Cameron Sheppard

Some of the books under fire at Cedar Heights Middle School. (Screenshot from Barnes & Noble website)

Debate continues over potential book ban in Kent schools

Some claim the LGBTQ books are inappropriate, while others argue the importance of representation.

Some of the books under fire at Cedar Heights Middle School. (Screenshot from Barnes & Noble website)
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (Courtesy of OSPI)

State Superintendent recommends change of mask mandate policies in schools, claims ‘landscape’ of pandemic has changed

Meanwhile, the state’s largest public school employees’ union continues support for masks in schools.

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (Courtesy of OSPI)
Screenshot from Barnes and Noble website
Cover art of books that KSD Librarian Gavin Downing says have been under fire: “Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts),” by Lev A.C. Rosen, “If I Was Your Girl,” by Meredith Russo, and “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George Matthew Johnson.

Kent School District librarian is ready to defend LGBTQ books ‘even more now’

A few books curated by librarian are under review by district for “sexually explicit content.”

Screenshot from Barnes and Noble website
Cover art of books that KSD Librarian Gavin Downing says have been under fire: “Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts),” by Lev A.C. Rosen, “If I Was Your Girl,” by Meredith Russo, and “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George Matthew Johnson.
Cedar Heights Middle School, where the principal reportedly flagged literature in the library after a student raised an issue with the content. (Screenshot from Kent School District website)

Kent School District issues statement as LGBTQ library books are under fire

Some believe the books are too sexually explicit for middle school, but others decry library censorship.

Cedar Heights Middle School, where the principal reportedly flagged literature in the library after a student raised an issue with the content. (Screenshot from Kent School District website)
Courtesy of King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

After a record-breaking 2020, gun violence continues to increase in King County

King County Prosecuting Attorney believes pandemic gun violence is part of a national trend.

Courtesy of King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
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Woman arrested after allegedly pulling gun on gas station employee who asked her to wear a mask

The 33-year-old Spanaway woman has not been charged yet.

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King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office testifies on behalf of catalytic converter theft bill, suggests additional measures

KCPAO representative emphasized the importance of addressing the demand for the stolen car parts.

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U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, who pushed for broadband funding in Washington schools. (Screenshot from murray.senate.gov)

American Rescue Plan Act funding approved for broadband investments in WA schools

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray pushed for the funding, which will benefit several King County school districts.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, who pushed for broadband funding in Washington schools. (Screenshot from murray.senate.gov)
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Non-profit sponsors study on how the pandemic impacted arts and culture in Puget Sound

The study helped identify challenges faced by residents and cultural organizations in Washington

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WA lawmakers propose making companies responsible for recycling improvements

SB 5697 would compel industries to report data, invest in infrastructure, meet standards.

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Unions: 2021 hosted a record number of workplace safety complaints vs. hospitals

Healthcare workers’ unions are supporting legislation that would implement safer staffing standards.

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Screenshot from City of Kent Facebook Page

Trash piles up in King County neighborhoods after agency postpones service for weeks

Collection company initially cited weather as the reason, but now a strike interferes.

Screenshot from City of Kent Facebook Page
Screenshot from King County Council meeting

King County Council approves new leadership, committee structure and assignments

The leadership positions and committee assignments will last through 2022.

Screenshot from King County Council meeting
Courtesy of 4Culture
Courtesy of 4Culture
Snoqualmie Casino. Courtesy photo

Kirkland-based company sues to challenge ‘tribal gaming monopoly’ in Washington

Company called the state’s policy an “erroneous application of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.”

Snoqualmie Casino. Courtesy photo
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Widespread burnout among healthcare workers prompts change at hospitals

Healthcare workers unions are supporting HB 1868 and companion bill SB 5715.

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Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health — Seattle King County. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)

King County health expert is ‘mind-boggled’ by spread of Omicron variant

Omicron wave could peak by mid-January, according to predictions.

Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health — Seattle King County. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)
Courtesy of Leesa Manion

Leesa Manion, chief of staff for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, to run for county prosecutor

Announcement comes the same day that Dan Satterberg announced he would not run for re-election.

Courtesy of Leesa Manion
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Washington part of multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to packaged salads

Cases were found in King, Snohomish, Whatcom, Pierce, Thurston, Mason and Skagit counties.

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Left to right: Dustin Everett, Clarence Tewasiliyaro and Brian Yeater all receive their awards. Courtesy photo

Kent Police chief awards three residents for their bravery

Dustin Everett, Brian Yeater and Clarence Tewasiliyaro all earned awards for their heroism.

Left to right: Dustin Everett, Clarence Tewasiliyaro and Brian Yeater all receive their awards. Courtesy photo