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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.

Sweet Caffeine keeping the tradition of tiny coffee alive on Broadway

It has not been the easiest time for Broadway’s tiniest coffee businesses. You might miss the magnetic sign outside Sweet Caffeine but there’s a big “Coffee” sign next to the window. For the past three months, Dave Thornton has opened … Continue reading →

‘We Keep Us Safe’ — NPR podcast series investigates deadly shooting that ended CHOP

The unsolved deadly shooting of a San Diego teenager during the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest will be the subject of a new investigative podcast series from National Public Radio. Meanwhile, the city is seeking to appeal a $30 million jury … Continue reading →

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.

Sound Transit Recommends Fare Gates at 14 Stations for Initial Pilot

Installing fare gates at a focused number of light rail stations would pay for itself within two to five years and boost fare revenue by more than $30 million, according to Sound Transit. If given the green light later this year, gates could be in place by 2029 or 2030.

Virtue Coffee and Cocktails: The only new* Capitol Hill food+drink project of 2026?

A rare opening of a new mixed-use development on Capitol Hill will also bring something else not seen a lot these days in the central city — a wholly new food and drink space joining the area’s mix of bars, … Continue reading →

Seattle City Council sets August deadline for mayor to sort out King County Regional Homelessness Authority mess

The Seattle City Council has set a date for leaders and Mayor Katie Wilson to chart a path for the city on homelessness in ...

SDOT restores Central District’s red, black, and green Pan-African crosswalks

The Seattle Department of Transportation is restoring the Central District’s Pan-African flag crosswalks in time for Juneteenth. The work at 11 crossings at seven locations across the neighborhood is part of the city’s periodic retouches under its community crosswalk program … Continue reading →

Be ready for weekend traffic snarls during full closure of northbound I-5

Capitol Hill drivers and transit riders should brace for significant delays this weekend. The Washington State Department of Transportation has announced a full closure of northbound Interstate 5 through the heart of Seattle, stretching from I-90 past the Ship Canal … Continue reading →