Controversial county effort to divert youth criminal cases to community groups not meeting goals A $16 million effort by King County to send most juvenile criminal cases to community-based diversion programs, rather than the court system, is having trouble meeting its goals, a county report shows. Ann Dornfeld
Despite threats of removal, asylum-seekers in Kent remain at camp next to empty hotel For now, asylum-seekers camping out in front of a vacant county-owned hotel in the city of Kent are not going to be relocated. Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Fatal drug overdoses declining slightly in King County after 2023 surge Officials in King County say after a bleak year of increased drug overdoses in 2023, they are starting to see signs of hope. At the county’s fourth annual conference on substance use Thursday, officials said fatal drug overdoses are trending down slightly in 2024. Amy Radil
King County prosecutors have notified schools of 69 felony gun charges against students The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has started notifying schools when students are charged with felonies involving guns. The Safer Schools Strategy began this school year, partly in response to campus shootings. Ann Dornfeld
Expanded water taxi service means easier access to and from Seattle for Vashon Islanders For the first time in years, the King County water taxi is expanding its sailings. Diana Opong
Conflict and confusion after state suspends intake for convicted juveniles There is concern and confusion in King County courts after a surprising decision from the state to suspend intakes of juvenile offenders at two correctional facilities due to overcrowding. Instead, youths sentenced to long-term confinement will remain under county oversight until further notice, the state Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) told county officials Friday. Ann Dornfeld
More green space, fewer silos: King County reveals new extreme heat plan King County officials on Thursday presented a new plan for keeping residents safe during the hotter summers ahead. They say the plan will help local jurisdictions respond to extreme heat with a more unified approach. Amy Radil
More talk, but no resolution. King County Council remains at odds about youth jail The King County Council will consider its official stance on jailing some youths for serious crimes, four years after Executive Dow Constantine pledged to end juvenile detention. Ann Dornfeld
King County judge finds state agency in contempt for keeping teen in adult jail A King County Superior Court judge held the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) in contempt of court Friday for failing to transfer an 18-year-old convicted of robbery to a state juvenile rehabilitation facility. Ann Dornfeld
A Seattle hot dog with everything — but not all the permits Mobile food are popping up at more Seattle parks and beaches this summer - but many aren’t supposed to be open. Casey Martin
