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.

Coronavirus Chronicles

Where Covid-19 Outbreaks Are Happening in Washington

A new report from the state’s health department offers details about the origins of the virus’s spread.

08/05/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Resilient Seattle

Seattle's Coronavirus Timeline, from Toilet Paper to Mask Laws

What just happened?

08/04/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Resilient Seattle

The Future of Work: Are Offices a Relic of Our Pre-Pandemic Lives?

The pandemic hastened the takeover of telecommuting.

08/04/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Breach Bums

You Don’t Have to Leave Shore to Spot an Orca in Seattle

The Orca Network’s devotees ground the whale-watching game.

08/03/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Perfect Party

If We Could Throw a Party in Seattle Right Now, Here's Who We'd Invite

Entertaining some of our region’s most resilient pandemic figures—Ijeoma Oluo, We Got This Seattle founder Ellen Kuwana—will have to wait.

07/30/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

They've Got You Covered

King County Is Giving Away Free Masks Today

Here’s the info on the latest popup event.

07/28/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

The Real Big One

How Covid-19 Broadened Seattle's Social Divide

The pandemic widened cracks in the city’s social infrastructure—ones that endanger our most essential workers.

07/28/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

More Than Just a View

West Seattle Neighborhood Guide

Top restaurants. Handmade goods. A bustling beach and an ill-fated bridge. This peninsular patch of Seattle isn’t easy to get to, but it’s well worth the trip.

07/27/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy, James Ross Gardner, Nicole Martinson, and Allecia Vermillion

Diamond Dreams

The Mariners Could Actually Make the Playoffs This Year

With a shortened season and expanded postseason format, October baseball in Seattle isn’t out of the question.

07/24/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Later Dater

Inslee Makes Indoor Dining a Family Affair

But don’t fret, single people: Cafe streets are on the way.

07/23/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Health Care Heroes

How a Group of Seattle Scientists Revealed Covid-19's Stateside Spread

Collaboration, serendipity, and a whole lot of brainpower.

07/23/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Health Care Heroes

Seattle's Health Care Workers: The Stories Behind the Masks

From ICU nurses to “dofficers,” hospital workers showed their mettle when beds filled and ventilators disappeared.

07/23/2020 Photography by David Ryder By Benjamin Cassidy

Health Care Heroes

When a Doctor Needed Life Support

Deploying a last-ditch device, a Swedish Medical Center team saved an EvergreenHealth MD from becoming a victim of the pandemic.

07/23/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

FRONT LINE FORCE

Seattle's Health Care Heroes

They’ve heard our joyful noises of support. Now it’s our turn to listen—to the people, and stories, behind the feats of medicine combating Covid-19.

07/23/2020 Edited by Benjamin Cassidy

Dystopia Department

News of Federal Officers at Portland Protests Puts Seattle on Guard

Trump has had the city in his crosshairs before.

07/21/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Wonk Wagers

Seattle’s New Payroll Tax Is a Gamble

City council's latest business legislation levies companies the region is counting on to lead its recovery. Will they stay?

07/21/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Mandatory Participation

Want Schools to Reopen This Fall? Start Staying Home Now.

A recent report says King County’s transmission rate must drop significantly before in-person education can resume.

07/20/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Coronavirus Chronicles

Amazon's Work from Home Policy Extension Heightens Downtown Distress

The tech giant's plan to stay remote through early 2021 will hit Seattle's core the hardest.

07/16/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Dangers of the Dial

Is Our Coronavirus Recovery About to Go Backward?

The governor didn’t rule it out as he announced counties will remain in their current phases.

07/14/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

News Wire

The Defund SPD Debate Flows Between Streets and Spreadsheets

While Black Lives Matter-inspired protests continue, city hall squabbles over how to defund Seattle’s police force.

07/14/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy