Earplug ordinance, senior housing rent caps, Rainier school closure, and other recent stories for Cascade PBS
June 20, 2025

Live music at Fremont's Add-A-Ball for a story about a proposal that live venues should provide free or cheap earplugs

The crowd dances as Fluung performs at their self-titled third album release concert at Add-A-Ball in the Fremont area of Seattle, Washington, USA, on Sat., April 12, 2025. Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss has proposed a law requiring venues with loud music to provide earplugs to concertgoers for under $1. Add-A-Ball sells pairs of earplugs for 50 cents at the bar. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
A sign behind the bar menu indicates that earplugs are available for 50 cents a pair during a concert at Add-A-Ball in the Fremont area of Seattle, Washington, USA, on Sat., April 12, 2025. Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss has proposed a law requiring venues with loud music to provide earplugs to concertgoers for under $1. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Schuyler Jensen (right), guitarist with the band Waltzerr, says he always wears earplugs while performing, seen here during a recent performance at Add-A-Ball in the Fremont area of Seattle, Washington, USA, on Sat., April 12, 2025. Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss has proposed a law requiring venues with loud music to provide earplugs to concertgoers for under $1. Add-A-Ball sells pairs of earplugs for 50 cents at the bar. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Mike Sampson (right) and Dylan Ramsey wear earplugs during Fluung’s album release concert at Add-A-Ball in the Fremont area of Seattle, Washington, USA, on Sat., April 12, 2025. “I never leave home without them,” Sampson says of his six-year-old pair of Decibullz custom molded earplugs. Some concertgoers like Sampson use higher-end, and more expensive, earplugs which are supposed to protect one’s hearing while maintaining music sound quality. Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss has proposed a law requiring venues with loud music to provide earplugs to concertgoers for under $1. Add-A-Ball sells pairs of earplugs for 50 cents at the bar. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Concertgoers hold out the various types of earplugs that they brought to Fluung’s album release concert at Add-A-Ball in the Fremont area of Seattle, Washington, USA, on Sat., April 12, 2025. Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss has proposed a law requiring venues with loud music to provide earplugs to concertgoers for under $1. Add-A-Ball sells pairs of earplugs for 50 cents at the bar. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Kara Kelly, singer and guitarist for Seattle band Letterbomb, leaves the venue after Fluung’s album release concert at Add-A-Ball in the Fremont area of Seattle, Washington, USA, on Sat., April 12, 2025. Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss has proposed a law requiring venues with loud music to provide earplugs to concertgoers for under $1. Add-A-Ball sells pairs of earplugs for 50 cents at the bar. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)

Advocates on boths sides of the possible closure of the Rainier School

Mike Raymond, 78, lived at the Rainier School, for most of the first twenty years of his life. At age 20, his sister asked him if he wanted to stay or leave the school, and he made the decision to live independently with his wife, also a former Rainier resident with intellectual developmental delays. Raymond has been a long-time advocate for closing state-run institutional housing for those with intellectual developmental delays, and he helped found People First of Washington in the 1970s, an organization that advocates that no person should be segregated from their community in institutional housing. Raymond now lives with his niece, Kasey Bowen, his licensed care provider, in her home in Belfair, Washington, USA, on Mon., April 14, 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Willis McNabb, of Carbonado, has worked for almost 34 years at Rainier School, a residential habilitation center for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in Buckley, Washington, seen on Thu., April 10, 2025. McNabb, who has served in various leadership roles in the Washington Federation of State Employees union, has helped organize efforts to keep the Rainier School open. Bills before the state legislature would close some of these institutions in the state and replace care for those in need with other types of community-based housing and support. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Ken (left) and Tamra Jennings, of Bonney Lake, joined a rally with Rainier School employees and community advocates in Buckley, Washington, on Thu., April 10, 2025, to advocate for the Rainier School to stay open. The Jennings' son has lived at the school for 16 years. "There's no place for him in the community," Ken Jennings said, "The [group homes] that are out there, I wouldn't put my dog in them, let alone my family." Bills before the state legislature would close some of these institutions in the state and replace care for those in need with other types of community-based housing and support.
A button reads "Shut them down / We count too" on the hat of Mike Raymond, 78, who lived at the Rainier School, for most of the first twenty years of his life. At age 20, his sister asked him if he wanted to stay or leave the school, and he made the decision to live independently with his wife, also a former Rainier resident with intellectual developmental delays. Raymond has been a long-time advocate for closing state-run institutional housing for those with intellectual developmental delays, and he helped found People First of Washington in the 1970s, an organization that advocates that no person should be segregated from their community in institutional housing. Raymond now lives with his niece, Kasey Bowen, his licensed care provider, in her home in Belfair, Washington, USA, on Mon., April 14, 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Mike Raymond, 78, and his niece and licensed care provider Kasey Bowen, walk on the pier at Twanoh Falls Beach Club near their home in Belfair, Washington, USA, on Mon., April 14, 2025. Raymond spends a lot of time with family and community members at the beach, an opportunity he says he wouldn't have if he still lived in a state-run institutional facility for people with intellectual developmental delays. Raymond lived at the Rainier School, for most of the first twenty years of his life. At age 20, his sister asked him if he wanted to stay or leave the school, and he made the decision to live independently with his wife, also a former Rainier resident with intellectual developmental delays. Raymond has been a long-time advocate for closing state-run institutional housing for those with intellectual developmental delays, and he helped found People First of Washington in the 1970s, an organization that advocates that no person should be segregated from their community in institutional housing. Raymond now lives with his niece, Kasey Bowen, his licensed care provider, in her home in Belfair, Washington, USA. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)

