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…

A breach in the Desimone levee Dec. 15 along the Green River in Tukwila. COURTESY SCREENSHOT/Video, King County Sheriff’s Office

Northwest

Army Corps assists King County with Green River levee breach

Reduces water flow from Hanson Dam; provides personnel support; super sacks

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 Muckleshoot Canoe Family begin the coordinator gathering with a cultural opening ceremony. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing

Northwest

Muckleshoot Tribe hosts national MMIP coordinator gathering

MMIP refers to “Missing and Murdered Indigenous People,” an ongoing international crisis that has inspired tribal leaders from…

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…

Kay Feather with her Battle Buddy Kyro. Photo courtesy of Northwest Battle Buddies.

Northwest

Northwest Battle Buddies help veterans with PTSD

Shannon Walker was a professional dog trainer for years when a veteran named Kevin W. came to her…