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Soundside

KUOW News and Information

Soundside leads the Puget Sound conversation with smart questions, lively debates, and direct access to the region's most influential voices. Timely, insightful, and unmistakably local, it's where the Pacific Northwest comes to dig into the news.

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Yesterday · 51 min
AI, housing, and Aurora Ave N: A conversation with the candidates for WA State Legislative District 46 House Position 1
Washington’s 46th Legislative District covers the north end of the city of Seattle, from the northern City Limit at 145th down to NE 45th, and from Aurora Ave N out to Lake Washington. Gerry Pollet is a lawyer and environmental advocate who has represented the district in Olympia since 2012. He currently chairs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review committee and is running for re-election this year. He attracted two motivated challengers this year, both Democrats, and will now face Will Dreher, a former assistant U.S. Attorney and partner at the law firm Keller Rohrback, in the general election. We’ve invited them both into the studio to talk about their platforms. Today on the show: Gerry Pollet Will Dreher Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Thursday · 34 min
The debate around Seattle's 'fair pricing' push for grocery shoppers
Seattle could soon ban "algorithmic-based price discrimination" for grocery shoppers. It's a move that city leaders are pushing in the name of affordability and privacy protection. In this episode, we'll talk to a City Councilmember who's trying to pass it, as well as an industry leader who has critiques of the ordinance as it's written. We'll also hear from a privacy reporter about what this fight against "surveillance" or "personalized pricing" looks like around the country. Plus: Soundside's Weekend Warmup (click for links to events!) Today on the show: Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Seattle City Councilmember; Amanda Dalton, president and CEO of the Northwest Grocery Retail Association; Alfred Ng, privacy reporter at POLITICO Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wednesday · 34 min
Candidates vying to replace Newhouse talk immigration, trade, and data centers
The race to replace one of the last Trump-skeptical Republicans in Congress is in Central Washington. We'll take you to Washington's 4th Congressional District to hear from candidates vying to replace Dan Newhouse in the house. It's one of the safest Republican house seat in the state. But it touches on some pretty big picture issues like immigration, trade and data centers. Today on the show: Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney, former Air Force Major John Duresky Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 15 · 36 min
What’s in Mayor Wilson’s new gun violence plan?
This morning, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson released her new plan to reduce gun violence in the city. This comes after multiple high profile shootings this summer. What exactly is in this plan and why Wilson is bringing it forward now? Plus we’ll get a reaction from a leader in Seattle’s business community, which has been vocal about the need to step up public safety efforts Today on the show: KUOW Reporter Amy Radil, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joe Nguyen Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 14 · 36 min
Spokane, after the fires
More than a month after wildfires engulfed the northwest corner of Spokane, how are residents recovering? And how can the state become more resilient in the face of wildfires… especially since these seasons are only expected to get longer and more severe in the coming years. Plus: Libby and David break down today’s top headlines. Today on the show: Courtney Burkholder, owner of CJB Dressage, Alexandra Duggan, reporter at the Spokesman-Review and George Geissler, the state forester for the Department of Natural Resources Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 10 · 50 min
The head of Seattle's public schools on A.I., student safety and recess
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner returns to Soundside to discuss the latest news and answer your questions. This time: union negotiations, A.I. in classrooms, student achievement — and live calls. Plus: David and guest host Scott Greenstone break down today’s top headlines. Today on the show: Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 9 · 52 min
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson on homelessness, CCTV cameras, and more
Every month Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson sits down with Soundside to discuss the latest news and answer your questions. This month: gun violence prevention, expanding the city's CCTV pilot program, and increasing shelter availability. Plus: Libby and David break down today’s top headlines. Today on the show: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 8 · 51 min
The City Hall Pit: Why a hole in downtown Seattle has persisted for more than 20 years
We dig into a giant hole in downtown real estate: the story behind why a full city block has remained undeveloped for more than 20 years. Plus: Libby and David break down today’s top headlines. Today on the show: Former Seattle Deputy Mayor Tim Burgess, Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin, and Director of the Washington Center for Real Estate Research, Professor Steven Bourassa Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 6 · 12 min
Inside the race to fix bugs in Microsoft's software
New ProPublica reporting reveals how a new AI tool, made by Anthropic, is reportedly detecting software bugs faster than Microsoft can address them. And the clock to patch those vulnerabilities is ticking fast. Soundside talked with ProPublica tech reporter Renee Dudley about her reporting on this issue, and how it's raising major questions about the security of the wider U.S. tech industry, and products consumers rely on daily. Related Links Anthropic’s New AI Model Can Identify More Software Bugs Than Ever. Microsoft Is Struggling to Fix Them Fast Enough. - ProPublica Editor's note: Microsoft is a financial supporter of KUOW, but we cover them like we do any other company. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 6 · 5 min
Soundside's Weekend Warmup - the one before we're off for a month!