AIDNW provides support for recently-released immigrants outside Tacoma's ICE facility

Aidan Perkinson is the Operations Manager of Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW), which operates a Welcome Center for newly released immigrants outside the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Fri., March 21, 2025. AIDNW serves as a first point of contact for immigrants released from the ICE detention facility. Volunteers with the organization and partners operate the Welcome Center outside the facility and provide assistance including food, clothing, and help with making travel arrangements. The Tacoma Northwest Detention Center is one of the largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in the United States.
Sack lunches provided by local churches stand on a table at the Welcome Center put up by Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW) outside the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Fri., March 21, 2025. AIDNW serves as a first point of contact for immigrants released from the ICE detention facility. Volunteers with the organization and partners operate the Welcome Center outside the facility and provide assistance including food, clothing, and help with making travel arrangements. The Tacoma Northwest Detention Center is one of the largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in the United States.
An intake form for recording travel arrangements rests on a table in the Welcome Center put up by Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW) outside the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Fri., March 21, 2025. AIDNW serves as a first point of contact for immigrants released from the ICE detention facility. Volunteers with the organization and partners operate the Welcome Center outside the facility and provide assistance including food, clothing, and help with making travel arrangements. The Tacoma Northwest Detention Center is one of the largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in the United States.
The Tacoma Northwest Detention Center (also known as the Northwest ICE Processing Center or NWIPC) is a privately-run detention facility run by GEO Group in partnership with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Mon., Jan. 27, 2025. The Washington State Legislature passed a law in 2021 banning private detention centers which aimed to close the Northwest Detention Center in 2025 when the GEO Group's current contract expires, but subsequent legal rulings seem to indicate the Detention Center will not close. The facility has 1575 beds in the prison, one of the largest such ICE facilities in the country.
Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW) operates a Welcome Center outside the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Fri., March 21, 2025. AIDNW serves as a first point of contact for immigrants released from the ICE detention facility. Volunteers with the organization and partners operate the Welcome Center outside the facility and provide assistance including food, clothing, and help with making travel arrangements. The Tacoma Northwest Detention Center is one of the largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in the United States.
A transportation bus arrives to the secure area of the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center (also known as the Northwest ICE Processing Center or NWIPC) is a privately-run detention facility run by GEO Group in partnership with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Mon., Jan. 27, 2025. The Washington State Legislature passed a law in 2021 banning private detention centers which aimed to close the Northwest Detention Center in 2025 when the GEO Group's current contract expires, but subsequent legal rulings seem to indicate the Detention Center will not close. The facility has 1575 beds in the prison, one of the largest such ICE facilities in the country.
Shoes and other clothing made available to newly released immigrants fill a room in the RV operated by Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW) outside the Tacoma Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Fri., March 21, 2025. AIDNW serves as a first point of contact for immigrants released from the ICE detention facility. Volunteers with the organization and partners operate the Welcome Center outside the facility and provide assistance including food, clothing, and help with making travel arrangements. The Tacoma Northwest Detention Center is one of the largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in the United States.

Contractor conmen now in jail after stealing more than $400,000 from one (anonymous) homeowner

A No Soliciting sign says that the last solicitors at this Shoreline house ended up in federal prison, in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Sat., March 15, 2025. David, 80, (last name withheld and photographed anonymously) paid $435,000 to two conmen posing as contractors starting in 2023. They knocked on his door and said they'd seen some holes in his roof that needed repair. Despite the roof being only about 2 years old, David agreed to let the men work and over the course of a few months kept giving them money. David's daughter Rebecca learned about the situation and eventually they were able to provide enough information to lead to the men's arrest and eventual convictions in 2024 after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The brothers are now serving 18-month prison sentences for this case and crimes involving other homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. David has received over $200,000 back. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
A view of the roof of David, 80, (last names withheld) who paid $435,000 to two conmen posing as contractors for unnecessary or poorly-done work on his home in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Sat., March 15, 2025. The men claimed David's roof needed work and also started work on an exterior paint job, wall patching, a concrete porch, and unneeded foundation work. David's daughter Rebecca learned about the situation and eventually they were able to provide enough information to lead to the men's arrest and eventual convictions in 2024 after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The brothers are now serving 18-month prison sentences for this case and crimes involving other homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. David has received over $200,000 back. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Partially patched woodpecker holes cover the exterior of the home of David, 80, (last name withheld and photographed anonymously) in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Sat., March 15, 2025. David paid $435,000 to two conmen posing as contractors starting in 2023. They knocked on his door and said they'd seen some holes in his roof that needed repair. Despite the roof being only about 2 years old, David agreed to let the men work and over the course of a few months kept giving them money for various repairs including these woodpeckers holes and the start of an exterior paint job, unneeded foundation work, and a poorly-poured concrete porch replacement. David's daughter Rebecca learned about the situation and eventually they were able to provide enough information to lead to the men's arrest and eventual convictions in 2024 after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The brothers are now serving 18-month prison sentences for this case and crimes involving other homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. David has received over $200,000 back. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Partially patched woodpecker holes cover the exterior of the home of David, 80, (last name withheld and photographed anonymously) in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Sat., March 15, 2025. David paid $435,000 to two conmen posing as contractors starting in 2023. They knocked on his door and said they'd seen some holes in his roof that needed repair. Despite the roof being only about 2 years old, David agreed to let the men work and over the course of a few months kept giving them money for various repairs including these woodpeckers holes and the start of an exterior paint job, unneeded foundation work, and a poorly-poured concrete porch replacement. David's daughter Rebecca learned about the situation and eventually they were able to provide enough information to lead to the men's arrest and eventual convictions in 2024 after they pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The brothers are now serving 18-month prison sentences for this case and crimes involving other homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. David has received over $200,000 back. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)

