PubliCola
@publicola.bsky.social
Seattle's trusted source for breaking news, political analysis, and investigative reporting since 2009. From your friend ericacbarnett.bsky.social
Katie Wilson Leads Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell by 91 Votes
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
Katie Wilson Leads Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell by 91 Votes - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett In the latest batch of ballots counted by King County’s elections office, labor organizer…
publicola.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Katie Wilson Leads Incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell by 91 Votes
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
We're in hand-recount territory.
publicola.com/2025/11/10/k...
This Week on PubliCola: November 8, 2025
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
This Week on PubliCola: November 8, 2025 - PubliCola
Monday, November 3 When Washington DC Looks Away, King County Must Make Sure Our Neighbors Can Eat In a guest…
publicola.com
November 8, 2025 at 7:25 PM
This Week on PubliCola: November 8, 2025
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
Election updates, shakeups at the police department, and much more in a PACKED week of local news.
publicola.com/2025/11/08/t...
Friday Fizz: Latest Ballots Trend Toward Wilson, Barnes Moves Controversial Cop Out of East Precinct, Harrell Says Shaming Sex Buyers Works
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
Friday Fizz: Latest Ballots Trend Toward Wilson, Barnes Moves Controversial Cop Out of East Precinct, Harrell Says Shaming Sex Buyers Works - PubliCola
1. Some quick math on the latest ballot drop from King County Elections, which included another 56,118 votes in the Seattle…
publicola.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Friday Fizz: Latest Ballots Trend Toward Wilson, Barnes Moves Controversial Cop Out of East Precinct, Harrell Says Shaming Sex Buyers Works
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
Today's Afternoon Fizz.
publicola.com/2025/11/07/f...
Amid Federal Cuts and State Austerity, The City Must Step Up and Pass a Budget that Puts People First
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
Amid Federal Cuts and State Austerity, The City Must Step Up and Pass a Budget that Puts People First - PubliCola
By Alexis Mercedes Rinck In response to an openly antagonistic federal government more interested in interior decorating than keeping food…
publicola.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Amid Federal Cuts and State Austerity, The City Must Step Up and Pass a Budget that Puts People First
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
In a guest post, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck says the budget should prioritize people who stand to lose most during state and federal cuts.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/a...
With Half the Ballots Still Uncounted, This Mayoral Election is an Open Contest
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
With Half the Ballots Still Uncounted, This Mayoral Election is an Open Contest - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Mayor Bruce Harrell gained a point on his challenger Katie Wilson yesterday, as King County Elections…
publicola.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:17 PM
With Half the Ballots Still Uncounted, This Mayoral Election is an Open Contest
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
Katie Wilson needs to get about 54 percent of the outstanding ballots to close the gap with incumbent Bruce Harrell.
publicola.com/2025/11/06/4...
We recorded the latest episode of Seattle Nice this morning, before today's ballot drop widened Mayor Bruce Harell's lead over Katie Wilson by about 7,000 votes, but our analysis still stands: We don't know wtf is going to happen in the Seattle mayor's race, but we have our theories!
Sum and Substance of Seattle's Election Results | Seattle Nice
We discuss and debate last night's election and the big progressive wins here in Seattle. Why did moderates lose? Why is the mayor's race between...
seattle-nice.beam.ly
November 6, 2025 at 12:32 AM
We recorded the latest episode of Seattle Nice this morning, before today's ballot drop widened Mayor Bruce Harell's lead over Katie Wilson by about 7,000 votes, but our analysis still stands: We don't know wtf is going to happen in the Seattle mayor's race, but we have our theories!
Police Chief Shon Barnes Fires Two of SPD's Top Civilian Staff
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
Police Chief Shon Barnes Fires Two of SPD's Top Civilian Staff - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett This morning, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes fired two of SPD’s top civilian staff, Chief Operating…
publicola.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Police Chief Shon Barnes Fires Two of SPD's Top Civilian Staff
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
The two longtime SPD command staff were reportedly shut out of major decisions in favor of Barnes' inner circle.
publicola.com/2025/11/05/p...
Uncertain Outcome in Mayor's Race While Progressive Council, City Attorney Candidates Celebrate Wins
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...
Uncertain Outcome in Mayor's Race While Progressive Council, City Attorney Candidates Celebrate Wins - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett and Andrew Engelson Mayor Bruce Harrell’s election night party started with an empty room—an hour before…
publicola.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Uncertain Outcome in Mayor's Race While Progressive Council, City Attorney Candidates Celebrate Wins
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...
publicola.com/2025/11/04/u...
As Mayor, Harrell Paid for Luxury Upgrades on City Trips, Including a $12,000 Flight and a $1,000-a-Night Hotel
Now he wants voters to believe he represents the working class—and that his opponent, renter Katie Wilson, is an out-of touch-elite.
publicola.com/2025/11/04/h...
Now he wants voters to believe he represents the working class—and that his opponent, renter Katie Wilson, is an out-of touch-elite.
publicola.com/2025/11/04/h...
As Mayor, Harrell Paid for Luxury Upgrades on City Trips, Including a $12,000 Flight and $1,000-a-Night Hotels - PubliCola
Now he wants voters to believe he represents the working class—and that his opponent, renter Katie Wilson, is an out-of…
publicola.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:48 PM
As Mayor, Harrell Paid for Luxury Upgrades on City Trips, Including a $12,000 Flight and a $1,000-a-Night Hotel
Now he wants voters to believe he represents the working class—and that his opponent, renter Katie Wilson, is an out-of touch-elite.
publicola.com/2025/11/04/h...
Now he wants voters to believe he represents the working class—and that his opponent, renter Katie Wilson, is an out-of touch-elite.
publicola.com/2025/11/04/h...
Seattle Nice: Closing Arguments in the Mayoral Election, and a $5,000-a-Week "Outreach" Consultant
It's our last podcast before the Tuesday election!
publicola.com/2025/11/03/s...
It's our last podcast before the Tuesday election!
publicola.com/2025/11/03/s...
Seattle Nice: Closing Arguments in the Mayoral Election, and a $5,000-a-Week "Outreach" Consultant - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett On the final Seattle Nice episode before Tuesday’s election (look for our post-election show in your…
publicola.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Seattle Nice: Closing Arguments in the Mayoral Election, and a $5,000-a-Week "Outreach" Consultant
It's our last podcast before the Tuesday election!
publicola.com/2025/11/03/s...
It's our last podcast before the Tuesday election!
publicola.com/2025/11/03/s...
When Washington DC Looks Away, King County Must Make Sure Our Neighbors Can Eat
In a guest post, King County Councilmember @girmayzahilay.bsky.social says the county must provide food assistance to people losing SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
publicola.com/2025/11/03/w...
In a guest post, King County Councilmember @girmayzahilay.bsky.social says the county must provide food assistance to people losing SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
publicola.com/2025/11/03/w...
When Washington DC Looks Away, King County Must Make Sure Our Neighbors Can Eat - PubliCola
By Girmay Zahilay In the coming days, thousands of families across King County could open their refrigerators and find more…
publicola.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:08 PM
When Washington DC Looks Away, King County Must Make Sure Our Neighbors Can Eat
In a guest post, King County Councilmember @girmayzahilay.bsky.social says the county must provide food assistance to people losing SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
publicola.com/2025/11/03/w...
In a guest post, King County Councilmember @girmayzahilay.bsky.social says the county must provide food assistance to people losing SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
publicola.com/2025/11/03/w...
This Week On PubliCola: November 1, 2025
Exclusive election reporting, a Seattle City Attorney debate, SPD participates in Trump's "Operation Take Back America," and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/02/t...
Exclusive election reporting, a Seattle City Attorney debate, SPD participates in Trump's "Operation Take Back America," and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/02/t...
This Week on PubliCola: November 2, 2025 - PubliCola
Exclusive election reporting, a Seattle City Attorney debate, SPD participates in Trump’s “Operation Take Back America,” and more. Monday, October…
publicola.com
November 2, 2025 at 6:12 PM
This Week On PubliCola: November 1, 2025
Exclusive election reporting, a Seattle City Attorney debate, SPD participates in Trump's "Operation Take Back America," and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/02/t...
Exclusive election reporting, a Seattle City Attorney debate, SPD participates in Trump's "Operation Take Back America," and more.
publicola.com/2025/11/02/t...
SPD Drug Arrests Were Part of Trump's Anti-Immigrant "Operation Take Back America"
Police Chief Shon Barnes thanked "our federal partners" for facilitating the arrests of 10 accused drug traffickers, all with Hispanic surnames.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/s...
Police Chief Shon Barnes thanked "our federal partners" for facilitating the arrests of 10 accused drug traffickers, all with Hispanic surnames.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/s...
SPD Drug Arrests Were Part of Trump's Anti-Immigrant "Operation Take Back America" - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes celebrated earlier this week after an anti-drug trafficking operation recovered fentanyl,…
publicola.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:45 PM
SPD Drug Arrests Were Part of Trump's Anti-Immigrant "Operation Take Back America"
Police Chief Shon Barnes thanked "our federal partners" for facilitating the arrests of 10 accused drug traffickers, all with Hispanic surnames.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/s...
Police Chief Shon Barnes thanked "our federal partners" for facilitating the arrests of 10 accused drug traffickers, all with Hispanic surnames.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/s...
Homelessness Authority Cuts 28 Positions, Including Deputy CEO, Finance Director, General Counsel, and Emergency Services Director
Agency CEO Kelly Kinnison said the cuts address a "top-heavy" org chart.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/h...
Agency CEO Kelly Kinnison said the cuts address a "top-heavy" org chart.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/h...
Homelessness Authority Cuts 28 Positions, Including Deputy CEO, Finance Director, General Counsel, and Emergency Services Director - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett The King County Regional Homelessness Authority made good on its promise to cut dozens of jobs…
publicola.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Homelessness Authority Cuts 28 Positions, Including Deputy CEO, Finance Director, General Counsel, and Emergency Services Director
Agency CEO Kelly Kinnison said the cuts address a "top-heavy" org chart.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/h...
Agency CEO Kelly Kinnison said the cuts address a "top-heavy" org chart.
publicola.com/2025/10/31/h...
Harrell Campaign Paid a Consultant $5,000 a Week for “Outreach and Engagement,” Won’t Say Why
The payments, for "community outreach and engagement," are more than four times what Harrell pays his chief political consultant every month.
publicola.com/2025/10/30/h...
The payments, for "community outreach and engagement," are more than four times what Harrell pays his chief political consultant every month.
publicola.com/2025/10/30/h...
Harrell Campaign Paid a Consultant $5,000 a Week for "Outreach and Engagement," Won't Say Why - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett Mayor Bruce Harrell’s campaign finance filings for October include an unusual series of five $5,000 payments,…
publicola.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Harrell Campaign Paid a Consultant $5,000 a Week for “Outreach and Engagement,” Won’t Say Why
The payments, for "community outreach and engagement," are more than four times what Harrell pays his chief political consultant every month.
publicola.com/2025/10/30/h...
The payments, for "community outreach and engagement," are more than four times what Harrell pays his chief political consultant every month.
publicola.com/2025/10/30/h...
A Closer Look at Mayor Harrell's Rickety 2026 City Budget Proposal
Harrell's budget relies on fiscal tricks, general-fund backfills, and big deficits to fund increases in cops, graffiti teams, and shelter beds.
publicola.com/2025/10/28/a...
Harrell's budget relies on fiscal tricks, general-fund backfills, and big deficits to fund increases in cops, graffiti teams, and shelter beds.
publicola.com/2025/10/28/a...
A Closer Look at Mayor Harrell's Rickety 2026 City Budget Proposal - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett As the council takes up Mayor Bruce Harrell’s election-year budget, they could choose to heed their…
publicola.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:23 AM
A Closer Look at Mayor Harrell's Rickety 2026 City Budget Proposal
Harrell's budget relies on fiscal tricks, general-fund backfills, and big deficits to fund increases in cops, graffiti teams, and shelter beds.
publicola.com/2025/10/28/a...
Harrell's budget relies on fiscal tricks, general-fund backfills, and big deficits to fund increases in cops, graffiti teams, and shelter beds.
publicola.com/2025/10/28/a...
City Official Used Internal Teams Chat to Solicit Department Directors’ Contact Info on Behalf of Harrell Campaign
At least 21 department directors gave OED Director Markham McIntyre their contact information, which he used to solicit support for their boss’s campaign.
publicola.com/2025/10/27/c...
