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.

Boeing strike coverage for the New York Times and Bloomberg News
December 12, 2024

Workers with picket signs outside the Boeing Co. manufacturing facility during a strike in Everett, Washington, US, on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Boeing Co. factory workers walked off the job for the first time in 16 years, halting manufacturing across the planemaker’s Seattle hub after members of its largest union voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike. Photographer: M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg
Union members await results of the contract and strike vote at the IAM District 751 Main Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, US, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Members of Boeing Co.’s largest union vote on the first comprehensive labor contract in 16 years on Thursday, setting the stage for a disruptive strike just as the embattled planemaker works to recover from a series of manufacturing missteps.

For Bloomberg News and the New York Times, I spent many days (and nights!) in Everett, Renton, Seattle, and other places around the region covering the lengthy Boeing Machinists strike from September to November 2024. I covered everything from the first walkout and vote to resoundingly reject the initial contract offering to the midnight start of the strike to the round-the-clock picket lines by the side of the highway and outside different Boeing facilities and finally to multiple contract rejections and ultimately a final contract acceptance and abandonment of the strike locations.

It was exhausting keeping up with all the developments, especially the first couple of days of the strike, but a pleasure to get so much time to work on one ongoing story.

Signs and posters about the impending union contract and strike vote outside the Boeing Co. manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington, US, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg urged members of the company’s largest union not to strike, cautioning a work stoppage would harm efforts to turn around the planemaker’s factories after years of turmoil.
Machinists leave the Boeing Co. manufacturing facility to vote on a contract and strike in Renton, Washington, US, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg urged members of the company’s largest union not to strike, cautioning a work stoppage would harm efforts to turn around the planemaker’s factories after years of turmoil.
Union members cheer after the announcement of the contract and strike vote results at the IAM District 751 Main Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, US, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Members of Boeing Co.’s largest union vote on the first comprehensive labor contract in 16 years on Thursday, setting the stage for a disruptive strike just as the embattled planemaker works to recover from a series of manufacturing missteps.
Food for picketing workers outside the Boeing Co. facility during a strike in Everett, Washington, US, on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Boeing Co. factory workers walked off the job for the first time in 16 years, halting manufacturing across the planemaker’s Seattle hub after members of its largest union voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike.
Workers strike outside the Boeing Co. manufacturing facility during a strike in Renton, Washington, US, on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Members of Boeing Co.’s largest union vote on the first comprehensive labor contract in 16 years on Thursday, setting the stage for a disruptive strike just as the embattled planemaker works to recover from a series of manufacturing missteps.
Workers picket outside the Boeing Co. facility during a strike in Everett, Washington, US, on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Boeing Co. factory workers walked off the job for the first time in 16 years, halting manufacturing across the planemaker’s Seattle hub after members of its largest union voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike.
Workers with picket signs outside the Boeing Co. manufacturing facility during a strike in Renton, Washington, US, on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Boeing Co. factory workers walked off the job for the first time in 16 years, halting manufacturing across the planemaker’s Seattle hub after members of its largest union voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike.
Striking machinist Carol (last name withheld) holds strike signs while dressed as a clown outside the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall during a Boeing Machinist strike rally in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Tue., Oct. 15, 2024. Carol says she works on the 767 program in the Boeing Everett factory and has worked at Boeing for 18 years. The strike is entering its second month. During the rally, the strikers erupted in chants shouting "Pension" numerous times.
Workers picket outside the Boeing Co. facility during a strike in Everett, Washington, US, on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Boeing Co. factory workers walked off the job for the first time in 16 years, halting manufacturing across the planemaker’s Seattle hub after members of its largest union voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike.
Workers with picket signs outside the Boeing Co. manufacturing facility during a strike in Everett, Washington, US, on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Boeing Co. factory workers walked off the job for the first time in 16 years, halting manufacturing across the planemaker’s Seattle hub after members of its largest union voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike. Photographer: M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg
Workers picket outside the Boeing Co. facility during a strike in Everett, Washington, US, on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Boeing Co. factory workers walked off the job for the first time in 16 years, halting manufacturing across the planemaker’s Seattle hub after members of its largest union voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike.
Workers picket outside the Boeing Co. facility during a strike in Everett, Washington, US, on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Boeing Co. factory workers walked off the job for the first time in 16 years, halting manufacturing across the planemaker’s Seattle hub after members of its largest union voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract offer and go on strike.