Funko CEO Cynthia Williams, for the Wall Street Journal
June 19, 2025

Cynthia Williams is the CEO of Funko, manufacturer of fandom-related merchandise including their well-known Funko Pop! vinyl figures, seen here with giant Marvel characters in Funko's store at the company's headquarters in Everett, Washington, USA, on Thu., May 15, 2025.

I spent a quick afternoon in May at Funko headquarters in Everett, Washington, with CEO Cynthia Williams, who’s been at the company’s helm for about a year after serving as president of Wizards of the Coast, where she oversaw Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons. Funko, of course, is the manufacturer of Funko Pop! figurines, large-headed cartoony toys in the shapes of characters from just about every entertainment franchise and the worlds of music and sports. A big thanks to Jenny for the call!

Holding a Funko Pop! figure bearing her likeness as the Marvel character Wolverine, Cynthia Williams is the CEO of Funko, manufacturer of fandom-related merchandise including their well-known Funko Pop! vinyl figures, seen here in her office in Everett, Washington, USA, on Thu., May 15, 2025.
Cynthia Williams is the CEO of Funko, manufacturer of fandom-related merchandise including their well-known Funko Pop! vinyl figures, seen here by a fake movie theater storefront reading "Welcome to Funko HQ!" in Funko's store at the company's headquarters in Everett, Washington, USA, on Thu., May 15, 2025.
Customized Funko Pop! vinyl figures made for Kaiser Permanente employees are seen on a workbench in the Pop Factory section of Funko's store at the company's headquarters in Everett, Washington, USA, on Thu., May 15, 2025. The Pop Factory allows people to make one-of-a-kind figurines using Funko's Pop Yourself program. The company's figurines depict a wide variety of pop culture characters and figures including people in sports and entertainment and fictional characters from movies, television, comics, and anime.
Cynthia Williams is the CEO of Funko, manufacturer of fandom-related merchandise including their well-known Funko Pop! vinyl figures, seen here in the anime section of Funko's store at the company's headquarters in Everett, Washington, USA, on Thu., May 15, 2025.
Tommy Sewell boxes up custom Funko Pop! in the Pop Factory section of Funko's store at the company's headquarters in Everett, Washington, USA, on Thu., May 15, 2025. Sewell has worked at the store for about four years. "I've been a collector of Funko products since 2016," he said. The Pop Factory allows people to make one-of-a-kind figurines using Funko's Pop Yourself program. The company's figurines depict a wide variety of pop culture characters and figures including people in sports and entertainment and fictional characters from movies, television, comics, and anime.
Cynthia Williams is the CEO of Funko, manufacturer of fandom-related merchandise including their well-known Funko Pop! vinyl figures, seen here in her office in Everett, Washington, USA, on Thu., May 15, 2025.
Jose Ochoa, visiting from southern California, looks at Funko Pop! vinyl figures for sale at Funko's store at the company's headquarters in Everett, Washington, USA, on Thu., May 15, 2025. The company's figurines depict a wide variety of pop culture characters and figures including people in sports and entertainment and fictional characters from movies, television, comics, and anime. "I just wanted to check it out," Ochoa said about visiting the store, "I saw Thundercats from my childhood."
Sani Burgess, of Everett, boxes up custom Funko Pop! in the Pop Factory section of Funko's store at the company's headquarters in Everett, Washington, USA, on Thu., May 15, 2025. The Pop Factory allows people to make one-of-a-kind figurines using Funko's Pop Yourself program. The company's figurines depict a wide variety of pop culture characters and figures including people in sports and entertainment and fictional characters from movies, television, comics, and anime.
Yosif El-Tahel looks at Funko Pop! vinyl figure of Muhammed Ali in Funko's store at the company's headquarters in Everett, Washington, USA, on Thu., May 15, 2025. The company's figurines depict a wide variety of pop culture characters and figures including people in sports and entertainment and fictional characters from movies, television, comics, and anime. "These are legends," Yosif El-Tahel said to Jordan while pointing out various sports figures. "We just walked in because we've never been here...It's dangerous to walk in here," he said about how much money he could spend buying Funko Pop! figures.
Cynthia Williams is the CEO of Funko, manufacturer of fandom-related merchandise including their well-known Funko Pop! vinyl figures, seen here arranging Funko Pop! boxes in the anime section of Funko's store at the company's headquarters in Everett, Washington, USA, on Thu., May 15, 2025.

