Latest News

New Report Outlines Clear Case for Removing SR 99 Through South Park

"Rerouting and reclaiming" State Route 99 through South Park would unlock 100 acres of space for ecological restoration, housing, and businesses. While three other options for transforming the highway were considered, removal rose to the top.

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.

Sales Were Up at Pike Place After Pedestrian Pilot. Is That...Bad?

In the wake of news of increased sales across Pike Place Market after a pedestrian pilot was implemented, the advocacy group Friends of the Market is attempting to poke holes in that data. But the evidence for "worrisome trends" is paper thin.

Seattle Light Rail and Scootershare Smash Ridership Records, Buoyed by Friday World Cup Match

Sound Transit set a new light rail ridership record on Friday, June 19, collecting an estimated 280,000 boardings as Seattle hosted a World Cup soccer match. Lime also set a new record for scooter and bikeshare usage.

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.

Metro Launches Summer Bus from Ballard to Golden Gardens

On June 27, King County Metro is launching a new summer-only bus route connecting beachgoers to Golden Gardens Park, temporarily closing a hole in the agency's bus network thanks to Seattle Transit Measure funding.f

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.