You heard it on KUOW | Tuesday, Feb. 12
A roundup of news from our KUOW reporters.
A new raining issue in Seattle
Rain may be replacing the snow in Seattle, but the city's emergency officials have their eyes on the next problem: flooding.
The record amounts of February snow in the region could cause both street flooding and overflows on small rivers.
The forecast for the rest of the week includes a mix of snow and rain each day in the greater Seattle area.
Officials are asking for the public's help in helping to keep drains clear from ice or debris in your neighborhood. And remember: It's on you to keep your sidewalk shoveled.
Slush having you missing the picturesque snow?
Meals on Wheels in snow
More than 2,200 seniors in King County rely on the food program. Once a week, they receive food enough to last them until the next delivery. But with the extreme weather, administrators have been asking them whether they have enough.
“When they’re taking client orders, they’re asking, ‘how is your food supply. Do you have enough food that you can make it through your next food delivery?’” said Brittany Blue with Sound Generations, the nonprofit that runs the program.
Blue said some clients who were scheduled to receive their Monday delivery were able to get their food a few days earlier.
Blue says the program isn’t just about delivering food, but an opportunity to check in on older adults, especially those who are living alone.
Sheriffs refuse to enforce voter-approved gun laws
The list of county sheriffs refusing to enforce new gun laws in Washington is growing. A dozen sheriffs say they won't enforce new restrictions on semi-automatic rifles that voters approved in November.
The sheriffs say the measure might be unconstitutional.
Supporters of the gun restrictions say they're disappointed. But they note that the sheriffs have no role in enforcing the new laws until July 1, when expanded background checks take effect.
The new law also raised the minimum age for buying semi-automatic rifles from 18 to 21, and requires buyers to first pass a firearms safety course.
A new public records bill to address transparency concerns?
Sen. Jamie Pedersen is proposing a new bill on the types of records the public can request from state lawmakers. It subjects lawmakers to the Public Records Act, but also has a lot of exemptions.
