In Seattle, a spring recycling cleanup will take place at a new location. The city is also investigating an assault on a bus passenger. Analysts have presented a possible starting lineup for Seattle Sounders FC for 2026.
Spring cleanup in West Seattle: recycling at a new location
With the arrival of spring, West Seattle residents will have a great opportunity to get rid of accumulated clutter and make their homes cleaner. In a month’s time, on the first Saturday of spring, the first major recycling and waste collection event of the season will be held here. Organizers have chosen a new location to make the process more convenient for participants.
Reminder: on March 21 from 9 a.m. to noon a free disposal event will take place in the south parking lot of South Seattle College at 6000 16th SW. Similar events were previously held on the north side of the campus, but this time the organizers — the West Seattle Junction Neighborhood Association and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce — decided to change the location. As West Seattle Blog reports, the exact list of accepted materials is still being finalized, but typically at these events you can drop off a wide range of recyclables and reusable items, and also use document shredding services. Such events are an important part of the community’s environmental culture, allowing people not only to clean out their homes but also to take care of the environment by ensuring proper waste processing. For many residents this has become a traditional way to start spring cleaning—getting rid of unwanted items, old electronics, paper and other materials that shouldn’t simply be thrown in the trash. The new site is expected to be more spacious and accessible, which should help avoid lines and make the drop-off process quick and comfortable for everyone involved.
Assault in Seattle: man beaten after getting off bus in Mount Baker area
A disturbing incident occurred in Seattle, once again drawing attention to safety issues on public transit. According to a police report, on Friday evening in the Mount Baker area a 50-year-old man was assaulted after trying to avoid a confrontation on a bus.
The Seattle Police Department reports the incident happened around 9:00 p.m. near the intersection of Rainier Avenue South and South Forest Street. Officers who responded found the victim with cuts on the back of his head and facial injuries. According to the victim, the confrontation began on the bus when an unknown man started harassing him. Trying to avoid further escalation, the passenger got off at his stop, but the aggressor followed him. On the street the assailant struck him several times on the head with a cup — an ordinary object that in this context became an improvised weapon. After the attack the suspect fled the scene, and police have not yet located him. The victim received first aid at the scene and was then taken to Harborview Medical Center for further treatment.
Although it may seem like a commonplace incident, this case highlights several important issues. First is passenger safety on public transit and at stops. The victim made a reasonable attempt to de-escalate by leaving the area of potential conflict, but that did not work, indicating a need for more effective measures, possibly including security presence or improved surveillance systems capable of helping to quickly identify offenders. Second, the incident underscores how an everyday object (in this case a cup) can be used to inflict serious injury, complicating prevention of such attacks. The lack of an arrest is also troubling because it leaves the suspect free and potentially dangerous to others.
The Mount Baker incident is not just a local event but part of a broader discussion about urban safety and law enforcement effectiveness. For Seattle residents it is a reminder to stay vigilant, especially in the evening, and to know how to seek help—such as using emergency buttons on buses or immediately reporting suspicious behavior to the driver or by calling 911. In the long term, such incidents may influence city policies, prompting investment in better-lit stops, expanded patrol programs and cooperation with transit companies to ensure passenger safety. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging witnesses to come forward.
Seattle Sounders projected core for 2026: a look ahead
Ahead of a new MLS season, Seattle Sounders fans are guessing which lineup will take the field in decisive matches. Based on analysis of recent developments and statements from the coaching staff, one can project an optimal starting eleven for 2026, assuming the team avoids injuries. This projected core combines a proven experienced base with young talents aimed at returning the club to the top.
In attack a generational change is expected. The striker role will likely be filled by Osaze De Rosario, who as a newcomer has already made his presence felt at key moments. His opportunity increased after a back injury to last season’s top scorer Danny Musovski (18 goals). On the right flank, Jesús Ferreira should remain, having shone in his debut season in the “pockets” — a tactical term denoting the spaces between opponent defense and midfield lines where a technical player can receive the ball and start an attack. For playoff success and an MLS Cup run, his offensive contribution will need to grow. On the left, Jordan Morris will aim to return to his best form after a 2025 season marred by issues with his hamstring tendon and shoulder. Despite that, he became the club’s all-time leading scorer (91 goals in all competitions).
The creative center of midfield will remain Albert Rusnák. He is expected to maintain his high output after two consecutive seasons with double-doubles (double-digit goals and assists). His 12 goal contributions in all competitions last year were the second-highest on the team. In the holding midfield role he will pair with Cristian Roldán, again vying for a spot on the U.S. World Cup roster for the 2026 home tournament after leading the team in assists last season (14). Beside him a new acquisition could debut — Hassani Dotson, a Federal Way native who signed in December. He has a chance to become a regular for his home-state club following Obed Vargas’s move to Atlético Madrid.
Defense also faces interesting choices. Right back Alex Roldán has shown versatility by also playing in central defense. That flexibility may prove crucial given preseason injuries to Kim Kihyung (calf) and Stuart Hawkins (quadriceps). On the opposite flank, Nouhou should not only defend reliably but also contribute more in attack, though he must reduce the number of fouls—last year he received three red cards. In central defense, Jackson Ragen, whose pass accuracy reached 93% (the best on the team), remains a key player for launching attacks. His partner Yeimar, who enjoyed one of his best seasons in a Sounders shirt during the Leagues Cup, must stay healthy to help the team regain its defensive strength.
In goal, as The Seattle Times reports, the starting spot at the beginning of the season is expected to go to Andrew Thomas rather than veteran Stefan Frei. However, head coach Brian Schmetzer emphasized that he views both goalkeepers as starting-caliber players, which creates healthy competition. Thus, the projected 2026 core reflects the club’s strategy: a mix of reliability, youthful energy and tactical flexibility to achieve maximum results.
