Politics

Snap Judgment

Would You Actually Ride an E-Scooter?

E-bikes are already here—you’ve likely sidestepped a few by now. This fall, the city will also accept permit applications for electric scooter companies.

08/20/2019 By Courtney Cummings

Politicks

A Trump Countdown Clock Ticks in Leschi

The presidential race for 2020 is already in full swing. But a few Seattleites have been marking the days until Trump’s potential exit since day one.

08/20/2019 By Lindsay Cohen

Explainer

The Seattle Public Library Has a Long, Illustrious History

(Practically) everything you’ve ever wanted to know about our bookish institution—including the levy on your ballot.

07/23/2019 By Jaime Archer

24-Hour Party People

Seattle Can Hear the Mueller Report in Full at a 24-Hour Marathon Reading

This weekend at Town Hall Seattle, nearly 100 locals will utter each word of Robert Mueller’s investigation.

07/18/2019 By Stefan Milne

Hot Button Issue

Should Seattle Do More to Protect Citizens from Extreme Summer Weather?

The city has taken steps to protect the most vulnerable, but District 4 council candidates are calling for more immediate, and substantial, action.

07/01/2019 By Philip Kiefer

Thirsty for Change

Where to Watch the Democratic Debates Around Seattle

Stay in-the-know and up-to-date with a brew in your hand.

06/26/2019 By Sam Jones

Quote Unquote

Citizen University Founder Eric Liu Preaches the Good Word of Civic Engagement

"Democracy works only when enough of us believe democracy works. That’s it!”

05/29/2019 By Allison Williams

Activism Guide

Enraged About All the New Anti-Abortion Laws? Here's How You Can Help.

While Washington abortion laws are relatively strong, the fight is far from over.

05/23/2019 By Sam Jones

Transportation Dispatch

The Seattle Scooter Invasion Has Begun

Seattle will debut a scooter share in the coming year. Here are 7 things you should know about the impending program.

05/10/2019 By Philip Kiefer

It's Getting Hot in Here

Seattle City Council Candidates Eye a Green New Deal

As the Democratic Party wrestles with a Green New Deal and Washington makes climate progress, city council candidates are bringing new urgency to Seattle’s environmental efforts.

05/03/2019 By Philip Kiefer

The Birds & the Bees

Can a Divided Washington Agree on a Revamped Sex-Ed Policy?

A new bill would make sex education mandatory in schools across the state, addressing topics like gender identity and consent.

04/23/2019 By Haley Gray

Climate Guy

Can Jay Inslee Make Voters Care Enough About Climate Change?

The Washington governor’s running for POTUS on that single campaign issue.

04/15/2019 By James Ross Gardner

Explainer

Seattle Labor Unions Then and Now

Activism is in Seattle’s DNA. The city’s worker movement was, and remains, a prominent force in the political scene. But what’s changed and what’s stayed the same?

03/26/2019 By Rosin Saez

Growth Hangover

Seattle City Council Passed Its Biggest Affordable Housing Measure in Years

Called the MHA expansion, the plan allows larger buildings in certain areas across the city and pays for thousands of units of new affordable housing.

03/19/2019 By Philip Kiefer

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

Turnover City

5 of Mike O'Brien's Most Memorable Moments

Seattle City Council member Mike O'Brien announced that he won't seek reelection, blowing open another council race.

02/15/2019 By Philip Kiefer

Housing and Homelessness

New Study Shows the Racial Impact of Washington's Housing Crisis

In King County, data suggests one in 11 black adults was evicted between 2013 and 2017—and it's even worse in Pierce County.

02/12/2019 By Haley Gray

This Week in Politics

Top 10 Stories: Deadly Use of Force Law, Sales Tax Credit, and Evictions

Your weekly dose of top political stories.

02/08/2019 By Anne Dennon

Dirt After Death

Human Composting Offers a Green New Way to Die

Like cremation but in a box of dirt, the new process could soon be legal in Washington.

02/07/2019 By Allison Williams

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