Shows
Sound PoliticsRep. Emily Randall on UW, resisting Trump, tariffs and "constitutional crisis"It's been a busy first term so far for U.S. Representative Emily Randall of Bremerton, one of two freshman members of Congress, in the other Washington. She's a Democrat representing Washington's 6th congressional district. This week, she joins Sound Politics to talk about her initial months in Congress, her visit to an ICE detention facility in Tacoma, and why she appeared at a town hall in Spokane -- in the district of her fellow freshman, a Republican. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help...2025-05-0923 minSound PoliticsThe Grand Old PanelIt’s been dubbed “muzzle velocity.” Or a “blizzard.” Fast and expansive changes to the federal government during President Trump's first one hundred days in office. Immigration policy, tariffs, even the size of the federal workforce has been drastically altered. We've talked to Democrats about this change and heard words like "disaster" or "catastrophe." Trump critics on the Left are numerous and loud here in Washington state. But what about the Right side of the political spectrum? Almost 45% of our electorate voted for a Republican for governor last year, after all. How are conservatives feeling about the direction...2025-05-0255 min
BoomingThe plan to boost Black homeownershipIn Seattle's Central District, the number of Black homeowners has reached a historic low. And across Seattle, less than half as many Black households own homes as white families. But there's a new law that could help turn that around. The law expands the Covenant Home Ownership program, a state program that helps first-time Black and other marginalized home buyers cover their down payments and closing costs. In today's episode, Joshua explains why Black homeownership has plummeted and what lawmakers are doing to boost it. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you...2025-04-3018 min
Seattle NowKUOW Special: Five years later, the COVID pandemic is still with usOn Saturdays, Seattle Now is bringing you the best from the KUOW newsroom… Five years ago, Washington found itself at the leading edge of a once-in-a-century pandemic. The rapid spread of COVID, and the lockdowns that followed, shaped our communities, our health and our work for years to come. It also taught us a lot about ourselves and what it means to be resilient. In this hour-long special, we reflect on how the pandemic changed our region and how its effects still show up in our everyday lives. We can...2025-04-2651 minSound PoliticsWhat bills are graduating this legislative session, and what's flunking out?The Washington Legislature’s final week in session has brought bills (and debates) to the floor on topics ranging from rent caps to recycling to gun permits. This week Axios Seattle reporter Melissa Santos and Washington Observer publisher Paul Queary join Sound Politics to discuss what the legislature managed to pass this year, and what was left on the cutting-room floor. Oh yeah, and there’s also the little matter of the budget. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/p...2025-04-2527 minSeattle NowKUOW Documentary: Fentanyl fuels a persistent 'hot spot' at Seattle's 12th and Jackson. What will it take to fix it?KUOW’s Will James is very good at unwinding some of society’s most intractable issues…In his documentary Hot Spot, Will examines how Fentanyl fuels this area and the city’s attempts at stopping it. Read more on this KUOW Documentary here. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or...2025-04-1945 minSound PoliticsThe Democratic civil war over taxesDemocrats released their plan to cover the state's multi billion dollar budget gap this week. Notable progressive proposals like the wealth tax and a payroll tax weren't a part of that plan. Did the progressive wing lose out to big business? And what does a hacked crosswalk button have to do with all of this? KUOW's Jeanie Lindsay and Seattle Times’ Jim Brunner talk about the latest tax proposals and whether the push to tax the rich is still alive. And just a note, since we recorded this episode, Gov. Ferguson has released his response to the le...2025-04-1824 minBoomingThere's no such thing as local and these Northwest industries prove itIf you've got tariff whiplash, you're not alone. The Trump administration's on-again, off-again tariffs are meant to protect domestic businesses and bring industry back to the US. So tariffs should be good for the iconic local industries we're so proud of here in the Pacific Northwest...right? On today's episode we'll dig into three of these Northwest industries: salmon, craft breweries, and aerospace parts, to see how they could be affected by rising tariffs. In today's economy, is anything really local anymore? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help ma...2025-04-1620 minSound PoliticsGary Locke says WA will be caught in the China crossfireThe U.S. stock and bond markets are continuing to see uncertainty amidst President Donald Trump's flips in tariff policy. While the tariffs placed on a majority of countries have been paused, those in China are continuing to rise as the two nations retaliate against one another. Hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone are joined by former Governor, Secretary of Commerce, and Ambassador to China Gary Locke to get his insights on what an economic clash with China could mean for Washington state's economy -- the state exports more products to China than anywhere else. B...2025-04-1133 minSound PoliticsAll's Faire in love and trade warsThis week, President Trump announced a slew of international tariffs. The United States will levy a 10 percent tax on goods imported from all trading partners except Canada and Mexico. That's just the start: there are an additional, higher tariffs on the European Union, Japan, India, China, and many, many more countries. Washington state could be in for some special pain: one in four jobs here is tied to international trade. Even though Canada was spared from the latest round of international tariffs, the relationships between the United States and our neighbors to the north has become frosty. An...2025-04-0420 minBoomingMicrosoft President Brad Smith on how to defend your job from AIWhen it comes to the white-collar workforce, alarm bells are starting to go off. The tech industry is seeing widespread layoffs, and a lot of those laid off workers are struggling to find new gigs. Some experts speculate that these are early signs of AI moving into the workforce and replacing jobs. Microsoft is one company at the center of this debate, so Monica sat down with its president Brad Smith to ask: is AI already taking our jobs? And if so, what can we do about it? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you...2025-04-0230 minSound PoliticsSound Politics gets overwhelmedScott got overwhelmed this week trying to keep track of everything happening in our political sphere. And where does he turn to when he feels overwhelmed? Email newsletters. The world condensed into less than 2,000 words. So this week, he's joined by two newsletter writer-reporters, Axios Seattle reporter Melissa Santos and Washington Observer publisher Paul Queary to discuss their favorite stories you might've missed. Plus, we tackle one big story with a Washington connection you may not know about: it wasn’t just an Atlantic editor that got Pete Hegseth’s text messages – it was also a former...2025-03-2727 minBoomingShould social media have a bedtime?Experts say kids are spinning out online. Can Washington lawmakers help by putting seatbelts on social media? Parents, tech workers and even kids are asking for social media regulation, and there’s a bill moving through the Washington State Legislature that could make it happen. Senate Bill 5708 would block apps like Instagram and Snapchat from using addictive algorithms to keep kids scrolling. It would also require apps to stop sending push notifications late at night and during school hours. Monica talked to social psychologist Ravi Iyer from the University of Southern California about what these re...2025-03-2621 minSound PoliticsIs this the year rent limits pass?For years, progressives have tried to fight the rising cost of living by instituting a kind of "rent control" – what proponents call "rent stabilization." Basically, a limit on how much the landlord can raise your rent. It's a divisive issue, even in the Democratic party -- in fact for years, it was Democrats that kept killing attempts at rent limits. But this could be the year that rent stabilization actually comes to pass. The same sponsor of a failed stabilization bill last year – then-Representative, now-Senator Emily Alvarado – is taking another shot at this. Engrosse...2025-03-2024 minSound PoliticsRepublicans' unlikely ally: Gov. FergusonRepublicans might have more influence this legislative session than they have in almost a decade. A big reason why is Governor Bob Ferguson. The newly elected Democrat has been warmer toward the GOP point of view than the previous administration was, pushing to close the state’s budget deficit through cuts rather than raising more revenue from taxes. That’s a welcome change for Rep. Travis Couture, the Republicans’ lead budget wrangler in the state House. He says Ferguson has been more aligned with, and welcoming of, Republican ideas than his predecessor was – but just how much ac...2025-03-1424 minBoomingAn inside look into Seattle's AI startup sceneThere’s an invisible startup boom happening in Seattle right now. Tons of artificial intelligence companies have cropped up in the area – rivaling sectors like health tech and computer software. Seattle’s secret AI startup scene could transform our economy, but are we in a bubble, or is it here to stay? Joshua sits down with insider Kirby Winfield to find out. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. Do you have a question about the econ...2025-03-1220 minSound PoliticsThe graveyard shift: lessons from WA's dead bills (so far)It’s an old saw in Olympia: A lawmaker’s job is not so much to pass good bills, but to kill bad ones (because there are just a lot of bad ones). Good or bad, this time of year is “Bill Killing Season” at the state capitol, having just passed two deadlines for the hundreds of policy and fiscal bills introduced this session. Bills that haven’t passed out of committee by then are generally considered deceased. Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay joins host Scott Greenstone to say an elegy for a new state flag, a bill to measu...2025-03-0721 minBoomingCould layoffs lead to a startup baby boom?For months, Seattle's tech industry has been reeling from layoffs. Microsoft, Amazon, Expedia and Starbucks are just a few of the companies who've recently let corporate employees go. And that's left many tech workers in a tough spot. But could there be a silver lining? With so many people suddenly out of a job, could these layoffs lead to a startup baby boom? On today's episode, Monica sits down with Geekwire co-founder Todd Bishop to find out. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help...2025-03-0517 minSound PoliticsThe governor's honeymoon is over with DemocratsIn Olympia, the Democrats' honeymoon with Gov. Bob Ferguson was short -- and it's now over, says Rep. Kristine Reeves, the chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. Ferguson has laid out his plans for closing a multi-billion dollar shortfall while still boosting spending on hiring police and largely avoiding new taxes. But plenty of his fellow Dems are not yet onboard with a plan that leads with cuts instead of new revenue. The party is also fractured on how and whether to make those investments in law enforcement. The Legislative Black Caucus, for one, wants...2025-02-2831 minBoomingWhy you can't afford to ski anymoreSkiing has never been cheap, but it used to be accessible to families and casual skiers. Now the slopes seem to have turned into a playground for the rich. Tickets are costly...and large companies are buying out smaller ski hills. On today's episode, why is it so expensive? And is there a way for everyone to access the mountains? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. Do you have a question about the economy th...2025-02-2615 minSound PoliticsFirings and bad vibes hit PNW's federal workersFrom closed trailheads to power outages, the firing of federal workers could have a big effect on us here in the PNW. KUOW investigative reporter Ashley Hiruko joins Sound Politics Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann to discuss the potential impact of the firings, and what it’s like inside federal government buildings right now -- from Seattle’s VA hospital to the National Labor Relations Board. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a...2025-02-2120 minBoomingREI and the steep climb to unionize retailWashington's iconic outdoor retailer, REI, has gotten a little too far out over its skis. The member-owned co-op has been losing money for years. And that's put it at odds with its employees who want better wages and benefits. On today's episode, workers in the service industry are organizing at companies that used to seem immune from unionization. So, could the next generation of workers revolutionize retail? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. Do yo...2025-02-1914 minSound PoliticsFor your ears only: The politics of privacyWhat do you have a right to? Your data? Your gender presentation? Your child’s health information? Between DOGE sifting through our personal data, tech companies tracking our location, and executive orders weighing in on kids’ medical care, local and national politics are challenging Americans’ ideas about privacy and personal autonomy. We talk through what the implications are, and what lawmakers are proposing to do about it, on this week’s episode of Sound Politics. Joining host Scott Greenstone this week are Austin Jenkins, a staff writer at Pluribus News covering state legislatures, and Vivia...2025-02-1423 minSound PoliticsUSAID in Seattle, Musk-opoly, and a chick off the old blockPolitics right now it feels like everything is shifting all the time. Federal agencies dismantled? Educational funds frozen? Tech broligarchs breaking into data stores of private citizens? A lot of it is hitting home in Washington. On today's Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann talk about how the changes at the United States Agency for International Development are trickling down to Seattle, a global health hub. Then — a discussion about how some legislation here in Washington -- regarding Tesla -- could mess with an Elon-opoly… a Musk-opoly? Plus, a local far-right figure just got nominated to ru...2025-02-0730 minBoomingHow to avoid being tariffed out of businessSeattle’s economy relies heavily on trade. So all this talk about tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China? It's got a lot of local companies concerned. But how businesses respond to tariffs may depend on if they’re big companies or small ones. On today's episode, Joshua talks to Seattle outdoor clothing company KAVU to learn more about what they're doing to prepare for potential tariffs. And we dig into the techniques some companies use to engineer their way out of tariffs. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show...2025-02-0517 minSound PoliticsDoes Seattle love social housing enough to fund it?There is a special election coming up in Washington state on February 11. And in Seattle, there’s something big to decide on: a new way of creating and paying for housing. Voters approved the formation of a social housing developer in 2023, and now will decide how to fund it and whether to put guardrails on the nascent developer. We break down the options with the host of KUOW's Booming, Joshua McNichols. Plus, we take a look at the White House directive that froze potentially trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans. That order was first halted by...2025-01-3130 minSound PoliticsWashington 'gets Jesse' and sues Pres. TrumpPresident Trump technically has only been in office for 72 hours – but our state is already feeling the shockwaves. So today, we want to talk about how the President’s flurry of executive orders, pardons, et cetera, have hit home here. Democratic leaders here are responding in all kinds of different ways. Some are suing him, some are speaking out – others are laying low or a little quieter than last time around. To get into all of that, we’re joined today by two reporters who covered Trump and Washington the first time and are back for more...2025-01-2430 minBoomingMaking six figures? You could qualify for affordable housing in SeattleSeattle has one of the worst housing shortages in the country. Nearly half the households in and around Seattle pay more than they can afford for a place to live. That’s why some housing advocates are promoting a big idea – called Social Housing - that would let even people with six-figure incomes qualify for public housing. In February, voters will decide how to pay for it. On this episode of Booming, the debate over social housing is raising a big question: Who are we building affordable housing for? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW...2025-01-2214 minSound PoliticsA new governor and a salmon-shaped budget holeGovernor Bob Ferguson was sworn in as Washington’s new governor on Wednesday. Off the bat, his term has been me with shade from outgoing Governor Jay Inslee, who was critical in his farewell address of Ferguson's recent budget proposal -- one containing billions of dollars in new cuts. Sound Politics talked last week about the $12 billion shortfall in the state’s operating budget, which is looming over absolutely everything lawmakers plan to do this session. But there's also a gap in the transportation budget -- “...at least $6.5 billion through 2031, if significant action isn’t take...2025-01-1722 minSound PoliticsCut spending? Limit vaping? Lawmakers decide in OlympiaOn Monday, Washington’s lawmakers will return to the Capitol for a 105-day sprint to discuss, debate, and distill their hopes and dreams into policy. The biggest “to do” item for this session: fixing the budget. Faced with a $12 billion shortfall, lawmakers need to figure out the age-old question: to spend less money, or raise more of it? We've gathered a panel of experts to discuss what Washington lawmakers are considering as they return to Olympia: Paul Queary is editor and publisher of the Washington State Observer, and Shauna Sowersby is state politics reporter for the Seattle Times. ...2025-01-1020 minBoomingWhat's behind Amazon's all-or-nothing return to office policy?It’s been a week since Amazon’s corporate employees ditched their slippers for commuter shoes and started heading into the office every day. Amazon says the five-day return to office policy is about strengthening its culture, but some employees and experts have a different theory for why the company is rolling back its pandemic-era work from home policy. On this episode of Booming, what's really behind Amazon's push to come back to the office? And does this signal the end of the work-from-home era? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this...2025-01-0816 minSound PoliticsNew year, new (laws that affect) youDo you feel that in the air?As of midnight on January 1st, life is a bit different for most of us in Washington state. That’s because there are new laws governing your life. Particularly if you’re a minimum wage worker, an Uber or Lyft driver, a low-income student, a crane operator, a stripper, an orca – or one of many other occupations and/or animals. So basically pretty much everyone. KUOW government reporter Jeanie Lindsay joins us to decipher 2025’s new laws and regulations in our first episode of...2025-01-0215 minSound PoliticsInslee looks back on his way outThis week, outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee sat down for an interview with our colleague Jeanie Lindsay to talk about the defining moments of his time in Olympia. He's been in office for 12 years, longer and than any currently-serving governor in the country. So much has changed since 2012 -- in climate policy, economic growth, homelessness, crime -- but how does Jay Inslee want to be remembered? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a p...2024-12-2043 minSound PoliticsWashington shifted right less than any state. Why?“As America zigs, Washington zags." That was the name of our election night episode. And you might remember hearing from a lot of places, for days or even weeks post-election, that Washington was the only state in the country where Trump did not gain ground compared with 2020. The national vote shifted toward Trump by about 6 points. But Washington is special – we take our sweet time counting all the votes. And now that the election is certified, we can say with certainty: Washington state did swing toward Trump… a little. About a quarter of a percentage point.2024-12-1330 minBoomingHow stores are spying on youShopping online can be creepy. Suggested products, targeted ads...it feels like your phone is listening to you. You might be tempted to hit the mall instead. But actually, AI is tracking you there too. Many brick-and-mortar stores depend on holiday sales to stay alive. And increasingly they’re borrowing tricks from the online world to get us to buy stuff – lots of stuff. So in the age of Artificial Intelligence, is there any way to stop being tracked when you shop? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If y...2024-12-1125 minSound PoliticsBig names bowing out of Seattle-area politicsWe’ve gotten two major announcements from local politicos: First, Seattle City Councilmember Tammy Morales has announced she’s resigning from her seat on the council come January.Morales was re-elected this year, and is one of the two remaining incumbents of the 2020 council, which pushed for more progressive policies like police reform.What’s behind the toxic and “harmful” atmosphere within the council Morales alleges, and how did it possibly impact her ability to pass legislation?And, we’ll discuss King County Executive Dow Constantine’s decision to not run for reelection next year. Host S...2024-12-0626 minBoomingSports ticket prices have skyrocketed. Here's whyTickets to pro sports in Seattle will put a dent in your budget. A seat at a Seahawks game could cost you $260. So why do they cost so much? The ticket selling business is a complex system with lots of players driving up the prices. On this episode of Booming, we’ll find out how the pricing works and hear about ways to see sports games without breaking the bank. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. 2024-11-2721 minSound PoliticsWashington stares into the (budget) abyssIt’s everyone’s favorite time of the year… budget season. Washington state legislators are facing a deficit of over $10 billion dollars for the 2025-2027 budget. And, the state’s not alone: King County is looking at maybe a $150 million deficit by 2026. Seattle is about to pass a budget that filled a $250 million budget hole without massive cuts. Sound Politics host Scott Greenstone sat down with KUOW government reporter Jeanie Lindsay, and Seattle Times politics and community reporter Daniel Beekman to figure out what’s on the chopping block, and how it affects our lives. Than...2024-11-2226 minSound PoliticsThe governor's gambit: Bob Ferguson's rise from chess champ to state leaderBefore Bob Ferguson made a name for himself as Washington's Attorney General, he was a chess player. And not just any junior master. In Seattle and abroad, Ferguson earned a reputation as a two-time state chess champion and even won a game against three opponents at once -- while blindfolded. Sound Politics co-hosts Scott Greenstone and Jeanie Lindsay dive into Ferguson's penchant to think 12 moves ahead, and what it says about Bob Ferguson: the governor-elect, and the person. Read Scott's story on Bob Ferguson and his time behind the chess board here: KUOW - Bob Ferguson, chess m...2024-11-1520 minBoomingIf free trade isn't free, what's next for Washington's economy?The free trade era that has defined the U.S. economy for decades made clear winners and losers. It tanked the Rust Belt, but sent the Pacific Northwest’s global economy to new heights. Washington state has always benefited from its international companies and the free flow of talent across borders. So what does the potential end of the free trade era mean for our economy? Monica sat down with University of Washington historian Margaret O'Mara to talk about her predictions for how a second Trump term will affect Washington's economy - and the people who live he...2024-11-1323 minSound PoliticsIn a redder America, Washington stands aloneWhile the rest of the country moved towards the right this election, Washington Democrats saw the first sweep of statewide offices since the 1960s. Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, who sued the Trump administration 99 times as Attorney General, announced he's making contingency plans for counteracting a Trump presidency. But what is behind the country's conservative shift? We'll speak with a political consultant, a journalist, and a former Attorney General about the mood of voters and why Washington didn't follow national trends. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help...2024-11-0826 minSound PoliticsAs America zigs, Washington zagsTake a break from staring at the New York Times needle and join us as we round up local election results. We're looking at the governor's race, initiatives, and a surprisingly close Supreme Court contest on this election day edition of Sound Politics. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans A...2024-11-0618 minSound PoliticsIs WA a crystal ball for who will become the next president?How are you fighting the election scaries this Halloween? If you're like the Sound Politics team - you're looking to the future. Washington isn't known for being a decider in the presidential election, but one specific county and one statewide primary could be a reliable reflections of the national mood. We'll dig into what Washington predicts for the 2024 election. Plus, a few of our favorite local gems: the down-ballot items that haven't gotten enough coverage. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org...2024-10-3121 minBoomingWashington's plan to make billionaires share the wealthWashington is a wealthy state.... that needs more money. So a couple years ago, it tried a new way to tax rich people. It’s called the capital gains tax, but an initiative on the ballot could kill it this November. On this week’s episode of Booming, we dig into Initiative 2109. Is the capital gains tax doing what it's supposed to do? What would a fair tax system actually look like here in Washington? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to k...2024-10-3024 minSound PoliticsDoordash, Walmart, and Pinocchio (??) want to sway your voteWhat's going on with STATE Legislative races? Today on Sound Politics, KUOW's Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay joins us to break down the finances behind one of the most expensive races on the ballot this year, as well as why this "purple" district is in play as State Democrats work towards their goal of a legislative SUPER MAJORITY. We also take a look at recent polling about the four initiatives on the top of the ballot, and try to determine why PINOCCHIO is the poster child for Let's Go Washington's ad campaign. Thank you to...2024-10-2527 minSound PoliticsWill Washington voters pass the gas (initiative)?Ballots are landing in Washingtonians' mailboxes, leaving voters just a few more weeks to make up their minds on some big issues, like voter initiatives. The first thing on that ballot - at the very top - is an initiative that has equally impassioned and confused voters. Washington Initiative 2066 focuses on how fast utilities are transitioning off of fossil fuels, how they plan for that change, and the power local governments have to weigh in by regulating