At least 21 department directors gave OED Director Markham McIntyre their contact information, which he used to solicit support for their boss’s campaign.
publicola.com/2025/10/27/c...
City Official Used Internal Teams Chat to Solicit Department Directors' Contact Info on Behalf of Harrell Campaign - PubliCola
At least 21 department directors gave OED Director Markham McIntyre their contact information, which he used to solicit support for…
publicola.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:19 AM
City Official Used Internal Teams Chat to Solicit Department Directors’ Contact Info on Behalf of Harrell Campaign
At least 21 department directors gave OED Director Markham McIntyre their contact information, which he used to solicit support for their boss’s campaign.
publicola.com/2025/10/27/c...
At least 21 department directors gave OED Director Markham McIntyre their contact information, which he used to solicit support for their boss’s campaign.
publicola.com/2025/10/27/c...
Seattle's Nicest City Attorney Debate
Seattle Nice moderated a debate between the two candidates for city attorney, and you're all (belatedly) invited!
publicola.com/2025/10/27/s...
Seattle Nice moderated a debate between the two candidates for city attorney, and you're all (belatedly) invited!
publicola.com/2025/10/27/s...
Seattle's Nicest City Attorney Debate - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett If you’re still undecided about the Seattle City Attorney’s race, Seattle Nice has just the thing…
publicola.com
October 27, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Seattle's Nicest City Attorney Debate
Seattle Nice moderated a debate between the two candidates for city attorney, and you're all (belatedly) invited!
publicola.com/2025/10/27/s...
Seattle Nice moderated a debate between the two candidates for city attorney, and you're all (belatedly) invited!
publicola.com/2025/10/27/s...
This Week on PubliCola: October 25, 2025
New police contract boosts rookie salaries to almost $120,000, Harrell blasts Katie Wilson's housing plan, controversial cop still in charge at East Precinct, and much more.
publicola.com/2025/10/25/4...
New police contract boosts rookie salaries to almost $120,000, Harrell blasts Katie Wilson's housing plan, controversial cop still in charge at East Precinct, and much more.
publicola.com/2025/10/25/4...
This Week on PubliCola: October 25, 2025 - PubliCola
New police contract boosts rookie salaries to almost $120,000, Harrell blasts Katie Wilson’s housing plan, controversial cop still in…
publicola.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:54 PM
This Week on PubliCola: October 25, 2025
New police contract boosts rookie salaries to almost $120,000, Harrell blasts Katie Wilson's housing plan, controversial cop still in charge at East Precinct, and much more.
publicola.com/2025/10/25/4...
New police contract boosts rookie salaries to almost $120,000, Harrell blasts Katie Wilson's housing plan, controversial cop still in charge at East Precinct, and much more.
publicola.com/2025/10/25/4...
Sara Nelson Said She "Chuckled" At Opposition to Police Surveillance, Burien City Manager Files Complaint About Accurate Quote
Today's Afternoon Fizz:
publicola.com/2025/10/24/s...
Today's Afternoon Fizz:
publicola.com/2025/10/24/s...
Sara Nelson Said She "Chuckled" At Opposition to Police Surveillance, Burien City Manager Files Complaint About Accurate Quote - PubliCola
1.During a debate sponsored by the Urban Community Councils of Seattle Thursday evening, City Councilmember Sara Nelson casually said she…
publicola.com
October 25, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Sara Nelson Said She "Chuckled" At Opposition to Police Surveillance, Burien City Manager Files Complaint About Accurate Quote
Today's Afternoon Fizz:
publicola.com/2025/10/24/s...
Today's Afternoon Fizz:
publicola.com/2025/10/24/s...
Harrell, Wilson Disagree Over Whether Formerly Homeless People Can Thrive In "Workforce" Housing
The mayor says it would be a "disaster" to move formerly homeless people into vacant units next to "teachers and baristas." His opponent says plenty of homeless people just need homes.
The mayor says it would be a "disaster" to move formerly homeless people into vacant units next to "teachers and baristas." His opponent says plenty of homeless people just need homes.
