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

Washington's Mask Debate Heats Up

Comments by state officials yesterday signal that this isn’t just going to be an east-west tiff.

02/10/2022 By Benjamin Cassidy

Feature

The Race to Free Washington's Last Orca in Captivity

A southern resident's violent capture off Whidbey Island was the original sin of a now-defunct local industry. Decades later, a Lummi-led effort to bring her home is on the verge of an improbable breakthrough.

02/08/2022 By Benjamin Cassidy

Office Politics

Seattle Companies Are All Over the Map on Vaccine Mandates

A Supreme Court ruling hasn't clarified much when it comes to workplace safety.

02/03/2022 By Benjamin Cassidy

File Them Away

The Wackiest Bills at Washington's Legislative Session

A gubernatorial electoral college, zipper merging, a state dinosaur...it's all (technically) up for debate in Olympia this year.

01/28/2022 By Benjamin Cassidy

This Month in Seattle Tech

Why Microsoft Acquiring Activision Blizzard Is Such a Big Deal

It's not all fun and games for Satya Nadella and company.

01/26/2022 By Benjamin Cassidy

Coronavirus Chronicles

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

A portal 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 sweat the little things.

01/19/2022 By Benjamin Cassidy

Stress Test

How Are Seattle Schools Responding to Omicron?

Remote learning, closures, and a student sickout have made the start of 2022 chaotic for all involved.

01/14/2022 By Benjamin Cassidy

Seattle in the Movies

Is Singles the Ultimate Seattle Movie?

Much of what the Cameron Crowe classic says about our city still holds true.

12/27/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Exit Interview

Jenny Durkan on Those Missing Texts, CHOP, and Covid

Seattle's latest one-term mayor 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

All that awkward eye contact was worth it for supporters of the Seattle City Council member.

12/20/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Garden Variety

How Your Yard Can Protect Puget Sound

A little landscaping 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, tech titans, and other local leaders who shape the most vital components 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 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

Politicians, consultants, and other local leaders who make and shape our laws.

12/09/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Power Players

The Most Influential People in Seattle Tech and Business

The C-suiters and financial backers who stimulate our job market.

12/09/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Power Players

The Most Influential People in Seattle Neighborhoods

The housing advocates and real estate titans who frame how we use our space.

12/09/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Power Players

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

The donations of the Gates and Bezos clans are scrutinized around the world. Can you name other members of the city's moneyed elite?

12/09/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Into the Void

What Happens If Kshama Sawant Is Recalled?

Weighing the possibility with Seattle University professor Marco Lowe.

12/06/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy

Failing Slow

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

Plus: Wayfair is opening an office in Seattle, and a prenup startup with local ties appears on Shark Tank.

11/30/2021 By Benjamin Cassidy