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.

Recipes and Other Trophies from an Investigating Reporter

The richness of this book comes as much on its essays about places and people as in cooking instructions. 

2022: A Close Call but We Survived

Democracies have turned back aggression and regression, for now.  As Biden noted, however, what’s needed is “a fresh start for our nation.” 

The Rise of Rick Larsen

Although twice reshaped, Larsen's urban-rural-island Second District has, in words of an Al Swift quip, “every problem known to man with the possible exception of wheat rust.” 

Musical Chairs for Local Episcopal Leaders

The provisional role will provide time for the local diocese to vet candidates and make a wise “fit” in calling a new prelate.

Gluesenkamp-Perez: “People Like Me Don’t Make it to Congress Very Often”

Gluesenkamp-Perez faces an overarching task. She needs to get reelected.  Upset winners have targets on their backs when they seek a second term.

Suzan DelBene Scores a Big New Job

The key party moderate will now be in charge of reclaiming the Democrats' majority in the House of Representatives.

Pipeline Wars: Keystone Leaks and Republicans Gird to Revive XL in New Congress

Republicans are set to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives, and push for an “Unleash American Energy” program that would restore and expand oil drilling in public lands and waters, mining of coal, as well as push for building more refineries and pipelines.

How the Northwest Once Drove National Environmentalism

Seminal environmental battles of our region and nation are the subject of historian Douglas Brinkley’s new book.

State Republicans Take Stock After “Gut Punch”

Washington used to be a “purple” state, even a red state during a string of victories for Republican presidential candidates.  No more. 

The Archbishop Gets a new Home (And Critics Question his Intentions)

The purchase of a home in an expensive neighborhood is described as “very troubling,” by Heal Our Church, a local Catholic reform group, citing the archbishop's earlier pledge to live as a pastor, not a prince.

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