Seattle

Rather than soaring to the mound to reach his summoning handlers, the bird took a path straight toward Paxton, causing him to jerk his upper body backward to avoid being grazed. Then the eagle, named Challenger, landed in the grass before circling back to find a perch on Paxton's right shoulder . One of the trainers hustled out to lure the bird safely away and make sure Paxton was all right. … [Read more...] about Bald eagle lands on Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton

The league announced Cano's suspension Tuesday, a stunning development for the stalwart in the middle of the Mariners' lineup and a club expected to contend for a postseason spot in the American League. Cano tested positive for Furosemide, a diuretic. In a statement released through the players' association, Cano said, "This substance was given to me by a licensed doctor in the Dominican Republic to treat a medical ailment." He said he didn't realize it was banned. … [Read more...] about Seattle Mariners’ Robinson Cano Suspended 80 Games for Drug Violation

Finally, this is all a local microcosm of a bigger problem. We act, in this country, as if we can magically support our transportation infrastructure on a gas tax that's been frozen since 1993. With even more powerful magic, we pretend we can maintain the public insurance programs that support our aging population while cutting taxes to the tune of $2 trillion over the next decade. Climate change, geopolitics, inequality, infrastructure, education - all the public goods related to these issues will somehow be magically supported while we indulge in government dysfunction and fiscal recklessness. … [Read more...] about Why the Seattle ‘head tax’ is relevant to the nation

Similar efforts in other places will encounter the same opposition, the same well-funded misinformation campaigns, the same expansion of technicalities (“a regional approach”) into deal-breakers. It’s easy to support improving the country. It’s harder to live with the compromises and imperfections that get us there. … [Read more...] about Facing Pressure From Amazon, Seattle Repeals ‘Head Tax’

Most plastic straws aren't heavy enough to make it through industrial recycling sorters, according to the Strawless Ocean campaign, and can ruin an otherwise good load of recycling. Or they end up getting blown out of trash cans and car windows and ultimately wind up in the oceans, where they can hurt wildlife. … [Read more...] about Seattle becomes first major US city to ban straws