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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.

West Seattle Ledger

West Seattle Ledger Off patr Wed, 06/24/2026 - 2:18pm

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.

West Seattle Grand Parade rolls out July 18, bringing tradition back to California Avenue

West Seattle Grand Parade rolls out July 18, bringing tradition back to California Avenue Off patr Tue, 06/23/2026 - 7:07pm

Exit interview: Tony Castricone reflects on his time at Washington

The play-by-play man is headed to the NFL after eight football seasons at UW.

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.

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.