Benjamin Cassidy edits and writes for the magazine’s news section, “Currents,” as well as the health and real estate channels online. Prior to joining Seattle Met, Ben was the arts and entertainment reporter for The Berkshire Eagle, a regional daily based in the mountains of Western Massachusetts. He graduated from the University of Michigan and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

This Month in Seattle Tech

Why Microsoft Acquiring Activision Blizzard Is Such a Big Deal

The Seattle-based tech behemoth now owns the makers of Candy Crush and World of Warcraft—but the gaming company is embroiled in harassment allegations.

01/26/2022 By Benjamin Cassidy

Coronavirus Chronicles

Need More Rapid Covid Tests? Washington's Got You.

An online portal for antigen tests will launch soon to double those White House swab shipments.

01/20/2022 By Benjamin Cassidy

Trivial Pursuits

5 Very Serious Ways for Bruce Harrell to Fix Seattle

We have a few modest suggestions for our new mayor, including a fine imposed on people who say "Pike's Place" and open bars on the water taxis.

01/19/2022 By Benjamin Cassidy

Stress Test

How Are Seattle Schools Responding to Omicron?

Learning from home, school closures, and teacher staffing shortages have made the start of 2022 chaotic. SPS tries to implement new Covid-19 protocols.

01/14/2022 By Benjamin Cassidy

Seattle in the Movies

Is Singles the Ultimate Seattle Movie?

Much of what the Cameron Crowe classic starring Matt Dillon and Kyra Sedgwick says about our city still holds true.

12/27/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Exit Interview

Jenny Durkan on Those Missing Texts, CHOP, and Covid

The Emerald City's latest one-term leader reflects on her turbulent four years in office.

12/21/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

2021 Election

Kshama Sawant's Get Out the Vote Campaign Decided the Recall Election

Last-minute ballots helped the socialist Seattle City Council member ward off removal from office.

12/20/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Garden Variety

How Your Yard Can Protect Puget Sound

Rain gardens can help curb a major source of pollution in the Salish Sea.

12/13/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Power Players

100 of the Most Influential People in Seattle

Our full list of politicians, chefs, scientists, athletes, housing advocates, and other local leaders who made the cut in 2021.

12/09/2021 By Angela Cabotaje, Benjamin Cassidy, Sophie Grossman, Zoe Sayler, Allecia Vermillion, and Allison Williams

Power Players

The Most Influential Seattleites

From inclusive outfits to life-saving discoveries, no one can doubt this group’s clout manifests in the essential elements of our city.

12/09/2021 By Angela Cabotaje, Benjamin Cassidy, Sophie Grossman, Zoe Sayler, Allecia Vermillion, and Allison Williams

Power Players

The Most Influential People in Seattle Politics

Pramila Jayapal, Girmay Zahilay, and Jay Inslee are among the local leaders who have shaped Washington State most profoundly.

12/09/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Power Players

Seattle's Famous, and Not-So-Famous, Philanthropists

The donations of Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, MacKenzie Scott, and Jeff Bezos are scrutinized around the world. Can you name other rich Seattleites?

12/09/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Power Players

The Most Influential People in Seattle Tech and Business

Satya Nadella, Andy Jassy, and Tom Alberg are among the entrepreneurs and financial backers who stimulate the Emerald City's job market.

12/09/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Power Players

The Most Influential People in Seattle Neighborhoods

Colleen Echohawk and Rich Barton are among the housing advocates and real estate titans who shape the city, from covered patios to Climate Pledge arena.

12/09/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Into the Void

What Happens If Kshama Sawant Is Recalled?

As the Seattle City Council member faces the prospect of removal from office, Seattle University professor Marco Lowe considers the election's meaning.

12/06/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Failing Slow

This Month in Seattle Tech: What Doomed Zillow’s Home-Flipping Biz?

The real estate tech giant's failed experiment, and a prenup startup's Shark Tank appearance highlight November tech news in Seattle.

11/30/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Hoops Heartache

Are the Sonics Really Coming Back This Time?

Recent comments by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, and new ones from mayor Jenny Durkan, should give Seattle hope about the return of the Sonics.

11/22/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

2021 Election

Seattle May Be Progressive, But Its Voters Weren't This Election

Despite a late push from the left, the more moderate candidate prevailed in three of the four citywide races in the 2021 election. Why?

11/15/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

ICYMI

How Veterans Day 2021 Turned into a Long Weekend for Seattle Parents

The staffing shortage struck again as Seattle Public Schools canceled Friday classes. Is this part of the "new normal"?

11/11/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Lease Peeping

Seattle's Rental Climate Has Changed, Even If Prices Haven’t

New laws backed by city council member Kshama Sawant, including improved eviction safeguards, have buoyed renters and irked landlords.

11/09/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy