Seattle’s traffic congestion is the third worst in the nation, with most freeways and roads at 25% over capacity. The average driver spends an entire work week per year in traffic delays. This week on IN Close, we look at traffic congestion, progress on the SR99 viaduct replacement tunnel, Seattle’s streetcar system--and even driving habits--to identify causes and solutions to traffic woes.

Maikaru was born into Seattle’s dark world of human trafficking, drug dealing and violence. His mother was kidnapped at the age of 12 and was forced into prostitution. When Maikaru was seven, he was forced into dealing crack cocaine. His gripping story of survival is the subject of an award-winning documentary short titled “Maikaru,” by director Amanda Harryman.

In the inaugural episode, the IN Close team returns to Oso, Washington, six months after the deadliest landslide in U.S. history. Survivors, first responders, residents and community leaders reflect on how they are coping and rebuilding after the devastation.

IN Close features in-depth stories from across the Pacific Northwest, examining a subject or theme from several different perspectives. The goal of IN Close is to take the viewer deep and personal, delving into topics and stories that matter and go well beyond the headlines.