Reduced vehicle traffic pilot at Pike Place Market, for CascadePBS
June 7, 2025

Pedestrians walk in the street at the corner of Pike Street and Pike Place at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., May 2, 2025. Pike Place Market has started a pilot program to make the streets more pedestrian friendly by banning some cars from driving on the streets. Vendors, commercial vehicles, cars with disabled placards, and curbside pickup customers are still able to drive through the market area. A temporary barricade and SDOT worker stands at 1st Avenue and Pike Street to help direct traffic. The pilot program will run through August 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Isiah Martin Lopez (hat) and Joe Zingarella (orange shirt) unload a produce delivery at Frank's Quality Produce at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Pike Place Market has started a pilot program to make the streets more pedestrian friendly by banning some cars from driving on the streets. Vendors, commercial vehicles, cars with disabled placards, and curbside pickup customers are still able to drive through the market area. Temporary street closure signs and an SDOT worker stand at the 1st Avenue entrance to the market to prevent cars from driving through as part of the pilot program, which will run through August 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
People walk on the street at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., May 2, 2025. Pike Place Market has started a pilot program to make the streets more pedestrian friendly by banning some cars from driving on the streets. Vendors, commercial vehicles, cars with disabled placards, and curbside pickup customers are still able to drive through the market area. Temporary street closure signs and an SDOT worker stand at the 1st Avenue entrance to the market to prevent cars from driving through as part of the pilot program, which will run through August 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)

In late April, Pike Place Market started a partial car-free pilot program on the streets outside the iconic Seattle landmark, something many locals have been advocating for years. The temporary street closure still allows vendors, those with handicap placards, and curbside pickups, to drive along Pike Place. The vendors I spoke with, including Troy Terry, who makes a daily delivery stop at the market for Ocean Beauty Seafoods, like the change, but have complained that they have to approach Pike Street from the north under the new program rather than turning left from 1st Avenue to enter the market. “So far it’s easier,” he said of the program, “There’s a place to park [a large delivery truck].” Since the start of the program (and after these photos in the first days of the pilot), the market has installed more picnic tables and seating on the street, and pedestrians seem to be taking the cue.

Pedestrians walk past a "No Parking" sign outside Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., May 2, 2025. Pike Place Market has started a pilot program to make the streets more pedestrian friendly by banning some cars from driving on the streets. Vendors, commercial vehicles, cars with disabled placards, and curbside pickup customers are still able to drive through the market area. Temporary street closure signs and an SDOT worker stand at the 1st Avenue entrance to the market to prevent cars from driving through as part of the pilot program, which will run through August 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Temporary signs indicate a partial street closure at the intersection of 1st Avenue and Pike Street as part of a pilot program limiting cars driving through Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Pike Place Market has started a pilot program to make the streets more pedestrian friendly by banning some cars from driving on the streets. Vendors, commercial vehicles, cars with disabled placards, and curbside pickup customers are still able to drive through the market area. The pilot program will run through August 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
A sign reading "Yield to Pedestrians" stands at the corner of Pike Street and Pike Place at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Pike Place Market has started a pilot program to make the streets more pedestrian friendly by banning some cars from driving on the streets. Vendors, commercial vehicles, cars with disabled placards, and curbside pickup customers are still able to drive through the market area. A temporary barricade and SDOT worker stands at 1st Avenue and Pike Street to help direct traffic. The pilot program will run through August 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
A new sign on 1st Avenue says "No Turns / Except authorized vehicles" as part of a pilot program to reduce vehicle traffic at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Pike Place Market has started a pilot program to make the streets more pedestrian friendly by banning some cars from driving on the streets. Vendors, commercial vehicles, cars with disabled placards, and curbside pickup customers are still able to drive through the market area. Temporary street closure signs and an SDOT worker stand at the 1st Avenue entrance to the market to prevent cars from driving through as part of the pilot program, which will run through August 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Troy Terry, with Ocean Beauty Seafoods, says he makes a delivery stop to Pike Place Market almost every day. Here, he has parked his delivery vehicle along Pike Place outside the market in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Terry says the pilot program limiting cars driving through Pike Place Market has been a good thing. "So far it's easier," he said, "There's place to park." Pike Place Market has started a pilot program to make the streets more pedestrian friendly by banning some cars from driving on the streets. Vendors, commercial vehicles, cars with disabled placards, and curbside pickup customers are still able to drive through the market area. The pilot program will run through August 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
SDOT worker Cid Rodriguez speaks with a vendor driving to Pike Place Market on Pike Street in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Pike Place Market has started a pilot program to make the streets more pedestrian friendly by banning some cars from driving on the streets. Vendors, commercial vehicles, cars with disabled placards, and curbside pickup customers are still able to drive through the market area. Temporary street closure signs and an SDOT worker like Rodriguez stand at the 1st Avenue entrance to the market as part of the pilot program, which will run through August 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Pedestrians walk in the street at the corner of Pike Street and Pike Place at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Pike Place Market has started a pilot program to make the streets more pedestrian friendly by banning some cars from driving on the streets. Vendors, commercial vehicles, cars with disabled placards, and curbside pickup customers are still able to drive through the market area. A temporary barricade and SDOT worker stands at 1st Avenue and Pike Street to help direct traffic. The pilot program will run through August 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
People (and a pigeon) walk on the street at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., May 2, 2025. Pike Place Market has started a pilot program to make the streets more pedestrian friendly by banning some cars from driving on the streets. Vendors, commercial vehicles, cars with disabled placards, and curbside pickup customers are still able to drive through the market area. Temporary street closure signs and an SDOT worker stand at the 1st Avenue entrance to the market to prevent cars from driving through as part of the pilot program, which will run through August 2025. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)