The final contract votes

Striking Boeing machinists gather in the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall during a rally in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Tue., Oct. 15, 2024. The strike is entering its second month. During the rally, the strikers erupted in chants shouting "Pension" numerous times.
Strike signs cover the walls as striking Boeing machinists wait in line for food before a rally at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Tue., Oct. 15, 2024. The strike is entering its second month.
Striking machinists count ballots from today's vote on whether or not to end the weeks-long Boeing machinists' strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Oct. 23, 2024. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who voted to reject the initial contract offer and strike with over 90% approval in September. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region.
Wearing a button reading "That's a Hard No" Gina Forbush, of Gig Harbor, Wash., reacts to news that 64% of striking Boeing machinists rejected the contract in today's vote whether or not to end the weeks-long strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Oct. 23, 2024. Forbush works at the Renton factory and has been with Boeing for 37 years. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who voted to reject the initial contract offer and strike with over 90% approval in September. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region.
Wearing a button reading "That's a Hard No" Gina Forbush, of Gig Harbor, Wash., reacts to news that 64% of striking Boeing machinists rejected the contract in today's vote whether or not to end the weeks-long strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Oct. 23, 2024. Forbush works at the Renton factory and has been with Boeing for 37 years. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who voted to reject the initial contract offer and strike with over 90% approval in September. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region.
A vintage "Vote Yes" button is seen in a collection of vintage campaign and strike buttons in the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Mon., Nov. 4, 2024. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who have twice voted to reject proposed contracts in the past two months. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times
Striking machinists count ballots from today's vote on whether or not to end the weeks-long Boeing machinists' strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Oct. 23, 2024. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who voted to reject the initial contract offer and strike with over 90% approval in September. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region.
A burn barrel is filled with fire as striking Boeing machinists in the IAM 751 union vote whether or not to accept the latest Boeing contract and end their weeks-long strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Mon., Nov. 4, 2024. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who have twice voted to reject proposed contracts in the past two months. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times
IAM 751 union president Jon Holden speaks during a press conference after announcing that 64% of striking machinists rejected Boeing's contract in today's vote on whether or not to end the weeks-long Boeing machinists' strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Oct. 23, 2024. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who voted to reject the initial contract offer and strike with over 90% approval in September. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region.
Striking Boeing machinists talk about the vote results as 64% of union members rejected the contract in today's vote whether or not to end the weeks-long strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Oct. 23, 2024. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who voted to reject the initial contract offer and strike with over 90% approval in September. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region.
Picket signs outside a strike rally in the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Tue., Oct. 15, 2024. The strike is entering its second month. During the rally, the strikers erupted in chants shouting "Pension" numerous times.
Ballots are distributed to be counted by striking machinists as the IAM 751 union votes whether or not to accept the latest Boeing contract and end their weeks-long strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Mon., Nov. 4, 2024. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who have twice voted to reject proposed contracts in the past two months. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times
A pamphlet lists the highlights of the 2024 Boeing/IAM contract at the voting locationg where striking machinists voted on whether or not to end the weeks-long Boeing machinists' strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Oct. 23, 2024. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who voted to reject the initial contract offer and strike with over 90% approval in September. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region.
Jon Voss, a union steward and fuel cell mechanic in Boeing's Renton facility, embraces union Business Rep Carolyn Romeo, after the announcement that IAM 751 striking machinists voted to accept the latest Boeing contract and end their weeks-long strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Mon., Nov. 4, 2024. Voss said, "I've got mixed emotions. I'm very proud of everyone that stood up. I wish the Boeing Company had given us everything we demanded. Now it's time to get ready for 2028," referring to the next contract negotiation. Romeo said, "Well, it was surprising to me. I knew it was going to be close either way." The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who have twice voted to reject proposed contracts in the past two months. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times
IAM 751 president Jon Holden (center) greets union members after announcing that the union voted to accept the latest Boeing contract and end their weeks-long strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Mon., Nov. 4, 2024. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who have twice voted to reject proposed contracts in the past two months. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times
IAM 751 union members wait to hear the result of today's vote whether or not to accept the latest Boeing contract and end their weeks-long strike, at the IAM 751 Seattle Union Hall in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Mon., Nov. 4, 2024. The union membership voted to accept the contract and end the strike. The union represents approximately 33,000 machinists who work for the Boeing Company in the Pacific Northwest and who have twice voted to reject proposed contracts in the past two months. Voting and vote counting occurred at multiple locations around the region. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times
Picket signs stand unattended outside the Boeing Company's Seattle Delivery Center after the IAM 751 machinist's union voted to accept Boeing's contract offer and end their weeks-long strike earlier in the day, in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Mon., Nov. 4, 2024. CREDIT: M. Scott Brauer for the New York Times

