Bad guys, plastic bags, gamer news and proof that you're not bad with money, it just costs a lot to live here. It's the Tuesday afternoon news roundup. more ›

We don’t usually read Danny Westneat’s column, but Wednesday’s piece about another Belltown beatdown and the generally deteriorating state of Seattle’s low-crime image is increasingly common. more ›

1,500 people gathered at Qwest Field last night to say goodbye to Ed McMichael, the Tuba Man. McMichael died November 3, after a robbery and beating on October 25. (Three of the five attackers have been found and charged.) McMichael was a Seattle icon, playing his tuba for tips outside most Seattle sporting events and music events at McCaw Hall--Pacific Northwest Ballet printed a dedication to McMichael in its "New Works" series program. more ›

When we heard about the murder of the Tuba Man, Ed McMichael, we were really shaken by it. We've been heartened, though, by the outpouring of emotion from people everywhere; the Seattle Times says that "about 150 people gathered Saturday morning at Seattle Center for an informal musical memorial to the Tuba Man," and another public memorial has been set for this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Qwest Field (800 Occidental Ave S.) Local radio's Robin & Maynard and Art Thiel and Ken Schram are attending, and "the wearing of funny hats in tribute to Ed McMichael is encouraged." In addition, there's a memorial fund to help pay for McMichael's plot, grave marker and funeral expenses. Donations can be made to the Edward "Tuba Man" McMichael Memorial Fund, in person at a Bank of America branch, or by sending a check to the fund at P.O. Box 4985, Federal Way, WA 98063. (H/t to Seattle Metblogs) more ›

In the midst of the Election Day 2008 hullabaloo, we want to take a second to remember Seattle's Tuba Man, Edward McMichael. Robert Jamieson, who did this terrific interview with McMichael last year, brought the horrible news of Tuba Man's death:

On Oct. 25, police say, McMichael, 53, was near a bus stop in the 500 block of Mercer Street when thugs attacked, beating and robbing him after midnight. He was taken to the hospital for head wounds and was home recovering. But he died sometime Sunday or early Monday.