Pedal Forward Shoreline e-bike program for residents of ‘overburdened community,’ for Cascade PBS
May 30, 2025

Pedal Forward Shoreline participants take part in an e-bike-focused urban cycling class put on by Cascade Bicycle Club at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Lily Sheets (foreground), instructor with Cascade Bicycle Club, leads Pedal Forward Shoreline participants during an e-bike-focused urban cycling class at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Bike safety information and maps are available for Pedal Forward Shoreline participants before they take part in an e-bike-focused urban cycling class put on by Cascade Bicycle Club at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)

Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. In order to receive an e-bike, the participants were required to take a safety class like this one from Cascade Bicycle Club. 

I pitched this story while serving as temporary Associate Photo Editor at Cascade PBS. 

An orange Tern e-bike stands on the road as Pedal Forward Shoreline participants take part in an e-bike-focused urban cycling class put on by Cascade Bicycle Club at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Pedal Forward Shoreline participants take part in an e-bike-focused urban cycling class put on by Cascade Bicycle Club at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Pedal Forward Shoreline participants take part in an e-bike-focused urban cycling class put on by Cascade Bicycle Club at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Yvonne Wu, a Pedal Forward Shoreline participant, listens during an e-bike-focused urban cycling class at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
A sign indicates the proper methods of fitting a bicycle helmet as Pedal Forward Shoreline participants during an e-bike-focused urban cycling class at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Pedal Forward Shoreline participants take part in an e-bike-focused urban cycling class put on by Cascade Bicycle Club at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
An e-bike's pedal assist control is visible on the handlebars while Pedal Forward Shoreline participants take part in an e-bike-focused urban cycling class put on by Cascade Bicycle Club at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Dominique Blachon (right), instructor with Cascade Bicycle Club, leads Pedal Forward Shoreline participants an e-bike-focused urban cycling class at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)
Pedal Forward Shoreline participants take part in an e-bike-focused urban cycling class put on by Cascade Bicycle Club at Ridgecrest Elementary School in Shoreline, Washington, USA, on Wed., May 7, 2025. Pedal Forward Shoreline is a program to give free e-bikes to residents in what has been deemed an “overburdened community” determined to have health, social, and environmental inequities at the south end of Shoreline east of I-5. As part of an effort to reduce driving in the city, the program will give out approximately 100 e-bikes to residents in the neighborhood, prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of the King County median income. (M. Scott Brauer / Cascade PBS)

Protest coverage for various outlets
April 19, 2025

Starbucks United Union strike and rally, for the New York Times

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DEC 20, 2024. Moonie Atchley leads Starbucks employees in a chant as they picket outside the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room as part of nationwide strikes at Starbucks locations, in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., Dec. 20, 2024. Atchley said she was fired in September from the Roastery. "The reason on paper is attendance, but the real reason was my union organizing," Atchley said. The Roastery is one of five unionized Seattle locations on strike today, the first of a five day strike by Starbucks employees. Workers from the five Seattle locations gathered together this afternoon outside the Roastery after closing down the stores where they work. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DEC 20, 2024. Starbucks employees picket outside the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room as part of nationwide strikes at Starbucks locations, in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., Dec. 20, 2024. The Roastery is one of five unionized Seattle locations on strike today, the first of a five day strike by Starbucks employees. Workers from the five Seattle locations gathered together this afternoon outside the Roastery after closing down the stores where they work. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DEC 20, 2024. Starbucks employees picket outside the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room as part of nationwide strikes at Starbucks locations, in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., Dec. 20, 2024. The Roastery is one of five unionized Seattle locations on strike today, the first of a five day strike by Starbucks employees. Workers from the five Seattle locations gathered together this afternoon outside the Roastery after closing down the stores where they work. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DEC 20, 2024. Moonie Atchley leads Starbucks employees in a chant as they picket outside the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room as part of nationwide strikes at Starbucks locations, in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., Dec. 20, 2024. Atchley said she was fired in September from the Roastery. "The reason on paper is attendance, but the real reason was my union organizing," Atchley said. The Roastery is one of five unionized Seattle locations on strike today, the first of a five day strike by Starbucks employees. Workers from the five Seattle locations gathered together this afternoon outside the Roastery after closing down the stores where they work. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times
A Starbucks Workers United union sticker is seen outside the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room as employees picketed outside the storefront as part of nationwide strikes at Starbucks locations in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., Dec. 20, 2024. The Roastery is one of five unionized Seattle locations on strike today, the first of a five day strike by Starbucks employees. The workers chanted "No Contract, No Coffee," and made complaints about the 1.5% year-end raise they received.
Shift supervisor Bruce Halstead led workers from the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room as they picketed outside the storefront as part of nationwide strikes at Starbucks locations in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., Dec. 20, 2024. The Roastery is one of five unionized Seattle locations on strike today, the first of a five day strike by Starbucks employees. The workers chanted "No Contract, No Coffee," and made complaints about the 1.5% year-end raise they received.
The corporate headquarters of Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., Dec. 20, 2024.