Soundside is going on a working hiatus for the month of August, but we'll be back and better than ever the day after Labor Day... But until then, Soundside producer Jason Megatron Burrows has a bunch of events to keep you busy until we're back! LINKS: Seattle Mariners vs Tampa Bay CAPITOL HILL BLOCK PARTY Edmonds Block Party CatVideoFest 2026 Sherlock Jr at Magnolia Lutheran Church Seattle Tattoo Expo Get Sauced: Mountlake Terrace Seahawks vs. Cowboys Preseason Game WA State Garlic Fest Dragonflight GameCon Cake at Remlinger Farms PAX West 2026 Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 6 · 12 min
El Niños can be a real headache, especially for WA's fishing industry
If you didn’t know, we are in the middle of an El Niño. Scientists say it has the potential to be one of the strongest in recent years. This is the weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that periodically pushes warm water toward the West Coast. El Niños cause all kinds of problems, including worsening Washington droughts. And they can be a real pain for the region’s fishing industry. Guests Bob Alverson, general manager of the Fishing Vessel Owners' Association Anthony Rogers, a fisheries economist at Ocean Conservancy Related links: The 2026 El Niño Is on Track to Be the Strongest on Record | WIRED Record-breaking El Niño could gut California’s crab and salmon fleets | Los Angeles Times What a ‘very strong’ El Niño could mean for WA | The Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 6 · 22 min
"Don't broadcast your notes, broadcast the game." Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs reflects on 41 years with the team
Long summer nights with the Mariners on the radio are a rite of passage in the Pacific Northwest. This weekend the team is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and whether you grew up with the M’s as a kid during the glory days of Ken Griffey Jr. in the Kingdome, just started following as the Big Dumper was breaking records last season, or stuck with the team, faithfully, through a 20 year playoff drought, one voice has stood out. Rick Rizzs started with the Mariners back in 1983... He had a brief stint in Detroit, coming back to Seattle in ‘95 where he put in a record breaking 41 years with the team He announced earlier this year that he would be retiring at the end of the 2026 season, and this week sat down with Soundside producer Jason Burrows. GUEST: Rick Rizzs Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 5 · 21 min
Why some parents and teachers want the president of Seattle's teachers union to step down
Should the president of Seattle’s teachers union keep her position? That’s the question on the minds of many local teachers and parents. Last week, parents of a student of Ibijoke Idowu began the process of pursuing a civil lawsuit against the teacher and the district, claiming she had physically harmed their child. This follows a Seattle Public Schools investigation, released in June, which concluded that Idowu “more likely than not” grabbed the student hard enough to cause bruising. Idowu was elected to lead the Seattle Education Association while she was on leave pending the results of this probe. Idowu has denied allegations of misconduct. Guest: KUOW education reporter Noel Gasca Related stories: Demands for Seattle teacher’s union president to resign intensify amid student abuse allegations - KUOW Seattle teacher, union president, responds to report she ‘likely’ harmed student - Seattle Times Petition to initiate RECALL of SEA President Ibijoke Idowu-Holiday - change.org Petition support Idowu: Protect Devoted Educator from targeted harassment, intimidation & cultural bias! - change.org Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 4 · 16 min
'Small part of a far larger problem': Emergency department doctor on ghost guns
Police took a 15-year old into custody in connection to a mass shooting at the Seattle Center that left three dead and several others injured. Police later said that 15-year old had a “ghost gun." This refers to a type of firearm that’s often assembled at home and manufactured without a serial number. In charging documents, prosecutors allege the teenager fired into the crowd. Police say the gun doesn’t appear to be involved the deaths of two bystanders from last week. Washington is a leader in trying to prohibit ghost guns. Back in 2022, the state passed a law to ban them. Earlier this year, lawmakers prohibited the unlawful manufacture of guns using 3-D printers or CNC milling machines. And yet, ghost guns continue to be a concern here in the state. Guest: Garen Wintemute is the founding director of the Centers for Violence Prevention at UC Davis in California. He's also an emergency department attending physician. Related links: 15-year-old Seattle Center shooting suspect charged with first-degree assault; prosecutors seek adult trial | KUOW Ghost gun used in Seattle Center shooting, police say | The Seattle Times Ghost guns explained—how they are made, used? | FOX 13 Seattle Bullets from 15-year-old's gun did not kill 2 Seattle Center victims, according to early findings | KUOW Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 4 · 12 min
What to do about that scourge of summer: odorous house ants
