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.

Joe Biden: Drawn Into the Struggle for the Soul of America’s Catholic Church

Biden has set out to be America’s healer in chief, a role anchored to his Catholicism.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers: Back on the Inside Track?

Two years ago, McMorris Rodgers relinquished her leadership position as chair of the House Republican Conference. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming, announced for the post and gave McMorris Rodgers a choice: Move on over or I’ll move on over you.

Last Days of Trump: Warp-Speed Attacks on the Environment

The Trump Administration has developed a second Operation Warp Speed to lock in place far-reaching changes in environmental policy and air quality rules before January 20, 2021.

Suzan DelBene to Head Moderate Democrat House Caucus

DelBene succeeds a Washington neighbor, Rep. Derek Kilmer, (D-6), as chair of the moderate Democratic group.

British Columbia hit hard by Post-Thanksgiving COVID

Students in British Columbia went back to school this fall. But now that the pandemic is spreading to this once-spared province, health offices and the education ministry are considering an option of starting the winter school break early in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The Army Corps Tosses a Big Rock at Alaska’s Pebble Mine

The mining project had foes in high places. Donald Trump, Jr., and his brother are clients of luxury fishing resorts in the area. Eric Trump’s bachelor party was held there. Unbelievably, strident Fox News host Tucker Carlson began to talk about damage to salmon.

Pramila Jayapal: Gluing the Democratic Bumblebee Together

She is a force in both Washingtons, having emerged as a leader/negotiator for the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which pushed early for impeachment of President Trump. Of late, however, the path to political power has grown rockier and steeper.

Clayoquot Sound’s Rain Forests get help from Jeff Bezos

The Amazon CEO has committed $10 billion to a Bezos Earth Fund, which has just let out $791 million to 16 groups. The Nature Conservancy has received $100 million, with plans to target a chunk of the money to gorgeous Clayoquot Sound.

Trump’s Fire Sale in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge

The timing may be good for a spiteful Trump and Alaska politicians. But oil prices are down, fracking has enhanced domestic production, and Refuge drilling has come to carry political as well as economic risk.

Trump Vs. @FoxNews: Never Mis-underestimate the Ratings for Grievance

The essentials that have fueled conservative media for 90 years – wealthy patrons, skilled demagogues, and manufactured fear -- will remain with us. Fox News rose and prospered with the Clinton and Obama administrations to pick on.

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