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The Water’s Fine: Black Seniors Challenge Swimming Fears

Seniors Inez Watson and Velmar Byrd are addressing the cultural and structural barriers that have historically prevented Black Americans from accessing swimming. Serving as 'swimming ambassadors,' both women champion efforts to overcome water-related fears and promote aquatic literacy within their communities.

Survey: One In Three Americans Trust AI As Much As A Pastor

New research indicates a growing number of Americans are seeking spiritual guidance from artificial intelligence, presenting a significant challenge to Black churches. These institutions have historically served as cornerstones for faith, community, and social support within Black American communities, raising questions about the impact of algorithms on their traditional role.

Faith Requires Work To Succeed

Donald Trump is accused of prioritizing his own interests, family, and friends over the American people, while spending tax dollars on lavish projects and pardoning criminals, and is urged to be held accountable through voting.

This Week On PubliCola: June 6, 2026

AI use by SPD, doubling taxes for transit, fare gates at light rail stations, and more. By Erica C. Barnett… The post This Week On PubliCola: June 6, 2026 appeared first on PubliCola.

Seattle Nice: Mayor Wilson Doubles Down on Transit Sales Tax

By Erica C. Barnett On this week’s third (!) edition of Seattle Nice, we have a short but (I think)… The post Seattle Nice: Mayor Wilson Doubles Down on Transit Sales Tax appeared first on PubliCola.

Wilson Caves on Stadium Surveillance, Two More Cops Allege Discrimination as SPD Settles Earlier Claims

1. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson used unspecified “general but credible threats to safety and security” during the upcoming World Cup games… The post Wilson Caves on Stadium Surveillance, Two More Cops Allege Discrimination as SPD Settles Earlier Claims appeared first on PubliCola.

SPD’s Chief Spokesperson Asked AI for Help with Interview Prep, Rewriting Blog Posts, and More

SPD says the communications director only used AI tools a handful of times, and only “to evaluate their utility” By… The post SPD’s Chief Spokesperson Asked AI for Help with Interview Prep, Rewriting Blog Posts, and More appeared first on PubliCola.

Spectator 2026-05-28

Spectator 2026-06-04

Seattle Hotel Workers Are on the Verge of Striking Ahead of the World Cup 

Call it labor unrest summer? Unionized journalists across the Northwest at McClatchy Media went on a one-day strike over AI policy, union employees at acclaimed restaurant the Walrus and the Carpenter are willing to strike, and today unionized hotel workers at the Hilton’s Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square are voting to authorize a strike. The […] The post Seattle Hotel Workers Are on the Verge of Striking Ahead of the World Cup  appeared first on The Stranger.

I Saw U: Avoiding COVID at the Movies, Dropping Apples at Trader Joe’s, and Running for the Light Rail in Lynnwood

Covid cautious cutie at the moviesWe both saw a movie solo at southcenter wearing masks. You held the door for me & I should have said hi. Let’s sit together next time? Spilling apples at trader joesYou:looking cute whilst spilling apples Me:pink haired guy trying to find an excuse to talk to you (I didn’t)Lets go […] The post I Saw U: Avoiding COVID at the Movies, Dropping Apples at Trader Joe’s, and Running for the Light Rail in Lynnwood appeared first on The Stranger.

Property Owners Around Denny Blaine Took the Stand This Week

The first week of the Denny Blaine Park trial has concluded, and it was spent on neighbors and their lawyers making the case that the nude beach is an out-of-control public nuisance. The trial is existential for a legendary, decades-old queer hangout. If neighbors get their way, the city could be forced to ban nudity […] The post Property Owners Around Denny Blaine Took the Stand This Week appeared first on The Stranger.