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Seattle seeks to increase tree canopy coverage by conducting a survey targeting areas with less than 25% coverage, including Capitol Hill's 15.02%. The Seattle Department of Transportation aims for at least 30% tree coverage by 2037, emphasizing the environmental and social benefits of street trees. Residents can participate in the survey until May 23rd.
A 60-year-old man died after being struck by a pickup truck in Seattle's South Park neighborhood on Thursday night. The driver, a 23-year-old man, remained at the scene and showed no signs of impairment. Police urge anyone with information to contact the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad.
The 45th anniversary of the Mount St. Helens eruption prompts reflections on survival and resilience from those who experienced the event. Austin Jenkins recalls the sudden darkness and chaos as he and his classmates sought shelter amid falling ash. He emphasizes the importance of preparedness for natural disasters, highlighting the need to refresh emergency plans.
A Seattle man, Patrick Cooney, received a 35-year prison sentence for the 2023 road rage murder of community activist Elijah Lewis. Cooney shot Lewis during a dispute while riding a scooter, claiming self-defense, but the court found his actions unjustifiable. The incident, which also injured Lewis' 9-year-old nephew, has drawn attention to issues of road rage and community safety.
Seattle added nearly 17,000 residents from July 2023 to July 2024, according to census estimates. The city's population reached just under 781,000, marking it as one of the fastest-growing U.S. cities despite challenges like high housing costs and winter weather.
Sound Transit announced a delay in the completion of its cross-lake extension, now projected for early 2026. The agency cited unforeseen issues and budget constraints as contributing factors, raising concerns about meeting the timeline for the 2026 World Cup.
Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, killing 57 people and causing one of the largest landslides ever recorded in the U.S. The eruption followed weeks of seismic activity and resulted in the destruction of 230 square miles of forest and the lowering of the mountain's summit by 1,300 feet.
Washington state recorded a 12% drop in opioid overdose deaths, with 3,167 fatalities in 2024 compared to 3,597 in 2023. This decline is notable in King County, where deaths decreased by 22%. Officials remain cautious, citing the need for ongoing vigilance despite the preliminary data.
Sugar Bakery plans to open a new location in Capitol Hill, taking over the space formerly occupied by Cherry Street Coffee. The bakery, which has operated in First Hill since 2016, aims to provide a variety of baked goods and coffee. More details on the opening date will be announced soon.
Seattle residents increasingly prepare for real-world challenges like inflation and economic instability, shifting away from apocalyptic scenarios. Local preppers emphasize practical steps, such as paying down debt and stockpiling essentials, to enhance their resilience. Financial experts note heightened anxiety among clients, particularly those nearing retirement.