An immediate audit of health services inside the King County Jail is being demanded by two county council members following an ombudsman's report critical of health services inside the jail. Metropolitan King County Council members Julia Patterson and Bob Ferguson have introduced legislation directing the King County auditor to initiate the audit of Jail Health Services' medication administration and pharmacy operations.

When Jamail Larkins, the country's youngest African American air show pilot, tells students to follow their dreams, he knows what he's talking about.
The 22-year-old pilot and student visited South Lake High School last week where he talked to students about career opportunities in the aerospace and aviation industry. Through his personal story, he also showed the students that they can achieve their goals no matter what they may be.

Performers illuminate the Center House Stage at 3:30 p.m.  Around the earth and to the heavens, they will take the audience on a hysterical and mythic journey by sharing stories, myths and legends about the sun, moon and heavens.

Incoming Council Chair Larry Gossett, left, takes the gavel from outgoing Chair Larry Phillips. Gossett was elected chair as part of the council's 2007 reorganization.

David W. Fleming, M.D., an international leader in public health with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is the new director of Public Health Seattle-King County.
King County Executive Ron Sims announced the appointment this week. Fleming's appointment is subject to confirmation by the King County Council and the Seattle City Council, required under the city county public health structure.
If confirmed, Fleming will direct a department of over 1,400 employees and a budget of about $267 million. He will begin work on Feb. 6.

The Governor's Advisory Committee on Motorcycle Safety is currently seeking applicants to…

Loveness Wesa and members of Kgotso African Cultural Arts perform during the Rhythms for Life, Fifth Annual World Aids Day Dinner and Auction on Nov. 30. The event raised thousands of dollars toward the continuing support of a grassroots AIDS efforts in Mutare, Zimbabwe.

A new study reveals a frightening trend among small businesses and their employees. Access to affordable, effective health care insurance is becoming increasingly unaffordable, leading to a gap between high-wage earners and those who qualify for public health assistance.
The study, by the Northwest Federation of Community Organizations and Oregon Action, surveyed 388 businesses with 50 or fewer employees from May to August 2006 and found that an increasing number of individuals employed by small businesses are underinsured or have insurance with high deductibles, co-payments or other features that deter access to medical care.
Over 68 percent of responding companies said they do not currently offer health insurance plans to their employees, with an overwhelming majority citing cost as the reason it is not offered.

For Jesse Lambert, going back to college has been a long time coming. The 55-year-old metal worker has survived one plant layoff, raised two children and endured a lifetime of changing technology in the metal casting business.

This year's keynote speaker at The Skanner Foundation's 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast said he plans to speak about some controversial issues affecting American society.
"Dr. King worked on three broad areas: legal equality, voting rights and economic parity," said Luke Visconti, co-founder and publisher of DiversityInc magazine. "Only two of the three have been accomplished. Why?"
The celebration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, in the Red Lion Hotel, 909 N. Hayden Island Drive. It also will feature a few words from Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore. Tickets for the annual event are available online by e-mailing [email protected], at The Skanner office, 415 N. Killingsworth St. or by calling 503-285-5555, ext. 511.