natural gas. We'll unpack the initiative on this week's episode of Sound Politics, and Libby will ta...2024-10-1822 minBoomingDowntown countdown: Top 5 notes Seattle could take from other citiesWhat would it take to put the shine back on our cities? Seattle used to be a superstar city...a technopolis by the sea. Companies, and their employees, wanted to move here. But for several years now, it’s felt like some of that glitter has gone. And it’s not just Seattle – downtowns across the country are struggling. On this episode of Booming, Joshua heads to the International Downtown Association Conference to meet with city leaders from all over the country. We'll find out what they're doing that actually works to save their downtowns and wha...2024-10-1628 minSound PoliticsWho are the big political donors handing out treats this spooky season?You’ve been hearing plenty about the big names on your ballot, but there are many people influencing what shows up on that ballot whom you may have never heard of. Unions, tech entrepreneurs, oil companies and industry associations have given millions of dollars to candidates and campaigns. On this week’s Sound Politics, we look at who is spending big on the upcoming election, what they want, and which big donors are sitting this year out. Guest: Paul Queary, editor and publisher of The Washington Observer Thank you to the s...2024-10-1122 minSound PoliticsDeath, taxes, and horseplayWashington has a fraught relationship with taxes. And what that relationship looks like in the future is a big part of your ballot this November. In the latest episode of Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann break down two relatively new taxes that voters will decide whether to get rid of: the capital gains tax (which only the richest Washingtonians pay) and the Washington CARES tax (which most voters probably see on their paychecks). Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go...2024-10-0421 minBoomingCould paying more for gas save you money?Washington's gas prices are among the highest in the country. Some blame the state’s efforts to reduce climate change for the extra cost at the pump. This November, they’ve put those concerns on the ballot. Initiative 2117 aims to cut prices at the pump by cutting the state's plan to reduce fossil fuels. But would killing that plan -- known as the Climate Commitment Act -- result in even higher prices? In this episode of Booming, we look at the economics and hidden costs of our addiction to fossil fuel... and the surprising lesson we c...2024-10-0221 minSound PoliticsWA GOP Horoscope: Trump rising, Dan Newhouse in retrogradeTwo Republicans are battling to represent Washington's 4th congressional district -- the heart of conservative Washington, a place where being labeled a "vegan" could mean death to your campaign. In one corner sits Dan Newhouse: the incumbent, and one of ten Republicans to vote to impeach Donald Trump. In the other: a Trump-backed challenger, and former NASCAR driver, named Jerrod Sessler.In the newest episode of Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann check in with Spokesman Review reporter Orion Donovan Smith about how the race is shaping up - and what it could sa...2024-09-2723 minSound PoliticsGas prices, climate change, and the biggest ballot initiative of the yearDo you know what's going to be on your ballot this November? Sound Politics is here to help.Today: Sound Politics host Libby Denkmann and special guest Jeanie Lindsay are diving deep into the wonky world of carbon auctions, gas prices, and climate change legislation as we explain Initiative 2117. If passed, it would end the state’s carbon auctions that are the key part of the Climate Commitment Act. We'll dig into the arguments for and against the Initiative, who's funding both sides of the debate, and morePlus: did you know know there w...2024-09-2022 minBoomingCan historic transpo levy fix Seattle's traffic problems?Maybe you’ve noticed: Seattle traffic is back. And not just during rush hour. It’s busy all the time. But there's a transportation levy on the ballot in Seattle this November, and it's the biggest one we’ve ever seen. So, will $1.55 billion buy us better commutes? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. Booming is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Carol Smith. Our producers are Jen...2024-09-1826 minSound PoliticsThe debate you didn't hear about - governor smackdown!Sound Politics is breaking down the big debate! You know it - the one that had you glued to your TV screen, the one all of your group chats were blowing up about, the one that culminated in a cat selfie on Instagram. No, not that debate - we're talking about the first governor's race debate showdown between former Republican congressman Dave Reichert, and Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson! Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone discuss highlights from the debate, and where the race goes from here. NOTE: After we...2024-09-1321 minSound PoliticsDemocrats are on a hope high in ChicagoSound Politics is at the Democratic National Convention! Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone are breaking down highlights from the convention so far, and how the Washington state delegation is showing up - and showing out. And later, Libby will take listeners to Redmond for a kind of counter-programming for local conservatives: Summer Freedom Fest 2024. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud me...2024-08-2327 minSound PoliticsWhy our ballot's so bigNow that the dust has settled on August voting, it's time to take a quick cleansing breath, and turn our attention to the four voter initiatives slated for the November ballot. They’re coming from the right side of the aisle, they’ve got some big money, and feisty politicians backing them. Northwest News Network state government reporter Jeanie Lindsay joins the pod to talk through all the ballot initiatives voters will decide on in November. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out...2024-08-1629 minSound PoliticsSound Politics gets primariedIt's Sound Politics' inaugural primary results episode! Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone are breaking down results from races across the state - from Washington's 3rd congressional district to the Seattle City Council. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Noel Gasca and Jason Burrows. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Sc...2024-08-0929 minSound PoliticsA red-hot rematch is shaping up in purple southwest WashingtonSouthwest Washington is home to one of the most consequential races of the 2024 election cycle - the outcome could change who’s in control of the U.S. House of Representatives come January 2025. Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone break down the top three candidates for Washington's 3rd congressional district. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our ed...2024-08-0228 minSound PoliticsBrat Summer is over. The WA governor's race is hereThe primary election is coming in hot. KUOW has fast facts you need to know before voting. Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann co-host this new podcast from the KUOW newsroom. In our first episode, we break down the top four gubernatorial candidates. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Noel Gasca and Sarah...2024-07-2630 minBoomingAre we on the brink of a tax revolt?There’s something unusual happening to property values in Seattle right now. As housing prices continue to climb, the value of commercial property is taking a big plunge. The County Assessor warns office buildings will be worth 30-40% less next year. This is a historic shift. And it will have impacts on the cost of living for all of us. That might not sit well with people who are already feeling the effects of inflation and high prices. Joshua looks at the downstream effects of plunging commercial real estate values, and what might happen at th...2024-07-2424 minSound PoliticsKUOW's Sound Politics - Coming July 26There’s a lot to wade through when it comes to Washington State politics. The drama, the facts, the money, and the movers and shakers. In Sound Politics KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone go behind the ballot to guide you through what’s happening in local politics, why it matters, and how you can use your vote to make a difference. New episodes every week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-07-1901 minBoomingA robot took his job. And he's happy about itLike it or not, "smart robots" enabled with artificial intelligence are taking on jobs that only humans used to do - maybe even yours. Whether that's something to fear or embrace depends on whether the robot could replace you, or actually make you smarter. In this episode, Joshua tags along with a robot "inspector" on an apartment tower construction site. The robot makes the rounds each day, helping its human counterparts detect construction defects and safety violations. Its use marks a new era for robots, which typically toil in highly controlled and predictable environments. But construction sites...2024-07-1034 minBoomingCan buildings learn?Seattle is littered with buildings that seem obsolete in our post-pandemic economy. Now an unprecedented number of them are going up for sale and selling at deep discounts. Some of those new owners will renovate to retain the history or character of a building. Others will tear them down and start again. In a Booming city like Seattle, we need to use every square foot of space. So how do we build for the future without demolishing our past? To find out, Joshua revisits a lost neighborhood karaoke bar and a renovated Elk’s Temple in Tacoma. An...2024-06-2631 minBoomingThe risky business of airplanesIn the months following Boeing’s now-infamous door panel blowout, speculation has swirled that the company’s troubles can be traced back to its decision to outsource so much of its manufacturing. It’s easy to accuse Boeing of putting profits above all else, but economy reporter Monica Nickelsburg wanted to understand what went into that decision and why the economics of building airplanes are so weird. She didn’t have to go very far to find answers. Listen to Booming's special Father's Day episode. A special thanks to all you listeners out ther...2024-06-1219 minBoomingThe solution to our struggling power grid could be hiding in your closetCities around the country are facing down a catch-22. In just a few short years, they need to somehow get off of fossil fuels while meeting surging electricity demand. The crisis is especially acute in the Seattle area, where demand for power is expected to increase by up to 50% and new energy-hungry datacenters are cropping up all the time. On this episode of Booming, we uncover a surprising solution that's hiding in plain sight. Will it be enough to keep the lights on? A special thanks to all you listeners out there who financially support...2024-05-1532 minBoomingWhat's sending first gen electric cars to an early graveThis week on Booming, can electric vehicles really save us from our fossil fuel addiction? Economy reporter Monica Nickelsburg went searching for a "Tesla Graveyard." What she found reveals how complicated our transition to a greener transportation future will be. Plus, our growth reporter Joshua McNichols takes us to opening day of the light rail that could transform one of the most car-centric parts of our region, and our hosts try to guess the wacky animal names carmakers are giving their new EVs. A special thanks to all you listeners out there who financially support...2024-05-0123 minBoomingThe campground crunchWe know Washington's cities are booming, attracting thousands of newcomers each year. But did you know demand for Pacific Northwest campgrounds and trails is growing even faster?This week on Booming: why landing a good spot outdoors can feel harder than scoring Taylor Swift tickets, and what you can do to get around the campground crunch.Plus, we'll put our new campsite hunting tools to the test in a race to reserve a spot on one of the hottest weekends of the summer -- and take you inside Seattle's 'ghost mall.' A...2024-04-1734 minBoomingBoeing at the glass cliffBoeing's hiring of its new CEO of Commercial Airplanes is the latest in a series of women who finally break through the glass ceiling at male-dominated companies, but only when there's a crisis to solve. Researchers call this the glass cliff. It can be a once-in-a-career opportunity for women, but it can also be a huge professional liability.This week on Booming, we ask an expert why the glass cliff exists, and what the future looks like for the first woman to lead Boeing's Seattle-based jet manufacturing department.Plus, the Department of Justice goes after...2024-04-0326 minBoomingSeattle's 15-minute makeoverWho killed the 15-minute city? And what will it take to get it back? Seattle leaders have a plan to turn NIMBYs into YIMBYs. They're betting they can get residents to say "yes in my back yard" to growth if Seattle becomes a 15-minute city. That means changing laws so that everything you need is a 15-minute walk, bike, or bus ride from your home. This week on Booming, we travel to Georgetown, which could become a 15-minute neighborhood under Seattle's new Comprehensive Plan. Plus, local content creators are sounding off on federal lawmakers' plan...2024-03-2032 minBoomingThe new mommy trackMore American women with young children are working than ever before, thanks in part to the rise of remote work. That has clear benefits for the economy and individuals. But hybrid work may not be a golden ticket to career advancement and satisfaction we think it is.Plus, Seattle leaders unveil their long awaited 20-year plan for the city, and we go back in time to see what housing and child care cost previous generations. "Booming" is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is...2024-03-0632 minBoomingCould a broken ferry system help fix our cities?The Washington State ferry system is down by a third of its fleet. That’s leaving people up and down Puget Sound stranded, intermittently severing them from their jobs, schools and doctors. But out of this crisis, a solution is gaining steam: “mosquito fleets” of smaller, more efficient passenger-only ferries. And they’re helping shape downtowns like Bremerton into more walkable communities. Plus: Adult dancers in Washington fight for a 'Strippers' Bill of Rights' that could set the standard for workplace protections in their industry. And can you guess which movies these iconic PNW ferry scenes c...2024-02-2126 min
