Tribal courts can't prosecute non-Native drug suspects. Tribes say it's a problem As the fentanyl crisis ravages Native American communities, some of their leaders want tribal police and courts to go after non-tribal dealers. But they can't without getting permission from Congress. Martin Kaste Play AudioListen 8 mins
'Astonishing' increase in car theft charges as juvenile criminal cases surge in King County Car theft charges brought against youth were up by more than 500% in King County last year. That’s just one of the charges driving a 61% increase in juvenile criminal bookings in 2023, including violent crime, gun possession and burglary. Ann Dornfeld
One solution to Seattle’s fentanyl crisis We are in the depths of a drug crisis. Twelve thousand people and counting have died from overdoses this year in King County. There’s one solution the Seattle area hasn’t adopted, even though it has a track record of saving lives and other benefits: Safe consumption sites. Seattle Times reporter Greg Kim tells us about these sites and the locals trying to open them here. Clare McGrane Play AudioListen 16 mins
Is Seattle's new drug law working? It's been about six weeks since Seattle's new law against public drug use and possession went into effect. The ordinance was written to bring the city in line with a new state law that treats things like having or using fentanyl in public as a gross misdemeanor. One of the directives handed down to Seattle Police is to emphasize diversion when enforcing the law. So how does that work? And how is the effort going? Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 18 mins
Should Seattle expand involuntary commitment for mental health and addiction? A controversial policy known as “involuntary commitment” for people struggling with severe untreated mental health or addiction issues could be on the table next year in Seattle. David Hyde
A deleted tweet, a mystery MAGA supporter. What’s true and what’s not in the race for Seattle’s District 4? Things got zesty from the get-go between tech entrepreneur Ron Davis and former City Council staffer Maritza Rivera in a live candidate event at KUOW, as the pair clashed over issues ranging from homelessness to tree canopy. Davis and Rivera are squaring off over District 4, which includes Wedgewood, Ravenna, the University District, and other neighborhoods. The seat is currently held by Alex Pedersen, who is not running for re-election. Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 36 mins
Fentanyl spike leads to record overdose deaths in King County The number of overdose deaths in King County so far this year has officially set a new record, making 2023 the deadliest year for drug and alcohol fatalities. Kate Walters
2023 set to be deadliest year yet for overdoses in King County King County is headed towards a somber milestone. 2023 is slated to become the deadliest on record for overdoses in the county. Kate Walters
Port Angeles pharmacy becomes first in Washington state approved for abortion drug mifepristone A pharmacy in Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula just became the first in the state to announce publicly that it will begin dispensing mifepristone — the first of two drugs used in most medication abortions. Eilís O'Neill
KUOW District Dash: Seattle City Council D1 - Maren Costa vs. Rob Saka In the first of Soundside's "District Dashes," District 1 city council candidates Maren Costa and Rob Saka mixed it up in front of a live audience at KUOW this week, with some lively back-and-forth on key issues including crime, cops and drugs. Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 34 mins
