No James Beard Wins, a New Spider Just Dropped, and Is JumpStart Bad for Downtown?

No James Beard Wins, a New Spider Just Dropped, and Is JumpStart Bad for Downtown?

Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu chats with contributor Brett Hamil and producer Sam J Leeds to dig deeper into Seattle's six-year James Beard Award drought [https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/06/16/seattle-james-beard-drought-continues-atoma-surrell-best-chef]. Jane asks what it says about the city’s restaurant scene and whether the city's best food might just be flying under the radar. The three also dig into the World Cup energy transforming downtown Seattle, what the Downtown Seattle Association's new economic report [https://cdn.downtownseattle.org/app/uploads/2026/06/New-Report-JumpStart-Promised-Growth.-Seattle-Got-an-Economic-Slowdown-1.pdf] is arguing about the JumpStart tax, and the Seattle Social Housing Developer plans to open another 1670 units over the next 5 years [https://www.king5.com/article/money/markets/real-estate/seattle-social-housing-every-district-goal-1670-units-5-years/281-c2585c94-9cab-4dcc-b319-46c24bf58adc]. Plus, a Yakama Nation naming ceremony for a newly discovered spider [https://www.underscore.news/land/environment/newly-discovered-spider-species-receives-yakama-naming-ceremony/] in the Columbia River Gorge. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Washington State Fair [https://www.thefair.com/] Seattle Art Museum [https://seattleartmuseum.org/whats-on/exhibitions/beyond-mysticism-the-modern-northwest?utm_source=citycast&utm_medium=podcast] Argosy Cruises [https://www.argosycruises.com/cruises/harbor-cruise/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23766433622&gbraid=0AAAAADbb-j0P_RIbWgaE5NnOttqD8xzVv&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_vnQBhCxARIsADcZyxKZLsr7DpakRhkDAj6BSSBpSswDcMWVrbwQJ3N3BKJ6gCtVz9q-ZdEaAs_OEALw_wcB] Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/citycastseattle/], or email us at seattle@citycast.fm [seattle@citycast.fm]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up [https://seattle.citycast.fm/newsletter] for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle [https://membership.citycast.fm/seattle] Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at https://citycast.fm/advertise/citycast.fm/advertise [http://citycast.fm/advertise].

What Do Starbucks Employees Think of Mayor Wilson? Plus, Summer Asian ArtsFest Starts Today

Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is joined by performer and producer Matt Dela Cruz from Pork Filled Productions to talk about Summer Asian ArtsFest [https://porkfilled.com/the-lineup-for-summer-asian-artsfest/]. They talk through what Seattle can expect from the festival, how the organization is looking to build community, and the challenges of being an Asian artist in Seattle right now. After that, Jane is joined by contributor Hannah Krieg and producer Liam Billingham to talk about Katie Wilson’s Blueberry Latte-gate [https://www.kuow.org/stories/seattle-mayor-wilson-homeless-shelter-beds-world-cup-deadline] and how being a mayor is different from being a candidate. Finally, the trio talk about the good news they’ve been hearing from all over town.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 16th episode: Washington State Fair [https://www.thefair.com/] Seattle Art Museum [https://seattleartmuseum.org/whats-on/exhibitions/beyond-mysticism-the-modern-northwest?utm_source=citycast&utm_medium=podcast] Argosy Cruises [https://www.argosycruises.com/cruises/harbor-cruise/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23766433622&gbraid=0AAAAADbb-j0P_RIbWgaE5NnOttqD8xzVv&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_vnQBhCxARIsADcZyxKZLsr7DpakRhkDAj6BSSBpSswDcMWVrbwQJ3N3BKJ6gCtVz9q-ZdEaAs_OEALw_wcB] Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/citycastseattle/], or email us at seattle@citycast.fm [seattle@citycast.fm]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up [https://seattle.citycast.fm/newsletter] for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle [https://membership.citycast.fm/seattle] Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at https://citycast.fm/advertise/citycast.fm/advertise [http://citycast.fm/advertise].

Teachers Sneak Full-Length Books Into Class, Nude Beach Verdict Forthcoming, and Bánh Mì Bracket Results

Today on the show, host Jane C. Hu talks with writer and Seattle Public Schools parent Julie Letchner about her reporting that middle schoolers in the city’s public schools don’t have full-length books in their curriculum [https://thebulletinsea.org/issue-32-excerpts-over-excellence-ibd-at-sps/]. She and Jane get into the finances behind this decision and what concerned parents are doing to try and change things. Then, Jane is joined by contributor Guy Oron, who has been covering the trial over nudity at Denny Blaine [https://www.thestranger.com/news/property-owners-around-denny-blaine-took-the-stand-this-week/]. The trial wrapped last week, and Guy gave an update on what the plaintiffs and defense had to say and what the potential outcomes might be ahead of the verdict. Finally, reporter Melissa Santos breaks down the best bánh mì in town according to Axios Seattle’s recent reader bracket [https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/06/01/vote-seattle-area-best-banh-mi-bracket-vietnamese-sandwich-shops]. Tune in to hear which sandwich spot topped the list, and let us know which is your favorite.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Washington State Fair [https://www.thefair.com/] Seattle Art Museum [https://seattleartmuseum.org/whats-on/exhibitions/beyond-mysticism-the-modern-northwest?utm_source=citycast&utm_medium=podcast] Argosy Cruises [https://www.argosycruises.com/cruises/harbor-cruise/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23766433622&gbraid=0AAAAADbb-j0P_RIbWgaE5NnOttqD8xzVv&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_vnQBhCxARIsADcZyxKZLsr7DpakRhkDAj6BSSBpSswDcMWVrbwQJ3N3BKJ6gCtVz9q-ZdEaAs_OEALw_wcB] Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/citycastseattle/], or email us at seattle@citycast.fm [seattle@citycast.fm]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up [https://seattle.citycast.fm/newsletter] for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle [https://membership.citycast.fm/seattle] Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at https://citycast.fm/advertise/citycast.fm/advertise [http://citycast.fm/advertise].

