Police and Public Safety

Day 6 of Protests: Nikkita Oliver Rallies Thousands, Mayor Durkan Backpedals

The sixth day of Black Lives Matter protests felt like a turning point and perhaps even a moment of catharsis--while activists acknowledged the work...
A large contingent of police barricaded 4th Avenue with their bicycles, blocking a route out of Westlake Park. (Photo by Robert Cruikshank)

On Fifth Day of Protest, Mayor Durkan Pledges Changes but Won’t Surrender Her Tear...

"I'm not going to stand up and make a promise," Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said to a crowd of people protesting police violence demanding...

Seattle Police Crack Down on Black Lives Matter Protests and Continue to Resist Reform

Cities across America are on edge right now. Many have seen clashes between police and protesters, resulting in injuries, arrests, and destruction. It was...

Sunday Video: Why Paid Sick Leave Is Essential To Beating Coronavirus

https://youtu.be/QyMusotiUAs The coronavirus epidemic has heightened Americans' awareness that paid sick leave in the country is uncommon and necessary. Vox explains why the lack of...
Easy to social distance on pedestrian streets.

In a Pandemic, We Should Be Closing Unused Streets, Not Crowded Parks

On Thursday, the Seattle Mayor’s Office announced on KUOW that several parks would be closing. Later in the afternoon, those specific parks were announced....

Sunday Video: What Are The Rules Of Social Distancing?

https://youtu.be/h9d86ocFlxE A social epidemiologist explains to Vox the parameters of effective social distancing are in the era of COVID-19 while also being mindful of how...

Midweek Video: The Gun Solution We’re Not Talking About

https://youtu.be/ENw2y0ek1Jg What is the difference between gun licensing and background checks? And which performs better in reducing gun violence?

Sunday Video: How Bad Planning Makes Wildfires Worse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJiepXtXRX8 Dave Amos explains how a lack of good planning can contribute to worse wildfires.