King County

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.

Middle school-aged kids increasingly face felony charges in King County

As King County moves to reopen Kent hotel for the unhoused, asylum-seekers hope they won’t be forgotten

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.