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WA child welfare deaths drop significantly after record year

Deaths and critical injuries among children in Washington’s child welfare system fell steeply in the first quarter of 2026, state officials reported June 24.

SPD May Slow Hiring in 2026 Amid Budget, Training Challenges

Seattle police hiring could slow despite rising officer numbers, as budget pressures and training bottlenecks reshape staffing plans that could affect response across neighborhoods, including the South End.

Why the Walrus and the Carpenter Closed and an Update on the Grand Cinema's Threat

Today on the pod, host Jane C. Hu is joined by regular contributor Chase Hutchinson and newsletter writer and journalist Harry Cheadle to talk about the latest strikes at The Walrus and The Carpenter and Hilton Hotels, including the very unusual decision for management at the Ballard spot to drop anonymized compensation for some of their workers. Then they talk about the upsetting news from Tacoma that a threat was called into the city’s Grand Cinema and how the community rallied around the beloved venue. Finally, the trio talks about a medley of news, including record Lime scooter rentals last weekend, Katie Wilson meeting with the Seattle film commission, and updates on park rangers at The Enchantments this summer. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode: Woodland Park Zoo Seattle Restored Washington State Fair Argosy Cruises Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Speed camera fines to increase in work zones beginning July 1 | WSDOT

Infraction penalties have risen from $0 to $125; second and subsequent penalties remain at $248.

Discounts and a deciduous disaster | The Compleat Home Gardener

Also, tips on gravel gardens for a lower water bill.

Overwhelmed? It’s time to focus on just a few | In Focus

The temptation to block everything out is strong. Now’s not the time to bury your head in the sand.

COLUMN | In Rainier Beach, Not Every Gunshot Means Danger - But It Feels Like It

Caravan of Care Brings Free Health Services to Goodwill on Dearborn

From dental cleanings to ORCA card help, Evergreen Goodwill's outdoor resource fair on Dearborn aims to meet community needs in one place.

Restoring the Cascade Volcano Names, Henry Overload, and Drone Ships on the Canal

Today, we're bringing you some of our favorite segments over the last few months, just in case you missed them. Creative producer Sam J. Leeds brings us a rant about art by the muralist Henry, and we talk with Seth Geiser, the manager of urban planning and design for the Downtown Seattle Association, about public art and why Henry murals are popping up everywhere. Contributor Marcus Harrison Green and creative producer Liam Billingham talk with me about Anduril, the defense company named after Lord of the Rings that is quietly building drone ships on the ship canal. And finally, contributor Hannah Krieg and Cascadia Journal's Andrew Engelson join the pod to talk about whether the Cascade volcanoes should reclaim their indigenous names. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Woodland Park Zoo Seattle Restored Washington State Fair Argosy Cruises Grand Central Bakery  Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Light rail draws record crowds for America’s World Cup match

Link light rail drew approximately 280,000 riders when the United States and Australia met in the World Cup Friday, June 19 at Lumen Field in Seattle far exceeding the previous high mark of 220,000 set earlier this year during the Seahawks Super Bowl parade.

More details, and friction, around Washington news fellowship | Free Press Initiative

Reporters in the program get paid more than newsroom journalists. That could be a problem.

Seattle Hip-Hop Walking Map Charts the Central District's Rap Roots

A new Seattle hip-hop walking map charts early rap roots in the Central District, while raising questions about South End history left off the route.