Does Seattle Like National Chains? Plus, Why Downtown Isn’t Dead After All

Today, Jane C. Hu is back, and she’s talking about the latest business news in Seattle. Joining her are Alex Halverson [https://www.seattletimes.com/author/alex-halverson/] of the Seattle Times and regular contributor Marcus Harrison Green [https://southseattleemerald.org/voices/2026/06/11/column-when-corporations-leave-seattle-communities-pay-the-price-its-time-to-invest-locally]. They discuss the latest developments for Anduril, the very-real-but-fantasy named weapons company based here in Seattle that is expanding its footprint to Bellevue. [https://www.seattletimes.com/business/local-business/autonomous-weapons-firm-anduril-betting-big-on-seattle-office-shipyard/] They also talk about the news that DocuSign is staying in Seattle, and perhaps that downtown Seattle is going to remain attractive to local businesses and their employees who value good transit, nightlife, and all the pluses of a big city. The trio also discuss whether Seattle likes national chains and the give-and-take between employers and what they owe the city. Finally, they discuss their favorite spots to watch the World Cup [https://seattle.citycast.fm/things-to-do/where-to-watch-the-world-cup-games]. If you’re a neighbor (sign up if you’re not [https://membership.citycast.fm/subscription]), stick around for a conversation about the state of thrifting in Seattle with Jane, Sam, and Ashley. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode: Seattle Restored [https://bit.ly/4tWwPPc] Argosy Cruises [https://www.argosycruises.com/cruises/harbor-cruise/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23766433622&gbraid=0AAAAADbb-j34YPQEJITe8C79PdhI9m-bq&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz9_QBhD_ARIsADnSCfAaGM6CgtoOFjOlS3jPCyG6DnfjOyh5KujXm1o9EToHrM1mAqmqAxgaApdLEALw_wcB] pFriem Family Brewers [https://www.pfriembeer.com/] Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/citycastseattle/], or email us at seattle@citycast.fm [seattle@citycast.fm]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up [https://seattle.citycast.fm/newsletter] for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle [https://membership.citycast.fm/seattle] Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at https://citycast.fm/advertise/citycast.fm/advertise [http://citycast.fm/advertise].

Phone-Free Concerts and Public Schools, World Cup Expectations, and the Crocodile’s Comedy Pivot

Today on the podcast, producer Liam Billingham takes over the host seat to ask the important questions like what Phoebe Bridgers [https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/phoebe-bridgers-seattle-tour] and Seattle Public Schools [https://komonews.com/news/local/focusing-more-on-memes-than-on-math-gov-ferguson-proposes-statewide-k-12-cellphone-ban-elementary-middle-high-student-testing-scores-district-washington-development-math-reading-science-history-legislation-bill-children] have in common (hint: it has to do with cell phones) and what format is the film The Odyssey best viewed in? Liam is joined by executive producer Ashley Smith to give a rundown of the changes coming to Seattle in preparation for the first World Cup [https://seattle.citycast.fm/things-to-do/where-to-watch-the-world-cup-games] matches, including the pedestrian-only zones downtown and new digital kiosks. Then contributor Chase Hutchinson breaks down what the new ownership of The Crocodile [https://www.thestranger.com/news/the-crocodile-plots-its-future/] means for the iconic venue, as well as why Tacoma might be getting its own sitcom, [https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article315943319.html] and if Seattle should do the same.   Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Seattle Restored [https://bit.ly/4tWwPPc] Argosy Cruises [https://www.argosycruises.com/cruises/harbor-cruise/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23766433622&gbraid=0AAAAADbb-j34YPQEJITe8C79PdhI9m-bq&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz9_QBhD_ARIsADnSCfAaGM6CgtoOFjOlS3jPCyG6DnfjOyh5KujXm1o9EToHrM1mAqmqAxgaApdLEALw_wcB] pFriem Family Brewers [https://www.pfriembeer.com/] Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/citycastseattle/], or email us at seattle@citycast.fm [seattle@citycast.fm]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up [https://seattle.citycast.fm/newsletter] for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle [https://membership.citycast.fm/seattle] Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at https://citycast.fm/advertise/citycast.fm/advertise [http://citycast.fm/advertise].