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ICE to Help Protect World Cup Host Cities from Making Any Money from International Tourists

U.S. World Cup host cities including Seattle, LA, Boston, New York City and Atlanta were assured today that ICE is already on-hand to protect them all from making any money from international tourists. “Just like at the airports earlier this year, we’re here whenever a city needs help fighting the scourge of toururism,” said ICE […]

Sound Transit Loses Megaproject Head in Wake of Major ST3 Update

Terri Mestas, hired from LA as the agency's first head of "megaproject delivery", will depart Sound Transit after just over two years in the role. Her departure comes at a critical time, with significant attention on how Sound Transit will get the full voter-approved ST3 portfolio on track.

The Best Burgers in Seattle

Seattle has a lot of amazing burgers, and even more people who have opinions about what is the “best” burger. Burger love is truly a subjective thing, but this roadmap helps sort through some of the best options in the city The list includes basic burgers done brilliantly, but also offers exceptions for variations that […]

Seattle Is Updating Its Climate Plan for First Time in 13 Years

With the effects of climate change bearing down and global goals far from reach, the City of Seattle is reevaluating its approach to climate action. A survey is open this month to guide the process.

Bus Network Boost from Wilson's Seattle Transit Measure Comes Into Focus

With a 0.15% sales tax bump, Seattle would be poised to see 100,000 more bus trips per year, boosting popular routes like the D Line and the 36. At a meeting Thursday, councilmembers got a deeper look at possible investments.

Op-Ed: The Case for Shifting to a Land Value Tax

Seattle's property tax system has serious shortcomings, but Aaron Schechter explains how shifting to a land value tax could address them and encourage homebuilding.

Op-Ed: Bellevue’s Wilburton Housing Policy Actually Builds Housing

One year in, the Wilburton rezone is becoming a regional model. Thanks to a funded inclusionary zoning program, Wilburton attracted applications for more than 2,300 apartments, more than Seattle logged citywide in 2025.

Crosslake Light Rail Pushes Sound Transit to Most-Used Light Rail System in US

With the boost from the expanded 2 Line, Seattle's Link rail system is humming along at 160,000 daily riders, according to new April data. That makes it the busiest light rail system in the U.S.

Spectator 2026-05-28

Spectator 2026-06-04

Op-Ed: It's Time to Reform Sound Transit

Robert Cruickshank explains the ballot initiative he has filed to reform Sound Transit's board governance, arguing the overhaul is needed to ensure ST3 rail expansions are delivered as promised.

Legal Appeal from MLB Stadium Authority Restarts Stadium District Housing Saga

A push to allow housing in the Stadium District looked like it had been thwarted by a legal appeal and a shift on city council, but a new appeal from T-Mobile Park's facilities district is poised to reignite debate.