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Spectator 2026-06-04

Investigation Found That KCRHA Director Retaliated Against Staffers Who Complained

By Erica C. Barnett An investigation last year found that a “preponderance of the evidence” supports the conclusion that King… The post Investigation Found That KCRHA Director Retaliated Against Staffers Who Complained appeared first on PubliCola.

Link Ridership Soars 46% After Crosslake Connection Opening

Sound Transit’s Link light rail system continues to break its own ridership records. After the highly-anticipated Crosslake Connection opening at the end of March, system-wide ridership jumped 46% to 4,675,216 passengers in April 2026. This equates to an average 155,840 boardings across the 1 Line, 2 Line, and T Line every day. Since the pandemic, … Continue reading "Link Ridership Soars 46% After Crosslake Connection Opening"

No More Laissez-Fare: Pilot Program Will Install Fare Gates at Up to 14 Stations

By Erica C. Barnett Sound Transit is recommending a “pilot” project that would add fare gates to as many as… The post No More Laissez-Fare: Pilot Program Will Install Fare Gates at Up to 14 Stations appeared first on PubliCola.

At City Club Event, Mayor Answers Questions Like “Why Isn’t Pizza Cheap Yet””

  By Erica C. Barnett FOX 13 anchor Han Kim interviewed Wilson last night at an event sponsored by City… The post At City Club Event, Mayor Answers Questions Like “Why Isn’t Pizza Cheap Yet”” appeared first on PubliCola.

Seattle Nice: Is Seattle’s Housing Market In Trouble?

By Erica C. Barnett On the latest episode of Seattle Nice, we talked to Redfin’s chief economist, Daryl Fairweather, about… The post Seattle Nice: Is Seattle’s Housing Market In Trouble? appeared first on PubliCola.

New Federal Guidelines Put Funding for Permanent Supportive Housing at Risk

By Erica C. Barnett After a long delay resulting in part from a lawsuit by the National Alliance to End… The post New Federal Guidelines Put Funding for Permanent Supportive Housing at Risk appeared first on PubliCola.

Driver Blocks Trains On Elevated Tracks at Mount Baker Station

On Tuesday evening, a driver managed to drive their car on the light rail tracks from MLK Way & Walden St to Mount Baker station. The 70-year-old driver was not injured but was taken to the hospital as a precaution. 1 Line trains were replaced with shuttle buses between SODO and Othello station while Sound … Continue reading "Driver Blocks Trains On Elevated Tracks at Mount Baker Station"

Midweek Roundup: Tap into Seattle Summer

Local News: Further Afield: This is an Open Thread. Uncivil comments will be moderated.

Wilson Proposes Doubling Transit Sales Tax to Fund Local Bus Service Expansion

  By Erica C. Barnett Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has proposed doubling a sales tax that funds transit service in… The post Wilson Proposes Doubling Transit Sales Tax to Fund Local Bus Service Expansion appeared first on PubliCola.

Sound Transit Rolls Out New Sounder Trains

On Monday, the newest Sounder cars made their debut on an S Line trip from Seattle to Lakewood. These new trains, three passenger cab cars and eight coach cars, were built by Alstom and delivered to Sound Transit in 2022. The new trains feature a new bike rack design, more power outlets and USB ports, … Continue reading "Sound Transit Rolls Out New Sounder Trains"

Aide to Councilmember Saka Sought Restraining Order Against Constituent

Saka called Police Chief Shon Barnes to ask what to do about a resident who contacted his office repeatedly about… The post Aide to Councilmember Saka Sought Restraining Order Against Constituent appeared first on PubliCola.