Aaron Kunkler

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Hamed Shirzad runs Shirzad Jewelry in Kirkland and recently completed an exhibit for the Bellevue Arts Museum, showcasing traditional Persian jewelry. Contributed by Hamed Shirzad

Kirkland’s Hamed Shirzad’s stunning Persian jewelry exhibit debuts at Bellevue Arts Museum

After a decade of work on his labor of love, Kirkland’s Hamed Shirzad has finished a set of Persian jewelry which will soon be on… Continue reading

 

Spring Chinook Salmon. Photo courtesy Michael Humling, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Salmon update: King County wants cleaner water, more habitat

Salmon and orcas are in the spotlight once again as King County unveils a new strategic plan to rework its approach to protecting water quality… Continue reading

 

Help wanted sign in the window. File photo

State releases February unemployment data

February unemployment in King County sat at 5.3%, which marked a decrease from the prior month, but was still double that when compared to February… Continue reading

 

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Snoqualmie Tribe, partners, to open Eastside’s first community-based mass vaccination site on April 12

Located at Lake Sammamish State Park, it has capacity for up to 300 people per day.

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Courtesy photo

Issaquah School District settles negligence lawsuit for $4.25 million

The lawsuit alleged the district covered for a now-convicted child molester while he was a teacher.

Courtesy photo
Sound Publishing file photo

More people can get the COVID vaccine on March 31, but supply is still limited

The number of people eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine is set to increase in King County, but the number of available doses has yet… Continue reading

Sound Publishing file photo
Bellevue police standoff. File photo

Eastside police agencies form independent use of force investigation team

Agencies from Snoqualmie to Mercer Island, along with the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol, are slated to be part of it.

Bellevue police standoff. File photo
A woman gathers flowers at Snofalls Lavender Farm outside Fall City on July 18, 2020. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo

Finding farmland in King County is a perpetual struggle

High prices and a lack of available land has pushed the price per acre sky-high.

A woman gathers flowers at Snofalls Lavender Farm outside Fall City on July 18, 2020. Aaron Kunkler/staff photo
(Pxfuel)

Grocery workers in unincorporated King County to receive $4 hazard pay bump

Workers at many large grocery stores in unincorporated King County will soon see a pay bump of $4 an hour after the King County Metropolitan… Continue reading

(Pxfuel)
A landslide in December 2019 created a crack in this Fall City road, allowing for a one lane entry and exit. Courtesy of King County Road Services

WA Legislature grapples with funding roads, bridges

Roads and bridges repair programs in King County are underfunded, and state legislators are thinking of ways to address critical infrastructure issues this session as… Continue reading

A landslide in December 2019 created a crack in this Fall City road, allowing for a one lane entry and exit. Courtesy of King County Road Services
Whole Foods grocery store entrance (Shutterstock)

King County considers grocery store worker hazard pay for those in unincorporated areas

The King County Metropolitan Council will vote during its next meeting on whether to grant hazard pay to grocery store workers employed by large stores… Continue reading

Whole Foods grocery store entrance (Shutterstock)
Freshwater variety of kokanee salmon from Lake Sammamish. File photo

Encouraging numbers for kokanee salmon spawn count

Lake Sammamish kokanee aren’t out of the woods by any stretch, but there’s reason to be optimistic about the fate of the little red fish… Continue reading

Freshwater variety of kokanee salmon from Lake Sammamish. File photo
Malden, after a wildfire burned down 80% of the town’s buildings in Eastern Washington. Courtesy photo

DNR commissioner seeks $125 million to fight wildfires

In Washington state last September, some 600,000 acres burned within 72 hours.

Malden, after a wildfire burned down 80% of the town’s buildings in Eastern Washington. Courtesy photo
Entrance to the Tukwila Library branch of the King County Library System. File photo

King County libraries will reopen in some cities for in-person services

Fall City, Kent libraries among six selected for partial reopening.

Entrance to the Tukwila Library branch of the King County Library System. File photo
A South King Fire & Rescue firefighter places a used test swab into a secure COVID test vial on Nov. 18, 2020, at a Federal Way testing site. (Sound Publishing file photo)

Masks are still king in combating new COVID strains

A top UW doctor talks new strains, masks and when normal could return.

A South King Fire & Rescue firefighter places a used test swab into a secure COVID test vial on Nov. 18, 2020, at a Federal Way testing site. (Sound Publishing file photo)
Of the 84 schools that had COVID-19 outbreaks across the state, 69% were public schools and the remaining were private schools, according to a new report. Courtesy photo

State releases data on COVID outbreaks in schools

A new statewide report outlines how COVID-19 outbreaks have moved through Washington schools. The report, released on Feb. 11, lists outbreaks in King County and… Continue reading

Of the 84 schools that had COVID-19 outbreaks across the state, 69% were public schools and the remaining were private schools, according to a new report. Courtesy photo
Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo

Legislature examines restructuring public health in WA

Lawmakers in Olympia are considering an overhaul of Washington state’s public health system to increase access to basic services. A number of changes are expected… Continue reading

Washington State Capitol Building in Olympia. File photo
Gray wolves historically roamed across the state but were eradicated in Washington by 1930s. In recent decades wolves have been migrating back to the state from Canada, Idaho and Oregon. John and Karen Hollingsworth/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Pack to the future: Will more wolves come to King County?

Some experts believe we’re on the cusp of discovering packs in King County.

Gray wolves historically roamed across the state but were eradicated in Washington by 1930s. In recent decades wolves have been migrating back to the state from Canada, Idaho and Oregon. John and Karen Hollingsworth/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Spring Chinook salmon. Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Report: Washington salmon are in hot water

Ten of the 14 salmon species listed as endangered are in crisis.

Spring Chinook salmon. Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
An AR-15. Courtesy photo

Mags, open carry at protests and AR-15s on Olympia’s agenda

Lawmakers are eyeing a number of bills which could change firearm regulations in the state.

An AR-15. Courtesy photo