KUOW NewsroomWe've joined the podcast Seattle Now. Find us over there!Paige Browning talks with Seattle Now host Patricia Murphy about exciting changes for KUOW's flagship news podcast.This podcast has moved to a new feed! We've joined forces with KUOW's Seattle Now. Search for Seattle Now on your favorite podcast app and subscribe, or click the links below:Seattle Now on SpotifySeattle Now on Apple Podcasts2024-02-1702 minKUOW NewsroomThursday HeadlinesEastside light rail to open April 27th, thousands get free health care at Seattle Center, and a Russell Wilson-backed charter school faces scrutiny. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning.This podcast is moving to a new feed! Beginning Tuesday, Feb 20th, we're joining forces with KUOW's Seattle Now. Search for Seattle Now on your favorite podcast app and subscribe.2024-02-1610 minBoomingWhatever happened to hustle?Gen Z and millennial workers have become a punchline for media pundits and TikTok comedians. Young people get a bad rap for refusing to go above and beyond at work. Is this just the latest battle in an endless generational war, or do young people really have less work ethic? And if so, what's driving the shift? KUOW's economy reporters Monica Nickelsburg and Joshua McNichols have answers in this episode of Booming.Plus, Seattle's urban ghost town sees sparks of life. See if you can guess which artists, makers, and pop-up businesses are moving into vacant storefronts...2024-02-0722 minBoomingDorms for adultsSeattle is running out of room. Could tiny, Tokyo-style apartments be part of the solution? How much space do we really need? Residents of a new Seattle-area micro-apartment building say not much. Units go for less than studios in the same neighborhood, allowing barbers, seniors, and other folks on low incomes to live in an expensive tech hub. State lawmakers think micro-apartments could be one solution to the region’s affordable housing crisis. The catch? Rooms are about the size of a single dorm, and residents share kitchens and common spaces. In this episode of Booming, KUOW ec...2024-01-2423 min
KUOW NewsroomThursday HeadlinesThe FAA investigates Boeing, 72 people apply to be Seattle's newest councilmember, and state lawmakers tackle the rising cost of rent. It’s our daily roundup of today’s top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Gustavo Sagrero.2024-01-1206 min
KUOW NewsroomPete Carroll's unique legacy and what's next for the SeahawksKUOW’s Kim Malcolm talked to sportswriter Danny O'Neil about the news this week that coach Pete Carroll won't lead the Seattle Seahawks for a 15th season.2024-01-1105 min
KUOW NewsroomWednesday HeadlinesPete Carroll is out as the Seahawks head coach, Alaska Air cancels all flights of the 737 MAX 9, and WA's top education official wants to fully fund special education. It’s our daily roundup of today’s top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning.2024-01-1107 minBoomingKUOW's Booming: Coming January 24 (TRAILER)The Seattle area's been home to many booms over the years. It’s brought jobs, people and wealth to the region, but also real growing pains that people here feel every day. In Booming, KUOW economy reporters Joshua McNichols and Monica Nickelsburg explore hidden connections between technology, cities, work and our day-to-day experiences. We’ll ask the important question: how can more of us benefit from the booms and weather the busts? New episodes every other week, starting January 24.Support the show: https://kuow.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-01-1101 min
KUOW NewsroomTuesday HeadlinesBlizzard warning for the Cascades and Olympics, Gov. Inslee gives his final State of the State address, and Mayor Harrell wants more dense housing at Fort Lawton. It’s our daily roundup of today’s top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning.2024-01-1009 min
KUOW NewsroomMonday HeadlinesUnited Airlines finds loose bolts on grounded Boeing jets, WA lawmakers consider free school meals for all kids, and Seattle could get smarter traffic lights, thanks to AI. It’s our daily roundup of today’s top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning.2024-01-0909 min
KUOW NewsroomFriday HeadlinesUW sends off the Huskies to the championship game, ferry service will be limited for years to come, and mountain snow is on the way. It’s our daily roundup of today’s top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning.2024-01-0608 minKUOW NewsroomThursday HeadlinesCar thefts are driving up juvenile criminal cases, WA lawmakers lay out their 2024 priorities, and you could be getting a check in the mail from WA's chicken settlement. It’s our daily roundup of today’s top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning.2024-01-0508 minKUOW NewsroomWednesday HeadlinesBurien sued over public camping ban, flu and Covid cases are increasing, and Seattle's about to get another new city councilmember. It’s our daily roundup of today’s top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning.2024-01-0406 minKUOW NewsroomTuesday HeadlinesThe Seattle City Council picks a new leader, new rules on gun buying take effect, and it was the warmest December on record for the Puget Sound region. It’s our daily roundup of today’s top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning.2024-01-0308 min
KUOW ShortsThe Ghost In The River + Chloe Loves HorrorOur final episode is a two-parter. First, a story from RadioActive about a ghost that lives in the river surrounding a small village in north India. Then, KUOW’s Katy Sewall talks with 3-year-old and then 13-year-old Chloe and her dad, who love horror movies and watch them together.2022-10-2818 min
KUOW ShortsThe Secret RoomWhen Wolfe Maykut was an undergrad at the University of Washington, he lived in a run-down rental house near campus. One day, he discovered the house had a secret: a room that was largely inaccessible. Wolfe's initial curiosity about the room quickly becomes a dangerous obsession - one that the house is prepared to thwart at every turn. This story is part of a special KUOW Shorts series called K-Boo-O-W Shorts, a collection of creepy stories just in time for Halloween.2022-10-2416 min
