City Cast Seattle logo
May 14, 2026

Hantavirus Exposures in King County, an LGBTQ+ Civil Emergency, and a Harrowing Story of AI Extortion

City Cast Seattle

Hantavirus Exposures in King County, an LGBTQ+ Civil Emergency, and a Harrowing Story of AI Extortion

00:00:00
View all City Cast Seattle episodes

Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by managing editor of Seattle Gay News, Madison Jones, to talk about a tip she received that the city may soon declare a civil emergency for LGBTQ+ refugees fleeing other U.S. states to live in Seattle. Madison explains the kinds of resources a civil emergency grants access to and the circumstances that have led to this moment. Then, producer Sam and contributor Lex Vaughn join for a full rundown on what we know so far about the three King County residents who may have been exposed to hantavirus. And finally, Sam tells Lex and Jane about an AI extortion scam that feels like Taken for 2026. Plus, some helpful ideas for how to avoid similar scams in the future. 


Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Travel Dundee

SIFF

FRS Clipper


Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931.

For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle.

Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle


Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Seattle

Stay connected to City Cast Seattle and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
August 25

Mayor Wilson Gives Vision Zero a Deadline. Plus, Will the Millionaires Tax Get Repealed?

Contributors Ryan Packer from The Urbanist and Hannah Krieg of The Burner join Jane C. Hu to discuss Mayor Wilson’s executive order direc...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 24

How To Help Unsheltered Families, What Patients Actually Want From Abortion Care, and How the Local News Sausage Gets Made

Dominique Alex, CEO of Mary’s Place, joins Jane C. Hu to discuss the King County Regional Homelessness Authority’s 2026 Point-in-Time Cou...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 21

What’s Really Going On at the ICE Detention Center? Plus, Fighting for Police Accountability in Federal Way

The push for greater police accountability is ramping up after two incidents involving Federal Way police that resulted in the death of o...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 20

Who’s Really Behind Candlelight Concerts, a New Boeing Whistleblower Documentary, and the Mariners Worst Loss… Ever?!

Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is joined by contributor Chase Hutchinson and the Seattle Times magazine’s arts and culture writer...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 19

Seattle Has Good Bagels, Actually. Here’s Where To Get Them

Seattle is continuing to prove it’s a good bagel town. Case in point: our bagel correspondent Sean Keeley announced in his newsletter, It...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 18

Hiring a New Police Chief, a New Permit System for RVs, and the Return of Jane C. Hu

Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is back with the team, and producers Liam Billingham and Sam J. Leeds catch her up on the headlines...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 17

Where To Find Secret Public Spaces, Light Rail Delays Continue, and Listening to Seattle’s History

Today, on his final day of guest hosting (for now), Marcus Harrison Green is joined by Tony Williams to talk about History Link podcast F...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 14

Unpacking Efforts To Recall Mayor Wilson, Black Nerd Magic, and Hawaiian Shave Ice That’s Worth the Line

Today on the podcast, fill-in host Marcus Harrison Green talks to Michael Peterson, one of the organizers behind the Seattle Black Nerd F...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 13

A Seattle-Filmed Movie, Little Saigon Wants a Comeback, and City Council Bans Junk Fees

Today on the podcast, guest host Marcus Green is joined by journalist Yuko Kodama to discuss her recent piece in the South Seattle Emeral...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 12

What’s Missing From the Conversation About Youth Violence? Plus, Orcas in the Ballard Locks and Meteor Showers in the Sky

Today on the podcast, fill-in host Marcus Harrison Green is joined by William Hairston, the Director of Impact Programs at Center for Chi...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art