A longtime Seattle journalist, Luke Duecy joins KIRO Newsradio after several years as a reporter on KOMO 4 News as a general assignment reporter. Luke also recently worked in PR, where he operates a boutique firm.
King County Council members deliberate on the new budget. The spending plan pays for core county operations, including Metro buses, sewage treatment, jails, courts, and drug-treatment programs. It also raises the countywide property-tax levy from 10 cents to 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
For a median $850,000 home, that means an annual increase from about $85 to $127. Housing emerged as one of the central themes of the budget. Council members approved an amendment from Councilmember Claudia Balducci to fund the next phase of a countywide housing needs assessment. Another amendment, sponsored by Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, aims to “Trump-proof” housing assistance by setting aside funds to offset any federal cuts. “The very funding that we’ve been able to rely on for decades is at threat,” Mosqueda said before her amendment passed. “It’s being weaponized.” The budget adds about $6 million for shelter space and rental assistance, and boosts funding for behavioral-health services and the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center.Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson outlines early agenda in appearance on CNNfor 58 new positions in the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The final budget funds nine, including one additional prosecutor and eight victim advocates, which is far short of the original request. The county is also investing $10 million to improve oversight and financial controls in the Department of Community and Human Services after a recent audit flagged unauthorized payments. County Executive Shannon Braddock, who leaves office next week as Executive-elect Girmay Zahilay takes over, called the final plan a balanced budget. Councilmember Reagan Dunn praised Budget Chair Rod Dembowski for steering the massive package across the finish line. “Rock solid job on this, man,” said Dunn. “I know it doesn’t look it or feel like it, but it came out really well, so good job on a massive deal.” With Tuesday’s vote, Zahilay will inherit the county’s first budget in years that isn’t shadowed by major cuts. Council members said part of that was the result of passing two taxes earlier this year, including a property tax increase in December that funds Harborview Medical Center and a July sales tax to fund law enforcement and the courts.Washington’s revenue forecast drops by $66 millionBoth the House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill forcing the Justice Department to release its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Hundreds of National Guard troops deployed to Chicago and Portland are being sent home, and those who will remain will continue to stay off the streets, a defense official said Monday.‘Pick a lane and do it’: Seattle Times columnist calls out city’s inability to solve problems Danny Westneat recently labeled Seattle as a fickle city, oftentimes being outspoken on issues that drag the city down, yet nobody enacts any changes. Discover Kitsap County’s creative soul: Where Nordic charm meets gothic gardens and ancient traditions thrive Kitsap County is full of wonderfully weird, authentically artsy, and unexpectedly magical corners that make visitors become locals and locals never want to leave.A whole-home generator isn’t a luxury — it’s a lifeline Tyson O’Neill, owner of Generator Supercenter of Puget Sound in Lynnwood, said homeowners must stop treating backup power like a luxury.As small and medium-sized businesses in the Seattle-Tacoma region prepare to capitalize on renewed economic momentum and easing interest rates, Bonneville Seattle stands as the premier media partner to amplify their growth.Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, giving beneficiaries a crucial opportunity to review and change their plans.If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your heating, air conditioning, or heat pump system, 2025 is the year to act.
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