The Seattle City Council held its first meeting of the new term on January 6, 2026, where Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth was elected as Council President for the 2026-2027 term in a 9-0 vote. Council President Pro Tem Dan Strauss nominated Hollingsworth, which was seconded with no opposing nominations. Hollingsworth is the first Black woman to be elected president of the Seattle City Council. 

Erika J. Evans was sworn in as Seattle’s new City Attorney during an oath of office ceremony at City Hall on Monday. Her inauguration marks not only a transition in leadership, but a historic moment as she becomes the first Black person to hold the position in the city. 

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell recently joined "The Big O Show" to reflect on his term, the challenges he faced in office, and his vision for the city in light of the upcoming shift in power in January. 

The Seattle News, Views, and Brews (SNVB) podcast recently hosted its first-ever Patrons Appreciation Year-End event at City Hall, celebrating their patrons and extending their commitment to local independent journalism in Seattle. Set up in City Grind Espresso in City Hall, the event saw hosts Brian Callanan and David Kroman record the 50th SNVB episode of 2025 in front of a studio audience of patrons.

In a recent press release, Mayor-elect Katie Wilson announced decisions regarding the leadership of the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD), and the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL). These decisions are meant to align with Wilson’s top three priorities: addressing the homelessness crisis, reducing childcare costs, and improving the transportation system.

Last night, The Big O joined Seattle News Tonight to discuss his recent conversation with Mayor-elect Katie Wilson on “The Big O Show.” Salisbury shared his post-interview reflections, offered insight into the new administration's structural changes and its strategy for tackling chronic issues in the Chinatown International District (CID), including Little Saigon. 

Converge Media’s Omari Salisbury (The Big O) joined Good Day Seattle this morning to share his takeaways from his recent interview with Mayor-elect Katie Wilson on “The Big O Show.” With less than one month until Wilson is sworn in, Salisbury offered a look into what Seattleites can expect from the new administration, from Wilson’s management style, her approach to City Hall, and her priorities on public safety and homelessness. 

Mayor-elect Katie Wilson recently appeared on “The Big O Show” to discuss her transition into office and her administration's priorities, including homelessness and public safety. Wilson announced for the first time that she will keep Shon Barnes as Seattle Police Chief. "I've had several conversations now with Chief Barnes and I will be retaining him as our police chief,” she said. 

By a narrow margin, Katie Wilson is projected to win the 2025 Seattle mayoral race against incumbent Bruce Harrell. In light of her win, Converge looks back on Wilson’s first interview with Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae on April 6, 2025. Wilson, a self-described community organizer of 14 years and founder of the Transit Riders Union, spoke about her decision to run for mayor and what she planned to prioritize in office. 

In a determining moment for the future of the Emerald City, Mayor Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson squared off in a spirited debate in the Black Media Matters studio last night. Moderated by host and executive producer of Converge Media’s Community Voices, Angela Poe Russell and FOX 13 Seattle’s David Rose, the debate sparked crucial dialogue and opposing strategies on public safety, affordability and housing, public transportation and accessibility, and Seattle’s Black community.

In a new segment of Off The Clock, Converge Media's Omari Salisbury hosted a conversation joined by Washington state GOP’s gubernatorial candidate Semi Bird. Born in East Oakland, California, Bird moved to Seattle at six years old. Despite dropping out of high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, earned a diploma, and later a bachelor's degree. After serving in the military again as a Special Forces member, he transitioned to federal employment. Now, as the first Black American endorsed by the Washington GOP in state history, he seeks to become the next governor.

Nick Brown recently took center stage on The Day With Trae, chronicling the beginning of his career journey to his roles as legal aid for Governor Jay Inslee and the U.S. Attorney for Washington's Western District to his current bid for the position of Attorney General of Washington. Starting his conversation with host Trae Holiday, Brown reflected on his introduction to law and politics, highlighting the influence of his parents, both former public servants who promoted values of engagement and service throughout his childhood. 

Alexis Mercedes Rinck, who recently announced her candidacy for the Seattle City Council's Position 8 citywide seat, recently appeared on The Day with Trae to discuss her candidacy and vision for the city. Rinck is challenging the newly elected Tanya Woo, who declared her intention to keep the seat earlier this month.