King County

257 Stories

Law & Courts

Despite opioid epidemic, drug court enrollment is down. King County hopes to change that

King County’s Drug Diversion Court is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It was one of the first programs in the nation to help people clear their criminal records, if they enter treatment and stop using drugs. But amidst the opioid epidemic, drug court enrollment has actually shrunk in recent years.
Amy Radil
King County Council considers housing development for middle-income residents
Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Government

Youth jail should be improved, not closed, King County Council votes

It was the council’s first time taking an official position on the future of the youth jail, four years after County Executive Dow Constantine called it a “system rooted in oppression” and pledged to close the facility by 2025.
Ann Dornfeld
Crime

Middle school-aged kids increasingly face felony charges in King County
Ann Dornfeld
As King County moves to reopen Kent hotel for the unhoused, asylum-seekers hope they won’t be forgotten
Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Government

Washington state and counties square off over juvenile rehabilitation closures

One issue: DCYF’s transfer of 43 men in their early 20s from Green Hill to an adult prison.
Ann Dornfeld
Health

King County is getting its first walk-in mental health crisis center

A new walk-in crisis care center in Kirkland for people experiencing mental health emergencies will start accepting patients in early August.
Eilís O'Neill
Health

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
Law & Courts

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
Government

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

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