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.

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.


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