We are officially deep into a Pacific Northwest summer: we’ve already experienced wildfire smoke, 90 degree temperatures and for the unlucky amongst us, you may have also have seen small black ants crawling across your kitchen counters and floors. I’m talking about odorous house ants. So named because of the smell they emit when they are squished (I won’t say by who). These little guys are annoying, and they’re everywhere this time of year. I even saw a Reddit post referring to Seattle as being “placed on top of a giant ant hill”. Now, that’s not actually true… but it can certainly feel like it around now. That’s because, if you live in a city like Seattle, you actually are in an ideal ant environment, one that has led to the little insect’s proliferation. So before we get mad at odorous house ants, maybe it’s best to understand this creature? Maybe instead of a war on ants… we can make peace. Guest: Todd Murray, the Director of Washington State University's Puyallup Research and Extension Center See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 4 · 21 min
Washington clemency board members say Gov. Ferguson is sidelining their work
The Washington state Clemency and Pardons Board hears cases of people currently incarcerated and makes recommendations to the governor for commutations. These recommendations can allow someone to leave prison before their sentence is completed. In Washington state law, someone’s case would need to be “extraordinary” in order to qualify. Last year, the board heard a little over 30 cases and recommended 10 people for commutations. Governor Ferguson rejected all of the cases, some of which had the support of every board member. The Governor has approved pardons for some people who had already completed their sentences and his office said he was "considering the recommendation of the board while also accounting for victim impacts and public safety." His approach hasn’t sat well with members of the Clemency and Pardons Board. Guests: Raymond Delos Reyes, chair of the Washington Clemency and Pardons Board Dan Berger, professor at the University of Washington-Bothell and director of the Washington Prison History Project Relevant Links: Cascadia Daily News: Governor’s disrespect for clemency process extends mass incarceration KOMO: Case questions Washington's clemency process after governor rejects board's recommendation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 3 · 20 min
Front Page: Spokane wildfires, Seattle police chief resigns, man's death in a Federal Way hospital
Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward. Guest: Mike Carter, senior reporter on the law and justice team at The Seattle Times Related Links: Washington wildfires destroy homes, force thousands to evacuate | KUOW Seattle mayor describes what she wants in new police chief | The Seattle Times 4 takeaways from Mayor Wilson after Seattle Center shooting, police chief's exit | KUOW Man pinned by police at WA hospital died as doctor, nurses watched | The Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 3 · 8 min
The latest on the Spokane wildfires
17 large wildfires continue to burn across Washington state. In Spokane, three major fires sparked on Saturday, collectively burning over 8,000 acres and 700 structures. 67,000 people are under evacuation orders. KUOW reporter Paige Browning joined Soundside with the latest. Guest: KUOW reporter, newscaster, and Seattle Now host Paige Browning Related stories: More than 700 to 1,100 structures lost in three Spokane fires; officials searching for 14 people - Spokesman Review ‘Particularly Dangerous Situation’: Washington’s fire season off to roaring start - KUOW Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 3 · 21 min
Washington’s Supreme Court could see big changes in 2026. Here are the candidates on your primary ballot
The future of Washington’s new “millionaires tax” is at stake this election season. And not JUST the ballot measure asking voters to weigh repealing the tax in November. The justices on the state Supreme Court will decide a separate legal challenge to that historic measure. In a highly unusual scenario: five of the court’s nine seats are up for election this fall. Tuesday’s primary will determine the candidates for FOUR of those races. Soundside's final look at the Washington State Primary Ballot takes a closer look at these four races for seats on the WA State Supreme Court. GUEST: Jonathan Martin - Former Seattle Times editor who now writes for the Washington Observer. Also, The Cascadia Daily News recently announced he’ll be their new editor-in-chief starting in September. RELATED LINKS: https://www.washingtonsupremecourt.org/ League of Women Voters of Washington - Supreme Court Candidates Washington Supreme Court elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia The independent money comes out to play - WA Observer Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 30 · 11 min
WA blocked over 100,000 license plate searches from feds, but immigration raids and vehicle arrests are still rampant
Here’s a number for you: 108,170. That is the number of times immigration enforcement has attempted to look up a Washington license plate number and been denied since November of last year. That number comes from the state and it’s one that Governor Bob Ferguson has been touting, citing the value of guarding resident’s data from the federal government. While the number seems high, does it mean a difference in enforcement actions? Guest: Gustavo Sagrero, KUOW’s Race, Identity, and Immigration Reporter Relevant Links: KUOW: WA has blocked over 100,000 federal attempts to access license plate data KUOW: This Seattle-area mechanic offers free tows for vehicles left behind after ICE arrests Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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