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June 3, 2026

Why Isn’t Ballard Getting Light Rail? Plus, is Melinda French Gates Going To Bring Back the Sonics?

City Cast Seattle

Why Isn’t Ballard Getting Light Rail? Plus, is Melinda French Gates Going To Bring Back the Sonics?

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Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by contributor and Urbanist contributing editor Ryan Packer to catch us up on the latest from Sound Transit’s controversial decision to defer The Ballard Link Extension, and also the appeals to Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan, and why they maybe shouldn’t have happened. They are also joined by comedian, cartoonist, and contributor Brett Hamil, who brings the cheers and jeers. Finally, they discuss the closure of Wild Waves and plans to turn it into a giant warehouse, the broken window at one of the Throne toilets downtown, and the news that Melinda French Gates has a minority stake in the parent company of the Kraken.

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 3rd episode:

Travel Dundee

Seattle Art Museum

Argosy Cruises


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