Federal worker rallies, for CascadePBS

Vince Florio, of Seattle, holds a sign reading "Support our federal workers" as people rally in support of federal workers outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal workers have faced uncertainty and layoffs around the country. Florio says he volunteers to review grants for the National Institute of Health's Small Business Innovation Research grant program (NIH SBIR), and says he's unsure if the next grant review panel will happen.
Organizer Patrick McKee, 71, speaks to the crowd as people rally in support of federal workers outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal workers have faced uncertainty and layoffs around the country.
People rally in support of federal workers outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal workers have faced uncertainty and layoffs around the country.
People rally in support of federal workers outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal workers have faced uncertainty and layoffs around the country.
Katherine Klekas, 66, of Seattle, holds a sign reading "Thou liest, abhoored tyrant!" as people rally in support of federal workers outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal workers have faced uncertainty and layoffs around the country.
People rally in support of federal workers outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal workers have faced uncertainty and layoffs around the country.
Stephanie (last name withheld), a federal worker and member of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), speaks to the crowd as people rally in support of federal workers outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., May 2, 2025. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal workers have faced uncertainty and layoffs around the country.
Ginger Montague, 77, of Seattle, puts up a puppet featuring a face that looks like the figure from Edvard Munch's painting "The Scream" as people rally in support of federal workers outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., May 2, 2025. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal workers have faced uncertainty and layoffs around the country.
People rally in support of federal workers outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal workers have faced uncertainty and layoffs around the country.
People rally in support of federal workers outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal workers have faced uncertainty and layoffs around the country.
People rally in support of federal workers outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Fri., April 25, 2025. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump and his appointment of Elon Musk to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) federal workers have faced uncertainty and layoffs around the country.

University of Washington researchers protest DOGE cuts, for the Chronicle of Higher Education

A large crowd of academic workers, staff, faculty, and community supporters gather for a rally organized by the UAW Local 4121 to oppose Trump administration funding cuts to the National Institute of Health in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025. The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed cuts to the NIH which opponents argue would put a stop to medical research around the country. Speakers at the event spoke about colleagues who had lost jobs already because of cuts and threats to the progress of their research.
A large crowd of academic workers, staff, faculty, and community supporters gather for a rally organized by the UAW Local 4121 to oppose Trump administration funding cuts to the National Institute of Health in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025. The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed cuts to the NIH which opponents argue would put a stop to medical research around the country. Speakers at the event spoke about colleagues who had lost jobs already because of cuts and threats to the progress of their research.
A large crowd of academic workers, staff, faculty, and community supporters gather for a rally organized by the UAW Local 4121 to oppose Trump administration funding cuts to the National Institute of Health in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025. The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed cuts to the NIH which opponents argue would put a stop to medical research around the country. Speakers at the event spoke about colleagues who had lost jobs already because of cuts and threats to the progress of their research.
A large crowd of academic workers, staff, faculty, and community supporters gather for a rally organized by the UAW Local 4121 to oppose Trump administration funding cuts to the National Institute of Health in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025. The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed cuts to the NIH which opponents argue would put a stop to medical research around the country. Speakers at the event spoke about colleagues who had lost jobs already because of cuts and threats to the progress of their research.
A large crowd of academic workers, staff, faculty, and community supporters gather for a rally organized by the UAW Local 4121 to oppose Trump administration funding cuts to the National Institute of Health in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025. The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed cuts to the NIH which opponents argue would put a stop to medical research around the country. Speakers at the event spoke about colleagues who had lost jobs already because of cuts and threats to the progress of their research.
A large crowd of academic workers, staff, faculty, and community supporters gather for a rally organized by the UAW Local 4121 to oppose Trump administration funding cuts to the National Institute of Health in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025. The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed cuts to the NIH which opponents argue would put a stop to medical research around the country. Speakers at the event spoke about colleagues who had lost jobs already because of cuts and threats to the progress of their research.
People grab protest signs as a large crowd of academic workers, staff, faculty, and community supporters gathers for a rally organized by the UAW Local 4121 to oppose Trump administration funding cuts to the National Institute of Health in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025. The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed cuts to the NIH which opponents argue would put a stop to medical research around the country. Speakers at the event spoke about colleagues who had lost jobs already because of cuts and threats to the progress of their research.
Sophie Hurwitz, a PhD candidate in the University of Washington's Department of Biochemistry, speaks to a large crowd of academic workers, staff, faculty, and community supporters gathered for a rally organized by the UAW Local 4121 to oppose Trump administration funding cuts to the National Institute of Health in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025. The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed cuts to the NIH which opponents argue would put a stop to medical research around the country. Speakers at the event spoke about colleagues who had lost jobs already because of cuts and threats to the progress of their research.
A large crowd of academic workers, staff, faculty, and community supporters gather for a rally organized by the UAW Local 4121 to oppose Trump administration funding cuts to the National Institute of Health in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025. The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed cuts to the NIH which opponents argue would put a stop to medical research around the country. Speakers at the event spoke about colleagues who had lost jobs already because of cuts and threats to the progress of their research.
A large crowd of academic workers, staff, faculty, and community supporters gather for a rally organized by the UAW Local 4121 to oppose Trump administration funding cuts to the National Institute of Health in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025. The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed cuts to the NIH which opponents argue would put a stop to medical research around the country. Speakers at the event spoke about colleagues who had lost jobs already because of cuts and threats to the progress of their research.
Protest signs lay in a pile before a large crowd of academic workers, staff, faculty, and community supporters gathers for a rally organized by the UAW Local 4121 to oppose Trump administration funding cuts to the National Institute of Health in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Feb. 19, 2025. The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has proposed cuts to the NIH which opponents argue would put a stop to medical research around the country. Speakers at the event spoke about colleagues who had lost jobs already because of cuts and threats to the progress of their research.

