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Seattle Transit Measure Renewal 2026

Last week, Mayor Wilson has unveiled her proposal for the next Seattle Transit Measure (STM) that will replace the current measure when it expires in 2027. The STM is an additional tax in Seattle that is used to fund more bus service and various transit programs. Wilson is proposing a 0.3% sales tax for the … Continue reading "Seattle Transit Measure Renewal 2026"

DOOM LOOP: The Results Are In

The police chief discusses the results of the latest Public Safety Survey with his team.

Sunday Movie: Oldest Trains

Riding the oldest subway cars in the world. They’re 1950s cars in the Buenos Aires Metro on Line B. (Trains are Awesome) Honorable mention to the Muni Metro F Line with a variety of vintage streetcars from the 1950s and earlier. I rode a few early 20th century international ones and found them bumpy, but … Continue reading "Sunday Movie: Oldest Trains"

The Roundup: Meet the Grand Marshal Who's Making History

In this week's edition of The Roundup, Mike Davis talks to De Aunt'e Damper about being the first Seattle Pride Parade Grand Marshal who's a Black man from Seattle.

Spectator 2026-05-28

Spectator 2026-06-04

Seattle Commits To Restoration And Preservation Of Central District Pan-African Crosswalks

The City of Seattle has initiated a restoration project to renew and preserve 11 Pan-African flag crosswalks in the Central District. These landmarks have long served as iconic symbols of Black history, culture, and community presence.

Podcast: Seattle Medium’s Readers’ Choice Awards See Increased Community Engagement

The Seattle Medium's inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Readers' Choice Awards has generated significant community engagement, with nominees and residents actively promoting the campaign. This initiative, established to celebrate impactful businesses, organizations, and leaders, has fostered widespread participation and facilitated the discovery of new regional entities.

Podcast: Washington State Microenterprise Association Strengthens Entrepreneur Network

The Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) addresses critical barriers faced by microenterprises, sole proprietors, and early-stage entrepreneurs in accessing capital and vital resources. The organization strengthens the statewide network supporting small businesses, providing essential training, financing, and business development services. Its flagship initiative, Evergreen BizLink, serves as a free online resource navigator, connecting entrepreneurs with trusted support systems.

Link Ridership Soars 46% After Crosslake Connection Opening

Sound Transit’s Link light rail system continues to break its own ridership records. After the highly-anticipated Crosslake Connection opening at the end of March, system-wide ridership jumped 46% to 4,675,216 passengers in April 2026. This equates to an average 155,840 boardings across the 1 Line, 2 Line, and T Line every day. Since the pandemic, … Continue reading "Link Ridership Soars 46% After Crosslake Connection Opening"

Neonatal Testing: A Game-Changer For Black Moms And Babies

Black infants are twice as likely as white infants to be born prematurely and face significantly higher mortality rates before their first birthday. Despite this, many Black parents decline prenatal tests capable of identifying serious health issues months before birth. This reluctance is attributed to medical mistrust, uneven access to care, and widespread misconceptions regarding the purpose of prenatal screening.

At Hampton, Black Clergy Weigh Faith, AI, and Change

The 2026 Hampton University Ministers Conference will convene thousands of pastors, theologians, and lay persons to confront the evolving landscape of the Black church. The agenda prioritizes critical discussions on artificial intelligence, the integration of younger clergy, the expanding influence of women in ministry, and the strategic imperative of maintaining relevance within a rapidly changing cultural context.