Politics

Seattle's 2021 primary just set up a 'battle royale' in November

The 2021 August primary may have set up more than just the top candidates Seattle will be voting for in November. It could also be viewed as a status check on how residents feel about the direction of the city, and the solutions to the problems it faces, such as police reform and homelessness. Voters will be considering ths

Politics

Unions in Washington state secure wins under Democratic one-party rule in Olympia

If America’s unions are dying, no one told labor leaders in Washington. The state ranks fifth in the nation for union membership. That strength also translates to political power.

Politics

Seattle clearly has an election next week. 'It’s much less clear exactly what people want the city to do about it'

It’s showtime for the 2021 primary election. Most people will vote this weekend or at least by Monday. Be sure to get those ballots ready and have them postmarked by 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Politics

Jenny Durkan on more police vs. community-based solutions: 'It's a false choice ... we need both'

After a series of unrelated shootings that left multiple people injured and at least five dead around Seattle, Mayor Jenny Durkan says the city needs more police officers. The thing is, she says, the city can support its police force and community-based programs to reduce violence.

Crime

Seattle Mayor Durkan calls for more officers after string of deadly shootings

After multiple fatal shootings around Seattle that left at least five people dead, Mayor Jenny Durkan said that the city must support its police officers to keep up with the pace of crime. Durkan also highlighted new legislation she’s proposed to curb gun violence.

Politics

Seattle politics enter a new frontier this week

Stop me if you've heard this one: A couple of billionaires launch themselves into suborbital space.

Politics

'We have … a voice.' Black lawmakers are changing the conversation in Olympia

The Washington Legislature's Black Members Caucus was formed in 2019. This year the members led on a number of issues, including the enactment of sweeping police accountability measures and passage of a bill that made Juneteenth a state holiday.

Arts & Life

A democracy worth saving: Author Ben Rhodes on the rise of global nationalism

In his new book After the Fall: Being American in the World We've Made, author Ben Rhodes grapples with the dissolving notion of American exceptionalism in a post-Covid world. Using a global lens, Rhodes presents a glimpse of a highly possible democracy-free future, presently modeled by countries like Hungary, Russia, and China.

Politics

'Everybody wanted this story. You guys got it.' This week in Seattle politics

Local election ballots are in the mail this week, and, as you might expect, the contests for Seattle Mayor and City Council are becoming more pitched and more intense. So, what are some of the themes driving public opinion this year? The short answer: a lot.