton man died in a single-car crash Feb. 3 along Interstate 5 in Federal Way near South 320th Street. COURTESY PHOTO, State Patrol
The U.S. Department of Justice released this photo of Ethan Nordean, circled in red, during the Jan. 6 Capitol riots in Washington, D.C. COURTESY PHOTO, U.S. Department of Justice

Proud Boys member with local ties charged for role in Jan. 6 riots

Ethan Nordean faces charges of obstructing or impeding an official proceeding

The U.S. Department of Justice released this photo of Ethan Nordean, circled in red, during the Jan. 6 Capitol riots in Washington, D.C. COURTESY PHOTO, U.S. Department of Justice
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
Sea stars huddled at low tide (Photo credit: MARINe)

Research suggests warmer oceans are killing sea stars in Puget Sound

‘Wasting syndrome’ has decimated 70-100 percent of sea star populations in certain areas.

Sea stars huddled at low tide (Photo credit: MARINe)
Last summer, people took advantage of the outdoor dining along First Avenue between Gowe and Titus streets in downtown Kent. In Phase 2 of the governor’s reopening plan, which was announced Jan. 28, restaurants can reopen at a maximum 25% capacity and a limit of six people per table. Photo courtesy of Kent Downtown Partnership

Restaurant reprieve: State to relax some indoor restrictions

On Monday, area restaurants and certain entertainment venues may resume indoor service, the governor said.

  • Jan 28, 2021
  • By Jerry Cornfield jcornfield@soundpublishing.com and Joseph Thompson jthompson@soundpublishing.com
  • Coronavirus
Last summer, people took advantage of the outdoor dining along First Avenue between Gowe and Titus streets in downtown Kent. In Phase 2 of the governor’s reopening plan, which was announced Jan. 28, restaurants can reopen at a maximum 25% capacity and a limit of six people per table. Photo courtesy of Kent Downtown Partnership
Chad Wheeler. COURTESY PHOTO, Seattle Seahawks

Ex-Seahawk Wheeler accused of attacking girlfriend in Kent apartment

Lineman charged with first-degree domestic violence assault

Chad Wheeler. COURTESY PHOTO, Seattle Seahawks
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14-year-old victim of Green River killer identified

The remains of Wendy Stephens were found in 1984

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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
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

Lawmakers consider prohibiting use of credit score to determine insurance rates

Advocates say credit scoring makes low-income and minority policy holders pay more for coverage.

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File 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