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.

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

The Big Dark

Patty Murray Wants to Stop Turning Back the Clock

The Washington Democrat has teamed up with Florida Republican Marco Rubio and others to back the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act.

11/05/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

2021 Election

Reintroducing Bruce Harrell, Seattle's Next Mayor

The former three-term city council member won his race against M. Lorena González after ditching retirement.

11/05/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Explainer

A Seattle Shipping Container's Choppy Journey through the Supply Chain

It might seem stationary, but the Lego-like cargo in the city's port endures quite the journey to and from Puget Sound.

11/04/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

2021 Election

The Defund Debate Finally Took Center Stage in Seattle’s Mayoral Race

M. Lorena González and Bruce Harrell sparred over their positions on policing just before Election Day.

11/01/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Failing Slow

This Month in Seattle Tech: Xbox Turns a Mini Fridge Meme into Reality

The Facebook Papers, Amazon's autonomous Zoox cars, and a new VC for women-led startups round out Seattle's October tech news.

10/29/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Vote!

What You Need to Know about the November 2 General Election

Candidates, ballot logistics, and other essential information for voting on Tuesday.

10/28/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Explainer

We Have a Culture War…in the Seattle City Attorney’s Race?

The down-ballot contest between Ann Davison and Nicole Thomas-Kennedy has become the talk of this election season.

10/27/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Vote of Confidence

Secretary of State Kim Wyman Delivers an October Surprise

Washington's Republican secretary of state will resign from her post on November 19 before departing for DC to fight election fraud.

10/27/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

City Council Position, At-Large

This Election Race Is (Probably) Going to Be Seattle’s Tightest

The contest between Sara Nelson and Nikkita Oliver for Seattle City Council Position No. 9 is going to be extremely close, a new poll says.

10/26/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Yes, Please

Seattle's Launched a Bid to Host 2026 World Cup Matches

Russell Wilson and Ciara are among the executive committee members for a group aiming to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches to the Emerald City.

10/25/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

PSA

A New Downtown Vaccination Hub Opens Tomorrow at Amazon

Amazon, Swedish, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health partnered with the city to bring vaccines and booster shots to downtown Seattle.

10/22/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Currents

The Fight to Preserve Pike Place Market Isn't Over

Fifty years after a vote saved Seattle’s famous landmark, the historical commission that protects its character faces neglect from the city.

10/21/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Coronavirus Chronicles

How Does Covid Vaccine Verification Work at King County Businesses?

A new policy for restaurants, bars, Kraken games, and large outdoor events takes effect on October 25 in Seattle. This is what you need to know.

10/21/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

ICYMI

Kathy Lambert Is Election Season’s First Loser

Even before votes are tallied, the fifth-term King County Council member has forfeited some of her power in ignominious fashion.

10/20/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Roloviched

How Many Washington Workers Fired Themselves by Rejecting Vaccination?

Seattle's compliance with the Covid vaccine mandate was better than the state's overall, even amongst the Seattle Police Department.

10/20/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

2021 Mayoral Race

What M. Lorena González and Bruce Harrell Said in First TV Debate

The Seattle mayoral candidates tried to delineate their positions on homelessness, policing, Amazon, and zoning.

10/18/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy