Keith Eldridge
KOMO News
Buckley, WA, United States
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Past articles by Keith:
Arrival of US presidential election has also brought plans to quell possible civic unrest
In the wake of a handful of run-ins over the weekend involving supporters of President Donald Trump, the city of Seattle and several counties in Washington state have developed plans to respond to any violence or chaos that erupts if or when a winner in the race is announced. Seattle 'preparing for a range of scenarios' Officials with the city said they have put plans in place in case any… → Read More
COVID-19: Inslee eases restrictions on bowling alleys, museums as state's virus cases drop
While the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases are still too high, Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday that the trends are promising because the state has been successful adopting social distancing and face coverings to help limit the spread of the virus. The governor said he was pleased enough with the trend line that he is easing restrictions on bowling alleys and museums, allowing them to resume… → Read More
Tacoma's new tiny home community has big goals to get people in houses
A new tiny home village that is now open in Tacoma has generated enthusiasm and excitement for the first group of residents who are set to move into the development. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the operators say there is plenty of space to practice social distancing. “it’s beautiful, man,” said Ronald Brown, among the first batch of residents to move in. “It’s just picture-perfect for us. ” → Read More
Lead George Floyd attorney helping Tacoma family in wrongful death claim against police
One of the lead attorneys in the George Floyd case in Minneapolis is now helping the family of Bennie Branch who was killed by Tacoma Police. The family has filed a wrongful death claim against the officer involved and the police department. “I am currently here in Minneapolis, MN,” said Benjamin Crump leading the George Floyd effort in the wrongful death case there is now adding his legal… → Read More
As more counties reopen, businesses ramp up cleanings prevent COVID-19 spread
Gov. Jay Inslee and the state's top health official said residents who are out and about should be wearing face coverings now that the state's directive on wearing masks at work officially began Monday. The guidance has launched as more counties around the state are moving into the next phase as they seek to restart their stalled economies. → Read More
Counties ready to reopen as Gov. Islee announces focus on testing
OLYMPIA , Wash. - Gov. Jay Inslee says testing is the new focus on fighting COVID-19. At the same time Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced a partnership with the University of Washington to increase testing around the city. The governor was joined by state Health Secretary John Wiesman to say more than 350,000 tests have been administered in Washington. “If you think you are sick get tested,”… → Read More
Inslee's office responds to Trump church reopen demand
Hours after President Donald Trump threatened to override the governors of states that have not yet fully reopened churches or places of religious worship, Gov. Jay Inslee's office pushed back on the sweeping statement by the White House. “Today, I am identifying houses of worship — churches, synagogues, and mosques — as essential places that provide essential services,” Trump said at a… → Read More
Yakima ER doctor to toss hat into ring to run for governor
YAKIMA, Wash. -- A Yakima emergency room doctor who is on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19 is announcing Friday that he is running for governor. In Dr. Raul Garcia's very first interview, the Republican candidate says even though Yakima County has the third highest rate of infections and deaths in the state, he believes the economy can be restarted faster that Governor Jay Inslee's… → Read More
Inslee says more equipment on the way to help state increase COVID-19 testing
Gov. Jay Inslee told KOMO News Thursday that the federal government is expected to deliver hundreds of thousands of new testing materials to Washington state over coming days. In an exclusive interview, Inslee said the White House has invoked the Defense Production Act which has allowed for a large amount of nose swats and testing medium to be sped into production and shipped to states that are… → Read More
Calls for Inslee to ease stay-home order mount after weekend protest
Pressure is mounting on Gov. Jay Inslee to ease up on restrictions that have forced many businesses to close following a weekend rally in which thousands of people converged in Olympia to stage a protest at the state Capitol. Supporters of the idea say the state can safely restart the economy without jeopardizing worker health by following social distancing guidelines. “We are here with a very… → Read More
South King Fire makes protective gowns out of Tyvek wrap amid shortage
Calls are coming in from all over the world to the South King Fire & Rescue headquarters as they have come up with a unique solution to the protective gown shortage. They have turned to the home improvement stores for the answer. Fire fighter Jim Wilson normally drives the fire engine, but now he’s driving the sewing machine and the ramped up effort to push out protective gowns made of Tyvek… → Read More
Washington National Guard called up to help with COVID-19 response
The Washington National Guard is being called up to help with the state's response to the coronavirus, which is now been linked to the deaths of over 200 people in Washington state and thousands of other confirmed cases. Gov. Jay Inslee on Twitter said: ”This week the Washington National Guard will provide important help to our communities to ensure our critical food banks remain stocked and… → Read More
Judge orders mental evaluation for suspect in state trooper's death
CHEHALIS, Wash. - A mental evaluation is being ordered for the man accused in the high-speed chase that took the life of Washington State Patrol trooper Justin Schaffer. Trooper Schaffer was hit and killed Tuesday while trying to put out spike strips to stop the suspect's speeding pickup truck. At a Wednesday afternoon court hearing in Lewis County Superior Court, the judge set bail for suspect… → Read More
'Voters are frustrated': Lawmakers confront Sound Transit CEO over pricey car tabs
OLYMPIA, Wash. - A confrontation over $30 car tabs erupted late Tuesday in the state Legislature as lawmakers squared off against the CEO for Sound Transit. At stake are the light rail extension projects now being financed by higher annual car tab fees that have soared into the hundreds of dollars for some vehicle owners. Several years ago voters approved expanding light rail to the north, east… → Read More
Washington's temporary vape ban may expire if lawmaker's don't act fast
Time is running out on a temporary ban on flavored vaping products. On February 8, unless something happens in the meantime, stores theoretically could begin selling the product unless emergency action is taken by lawmakers or the State Health Board. → Read More
Firefighter severely burned in Twisp fire hopes $5 million settlement helps others
A severely burned firefighter hopes a last minute $5 million settlement in his case helps other injured firefighters. More than 70 percent of Daniel Lyon's body was burned in the deadly Twisp wildland fire three years ago. Lyon walked into the state Supreme Court Tuesday with his attorneys knowing he had already won. His case won’t have to be heard by the justices after a tentative settlement… → Read More
On 10-year anniversary of his partner’s death, chief plans for another deputy’s memorial
A painful time for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office as they increase their planning efforts for Monday’s memorial honoring Deputy Cooper Dyson. It is especially tough for one member of the department who, exactly 10 years ago, lost his partner. “It’s just heart-breaking that these types of things happen,” said Chief Nick Hausner with the sheriff’s department. “It’s kind of the nature of the… → Read More
Another option for involuntary treatment for Washington's repeat offenders
The people who run Washington's involuntary drug treatment programs, and the state representative who helped come up with the idea, are celebrating a new facility about to open -- a facility to help people who cycle through the system. It is just a building in Kent, but for drug addiction professionals this is a place of hope for those who are battling and can’t seem to win. People such as… → Read More
Sex assault accusations against nun spark drive to change state law
Warning: This story contains details about a sexual assault. ******** BUCKLEY, Wash. - It was unspeakable. Sex abuse accusations against a nun in an orphanage. It happened decades ago, but a local woman who helped make changes in the law in New York state is now hoping to do the same in Washington state. “Some stories are rough and unfortunately this is one of them,” said Susanne Robertson in… → Read More
Spanaway family believes son died from vaping-related illness
SPANAWAY, Wash. (KOMO) -- A grieving family from Spanaway says they want to send out a warning against vaping and the use of e-cigarettes after they believe their grandson died from vaping. Hadynn Outcalt-Arends, 23, recently died while honeymooning in Oregon. At this point, the family is still waiting for autopsy results to see what the exact cause of death was, but the family believes they… → Read More