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Christine Bumstead Named Head Coach of the Seattle Torrent

The Seattle Torrent named Christine Bumstead as the head coach for the franchise’s second year. Bumstead was an assistant coach during the team’s inaugural season and takes over the role from Steve O’Rourke who was let go on May 22. In their press release, the Torrent’s GM Meghan Turner said, “Christine brings a valuable combination of hockey expertise, leadership presence, and an unwavering commitment to high standards.” Before joining the Torrent, she spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies while also doing player development work with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades. She later served as an assistant on gold-medal-winning Team Manitoba’s staff at the 2025 WHL Cup, and led Canada’s national team at the 2024 World Deaf Ice Hockey Championship as both head coach and general manager. As for an NHL connection, Bumstead was invited to join the Florida Panthers as a development camp guest coach in 2024, after that year’s Stanley Cup win, and sat in as an assistant coach for a preseason game. This gig apparently happened because of a hunting trip where she got a chance to discuss hockey philosophy with Paul Maurice during a long car ride. Also in their press release, Bumstead is quoted as saying, “I believe Seattle is the best city in the world for women’s sports. The best is still ahead for Seattle Torrent hockey, and we can’t wait to continue growing.” In this biased reporter’s opinion, she ain’t wrong about Seattle being the best city in the world for women’s sports. We’ll see how the season shapes up as the expansion process unfolds in the coming weeks.

Zahilay Outlines Affordability, Safety Priorities in First State of the County Address

From affordable housing and expanded child care to new bus routes and violence prevention funding, Zahilay used his first State of the County speech to spotlight early wins and future priorities.

Mediums Collective Brings Raza Pride to Capitol Hill

Another Upheaval on Mayor Wilson’s Staff as Communications Director Departs

By Erica C. Barnett In the latest upheaval at the mayor’s office, Mayor Katie Wilson’s communications director, Seferiana Day, is… The post Another Upheaval on Mayor Wilson’s Staff as Communications Director Departs appeared first on PubliCola.

COLUMN | When Corporations Leave, Seattle Communities Pay the Price. It's Time to Invest Locally.

2. As major companies cut jobs and seek subsidies, Marcus Harrison Green makes the case for supporting worker-owned, family-run, and neighborhood businesses that keep wealth circulating locally.

Julia Gosling Signs Two-Year Deal With the Torrent

Julia Gosling rejected a foundational player offer (FPO) to become a key component for the Seattle Torrent next year. She signed a two-year deal and became the first of Seattle’s Phase 3 protections and fourth protected player overall. She will be joined by Alex Carpenter, Hanna Murpy, and Anna Wilgren, all protected in Phase 1. Seattle has two more protection slots to use before the Phase 3 deadline of June 12. Gosling became famous for her 5-point performance for Canada’s Silver Medal win during the Winter Olympics and tied Alex Carpenter for first place in points for the Torrent. Torrent fans must brace themselves for a team that will look very different than the one they knew last season. Detroit will now be home to Hanna Bilka and Cayla Barnes. Corinne Shroeder will now find herself between the pipes in San Jose. Hilary Knight is heading to Las Vegas, though this is a move to join Bilka and Barnes in Detroit in exchange for a first-round draft pick.

Auditor: KCRHA’s Corrective Action Plan Fails to Take Audit Findings Seriously

By Erica C. Barnett Clark Nuber, the firm that conducted a damning forensic evaluation of the King County Regional Homelessness… The post Auditor: KCRHA’s Corrective Action Plan Fails to Take Audit Findings Seriously appeared first on PubliCola.

New Council Legislation Could Make Your Utility Bills Cheaper

By Erica C. Barnett City Councilmember Dan Strauss, along with Council President Joy Hollingsworth, is proposing legislation this week that… The post New Council Legislation Could Make Your Utility Bills Cheaper appeared first on PubliCola.

REVIEW | Mangosteen's Lives Up to the Hype With More Than Wings

Come for the wings, stay for everything else. Grace Madigan finds Mangosteen's biggest surprises in its garlic noodles, Hainanese chicken, and seasonal mango menu.

Who Put 2,400 Eco-Blocks in Georgetown? Researchers Still Don't Know.

An interactive map tracks 2,400 eco-blocks across Georgetown, where researchers say the barriers may affect people living in RVs and expose a gap in public oversight.

City, County Plan to “Embed” Consultant to Address Financial Issues at Homelessness Agency

By Erica C. Barnett Mayor Katie Wilson and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay both announced that they plan to “embed… The post City, County Plan to “Embed” Consultant to Address Financial Issues at Homelessness Agency appeared first on PubliCola.

The Best Burgers in Seattle

Seattle has a lot of amazing burgers, and even more people who have opinions about what is the “best” burger. Burger love is truly a subjective thing, but this roadmap helps sort through some of the best options in the city The list includes basic burgers done brilliantly, but also offers exceptions for variations that […]