SPD Has a Whole New Set of Problems This Week: Seattle Police officer Cynthia Whitlatch was caught on tape bothering William Wingate about his golf club, which kicked off a firestorm of criticism. This video of an SPD officer seemingly shooting pepper spray indiscriminately also captured national attention. The NAACP had something to say about the city’s underwhelming response. Chief Kathleen O’Toole ordered a review of Whitlatch, who was also removed from street duty. Whitlatch’s ex-girlfriend had some things to say, too. And Callan Berry published a wonderful “Police Reports Illustrated” about the Wingate incident, too.
All This News Is Destroying Our Trust in SPD: Brett Hamil published a very important video editorial about SPD accountability, or lack thereof. How did Brian Davis lose confidence in the SPD?
BUT FOOTBALL IS HAPPENING: We had to survive an awful pre-Super Bowl media cycle last week. So did Marshawn Lynch. Here’s what Spike Friedman thinks is going to happen in today’s game.
Photo of the Week: Is from Kelly O’s post about Seahawks fashion, of course:
- Kelly O
- What everyone should be wearing today.
What the Death Penalty Delivers: False promise, according to Seattle City Council President Tim Burgess.
The Future of Chop Suey: Dave Segal gives you the information on the future of the Capitol Hill music venue.
Kill Bertha: Senate Republicans introduced a bill to stop the tunnel. It didn’t last long, and Governor Inslee was on the wrong side of the issue, too.
Inslee Was Right About Something This Week, Though: He wrote a guest editorial for Slog about fixing Washington State’s tax system, which is in serious need of repair.
Sex Workers Shut Out of Conversation Again: This time, it was at Town Hall.
The Next Licata? Slog really wants Lisa Herbold to run for city council.
This Week in Arts: Seattle is home to a bunch of exciting new literary magazines. But is our film culture on the decline?
RockCreek Owner Celebrates Struggle: Here’s a tip: if a reporter asks you for your side of a story, don’t ignore them and then go on right-wing talk radio. It doesn’t make you look very good.
Delicious Word Salad: Poor Sarah Palin has lost her ability to form coherent sentences.