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OCTOBER 22, 2025
VOL. 106, NO. 43
Seattle Marches for Democracy: Tens of Thousands Join Historic ‘No Kings’ Rally In King County
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early 100,000 people came together at Seattle Center on Saturday for the “No Kings” rally, the largest public demonstration in the city’s history and one of the biggest political protests in the Pacific Northwest in decades.
Laura Marie Rivera
“In King County, the only King we recognize is Dr. Martin Luther!”
LAURA MARIE RIVERA
The rally was part of a coordinated series of demonstrations held in cities across the country. Speakers in Seattle pointed to recent national developments, including the use of federal troops in U.S. cities and what they called efforts to erode checks and balances. “Donald Trump is no king. But he acts like one,” the organizers warned. “Over the past months, he has escalated efforts to consolidate power, punish political enemies, and weaponize the machinery of
government. Only the people, in numbers, can stop him.” Organizers from Seattle Indivisible said the rally was a response to what they described as escalating threats to democratic institutions under former President Donald Trump. Police estimated the crowd at over 90,000, surpassing attendance at the city’s protest marches earlier this year. Carrying handmade signs and waving American flags, demonstrators gathered at Seattle Center before marching through downtown streets. Many chanted, “No kings” and “this is what democracy looks like!” Girmay Zahilay is the Chair of King County Council and he shared part of his story. “My family came to Seattle when I was three years old,” Zahilay told the crowd. He recounted the struggles that his family faced. “What gave us a chance was America at its best. We had an affordable home because of HUD investments. We had health care because of
The historic crowd came from all over the city and region with their handmade signs, hundreds of flags, and colorful inflatables. It was peaceful and organized. No arrests were made.
Medicaid. We had food because of SNAP. I got to go to college because of Pell Grants.” Zahilay added, “My life’s journey to this stage today would not be possible in 2025. The programs that helped my family are being dismantled. That’s why I’m here.” He promised to work with the Governor, Attorney General, state and local leaders to protect the people. He then called on protesters to do everything they can—from the magnificent to the mundane—to defend Democracy: show up at budget meetings and immigration hearings, write op-eds, call Congress members, donate money, and remember to vote all the way down the ballot.
NO KINGS, 5
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hat if we trained our emotional response like a muscle? In a sense, we already do — unconsciously. Imagine it’s 8 a.m.: you’ve spilled coffee on an important report, missed a meeting, and a tense text lands in your inbox. Most of us react automatically, letting stress spiral. But research shows negative thought loops and ruminaErica tion wire Browne the brain for Grivas more of the same — and our brains Your Best Life can also learn to lean into positivity instead. With intention and attention, we can keep our emotional responses in a healthy range, fostering clearer communication both internally and externally. How? By consciously building resilience. But what is mental resilience? Simply put, it’s the ability to bounce back from life’s challenges, so that low points hit less hard and recovery happens faster “Resilience is the capacity inside us to both survive the worst day of our life, and thrive in every day,” says Dr. Rick Hanson, author of “Resilient.” “It’s for dealing with everyday stresses so that as life challenges us, we are not swamped by it.” Like a keel on a sailboat buffeted by waves, “they hit you but don’t sink you.” Conditions like burnout, anxiety and depression are increasing
worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. According to WHO, over a billion people worldwide live with mental health conditions, and the global economic burden of untreated stress and burnout runs into trillions. These figures show that resilience isn’t just personal — it’s a societal priority. Beyond the personal toll, these conditions carry significant economic costs. Taking better care of ourselves may be the key to turning the tide. We often wait until a mental crisis hits — panic attacks, frequent conflicts, or loss of interest in life — before seeking help. It’s like waiting to see a doctor until an injury becomes chronic. We know our bodies benefit from exercise, vitamins, sleep, and good nutrition, yet most of us overlook preventative care for our emotions and nervous system. Fortunately, resilience can be cultivated. Here are some strategies that can help hardwire resilience into your brain, body – and your life. The American Psychological Association suggested resilience is built on finding balance across four key areas: • Experiencing strong emotions and sidelining them when necessary. Let yourself feel the hard feelings when you can, take a beat to calm down otherwise. In other words, pause before say things you can’t take back or send that angry email. • Take action to support your personal and professional life, your problems and meet the while making time to reenergize yourself. Don’t overbook – making time for
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JANICE JONES
Your Best Life: Building Resilience
rest and inspiration is so important. • Connect with others and nurturing yourself. Supporting others feels good and takes you out of your head – just remember to book some time for yourself. • Rely on yourself while seeking support from others. Give yourself the chance to try new and hard things – you’ll usually surprise yourself with how well you do. In daily life, these can look different for everyone. Find the version that works for you. Some specific steps to employ in daily life include: • Foster existing relationships and make new ones: walk with a friend, join a class or volunteer group, or participate in a book club. • Reframe challenges: avoid seeing situations as hopeless. Take a long-term perspective, notice gradual improvements, and adopt an optimistic mindset. Accept what cannot be changed and focus on what you can influence. After a challenge, reflect on personal growth.
• Work toward goals: set tangible, achievable goals. Even baby steps build confidence, self-reliance, and a sense of purpose. • Take care of yourself. The APA says, “Pay attention to your needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.” Journaling, and meditation can be helpful tools as well. Journaling or meditation can support resilience by keeping your mind and body primed for life’s challenges. Like a well-tended garden, resilience grows from steady care — watering, pruning, resting. When we nurture balance in the calm seasons, we’re ready to weather the storms when they come. This week, choose one small practice — a five-minute journal, a short walk with a friend, or pausing before reacting — and notice how it strengthens your ability to bend, not break.