King County

298 Stories

Candidates to lead King County talk taxes, audits, homelessness, and mental health

The King County executive oversees the sheriff’s department, manages public health, transportation, public housing, and jails. According to the King County website, the executive leads one of the largest regional governments in the United States. And, for the first time in 16 years, there isn’t an incumbent on the ballot. Two county leaders are vying for the job. Soundside’s Libby Denkmann hosted the two candidates — Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay — for a debate at the KUOW studios.
- Libby Denkmann
Seattle, King County offer food vouchers for WIC recipients if shutdown continues

As the federal government shutdown continues, Seattle and King County officials have announced a plan to help families who rely on WIC — a federal food assistance program for mothers, babies, and children — when their benefits run out.
- Ruby de Luna
New placards are coming to King County food businesses to warn about labor violations

You know those placards that show a restaurant’s food safety rating? There will soon be new signs next to them saying whether a business has unresolved wage violations.
- Ruby de Luna
Plans for King County mental health crisis center in Seattle pass another hurdle

A King County Council committee voted unanimously yesterday to go forward with plans for a walk-in mental health crisis care center in Seattle. In effect, that serves as an approval to buy the proposed location at Broadway and Union, in the old Polyclinic building. Seattle Times engagement reporter Taylor Blatchford told KUOW’s Paige Browning about why plans to site the center there have been contentious.
- Paige Browning
King County officials call for accountability following 'damning' audit of community, family services

King County officials are calling for more accountability in light of a recent auditor's report on the Department of Community and Human Services.
- Ruby de Luna
'Damning' audit finds lax King County oversight allowed potential fraud, improper payments to contractors

The King County Auditor found that lax financial oversight at the Department of Community and Human Services allowed potential fraud and numerous improper payments to contractors for four youth programs in the last three years.
- Ann Dornfeld
Seattle light rail trains could start crossing Lake Washington in late April — but it's unlikely

Eastsiders anxious to ride light rail across Lake Washington to Seattle still have months to wait. Sound Transit has set an estimated start date in April 2026 — but that’s likely to change.
- Casey Martin
Rough night for Seattle incumbents, moderates: 5 takeaways from WA's 2025 primary election

Early results indicate that a slate of progressive newcomers will face off against moderate incumbents in several key Seattle races this November. King County’s government will see a changing of the guard. Property taxes are probably going up in those areas, too.
- Scott Greenstone
Live election results: Aug. 5 Seattle area primary

Aug. 5 is the primary election for several key races in the Seattle area. Check in here for live results and to see who could be going on to the Nov. 4 general election.
- KUOW Staff
King County prosecutor pauses youth felony diversion, citing high reoffending rates

King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion said she'll refer some young first-time offenders back to more traditional court-supervised programs instead of community nonprofits due to concerns over recidivism.
- Amy Radil

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King County

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