Joel Connelly

I worked for Seattle Post-Intelligencer from 1973 until it ceased print publication in 2009, and SeattlePI.com from 2009 to 6/30/2020. During that time, I wrote about 9 presidential races, 11 Canadian and British Columbia elections‎, four doomed WPPSS nuclear plants, six Washington wilderness battles, creation of two national Monuments (Hanford Reach and San Juan Islands), a 104 million acre Alaska Lands Act, plus the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.

Dark Side of the American Dream: The Rise of the KKK

The latest book by Timothy Egan is both a Gothic tale of the 1920s, and distant mirror for viewing America today.

First Big Poll on Washington’s 2024 Governor’s Race

The latest poll tested four gubernatorial prospects -- the GOP’s Bruce Dammeier and three Democrats.

Drill Bidey Drill! Biden Reverses and Approves Giant Alaska Willow Project

Global warming is already impacting the 49th state.  The Arctic icepack is shrinking.  Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are increasing.  The melting of permafrost is releasing methane into the atmosphere.

Documented: Fox “News” Contempt for its Own Choir

Fox News is a bottom dweller pursuing the bottom line -- with private contempt for the choir to which it is preaching.

Sen. Jon Tester, Endangered Democrat

Along with two other Democrats from red states, Sens. Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Joe Manchin in West Virginia, Tester faces the toughest turf in 2024.  Brown is seeking reelection. Manchin hasn’t announced plans.

Experimenting: British Columbia Tries Decriminalizing Hard Drugs

B.C.'s decriminalization of hard drugs represents “a monumental shift in drug policy that favors fostering trusting and supportive relationships in health and social services over further criminalization,” in words of Carolyn Bennett, Canada’s federal minister for mental health and addiction.

Biden Bends on Willow Alaskan Oil Drilling

The Biden Administration is leaning toward approval of an Alaska oil-drilling project, located west of Prudhoe Bay, that has been described by its developer ConocoPhillips as “the next great Alaskan (oil) hub.”

Lights Out for Alaska’s Pebble Mine?

The Bristol Bay watershed supports the world’s largest wild-salmon fishery, and accounts for about 46 percent of the world’s wild sockeye salmon. 

A Good Week for Northwest Wilderness and Old Growth Forests

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., captained resistance to the Trump Administration when it removed the Tongass from Roadless Rule protection and began to identify valley-bottom forests for clearcutting. 

Another Post-Sawant Contender: Alex Hudson Jumps into the City Council Race

“My commitment to progressive change is second to none, but I believe in building bridges, not driving wedges."

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