Latest News

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.

Midweek Roundup: Level Up

Reminders: To ensure there is enough space on trains, bikes and scooters are not allowed on trains on World Cup match days. Local: Further Afield: This is an Open Thread.

Seattle Scores Record Transit Ridership

On Friday, Sound Transit and King County Metro carried over 500,000 passengers on trains, buses, and boats throughout Puget Sound. Both Link and the King County Water Taxi set a new one-day ridership records of 280,000 and 9,483 boardings, respectively. Friday was a busy day in Seattle. Communities around the City hosted Juneteenth celebrations. The … Continue reading "Seattle Scores Record Transit Ridership"

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.

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.

Golden Gardens Direct shuttle starts Saturday

Leaders from King County and Seattle met at Golden Gardens Park Monday morning to inaugurate a new shuttle service direct to Golden Gardens Park. “Golden Gardens Direct” will provide a direct connection between Market Street in central Ballard to the park on Seaview Ave NW. Buses will run every 30 minutes every day from 11 … Continue reading "Golden Gardens Direct shuttle starts Saturday"

Allegation: Civil Rights Office Director, Staff Went to Strip Club During City-Sponsored Civil Rights Trip

By Erica C. Barnett An investigation into Seattle Office for Civil Rights director that Derrick Wheeler-Smith details allegations that Wheeler-Smith… The post Allegation: Civil Rights Office Director, Staff Went to Strip Club During City-Sponsored Civil Rights Trip appeared first on PubliCola.

COLUMN | Young Seattle Authors Find Their Voices Through the Storybook Project

Reagan Jackson introduces the young writers behind AHSHAY's Storybook Project, a seven-week pilot helping marginalized youth see themselves as authors.