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This Week on PubliCola: June 27, 2026

Discouraging homelessness numbers, SPD hiring debate, King County budget shenanigans, and much more. By Erica C. Barnett Monday, June 22… The post This Week on PubliCola: June 27, 2026 appeared first on PubliCola.

The Roundup: Why Are We Hearing Gunfire in Rainier Beach?

In this week's edition of The Roundup, Mike Davis shares some thoughts about the gun range gunshots ringing out in Rainier Beach.

REVIEW | Where to Eat an Unforgettable Roadside Meal in Rainier Valley

Once visited by the late Anthony Bourdain, Rainier Restaurant has something special for summer weekend diners.

How Do We Get Transit Champions on Transit Boards?

By Anna Zivarts Watching the Sound Transit board vote at the end of May, I think I felt like a… The post How Do We Get Transit Champions on Transit Boards? appeared first on PubliCola.

Nickelsville to Open Rainier Valley Tiny House Village After Long Delays

After years of delays and political battles, Nickelsville's Brighton Village will soon welcome its first residents, bringing 14 tiny homes and a self-governed shelter community to Rainier Valley.

Mayor Hires Temporary New Comms Team; Councilmembers Tell SPD: Keep Hiring, We’ll Pay for It!

1. Mayor Katie Wilson is hiring two new temporary communications staffers: Crystal Nicole Fincher—the political consultant, podcast host, and co-owner… The post Mayor Hires Temporary New Comms Team; Councilmembers Tell SPD: Keep Hiring, We’ll Pay for It! appeared first on PubliCola.

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.

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.

County’s Midyear Budget Sparks Controversy Over Harm Reduction, Human Service Contracts, and Lobbyists

1. After PubliCola reported on a King County Council supplemental budget amendment that would have prohibited spending county funds on safer… The post County’s Midyear Budget Sparks Controversy Over Harm Reduction, Human Service Contracts, and Lobbyists appeared first on PubliCola.

The Best Restaurants in Tacoma

Often thought of as Seattle’s southern little sister, Tacoma has surged in population in the last decade, and Washington State’s third-largest city can definitely hold its own against its siblings when it comes to its food scene. From fried chicken and waffles in Lincoln to luscious bagel sandwiches in Edison City, from Vegas-style fine dining […]

Report: Homelessness in King County Continues to Grow, with 21 Percent Increase in Unsheltered Homelessness Since 2024

By Erica C. Barnett The King County Regional Homelessness Authority released a high-level summary  of its biennial “point in time… The post Report: Homelessness in King County Continues to Grow, with 21 Percent Increase in Unsheltered Homelessness Since 2024 appeared first on PubliCola.