Harrell, Wilson Disagree Over Whether Formerly Homeless People Can Thrive In "Workforce" Housing - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett On Friday, several private and nonprofit affordable housing developers joined Mayor Bruce Harrell to criticize his…
publicola.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Harrell, Wilson Disagree Over Whether Formerly Homeless People Can Thrive In "Workforce" Housing
The mayor says it would be a "disaster" to move formerly homeless people into vacant units next to "teachers and baristas." His opponent says plenty of homeless people just need homes.
The mayor says it would be a "disaster" to move formerly homeless people into vacant units next to "teachers and baristas." His opponent says plenty of homeless people just need homes.
Tietjen Still at East Precinct, Harrell Overheard Discussing Tip Credit Rollback, Mayor’s Budget Preserves Cut to Tenant Services
Three stories for ya in today's Afternooan Fiaa:
publicola.com/2025/10/23/t...
Three stories for ya in today's Afternooan Fiaa:
publicola.com/2025/10/23/t...
Tietjen Still at East Precinct, Harrell Overheard Discussing Tip Credit Rollback, Mayor's Budget Preserves Cut to Tenant Services - PubliCola
1. Two weeks ago after PubliCola reported that Police Chief Shon Barnes had picked controversial police captain Mike Tietjen to…
publicola.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Tietjen Still at East Precinct, Harrell Overheard Discussing Tip Credit Rollback, Mayor’s Budget Preserves Cut to Tenant Services
Three stories for ya in today's Afternooan Fiaa:
publicola.com/2025/10/23/t...
Three stories for ya in today's Afternooan Fiaa:
publicola.com/2025/10/23/t...
ONLY AT PUBLICOLA: New Police Contract Will Boost Starting Salaries to Almost $120,000—a 42% Pay Increase in Just Five Years
The contract reportedly includes only minimal concessions on police accountability. The city just bumped starting salaries to $104,000—the highest in the state—last year.
The contract reportedly includes only minimal concessions on police accountability. The city just bumped starting salaries to $104,000—the highest in the state—last year.
New Police Contract Will Boost Starting Salaries to Almost $120,000—a 42 Percent Pay Increase in Just Five Years - PubliCola
By Erica C. Barnett City negotiators have approved a new 2024-2027 contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild that will…
publicola.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:12 PM
ONLY AT PUBLICOLA: New Police Contract Will Boost Starting Salaries to Almost $120,000—a 42% Pay Increase in Just Five Years
The contract reportedly includes only minimal concessions on police accountability. The city just bumped starting salaries to $104,000—the highest in the state—last year.
The contract reportedly includes only minimal concessions on police accountability. The city just bumped starting salaries to $104,000—the highest in the state—last year.
Ex-Police Chief Diaz Seeks to Toss a Third Judge from His Case, County Council Candidate Claims Planned Parenthood Endorsement After Losing it Over Anti-Trans Views
Today's Morning Fizz!
publicola.com/2025/10/20/e...
Today's Morning Fizz!
publicola.com/2025/10/20/e...
Ex-Police Chief Diaz Seeks to Toss a Third Judge from His Case, County Council Candidate Claims Planned Parenthood Endorsement After Losing it Over Anti-Trans Views - PubliCola
1. Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz is trying to get a third King County Superior Court judge tossed from…
publicola.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Ex-Police Chief Diaz Seeks to Toss a Third Judge from His Case, County Council Candidate Claims Planned Parenthood Endorsement After Losing it Over Anti-Trans Views
Today's Morning Fizz!
publicola.com/2025/10/20/e...
Today's Morning Fizz!
publicola.com/2025/10/20/e...
This Week On PubliCola: October 18, 2025
The election, the city budget, a shoplifting bust at Marshall's, and much more in this week's roundup.
publicola.com/2025/10/18/t...
The election, the city budget, a shoplifting bust at Marshall's, and much more in this week's roundup.
publicola.com/2025/10/18/t...
This Week On PubliCola: October 18, 2025 - PubliCola
Still from new SPD recruiting video By Erica C. Barnett Monday, October 13 Harrell Says King County Public Health is…
publicola.com
October 18, 2025 at 6:54 PM
This Week On PubliCola: October 18, 2025
The election, the city budget, a shoplifting bust at Marshall's, and much more in this week's roundup.
publicola.com/2025/10/18/t...
The election, the city budget, a shoplifting bust at Marshall's, and much more in this week's roundup.
publicola.com/2025/10/18/t...