Portraits of scientist David Baker, Nobel laureate and UW professor, for Seattle Met
November 20, 2024

David Baker is the director of the Institute for Protein Design, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, a professor of biochemistry, and an adjunct professor of genome sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and physics at the University of Washington, seen here in his lab in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Sept. 11, 2024. Baker's research group focuses on the design of synthetic nanoparticles including proteins and peptides.
David Baker is the director of the Institute for Protein Design, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, a professor of biochemistry, and an adjunct professor of genome sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and physics at the University of Washington, seen here in his lab in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Sept. 11, 2024. Baker's research group focuses on the design of synthetic nanoparticles including proteins and peptides.
A model of a computationally designed peptide nanoparticle rests on a desk in an Institute for Protein Design lab at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Sept. 11, 2024. The two sides of the particle (orange and blue) have opposite chirality or handedness in their design, yielding a symmetric design. Most life on earth has left-handed chirality, and human bodies are designed to break down left-handed particles that enter the body. By creating a medicine-delivery particle such as this with half right-handed chirality, it makes the medicine more difficult for a body to break it down, hopefully allowing for medicine that has a longer therapeutic effect in a human. David Baker is the director of the Institute for Protein Design, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, a professor of biochemistry, and an adjunct professor of genome sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and physics at the University of Washington. Baker's research group focuses on the design of synthetic nanoparticles including proteins and peptides.
A model of a designed protein nanoparticle rests on a desk in an Institute for Protein Design lab at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Sept. 11, 2024. Each color is a unique protein and each bump is an individual atom. The technology used in getting the proteins to form together in this symmetric protein structure allows the creation of medicines and vaccines. David Baker is the director of the Institute for Protein Design, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, a professor of biochemistry, and an adjunct professor of genome sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and physics at the University of Washington. Baker's research group focuses on the design of synthetic nanoparticles including proteins and peptides.
David Baker is the director of the Institute for Protein Design, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, a professor of biochemistry, and an adjunct professor of genome sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and physics at the University of Washington, seen here in his lab in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Sept. 11, 2024. Baker's research group focuses on the design of synthetic nanoparticles including proteins and peptides.
David Baker is the director of the Institute for Protein Design, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, a professor of biochemistry, and an adjunct professor of genome sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and physics at the University of Washington, seen here in his lab in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Sept. 11, 2024. Baker's research group focuses on the design of synthetic nanoparticles including proteins and peptides.
David Baker is the director of the Institute for Protein Design, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, a professor of biochemistry, and an adjunct professor of genome sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and physics at the University of Washington, seen here in his lab in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Sept. 11, 2024. Here, he is holding a model of a designed protein nanoparticle. Each color is a unique protein and each bump is an individual atom. The technology used in getting the proteins to form together in this symmetric protein structure allows the creation of medicines and vaccines. Baker's research group focuses on the design of synthetic nanoparticles including proteins and peptides.
David Baker is the director of the Institute for Protein Design, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, a professor of biochemistry, and an adjunct professor of genome sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and physics at the University of Washington, seen here in his lab in Seattle, Washington, USA, on Wed., Sept. 11, 2024. Baker's research group focuses on the design of synthetic nanoparticles including proteins and peptides.

