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OPINION | Neglected Traffic Medians on Rainier Avenue South Point to Inequity in the South End

When Jillian Altizer travels to other parts of Seattle, she notices the resources present in other neighborhoods that the South End lacks — inequity that's evident in how a median on Rainier Avenue South is being "landscaped."

This Week on PubliCola: July 12, 2026

A wide-ranging interview with the mayor, a proposal to replace universal free meals at school with means-tested vouchers, serious questions… The post This Week on PubliCola: July 12, 2026 appeared first on PubliCola.

DOOM LOOP: Shrinking

Two outspoken local commentators resist the changing perceptions of Seattle.

The Roundup: Eddie Lin Defends a Delay-Busting Bill

In this week's edition of The Roundup, Mike Davis talks to Councilmember Eddie Lin about why he supports a bill that he says will eliminate delays in Council's decision-making process.

KCRHA CEO Sought to Shield Records From Public Disclosure, Emails Suggest

By Erica C. Barnett King County Regional Homelessness Authority CEO Kelly Kinnison sought to exempt many of her emails from… The post KCRHA CEO Sought to Shield Records From Public Disclosure, Emails Suggest appeared first on PubliCola.

Byrd Barr Place To Host Third Annual Community Block Party In Seattle

Byrd Barr Place is set to host its third annual Community Block Party in Seattle's historic Central District. The event will feature live entertainment, local vendors, children's activities, community resources, free food, and a backpack giveaway, aiming to celebrate the neighborhood's rich history, culture, and resilience while fostering community engagement.

Federal SAVE Plan Ends: Millions Face Increased Student Loan Payments

The federal government's Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan has concluded, impacting millions of federal student loan borrowers. These individuals now face a September 29 deadline to choose a new repayment option, or they will be automatically enrolled in a standard repayment plan, a shift anticipated to result in higher monthly payments and increased financial pressure for many.

WA Commission Surveys Black Men’s Public Sector Experiences

The Washington State Commission on African American Affairs has launched a new survey, "Black Men in the Public Sector Workforce: Experience. Barriers. Solutions.," to address the documented lack of research on the workplace experiences of African American men in government, education, public service, and the nonprofit sector. This initiative aims to gather critical data to inform future policy recommendations and foster more equitable professional environments.

COLUMN | Seattle Had No Homicides in June. Don't Use It to Justify More Policing.

After Seattle's first homicide-free June in 56 years, Marcus Harrison Green asks who gets credit for safety — and who keeps getting cut.

Mayor Katie Wilson: “Doing a Reset” on Housing Agenda, “Very Hopeful” About Police Chief

In Part 2 of our interview, the mayor talks about the police chief and potential cuts to SPD’s budget, the… The post Mayor Katie Wilson: “Doing a Reset” on Housing Agenda, “Very Hopeful” About Police Chief appeared first on PubliCola.

Council Proposal Would Delay Universal School Lunch Program, Fund Means-Tested Food Vouchers Instead

By Erica C. Barnett When I spoke to Mayor Katie Wilson on Tuesday, one of the key accomplishments she name-checked… The post Council Proposal Would Delay Universal School Lunch Program, Fund Means-Tested Food Vouchers Instead appeared first on PubliCola.

REVIEW | In Hillman City, a Menu that Spotlights Northern Mexico Includes a Surprise: Hot Dogs