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.

Pandemic Predicament

The Sounders Return Tonight, But Should We Watch?

Two teams have already dropped out of the MLS Is Back Tournament due to Covid-19 outbreaks.

07/10/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Remote Work

Microsoft’s Latest Teams Rollout Previews the Future of Video Conferencing

Simulated gatherings, more emojis, and fewer kid cameos in our increasingly virtual reality.

07/09/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Expiration Date

Paid Street Parking Is Returning to Seattle

It won’t be as pricey as normal, though. At least not initially.

07/09/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Trivial Pursuit?

Buying a Home During a Pandemic Is an Exercise in Perseverance

Low inventory and interest rates. Deep-pocketed competitors. Prepare to lose—often.

07/08/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

News Wire

On Durkan’s Order, Seattle Police Are Clearing Out the CHOP

Three weeks after SPD abandoned the East Precinct, the mayor commands occupiers to vacate the area.

07/01/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

No Rapinoe, Though

The Reign’s Return Marks the Beginning of Seattle’s Sports Comeback

But how long will any of these ad hoc seasons last?

06/30/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Department of Good News

Street Dining Permits Now Free for Seattle Restaurants

Small businesses can temporarily expand their operations to sidewalks and curbside parking spaces.

06/26/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Coronavirus Chronicles

The Pandemic Took Its Toll on Pike Place Market Businesses

The small operations behind one of Seattle's top attractions are hurting. A livestream fundraiser aims to help.

06/17/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Protester Paradise

The CHAZ Has Become America’s Fascination

But how long will the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone stick around?

06/11/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Baby Steps

Seattle Real Estate Begins to Turn the Dial Back to Normalcy

Some of the May numbers were jarring, though.

06/10/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Black Lives Matter

Seattle Portraits of Protest

What drives a person to the streets? We asked.

06/08/2020 Photography by Mike Kane By Benjamin Cassidy

Pandemic Recovery Plan

King County Approved for Modified Phase One of Coronavirus Recovery

The search for dinner reservations and haircut appointments begins.

06/05/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Alfresco Adventures

Street Dining Could Be Seattle’s Next Form of Restaurant Relief

"We'll take whatever we can get at this point."

06/02/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Black Lives Matter

The Power of Seattle's Peaceful George Floyd Protesters, in Photos

Don't miss the message behind this weekend's demonstrations.

06/01/2020 Photography by Jana Early By Benjamin Cassidy

Coronavirus Chronicles

King County Can't Move to Phase 2 But Will Apply for Outdoor Dining

On Monday, the county will seek a modified stage one, with patio eating and haircuts, in the state's recovery plan.

05/29/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

We Got This, Sports

Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, and Russell Wilson to Host the ESPYs

ESPN taps a few Seattle stars to give us all the feels during its remote awards ceremony.

05/27/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Cramped Quarantine

What Is It Like to Live in an aPodment During Covid-19?

Micro-studio life is even more constricted than usual during a pandemic.

05/22/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Tech Triumphs

Microsoft Wants to Cancel Reply-All Email Blitzes

A new feature will block extreme cases at first before expanding.

05/15/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Grab Your Popcorn

Why Washington’s Drive-In Movie Theaters Are Petitioning to Reopen

Inslee's phased recovery approach isn't progressing fast enough for these vintage businesses.

05/13/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy

Coronavirus Chronicles

New Face Covering Directive Orders King County to Mask Up

There won’t be any penalty if you don't, though.

05/11/2020 By Benjamin Cassidy