More than a month ago, and weeks before the big Nobel Prize news was announced, I had a (very) few minutes with University of Washington professor David Baker, for local magazine Seattle Met. Then, last week, the Nobel committee announced that Baker was one of the recipients of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on computational protein design. After the few minutes with Dr. Baker, I spent a little time photographing his 3D-printed models of synthetic proteins and other structures, the designs of which have promising potential in the field of medicine.

A big thanks to Nate at Seattle Met for the call on this assignment, which was my first for the publication. Here’s a link to the interview.

Twilight Tourism and the Last Bellwether County for The Times of London
November 17, 2024

Twilight Tourism in Forks, Washington

Twilight movie posters hang in a shop window in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books.
Faith Hines, 18, of Idaho Falls, is a Twilight fan who came to the Forks Visitor Center in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. Hines says she has been on a roadtrip that included visiting Twilight movie filming locations in Oregon as a present for graduating from high school. On her bag is a hairclip that resembles the character Edward from the movies. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books. The Forks Visitor Center has information for tourists interested in both Twilight-related and other tourism in the region, including nearby Olympic National Park.

Over the course of two and a half days, I worked with writer Harriet Alexander on two stories for The Times of London on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula: looking at Twilight-related tourism in the tiny town of Forks, Washington, now almost two decades after the first Twilight book was published, and a look at the political sentiment in Clallam County, deemed by many to be the last bellwether county in the US.

For the first, we spent a day speaking with locals, tourists, and businesses about how the vampire and werewolf franchise Twilight still brings people from around the world to one of the most remote parts of Washington State. Some are tired of all the traffic and difficulty getting a table at the local diner, but others think that with the decline in logging in the region, without Twilight, there might not be much left to Forks.

A vintage pickup truck similar to what Bella Swan had in the Twilight novels stands parked with a "BELLA" license plate outside the Forks Visitor Center in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books. The Forks Visitor Center has information for tourists interested in both Twilight-related and other tourism in the region, including nearby Olympic National Park.
Twilight memorabilia is displayed in the Forks Visitor Center in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books. The Forks Visitor Center has information for tourists interested in both Twilight-related and other tourism in the region, including nearby Olympic National Park.
Thomas Sweeney (right) takes a photo of Abbott Phinney, both of Seattle, posing with cardboard cutouts of Twilight movie actors stand in a corner of the Native By Twilight souvenir shop in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The Twilight series was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books.
People look at Twilight memorabilia, including movie props and costumes, in the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection museum in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books.
The Cullen name is displayed on the mailbox outside the Miller Tree Inn, a bed and breakfast in a historic farmhouse that is said to be similar to the Cullen House in the Twilight series of books, in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books. The Thurmans, a husband and wife team, bought the house in 2021 and say that the bed and breakfast is popular with both Twilight fans and other travelers. Signs outside the Inn ask Twilight fans who come to see the building not to enter or bother guests. During the annual Twilight Forever festival every summer, Trent portraits Chief Swan and M.B. portrays Rosalie, both of which are characters from the books and movies, and also host a gathering called Vampire Central at the Inn.
Twilight memorabilia is displayed in the Forks Visitor Center in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books. The Forks Visitor Center has information for tourists interested in both Twilight-related and other tourism in the region, including nearby Olympic National Park.
Signs tell Twilight fans not to bother guests staying at the Miller Tree Inn, a bed and breakfast in a historic farmhouse that is said to be similar to the Cullen House in the Twilight series of books, in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books. The Thurmans, a husband and wife team, bought the house in 2021 and say that the bed and breakfast is popular with both Twilight fans and other travelers. Signs outside the Inn ask Twilight fans who come to see the building not to enter or bother guests. During the annual Twilight Forever festival every summer, Trent portraits Chief Swan and M.B. portrays Rosalie, both of which are characters from the books and movies, and also host a gathering called Vampire Central at the Inn.
Trent (blue shirt) and M.B. Thurman are the owners of the Miller Tree Inn, a bed and breakfast in a historic farmhouse that is said to be similar to the Cullen House in the Twilight series of books, seen here in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books. The Thurmans, a husband and wife team, bought the house in 2021 and say that the bed and breakfast is popular with both Twilight fans and other travelers. Signs outside the Inn ask Twilight fans who come to see the building not to enter or bother guests. During the annual Twilight Forever festival every summer, Trent portraits Chief Swan and M.B. portrays Rosalie, both of which are characters from the books and movies, and also host a gathering called Vampire Central at the Inn.
Twilight souvenirs and memorabilia are for sale in the Native By Twilight souvenir shop in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books.
Twilight-themed mugs are seen in a shop window in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books.
A bumper sticker reading "Vampires [heart] Forks" is seen on the information desk in the Forks Visitor Center in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. The book series Twilight was set in Forks, Washington, and draws thousands of fans of the books to the tiny town to see sites associated with the characters in the books. The Forks Visitor Center has information for tourists interested in both Twilight-related and other tourism in the region, including nearby Olympic National Park.
A sign reading "No vampires beyond this point" marks the so-called Treaty Line outside Forks, WA, in La Push, Washington, USA, on Tue., June 4, 2024. In the Twilight book series, set in Forks, WA, the Treaty Line marks a boundary between vampires' territory and the Quileute tribe's territory. This sign is covered in written messages and names from Twilight fans who have visited the location. The other side of the sign says "Welcome Twilight Fans."