Rally in supported of ICE-detained Filipinos, for CascadePBS

A protest sign featuring the image of detained Filipina green card-holder Lewelyn Dixon is seen as Tanggol Migrante activists and supporters gathered outside the Northwest Detention Center to rally in support of detained Filipina immigrants Ate Michelle, Lewelyn Dixon, and other detainees in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Wed., April 30, 2025. Ate Michelle is a green card holder and mother of three; Lewelyn Dixon has had her green card for more than 50 years. Both women are being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Tacoma facility. Tanggol Migrante is calling for their release and for the Filipino government to support citizens in detention.
A message reading "Defend Migrant Workers" is seen on a car window as Tanggol Migrante activists and supporters gather outside the Northwest Detention Center to rally in support of detained Filipina immigrants Ate Michelle, Lewelyn Dixon, and other detainees in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Wed., April 30, 2025. Ate Michelle is a green card holder and mother of three; Lewelyn Dixon has had her green card for more than 50 years. Both women are being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Tacoma facility. Tanggol Migrante is calling for their release and for the Filipino government to support citizens in detention.
Activists read a letter from detained green card-holder Ate Michelle as Tanggol Migrante activists and supporters gather outside the Northwest Detention Center to rally in support of detained Filipina immigrants Ate Michelle, Lewelyn Dixon, and other detainees in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Wed., April 30, 2025. Ate Michelle is a green card holder and mother of three; Lewelyn Dixon has had her green card for more than 50 years. Both women are being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Tacoma facility. Tanggol Migrante is calling for their release and for the Filipino government to support citizens in detention.
Tanggol Migrante activists and supporters gather outside the Northwest Detention Center to rally in support of detained Filipina immigrants Ate Michelle, Lewelyn Dixon, and other detainees in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Wed., April 30, 2025. Ate Michelle is a green card holder and mother of three; Lewelyn Dixon has had her green card for more than 50 years. Both women are being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Tacoma facility. Tanggol Migrante is calling for their release and for the Filipino government to support citizens in detention. A razor-wire surrounded parking lot behind the rally is used to store Geo Group buses and vans used to transport detainees.
A protest sign featuring the image of detained Filipina green card-holder Lewelyn Dixon lays on the ground as Tanggol Migrante activists and supporters gathered outside the Northwest Detention Center to rally in support of detained Filipina immigrants Ate Michelle, Lewelyn Dixon, and other detainees in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Wed., April 30, 2025. Ate Michelle is a green card holder and mother of three; Lewelyn Dixon has had her green card for more than 50 years. Both women are being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Tacoma facility. Tanggol Migrante is calling for their release and for the Filipino government to support citizens in detention.
A person writes a sign reading "Proteksyon hindi deportasyon" [Protection, not deportation] as Tanggol Migrante activists and supporters gather outside the Northwest Detention Center to rally in support of detained Filipina immigrants Ate Michelle, Lewelyn Dixon, and other detainees in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Wed., April 30, 2025. Ate Michelle is a green card holder and mother of three; Lewelyn Dixon has had her green card for more than 50 years. Both women are being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Tacoma facility. Tanggol Migrante is calling for their release and for the Filipino government to support citizens in detention.
Tanggol Migrante activists and supporters gather outside the Northwest Detention Center to rally in support of detained Filipina immigrants Ate Michelle, Lewelyn Dixon, and other detainees in Tacoma, Washington, USA, on Wed., April 30, 2025. Ate Michelle is a green card holder and mother of three; Lewelyn Dixon has had her green card for more than 50 years. Both women are being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Tacoma facility. Tanggol Migrante is calling for their release and for the Filipino government to support citizens in detention. A razor-wire surrounded parking lot behind the rally is used to store Geo Group buses and vans used to transport detainees.

Seattle’s Pacific Northwest Ballet readies a new production of The Sleeping Beauty
January 29, 2025

Principal dancer Sarah-Gabrielle Ryan (center) dances during a rehearsal of the Pacific Northwest BalletÕs upcoming The Sleeping Beauty performance in McCaw Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Thu., Jan. 23, 2025. The Ballet has invested more than $4 million dollars in new costumes and a set by Preston Singletary that features elements of Native design.
Company and student dancers at Pacific Northwest Ballet rehearse Act 1 of their upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. The production uses a modern interpretation of Marius Petipa's original 19th-century choreography.
Kelly Caffey (left), a first hand in the costume shop, and draper Val Mayse compare a sketch to one of Queen Papillon's dresses on a dress form as workers make costumes for Pacific Northwest Ballet's upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. Pacific Northwest Ballet has invested more than $4 million into this new production of "The Sleeping Beauty" including 268 new costumes designed by Paul Tazewell. Mayse says she has been working in theater costume departments for 54 years and this is her last production.

