Latest News

DOOM LOOP: Journalism

A local reporter plies her craft.

Bellevue Homeowners Say Light Rail Noise on I-90 Ruining Area’s Peaceful Freeway Ambience

A group of Bellevue homeowners are telling Sound Transit that the low hum of the new light rail line across Lake Washington has completely ruined their waterfront neighborhood’s peaceful, freeway ambience of thousands of cars driving by all day every day. “I can’t even hear rush hour anymore,” said Enatai waterfront mansion owner Rhett Criar. […]

Book Review: “When Companies Run the Courts” sets off red alerts for the structural injustices we live among

Brendan Ballou's 2026 book critiques forced arbitration as a tool that undermines constitutional rights, shielding corporations from accountability while disenfranchising individuals. Through compelling case studies, he highlights the prevalence of one-sided arbitration agreements and the systemic bias in favor of powerful corporations. Book Review: “When Companies Run the Courts” sets off red alerts for the structural injustices we live among is a post from NPI's Cascadia Advocate, the journal of the Northwest Progressive Institute. Published continuously since March of 2004, NPI's Cascadia Advocate provides thoughtful commentary and analysis on regional, national, and world politics. Keep The Cascadia Advocate going by making a contribution to sustain NPI's research and advocacy here.

The Roundup: A Red Card for Seattle When It Comes to FIFA

In this week's edition of The Roundup, Mike Davis talks to Sarah Valenta of HomeSight about the South End being left out of World Cup planning.

Polymarket, Kalshi Now Taking Bets on Fights in Ferry Lines

Just in time for World Cup tourists to make things more interesting this weekend, prediction markets Polymarket and Kalshi announced they are now taking bets on fights in Washington ferry lines. “Oh my God, this guy that just cut off a Subaru in a rented Tesla is finished,” said one ferry line fight onlooker placing […]

The two faces of the beautiful game: World Cup fever lights up Seattle amid systemic, fiscal, and border friction

The World Cup is a deeply flawed spectacle, operating at the complex intersection of global politics, heavy public spending, and exclusive domestic systems. But standing on the banister at Pacific Place, watching the city explode in celebration as the whistle blows, you are reminded of why we care. The two faces of the beautiful game: World Cup fever lights up Seattle amid systemic, fiscal, and border friction is a post from NPI's Cascadia Advocate, the journal of the Northwest Progressive Institute. Published continuously since March of 2004, NPI's Cascadia Advocate provides thoughtful commentary and analysis on regional, national, and world politics. Keep The Cascadia Advocate going by making a contribution to sustain NPI's research and advocacy here.

Washingtonians disapprove of the cuts to education that the Legislature made in the 2026 session, Civic Heartbeat poll finds

55% of likely 2026 general election voters recently surveyed by Emerson College Polling for the Northwest Progressive Institute said they disapproved of the decision by the Legislature and Governor Ferguson to reduce funding for priorities like Transition to Kindergarten, Running Start, and K‑12 public school transportation in the budget, rather than raising taxes on large corporations to avert the cuts, while only 29% approved. Another 16% were not sure. Washingtonians disapprove of the cuts to education that the Legislature made in the 2026 session, Civic Heartbeat poll finds is a post from NPI's Cascadia Advocate, the journal of the Northwest Progressive Institute. Published continuously since March of 2004, NPI's Cascadia Advocate provides thoughtful commentary and analysis on regional, national, and world politics. Keep The Cascadia Advocate going by making a contribution to sustain NPI's research and advocacy here.

OPINION | Seattle's World Cup Plans Reach the Waterfront. Why Not the South End?

From Rainier Avenue to Beacon Hill, South End business advocates ask why neighborhoods rich in culture, food, and small businesses were left out of Seattle's World Cup spotlight.

Seattleites Frantically Search for Plausible Excuse to Cancel Plans with World Cup

Although initially looking forward to it when they put it on their calendars four years ago, today Seattle residents realizing the first World Cup match in their city is almost here started frantically looking for plausible excuses for getting out of it. “So sorry to do this, but is there any way we could reschedule […]

Zahilay Outlines Affordability, Safety Priorities in First State of the County Address

From affordable housing and expanded child care to new bus routes and violence prevention funding, Zahilay used his first State of the County speech to spotlight early wins and future priorities.

Mediums Collective Brings Raza Pride to Capitol Hill

COLUMN | When Corporations Leave, Seattle Communities Pay the Price. It's Time to Invest Locally.

2. As major companies cut jobs and seek subsidies, Marcus Harrison Green makes the case for supporting worker-owned, family-run, and neighborhood businesses that keep wealth circulating locally.