Clallam County, the last bellwether

Flanked by conservative flags, Hickory Grant is a Republican candidate for State Representative of Washington's Legislative District 24, Position 2, and a current Forks City Council member, seen here in his welding shop in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. Forks is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. Hickory Grant said, "There's a lot of places around the country where I wouldn't fit in, but here I'm par for the course." He says the state government is trying to kill logging, an industry that Forks depended on over the last century, through regulation and environmental policies. "I'm really not excited about going to Olympia [the state capital] at all because I despise cities," he said.

And the second story for the Times was about how election results in Clallam County over the past 40 years have matched the winner of the national presidential election. We spoke with local politicians, voters, party activists, and everyone in between.

Ultimately, after November’s election results were tabulated, Clallam County lost it’s status as a bellwether for the national electorate. The county’s citizens voted 52% to 44% in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump.

Free bumper stickers reading "What have Republicans done for you?" lay on a shelf in the Clallam County Democrats office in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan.
A mural depicts the Puget Sound ferry MV Kalakala in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. The art deco ferry operated from 1935 to 1967.
Rifles for sale stand on a shelf in Decker City Hardware, which includes a gun shop, in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. Higher capacity magazines are not legal to sell in Washington state. Forks is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. Dean Decker, the owner of Decker City Hardware, is a former owner/operator of a logging truck and his family has been in the area for decades; "I have hauled logs off of a stand that my dad logged." Decker is a conservative but says, "I think [the area] is far less conservative than it was. I think we've gotten softer." As a gun store operator, Decker is particularly concerned with gun rights. "I can't sell [customers] what I want," he says, "I can't sell any AR15 [rifles] in Washington state."
Marcia Kelbon, a Republican candidate for State Senate in Washington's 24th Legislative District, walks through a neighborhood while canvassing potential voters in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is the county seat of Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. Marcia Kelbon says she knocks on prospective voters' doors around the district 5 days a week and has driven 11,000 miles and gone through two pairs of shoes. Kelbon says, "I'm more moderate on social issues. I don't like to tell people what to do. On the doorstep [when meeting voters], the thing I want to know is what matters to you on the state level."
Marcia Kelbon, a Republican candidate for State Senate in Washington's 24th Legislative District, (right) speaks with Eric Hernandez, 56, while canvassing a neighborhood in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Hernandez says that he's an independent. "I hope people vote their conscience and not their party," he said. Port Angeles is the county seat of Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. Marcia Kelbon uses data in a phone app from the state Republican party to identify which houses to approach and says she knocks on prospective voters' doors around the district 5 days a week and has driven 11,000 miles and gone through two pairs of shoes. Kelbon says, "I'm more moderate on social issues. I don't like to tell people what to do. On the doorstep [when meeting voters], the thing I want to know is what matters to you on the state level."
Marcia Kelbon, a Republican candidate for State Senate in Washington's 24th Legislative District, leaves flyers with a handwritten note if a person doesn't answer a door while canvassing a neighborhood in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is the county seat of Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. Marcia Kelbon uses data in a phone app from the state Republican party to identify which houses to approach and says she knocks on prospective voters' doors around the district 5 days a week and has driven 11,000 miles and gone through two pairs of shoes. Kelbon says, "I'm more moderate on social issues. I don't like to tell people what to do. On the doorstep [when meeting voters], the thing I want to know is what matters to you on the state level."
