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Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell proposes expanding surveillance cameras in the Capitol Hill nightlife district and around Garfield High School to enhance public safety. The initiative aims to address ongoing street crime and drug use issues, with the surveillance program integrating real-time data for crime analysis.
King County Superior Court handled over 5,000 criminal cases in 2024, marking the highest total since the pandemic's onset. The backlog of pending cases remains significantly above pre-pandemic levels, largely due to increased crime rates and staffing shortages.
King County Superior Court managed over 5,000 criminal cases last year, marking a significant increase since the pandemic. This surge reflects the court's ongoing efforts to address the backlog caused by COVID-19 disruptions.
Debora Juarez, a former Seattle City Council member, is among six finalists to fill the District 5 seat following the resignation of Cathy Moore. Juarez, who has experience in district-based representation, will participate in an appointment forum, with interviews scheduled for July 22 and a vote on July 28. The council seeks a candidate who can secure a simple majority to fill the position until the 2026 election.
Northbound lanes of Interstate 5 across the Ship Canal Bridge in Seattle will be reduced to two lanes for four weeks starting July 21. Crews will conduct essential repairs on the aging bridge, which has seen over 200 emergency repairs since 2019. A full closure is scheduled for the weekend of August 15 to 18 as part of the ongoing maintenance.
Alaska Airlines lifted a ground stop affecting all flights for nearly three hours on Sunday night due to an IT outage. As of Monday morning, the airline reported 46 canceled and 46 delayed flights, urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Frustrated travelers expressed concerns over being stranded at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport due to fully booked hotels.
King County officials cannot confirm who will operate the new Crisis Care Center planned for Broadway and Union due to procurement policies. The county selected Connections as a partner for a similar facility in Kirkland, but there is community opposition to the new center's location near local businesses and residences.
Seattle's city council begins the process of filling a vacant north Seattle seat following a familiar name's inclusion on the list. The council's decision marks a significant step in local governance as it seeks to address representation.
The Capitol Hill Block Party in Seattle transitioned to a two-day, 21+ format for the first time this weekend, allowing adult attendees to enjoy the festival without children present. Ticket prices for the event started at $147.64, featuring performances from major artists like Thundercat and Porter Robinson. The new layout and focused schedule received positive feedback from attendees.
Seattle Fire Department crews extinguished a major electrical fire caused by equipment failure at a City Light vault near Capitol Hill Station on Saturday. The incident resulted in significant damage and contributed to subsequent internet outages in the area. The fire highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in Capitol Hill's power grid amid a series of recent outages.