Safety

Crime

Don't call 911 to report fireworks unless it's a true emergency

King County and Pierce County officials are don't call 911 or the non-emergency number to report illegal uses of fireworks. You can report illegal uses of fireworks in King County and Pierce County online. Only call 911 in the event of injury, fire, or emergency,

Environment

Fearing ‘spontaneous combustion,’ Snohomish County closes two dumps to deal with growing trash pile

Snohomish County is closing its two main transfer stations to deal with a growing pile of trash that officials fear could heat up to the point of starting on fire.

Technology

Why more e-scooters are slated for Seattle streets

The city of Seattle will allow a new scooter share program following a recent report on their use, so far, within the city. Companies will now compete to be among the few operators allowed in Seattle.

Politics

Executive Dow Constantine answers criticism and questions around King County's hotel housing program

King County Executive Dow Constantine sits down with Soundside guest host Jeannie Yandel to answer listener questions about King County's new Health through Housing purchase, homelessness in the county, rising crime rates, and more.

Soundside's listener corner: safety in downtown Seattle

Government

King County repeals bike helmet law, but all sides still agree: wear your helmet

King County's Board of Health voted Thursday to repeal its helmet law that required bike riders to wear helmets or face $30 fine, and additional court fees.

Pedestrian deaths climb in Seattle, despite city's pledge to eliminate them

Increasingly, cars are killing pedestrians — people walking, rolling, or cycling — in Seattle. That’s despite the city’s 2015 adoption of Vision Zero, a project aiming to eliminate pedestrian fatalities.

Politics

Election excitement, summer smoke, and COVID conundrums, this week

Bill Radke reviews the week's news with Stranger editor Chase Burns, Seattle Times senior investigative reporter Patrick Malone, and independent journalist Jane C. Hu.

Politics

Jenny Durkan on more police vs. community-based solutions: 'It's a false choice ... we need both'

After a series of unrelated shootings that left multiple people injured and at least five dead around Seattle, Mayor Jenny Durkan says the city needs more police officers. The thing is, she says, the city can support its police force and community-based programs to reduce violence.