Marcia Kelbon, a Republican candidate for State Senate in Washington's 24th Legislative District, speaks with Dana Martell, 44, while canvassing a neighborhood in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is the county seat of Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. Marcia Kelbon uses data in a phone app from the state Republican party to identify which houses to approach and says she knocks on prospective voters' doors around the district 5 days a week and has driven 11,000 miles and gone through two pairs of shoes. Kelbon says, "I'm more moderate on social issues. I don't like to tell people what to do. On the doorstep [when meeting voters], the thing I want to know is what matters to you on the state level."
Haley Love, 30, is a worker at The Great Northern Coffee Bar in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan.
Dean Decker is the owner of Decker City Hardware, which includes a gun shop, in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. Forks is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. Dean Decker is a former owner/operator of a logging truck and his family has been in the area for decades; "I have hauled logs off of a stand that my dad logged." Decker is a conservative but says, "I think [the area] is far less conservative than it was. I think we've gotten softer." As a gun store operator, Decker is particularly concerned with gun rights. "I can't sell [customers] what I want," he says, "I can't sell any AR15 [rifles] in Washington state."
Greg Scherer, 72, of Sequim, Wash., will be performing in a production of Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here," seen here during a rehearsal in the Clallam County Democrats office in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. "It Can't Happen Here" is a play and novel about the rise of a fascist dictator in American politics. The Port Angeles performance starts with an introduction that "any resemblance to current political events is purely coincidental."
Chelsea Rider, 36, says she is planning to vote for Joe Biden while hanging out at Mix-It Shack, a rolled ice cream and snack shop in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. Rider says, "I think the things people care about are having their family be safe."
People rehearse a performance of Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here" in the Clallam County Democrats office in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. "It Can't Happen Here" is a play and novel about the rise of a fascist dictator in American politics. The Port Angeles performance starts with an introduction that "any resemblance to current political events is purely coincidental."
The sign for Shirley's Cafe in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan.
As people rehearse a performance of Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here," a print showing a triumphant embrace between US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hangs on a wall in the Clallam County Democrats office in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. "It Can't Happen Here" is a play and novel about the rise of a fascist dictator in American politics. The Port Angeles performance starts with an introduction that "any resemblance to current political events is purely coincidental."
A Trump 2024 banner with the slogan "Let's Go Brandon" hangs on a building's exterior at the Forks Airport in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. Forks is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan.
A pistol decorated to look like the American flag stands in a display case in Decker City Hardware, which includes a gun shop, in Forks, Washington, USA, on Wed., June 5, 2024. Higher capacity magazines are not legal to sell in Washington state. Forks is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan. Dean Decker, the owner of Decker City Hardware, is a former owner/operator of a logging truck and his family has been in the area for decades; "I have hauled logs off of a stand that my dad logged." Decker is a conservative but says, "I think [the area] is far less conservative than it was. I think we've gotten softer." As a gun store operator, Decker is particularly concerned with gun rights. "I can't sell [customers] what I want," he says, "I can't sell any AR15 [rifles] in Washington state."
Biden/Harris campaign buttons hang on a wall in the Clallam County Democrats office in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan.
An Uncle Sam statue stands in the window of Laurel Barber Shop in downtown in Port Angeles, Washington, USA, on Thu., June 6, 2024. Port Angeles is in Clallam County on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, the last of the so-called bellwether counties in the United States, which have historically voted for the winning presidential candidate in national US elections. Clallam county has voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election going back to Ronald Reagan.

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