Kids in trouble, cocaine that can't be trusted, and Kirkland's new limits. Plus, a local soldier is chosen for the military's highest honor. more ›

Not everybody agrees graffiti has social value. One "artist's" urban enhancement is another man’s vandalism. We’re of the opinion that when left to the talented it’s generally a colorful and unique improvement to the city landscape. We understand those who disagree, but suspect they naturally hate anything to the left of the standard Belltown earth tone, which this city and its developer overlords keep insisting jibe with the character of the area. more ›

Last night's shooting of an 18-year-old man outside of the Garfield Community Center was the first news item in Seattlest Abbey's local blog round-up this morning, and we received concerned emails about it overnight. We still haven't seen any official word that this is a gang-related shooting, but it is perhaps ironic that it happened on the same day that local law enforcement announced a renewed commitment to combating street violence. Seattle 911 has an interesting video with responses to last night's crime from the community center staff and the cops, below. more ›

What is going on down there? Yesterday, two teens--aged 17 and 19--were rushed to Harborview with gunshot wounds after a meet-up in Federal Way's Alderdale Park turned violent. The 19-year-old sustained head wounds from the shoot-out and as of last night was in critical condition; sounds like the 17-year-old's wounds are less serious. According to the SPD, the gunshots "might have taken place during a drug deal"; we're just relieved the word "gang" wasn't tossed in, after the uptick in gang-related violence this season. more ›