Crossposted from Public Health Insider

This opinion piece was originally published in The Seattle Times on August 20, 2026.

The U.S. now has more recorded cases of measles — a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable disease — than any time in the past 35 years. Over the past two years, the infection has impacted undervaccinated communities across our country. National data show that measles has re-established itself after the U.S. declared the infection eliminated in 2000.

Although this is a notable public health setback, there are several actions we can take to protect one another in King County and Washington state. We have an experienced public health system, dedicated healthcare partners and a committed community; together we have faced disease threats before. The decisions we make and actions we take now to improve vaccination rates can help us prepare and safeguard our communities from unimpeded measles circulation in our region. Read more.

By Allen Nance, Deputy Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention

Twenty-five years ago, the United States was shocked by an attack few had imagined possible.

I still remember Sept. 11, 2001, as vividly as when it happened. Many others do as well.

I’d like to share my memories of that day to help us recapture both the horror and the shared sense of purpose of that time. Whether you witnessed these events in person or on TV, or are too young to recall them, Sept. 11 is a reminder of what’s at stake when it comes to protecting our fellow citizens and our democratic values.

For me, the terrible realization of what was unfolding on 9/11 happened while I was working in DuPage County, Illinois, sitting in my office in the courthouse for the 18th Judicial Circuit. Read more.

Read two accounts from DAJD employees here: What we saw in New York City on 9/11.

Crossposted from Metro Matters

Backpack, water bottle, notebook, laptop, ORCA card!

Since September 2022, young people throughout King County haven’t needed to ask family for a ride or for money to take transit. They just had to walk to a bus, streetcar, or light rail stop, or get to a water taxi or ferry terminal.

This September marks the start of the fifth school year where kids and teens across the state can board regional transit for free until their 19th birthday, thanks to the Free Youth Transit Pass. That program provides young people with access to school, work, activities and so much more.

“I grew up taking the bus throughout Seattle and King County, so I know firsthand what it means for a young person to have the freedom to get around on their own,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. Read more.