Latest News

EPA Rollback Could Bring Dirtier Air To Black Communities

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a decision to delay or adjust stricter diesel emission standards, a move the agency projects will save the trucking industry billions. However, public health advocates contend that this rollback disproportionately harms Black communities, who are already overexposed to traffic-related pollution near freight corridors due to historical inequities.

Saving Black Mothers Starts Outside The Hospital

A recent Word In Black livestream event convened experts, including Dr. Kaytura Felix and Tamara Mason, to address the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among Black women. The panel concluded that systemic issues, rather than biological factors, drive these disparities, advocating for community-based solutions such as expanded midwifery care, mental health support, and financial stability initiatives.

We Expect More From Jay-Z. Why Not BET?

Journalist Julienne Louis-Anderson highlights a perceived inconsistency in public scrutiny, contrasting the lack of political discourse at the recent BET Awards with the intense criticism directed at Jay-Z for his collaboration with Target, a retailer that faced a Black consumer boycott over its revocation of DEI policies.

The Growing Cost Of Homelessness

San Francisco residents and hotel owners have initiated legal action against the city, alleging the Tenderloin district has been permitted to become a containment zone for rampant illegal drug use and other illicit activities. This development coincides with analyses, such as that by author David W. Marshall, which link the modern homelessness crisis to policy shifts under the Reagan administration, including significant reductions in affordable housing funding and social safety-net programs.

El Niño For Dummies, What’s Replacing Starbucks, and Jimothy Takes Over

Today on the podcast, Washington State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger returns to explain what El Niño is and why it matters. Then Jane is joined by two coffee snobs: The Needling’s Lex Vaughn and City Cast Executive Producer Ashley Smith to talk about what can fill the empty Starbucks’ around town, and how it isn’t what it used to be. Finally, the trio talk about Seattle’s favorite son: Jimothy. Who is he? Where did he come from? And why is he so special to us? Learn more about the  sponsors of this 20th episode: Seattle Theatre Group Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

DOOM LOOP: Gettin' Stuff Done!

Counclimembers share their ideas for the mayor's Transit Measure.

The Roundup: Black Panthers Had It Right — Feed All Kids

In this week's edition of The Roundup, Mike Davis talks to Councilmember Dionne Foster and Mayor Katie Wilson about free meals for schoolchildren.

Indigenous Violence Survivors See Fewer Services After Federal Cuts

Betting on Wildfires, Denny Blaine Verdict Is In, and Exchanging Books in Ballard

On today’s episode, host Jane C. Hu talks with science journalist Kylie Mohr about the prediction markets allowing people to bet on natural disasters, including wildfires. As this hot, dry summer continues, Kylie explains the risks involved in betting on fires that can be human-made as well as who is profiting from these bets. Then Jane is joined by contributors Guy Oron and Marcus Harrison Green to break down the verdict that arrived this week in the Denny Blaine park trial. Guy explains what the judge’s ruling means for park-goers and neighbors, and Marcus asks why this particular park got so much attention. Finally, all three get into weekend plans ranging from World Cup finals to book exchanges. And if you’re a City Cast Neighbor, stick around for a bonus segment about a legal battle between megacorporation Nestle and a local Seattle cold brew company.  Learn more about the  sponsors of this July 17th  episode: Seattle Theatre Group pFriem Beer Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

PHOTO ESSAY | Soccer Fans in Seattle Feel the Love — and Heartbreak — of World Cup

Photographer Susan Fried captured soccer fans enjoying World Cup games across the South End.

What Do We Do About Aurora? It’s Complicated

Today on the podcast, we dig into the issues surrounding Aurora Avenue. Aurora has a long and complicated history, and more recently, local residents’ relationship to one northern section of the road has only gotten more so: the section of the road between 85th and 105th streets experiences frequent gunfire, which some believe is rooted in sex trafficking. Earlier this summer, neighbors, dissatisfied with the city's response, took matters into their own hands and placed makeshift barriers blocking through traffic on their streets. We wanted to hear from some of those neighbors directly, so host Jane C. Hu and producer Sam J. Leeds talk with a community advocate who led a walk of Aurora for local community members and lawmakers, a sex worker impacted by the city’s policing efforts, and a resident reimagining the future of Aurora.   Learn more about the sponsors of this July 16th episode: Seattle Theatre Group Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Thank You For Making Our Inaugural Best Of The Best Northwest Readers’ Choice Awards A Huge Success

The Seattle Medium has concluded its inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Readers' Choice Awards, a community-driven initiative designed to honor individuals, businesses, and organizations for their impactful contributions and to celebrate Black excellence across the Pacific Northwest.