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.

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."

Republicans Launch a Dubious Lawsuit Over Mail-in Ballot Signatures

Hostility to mail-in voting, along with casting suspicion, became part of the 2020 Trump reelection strategy, and the evolving plot to challenge election results if “the Donald” lost. 

The “Washington Eight”: Washington Women in Congress

They are a diverse crew with distinctive personalities, different interests, and a staying power that is yielding political power.

Rivals Jump in to Challenge Sawant

Joy Hollingsworth drew a crowd of 200 supporters on a holiday Monday to announce her Seattle City Council candidacy.

The Myth of the Republicans’ Scary IRS Enforcement Army

The House Republicans’ IRS bill is mostly for show.

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