Hantavirus Exposures in King County, an LGBTQ+ Civil Emergency, and a Harrowing Story of AI Extortion
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:
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
Stay connected to City Cast Seattle and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Mayor Wilson’s Budget Explained, Seattle’s Neon Sign Past and Present, and Boeing’s Grunge Influence
Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by two first-timers to City Cast Seattle, Amy Sundberg, reporter at The Urbanist, and Megan Ulu-Lani...
U District's Movie Theater Revival, Elvis at the Space Needle, and a Popsicle Party
Host Jane C. Hu talks with Shane Wahlund and Michael Anderson, co-hosts of Collide-O-Scope, about how Seattle’s image on film has shifted...
Twihards Help Quileute Tribe, Archie McPhee Owner Changes Course, and AI Enters Civics
Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by contributor Brett Hamil and creative producer Liam Billingham, both non-robots. Jane runs down th...
Seattle Expands Civil Rights, a Dynamic Pricing Ban Has Safeway Making Threats, and Amtrak Trains Get a Glow-Up
City Council and Mayor Wilson have been busy: a landmark ordinance protecting polyamorous people and diverse family structures just passe...
Why Starting a Publishing House is Punk. Plus, E-Scooter Safety and Listener Mailbag
Today on the podcast, it’s all about books! Jane is joined by Diana Le, writer and publisher at Girl Noise Press, and Katie Lee Ellison,...
Is Seattle Overly Reliant on Big Tech Money? Plus, a Novel You’ll Finish in a Day
With all the headlines in the last few weeks, it’s hard to parse what is happening with AI – the bot swarms, the threats to humanity (?!)...
What’s Your Absurd Seattle Documentary Idea? Plus, Local Sightings at NWFF
Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by Camille Hermida-Fuentes, co-director of the Local Sightings Film Festival at Northwest Film Forum...
What It Takes to Raise a Kid in King County Right Now
City Cast Partner Studios presents Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, a five-part series on what a fair economy looks like i...
Recess Shrinking, Macklemore Dropped, and WA's Trees Are Under Attack. Plus, Mayor Wilson's Gun Violence Plan
A beautiful but deadly beetle has arrived in Washington for the first time, and host Jane C. Hu talks with Daria Gosztyla, an urban and...
Can We Eat Lettuce Again? Plus, Where To Get a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Jane’s back from vacation! And she needs to know what’s going on, so contributors Lex Vaughn and Hannah Krieg join to update her on all s...