The city of Seattle is facing a full-blown mental health and addiction crisis—one that is no longer hidden. It plays out daily, often directly in front of small businesses in what was once a vibrant city. Seattle wasn’t where I first witnessed widespread fentanyl use; that began in 2020. Today, however, fentanyl dominates the streets here, alongside drugs like flaca—also known as bath salts—which are increasingly common. Flaca is notorious for causing extreme psychosis, paranoia, and hallucinati

The decision to postpone the scheduled removal of a homeless camp in Ballard may signal how newly-elected Mayor Katie Wilson will recalibrate the city’s approach to the crisis affecting Seattle. The encampment, located near the corner of NW 41st Street and the Burke-Gilman Trail, is home to about 15 people living in a collection of tents and makeshift shelters. It sits in an industrial area, set back from the roadway and away from sidewalks, with a couple of homes across the street. Full story o

Here is an update on the homeless man robbed in Seattle. The suspect has not been identified yet. I brought viewer donations of clothes, food, a sleeping bag and money to Mr. Gillespie this weekend. He doesn't have anywhere to store things so I am keeping some of it for him. He suffers from mental illness and walked away from the Aurora House last year. He can't go to his parents in Montana because they fear he will walk at away at some point and freeze to death. I am still working on solutions