KUOW ShortsThe Blue Suit: MisoTomo Nakayama usually puts his creative energy into his harmonious music. But when the pandemic hit, he found a new outlet: cooking.Cooking his way through various Japanese comfort dishes was a way to be creative in an upended routine. And it helped him address the homesickness and longing for family that he was feeling. Miso, a foundational element of Japanese flavor, taught him a lesson about harmony he now applies outside the kitchen. Listen to the episode to discover the connection between a tub of miso and songwriting. Do you have a sp...2022-07-2520 min
KUOW ShortsThe Blue Suit: Night-blooming CereusJessica Rubenacker collects plants. Lots of plants. In this episode, we learn about how Jessica’s passion for plant collecting developed. Currently, there are more than 365 specimens in her collection; her plant babies even have their own Instagram account. The night-blooming cereus, aka tan hua, which is also known by its more poetic moniker - the queen of the night - entered Jessica’s life as a gift. The nocturnal cactus smells like gardenia and only blooms for a single night before fading. A tale of rooting and uprooting, Jessica also speaks about her Fili...2022-07-1818 min
KUOW ShortsThe Blue Suit: Red Chador A chador garment worn by some Muslim women is usually black. Not Anida Yoeu Ali's. Her chador is red and sparkly. As a performance artist, Anida created the glittery chador to embody her Muslim identity and confront Islamophobia. The red chador invited reactions of curiosity, spectacle, fear, respect, anger and gratitude from strangers on the streets of Paris, Seattle, DC and Palestine. In this episode we explore Anida’s identity inside and outside the red chador, the public’s response, and what she did after this garment mysteriously disappeared during her travels in Tel Aviv.Do you have...2022-07-0823 min
KUOW ShortsIntroducing The Blue SuitThe Blue Suit is about the commonplace things that touch our lives and the uncommon people that transform them into something remarkable. By exploring our emotional kinship with everyday objects, we shine a light on our cultural and personal values in these times. We’ll reflect together on what we own, what we inherit, and what we cherish. Along the way, we’ll redefine what gets elevated to heirloom status.Do you have a special object that you hold close? Share it with us on Instagram. Tag @KUOW and use the hashtag: #bluesuitpod.Your feedback matt...2022-07-0402 min
KUOW ShortsSubtext: Why this series was only built on “half a concept”For our final episode, Subtext listeners reckon with the costs of staying silent versus speaking up, and one listener shares a tactic for having tough conversations in a meaningful way. And Bill has a realization about the concept behind the series: it was missing something important from the beginning.Steph Ikeda’s essay in the International Examiner. "We didn't talk about it": Moving beyond a culture of silenceGet tickets to our live Subtext event on July 7 here.We want to hear your Subtext stories and episode pitches! Contact host Bill Radke at brad...2022-06-2734 min
KUOW ShortsSubtext: Helping psychologically wounded veterans break the silenceThis episode is about different kinds of silences. Many traumatized veterans don’t know how to talk about their experiences, especially with people who haven’t been at war. My guest, Seattle novelist Shawn Wong, helps veterans turn their experiences into stories. When it’s your story, you get to control what it means. For example, he tells the story of a soldier who was too wounded to be at his dying father’s bedside. That fact had held the soldier captive; but in writing about it, facts become healing truths. Meanwhile, Wong struggles to understand...2022-06-2027 min
KUOW ShortsSubtext: Social Silence and Mad PrideGillian Tett was watching TV with fellow journalists when everyone, including her, started laughing. Her trained anthropologist side came out, and she realized that this merry laughter was hiding a culture of elitism that elites don't like to discuss. Ashley Cowan D’Ambrosio was an honors student and athlete who could no longer get out of bed. Since mental illness was not discussed openly, she tried to overcome it privately. But that would do nothing to change the systems we tolerate despite how many people they leave out. We want to hear your Subtext stories and...2022-06-1316 min
KUOW ShortsSubtext: What “Body Positivity” Doesn’t Tell YouHow do you love your body when it – and society – doesn't seem to love you back?Olaiya Land is a certified pleasure and empowerment coach in Seattle. She’s 47, bi-racial, and she knows that “Body Positivity” is not available to everyone, especially women, people of color, people who are older, have disabilities, have very large bodies – “basically anybody who is two or three steps outside of societal norms.” Hanna Safley is a 21-year-old University of Washington student. A disfiguring cancer treatment made it hard to be positive about her body. But she’s found a different way of lo...2022-06-0626 min
KUOW ShortsSubtext: Let your wristband speak for youCOVID shutdowns threatened to kill Mike Gengler’s wristband business until he realized that his product comes in handy in a pandemic. In this episode, KUOW employees experiment with letting their color-coded wristbands say it all -- so they don’t have to. Plus: Should you ask who got COVID and who didn’t?We want to hear your Subtext stories and episode pitches! Contact host Bill Radke at bradke@kuow.org or text 206-926-9955. 2022-05-3117 min
KUOW ShortsSubtext: Speaking across a political divideSo many Americans say they feel afraid to talk openly now, but they don't like staying silent either. Seattle journalist Monica Guzmán has written a book called "I Never Thought Of It That Way: How To Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations In Dangerously Divided Times." She says in order to persuade and ultimately better understand neighbors and relatives on the other side of the divide, we have to ask how they came to their conclusions.We want to hear your Subtext stories and episode pitches! Contact host Bill Radke at bradke@kuow.org or text 206-926-9955. 2022-05-2328 min
KUOW ShortsIntroducing “Subtext,” a new series hosted by Bill RadkeWelcome to KUOW Shorts, a new podcast feed of short-run audio series produced by KUOW. Our first series is called “Subtext: What Goes Unsaid.” Join host Bill Radke for conversations about the things we usually don't say out loud. Bill will chat with guests navigating difficult discussions, ideas and divides … and offer solutions for how we might all communicate better with each other and ourselves. Episodes start Monday, May 23.2022-05-1400 min
The RecordWhat you can expect from Soundside, KUOW's new noontime showWhat should you expect from KUOW's new noontime show? Soundside's producers talk about their hopes for the new show.2022-01-1104 min
BTSW BonusMailbag with Keita WilliamsKeita Williams, Founder and Chief Strategist of Success Bully, is back with another round of answers to your questions. She joins Eula and Jeannie in studio to talk through tricky dilemmas involving microaggressions, office housework, the boys’ club and more.
Keep sending your questions and workplace dilemmas to us at btsw@kuow.org!2019-07-1737 min