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King County Flood Patrol members Thomas Bannister (left) and Seth Ballhorn on their patrol route, Dec. 9, 2025. (Grace Gorenflo/Sound Publishing)

Northwest

Flood Patrol is King County’s ‘eyes and ears’ in flood emergencies

“This work is physically demanding and often unseen,” the county said.

U.S. District Courthouse in Seattle. COURTESY PHOTO, USDOJ

Northwest

US Marshals alert public of fraudulent court order scams

Warning comes from Seattle-based Western District of Washington

On Dec. 8, 2025, the atmospheric river stretched thousands of miles from Guam to Washington before bringing moist subtropical air to the region for nearly a week. Photo from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES-18 Satellite

Northwest

Flood science: How December’s atmospheric river soaked Washington

After recovering from record-setting flooding, many in King County are wondering why December’s flooding has been more extreme…

COURTESY PHOTO, PSE

Northwest

Puget Sound Energy electric, natural gas rates go up

Roughly a 12% hike for electric customers and 7% for natural gas customers

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

Northwest

New laws and taxes take effect in WA on Jan. 1

Tax hikes on big business and rental cars. Unemployment benefits for workers on strike.

The flooded Cedar River flowing into Lake Washington. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing

Northwest

Tenants’ rights and resources following floods

Washington state law has protections for tenants.

Photos by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.

Northwest

Try Furoshiki: Japan’s eco-friendly way to wrap gifts

In collaboration with the Seattle Consulate-General of Japan and the King County Library System, local residents learned “Fabulous…

Floodwater from the Snohomish River partially covers a flood water sign on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Sound Publishing photo)

Northwest

Feds approve WA emergency declaration for record flooding

As rivers began to recede, the federal government on Dec. 12 approved Washington’s request for aid to respond…

An AR-15 rifle and a loaded magazine that were recovered from a suspect in a shooting incident at the Kent Station parking garage in 2019. (Photo courtesy of King County Sheriff’s Office)

Northwest

WA’s ban on assault weapon sales survives another challenge

A judge last month once again upheld Washington’s 2023 law banning the sale of certain semiautomatic firearms classified…

Kent Superintendent Israel Vela with Kiku Hughes and Eileen Yamada-Lamphere at Mill Creek Middle School. Photo courtesy of the Kent School District.

Northwest

Author discusses graphic novel on Japanese incarceration camps

Each year, Washington students learn about Japanese-American detainments without due process following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and…

Courtesy of Seattle Metro Pickleball Association
Washington’s pickleball license plate.

Northwest

Pickleball gets its own Washington license plate

Washington served up a new license plate Nov. 19, honoring the state sport of pickleball.

New King County Executive Girmay Zahilay speaks after his Nov. 25 swearing in during a County Council meeting in Seattle. COURTESY PHOTO, King County

Northwest

Girmay Zahilay, 38, sworn in as King County executive

Becomes the youngest person ever to hold the office, first immigrant, first refugee and the first millennial

The King County flood map shows the different areas of South King County, indicated by blues and oranges, that are prone to flooding. Image courtesy of King County Flood Control.

Northwest

Flood alert: Free sandbags available for county residents

As part of the Be Flood Ready campaign, all King County residents are eligible for free sandbag materials…