Crossposted from Public Health Insider The outbreak of hantavirus on an international cruise ship has put this rare disease in the headlines. WHO is leading the investigation of that situation involving a specific type of hantavirus that has not been found in the United States. We wanted to learn more about whether hantavirus poses a risk to people in King County, so we checked in with Dr. Jocelyn Mullins, a public health veterinarian and resident expert at Public Health – Seattle & King County on diseases coming from animals. Dr. Mullins, what is hantavirus and how people can get it?  Hantavirus is a rare but potentially deadly disease that affects the lungs. It primarily… Read More

The Human and Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) released its inaugural 2025-2026 annual report, highlighting ongoing efforts to achieve King County’s equity goals and ensure all residents are treated fairly and justly.  “King County is committed to being an inclusive, welcoming place for all people – regardless of their race, religion, gender, or ability,” said Executive Girmay Zahilay. “At a time when our federal government is attacking civil rights, HCRC is working to ensure we are advancing equity, fairness, and justice in King County and uplifting the voices of communities who have not historically had a seat at the table in decision-making processes. Read more.

May is Bike Everywhere Month, and to celebrate the joy of bicycling there is a friendly competition: the Bike Everywhere Challenge! Throughout the month, teams at King County will create a little friendly competition for who can get the most trips and/or ride the most miles during the month of May. Please consider forming or joining a team to get riding! There are prizes for most trips logged, most miles ridden, and random drawings for participants, courtesy of the Employee Transportation Program. To sign up for the Bike Everywhere Month challenge under… Read More

CASA volunteers and staff came together at the May 3 Mariners game in support of We Are Family Day, a special game day event celebrating foster, kinship, and adoptive families. It was a meaningful opportunity to build community, celebrate families and raise awareness about the CASA program, highlighted by seeing our name on the big screen! Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children involved in the dependency court system. Whether or not serving as a CASA is the right fit for you, we encourage you… Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters It’s beautiful weather and you want to want to go someplace fun, but is it too far to go by your trusty bike? We’ve got a solution: combine transit and your bike, it’s easy, cheap and super convenient! Between bus bike racks and lockers, we’ve got you covered. May is Bike Everywhere Month, and that makes it a great time to try pairing your bike with transit to give you the ultimate, flexible ride or commute. As the sun comes out this spring, check out a few ways you… Read More

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee newsletter On Sunday, April 19, Precinct 5 played its fourth competitive scrimmage matchup against the Shoreline Special Olympics Basketball Team. Led by Team Captain King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) Deputy Daniel Schettler, Kenmore Police Chief Brandon Moen, Maple Valley Police Chief Tommy Collins, Sound Transit K-9 Officers Carlos Jurado and Ryan Fenton, Mental Health Professionals (MHP) Adam Foley and John Streimikes, and others. Precinct 5 secured a 45–36 victory, tying the scrimmage series at two games apiece. Team Captain Deputy Schettler captured it best, saying “These games… Read More

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee newsletter During a recent drone training class, KOMO TV reporter Jeremy Harris received an exclusive look and interview with the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) drone team as they train and prep for the 2026 World Cup. Watch the video below and see how this technology will be used when the games begin in June.

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections Want to learn how King County can create more affordable housing in unincorporated communities? We’re exploring three policy tools that could improve housing affordability and stability — and we want your input. Multifamily Housing Tax Exemption (MFTE): A program that lowers property taxes for housing developers that include affordable homes. It can apply to housing like townhomes and condos. State law now allows MFTE in parts of unincorporated King County. Inclusionary Housing: A policy that creates affordable homes as new housing is built. It can be voluntary or required. In the workshops,… Read More

Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee newsletter During National Library Week, held annually in April, Sheriff Cole-Tindall helped spark young imaginations at the Burien Library. She read “We Match,” by Chris Barton, a colorful story about dogs discovering math, to children and their families.