Northwest

In November 2019, Washington voters approved Initiative 976, which calls for $30 car tabs. Sound Publishing file photo

Republicans try to guarantee $30 car tabs amid court hangup

Lawmakers sponsor companion bills in the House and Senate.

  • Jan 15, 2020
In November 2019, Washington voters approved Initiative 976, which calls for $30 car tabs. Sound Publishing file photo
King County Metro’s battery-electric bus. Photo courtesy of kingcounty.gov

King County could bump up Metro electrification deadlines

Transportation generates nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

King County Metro’s battery-electric bus. Photo courtesy of kingcounty.gov
Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his 2020 State of the State Address on Tuesday, Jan. 14. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Office of the Governor)

Gov. Inslee delivers State of the State Address

By Leona Vaughn, WNPA News Service OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee stood before the Washington Legislature to deliver his 2020 State of the State Address… Continue reading

  • Jan 14, 2020
Gov. Jay Inslee delivered his 2020 State of the State Address on Tuesday, Jan. 14. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Office of the Governor)
Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, was sworn in Jan. 13, 2020, as Speaker of the House. Photo by Cameron Sheppard, WNPA News Service

Jinkins sworn in as WA’s first female Speaker of the House

Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, is applauded by her colleagues as she becomes the first woman in Washington State history to be sworn in as Speaker… Continue reading

  • Jan 14, 2020
Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, was sworn in Jan. 13, 2020, as Speaker of the House. Photo by Cameron Sheppard, WNPA News Service
A 50-minute film called “Spawning Grounds,” which documents the effort to save a freshwater variety of kokanee salmon from Lake Sammamish, is finally ready for its debut in North Bend on Jan. 18. (Screenshot from film)

Spawning Grounds: Lake Sammamish kokanee documentary premieres Jan. 18

The film tracks the ‘all hands on deck’ effort to save the little red fish from extinction.

A 50-minute film called “Spawning Grounds,” which documents the effort to save a freshwater variety of kokanee salmon from Lake Sammamish, is finally ready for its debut in North Bend on Jan. 18. (Screenshot from film)
Meet the group trying to electrify America’s railroads

Meet the group trying to electrify America’s railroads

The Backbone Campaign hopes it will reduce emissions and jump-start depressed communities.

Meet the group trying to electrify America’s railroads
Jinkins takes over as Speaker of the House in Olympia

Jinkins takes over as Speaker of the House in Olympia

Tacoma representative sworn in on Legislature’s first day

  • Jan 13, 2020
Jinkins takes over as Speaker of the House in Olympia
A man works on a balcony at the Cedar Pointe Apartments, a 255 apartment complex for seniors 55+, on Jan. 6, 2020, in Arlington, Washington. (Andy Bronson/The Herald)

Washington state has been under-producing housing units for decades

A new report said there should have been an additional 225,000 units created between 2010 and 2015.

A man works on a balcony at the Cedar Pointe Apartments, a 255 apartment complex for seniors 55+, on Jan. 6, 2020, in Arlington, Washington. (Andy Bronson/The Herald)
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

Homelessness, guns among 2020 legislative priorities

WA lawmakers examine issues heading into 60-day session.

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo
Girmay Zahilay (District 2) is the newest member of the King County Council. Courtesy photo

New King County Council members sworn in

The King County Council was sworn in on Jan. 8, with three familiar faces and one new face. Councilmembers Jeanne Kohl-Welles (District 4), Claudia Balducci… Continue reading

Girmay Zahilay (District 2) is the newest member of the King County Council. Courtesy photo
Fatalities drop 58 percent on state highways, freeways in King County

Fatalities drop 58 percent on state highways, freeways in King County

State Patrol stats for 2018 vs 2019

  • Jan 7, 2020
Fatalities drop 58 percent on state highways, freeways in King County
King County faces $2 million lawsuit from 2016 K-9 bite

King County faces $2 million lawsuit from 2016 K-9 bite

A man’s right arm was left “permanently disfigured and disabled” after a Sheriff’s Office K-9 was used.

  • Jan 6, 2020
  • By Aaron Kunkler akunkler@soundpublishing.com and Ashley Hiruko
King County faces $2 million lawsuit from 2016 K-9 bite
U.S. Sen. Murray issues statement on death of Qasem Soleimani in U.S. airstrikes

U.S. Sen. Murray issues statement on death of Qasem Soleimani in U.S. airstrikes

‘I am gravely concerned this president’s escalatory actions jeopardize American service members, allies and interests’

  • Jan 3, 2020
U.S. Sen. Murray issues statement on death of Qasem Soleimani in U.S. airstrikes
Paid Family and Medical Leave is here

Paid Family and Medical Leave is here

Up to 12 weeks to care for new child, serious illness or injury

  • Jan 2, 2020
Paid Family and Medical Leave is here
Insulin pumps are worn by diabetics to monitor blood glucose levels and replace manual injections. (Wikimedia Commons)

WA lawmakers propose capping insulin costs at $100 a month

With the federal government in gridlock, states and finding ways to lower costs.

Insulin pumps are worn by diabetics to monitor blood glucose levels and replace manual injections. (Wikimedia Commons)
Washington’s vehicle emission check program ends Dec. 31
Washington’s vehicle emission check program ends Dec. 31
Public invited to comment on Puget Sound Energy’s rate request

Public invited to comment on Puget Sound Energy’s rate request

Can phone into January meetings in Lacey, Bellevue

  • Dec 30, 2019
Public invited to comment on Puget Sound Energy’s rate request
Washington’s vehicle emission check program ends Dec. 31
Washington’s vehicle emission check program ends Dec. 31
Swedish Medical Center nurses could send notification of strike by year’s end

Swedish Medical Center nurses could send notification of strike by year’s end

Union reps say negotiations have stalled since they began in April.

Swedish Medical Center nurses could send notification of strike by year’s end
Who owns King County forestlands?

Who owns King County forestlands?

It’s a hodgepodge mix, but large investment companies own a substantial chunk.

Who owns King County forestlands?