I had the tremendous opportunity to go behind-the-scenes as Seattle’s Pacific Northwest Ballet prepared for their new production of The Sleeping Beauty. They are making 268 new costumes designed by Paul Tazewell, the Oscar-nominated costume designer for Wicked, and have built a new set incorporating Native designs, created by renowned Tlingit artist Preston Singletary.

I photographed inside the PNB’s costume shop as crews were putting the finishing touches on some of the new costumes, and dancers’ rehearsals in a studio setting and on the new stage at McCaw Hall.

Photographed for Cascade PBS.

Peter Boal is the Artistic Director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet, seen here in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025.
Other dancers watch as corps de ballet dancer Lily Wills performs during a rehearsal of Act 1 of Pacific Northwest Ballet's upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. The production uses a modern interpretation of Marius Petipa's original 19th-century choreography.
Costumes hang on racks for Pacific Northwest Ballet's upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. Pacific Northwest Ballet has invested more than $4 million into this new production of "The Sleeping Beauty" including 268 new costumes designed by Paul Tazewell.
Company and student dancers at Pacific Northwest Ballet rehearse Act 1 of their upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. The production uses a modern interpretation of Marius Petipa's original 19th-century choreography.
Choreography notes fill a binder as the Pacific Northwest Ballet dancers rehearse Act 1 of their upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. The production uses a modern interpretation of Marius Petipa's original 19th-century choreography.
Emma Eisenmann makes button attachments for costumes for Pacific Northwest Ballet's upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. Pacific Northwest Ballet has invested more than $4 million into this new production of "The Sleeping Beauty" including 268 new costumes designed by Paul Tazewell.
Sewing tools rest on a table in the costume shop as workers make costumes for Pacific Northwest Ballet's upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. Pacific Northwest Ballet has invested more than $4 million into this new production of "The Sleeping Beauty" including 268 new costumes designed by Paul Tazewell.
Company and student dancers at Pacific Northwest Ballet rehearse Act 1 of their upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. The production uses a modern interpretation of Marius Petipa's original 19th-century choreography.
Forms used to make costumes are seen in the costume shop as workers make costumes for Pacific Northwest Ballet's upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. Pacific Northwest Ballet has invested more than $4 million into this new production of "The Sleeping Beauty" including 268 new costumes designed by Paul Tazewell.
Costume designer Paul Tazewell's sketches for costumes in Pacific Northwest Ballet's upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" hang in PNB's costume shop in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. Pacific Northwest Ballet has invested more than $4 million into this new production of "The Sleeping Beauty" including 268 new costumes designed by Paul Tazewell.
Soloist Amanda Morgan (black dress) performs with Pacific Northwest Ballet company and student dancers as they rehearse Act 1 of their upcoming production of "The Sleeping Beauty" in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Jan. 22, 2025. The production uses a modern interpretation of Marius Petipa's original 19th-century choreography.
Principal dancer Lucien Postlewaite dances during a rehearsal of Act 5’s wedding scene in the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s upcoming performance of The Sleeping Beauty in McCaw Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Thu., Jan. 23, 2025. The Ballet has invested more than $4 million dollars in new costumes and a set by Preston Singletary that features elements of Native design.
Pacific Northwest Ballet company and students dance during a rehearsal of Act 5’s wedding scene in PNB’s upcoming performance of The Sleeping Beauty in McCaw Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Thu., Jan. 23, 2025. The Ballet has invested more than $4 million dollars in new costumes and a set by Preston Singletary that features elements of Native design.
Principal dancer Leta Biasucci dances during a rehearsal of Act 5’s wedding scene in the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s upcoming performance of The Sleeping Beauty in McCaw Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Thu., Jan. 23, 2025. The Ballet has invested more than $4 million dollars in new costumes and a set by Preston Singletary that features elements of Native design.
PNB School student Yui Kohno waits at the side of the stage before dancing as Red Riding Hood during a rehearsal of Act 5’s wedding scene in the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s upcoming performance of The Sleeping Beauty in McCaw Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Thu., Jan. 23, 2025. The Ballet has invested more than $4 million dollars in new costumes and a set by Preston Singletary that features elements of Native design.
Corps de ballet dancer Ryan Cardea (left) and PNB School student Yui Kohno dance as the wolf and Red Riding Hood during a rehearsal of Act 5Õs wedding scene in the Pacific Northwest BalletÕs upcoming performance of The Sleeping Beauty in McCaw Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Thu., Jan. 23, 2025. The Ballet has invested more than $4 million dollars in new costumes and a set by Preston Singletary that features elements of Native design.
Pacific Northwest Ballet company and students dance during a rehearsal of Act 5Õs wedding scene in PNBÕs upcoming performance of The Sleeping Beauty in McCaw Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Thu., Jan. 23, 2025. The Ballet has invested more than $4 million dollars in new costumes and a set by Preston Singletary that features elements of Native design.

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