Hayat Norimine, an Eastern Washington native, is Seattle Met’s news and politics hound and PubliCola reporter. She also contributes features and writes politics and culture stories throughout the magazine.

Hayat began her journalism career as an English editor in Amman, Jordan, and later became a local government and Southwest Washington politics reporter at The Daily News in Longview. She has a degree in creative writing at the University of Washington and a master’s degree in journalism at Northwestern University. She now lives in West Seattle with her husband and Bedouin dog.

March Madness

Brace Yourself: May Day Promises Major Traffic

The annual march brings people to the streets in support of immigrant and workers' rights—and with an afternoon Mariners game, traffic disruptions are in store too.

05/01/2019 By Gennette Cordova

The Sporting Life

Seattle’s Love Affair with Edgar Martínez

A comeback legend, a heavy hitter hero, and a role model. To Mariners fans, Edgar Martínez was a baseball god and now, finally after a decade, a Hall of Famer.

03/26/2019 By Hayat Norimine

The Silent Treatment

How Does Jenny Durkan Compare to Past Mayors When it Comes to Public Disclosure?

A new executive, a new administration—same transparency problems?

02/26/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Progressive Taxation

Democratic Lawmakers Push a Sales Tax Exemption for Low-Income Households

State lawmakers already approved this program in 2008—but then the recession hit. It was never fully funded.

02/07/2019 By Hayat Norimine

In Transit

Lisa Herbold Still Hates the Streetcar

The $285.8 million price tag and $65.3 million shortfall could be her best chance to kill the project.

02/06/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Police Accountability

Governor Signs Off on Changes to New Deadly Force Law

Legislators needed a two-thirds majority vote to change an initiative passed by voters.

02/05/2019 By Hayat Norimine

That Washington

State of the Union Guests: Who Are Our Lawmakers Inviting?

Washington's Democratic congressional delegates are sending a message.

02/05/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Housing and Homelessness

Sawant Wants to Change Hiring Process for Human Services Director

The council member blocked mayor Jenny Durkan's appointment choice in committee, demanding instead a different way to hire for the role.

02/05/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Seattle Squeeze

Did the State Get It Wrong on the Viaduct?

Carmageddon didn't happen. Why?

02/02/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Olympia Dispatch

Washington Could Move Up Its Presidential Primary Date

Will this state's vote finally matter in 2020?

01/31/2019 By Hayat Norimine

2019 Election

Lisa Herbold Is Running for Re-Election

The City Hall veteran says she's not done yet.

01/30/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Voter's Guide

What to Know About Seattle's Education Levies

Look out for your February special election ballot. Then vote.

01/30/2019 By Hayat Norimine

2019 Election

Former Police Chief Is Running for Seattle City Council

Jim Pugel built a reputation as an early supporter of police reform.

01/29/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Housing and Homelessness

Seattle City Council Freezes Redevelopment on Mobile Home Parks

Residents of Halcyon Mobile Home Park feared evictions when the property went up for sale.

01/29/2019 By Hayat Norimine

2020 Election

Democratic Party Cries Foul over Howard Schultz's Potential 2020 Run

The former Starbucks chairman told CBS he would run as an independent.

01/28/2019 By Hayat Norimine

The Seattle Squeeze

Rides on King County Water Taxi Tripled Last Week

West Seattle commuters are discovering that there's a thing called a water taxi, and it is good.

01/25/2019 By Hayat Norimine

This Washington

Washington Will Offer Unemployment Benefits to All Federal Employees

"This is the compassionate and responsible thing to do."

01/24/2019 By Hayat Norimine

The Mayor's Cabinet

Durkan Announces Her Pick to Lead Seattle's IT Department

If confirmed, Saad Bashir would bring experience from Ottawa, Canada, as the city's chief information officer.

01/22/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Olympia Dispatch

10 Bills to Watch for This Legislative Session

Democratic lawmakers will be busy tackling a progressive agenda in the coming months.

01/22/2019 By Hayat Norimine

Sanctuary City

Seattle City Council Approves $12 Million in Grants It Rejected on Monday

Earlier this week, a council member's opposition to an ICE reimbursement inadvertently sank a routine bill.

12/19/2018 By Hayat Norimine