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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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Thursday · 51 min
For Jayapal, Trump impeachment is a risky strategy when Dems take congress
Democrats are still basking in the glow of their sweeping electoral wins. You have to go back a half a century, to the post-Watergate era, to find a similar landslide victory by either party in the House. And the New York Times reports there may be no modern precedent for the wave of GOP-leaning Senate seats that flipped to Democratic control Tuesday. In two months, they’ll take control of both chambers of congress. How will they lead? Soundside caught up with Representative Pramila Jayapal from Washington’s 7th district to talk about legislative priorities. 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 · 51 min
A post Election Day roundup with Soundside and Sound Politics
The Soundside and Sound Politics teams broke down the biggest takeaways from Election Day. They dug into the initial results on ballot initiatives, national races and more -- with the help of guests who weighed in on what this year's election could mean for Washington Democrats and Republicans. Guests: Brian Heywood of Let's Go Washington Shasti Conrad, chair of the Washington State Democratic Party Congressman Adam Smith, who represents Washington's 9th District Chad Minnick, Republican political consultant and strategist 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.
Tuesday · 51 min
As WA faces ballooning liability costs, legislative clash brews
In the 2026 fiscal year alone, the state paid out over $600 million in judgements, settlements and legal costs. It’s an issue that goes way beyond dollars on a spreadsheet – and gets to the heart of who should be held responsible when someone suffers harm? And how far should that responsibility go? Plus: What a new Native-owned birthing center means for south Seattle. 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.
November 2 · 50 min
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson on homelessness, grocery stores and the city budget
Every month, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson sits down with Soundside to discuss the latest news and answer your questions. This month: Housing policy, the budget, the search for a new Seattle police chief, and as always, your questions. 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.
October 29 · 51 min
As energy rates rise, Kitsap voters consider leaving PSE
Kitsap County relies on Puget Sound Energy for it's electricity. The private, investor owned utility is looking at a 30% rate increase over the next three years. So, the Kitsap PUD is asking voters whether they should consider leaving PSE to start their own electric utility. Plus: Libby and David read your responses to Initiative 638, the initiative banning trans girls from competing in K-12 sports. Guests Fran Korten, Unplug PSE Matt Steuerwalt, PSE Angela Bennink, Kitsap PUD Randy Hardy, former head of Bonneville Power Authority and Seattle City Light 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.
October 28 · 51 min
Introducing: Ai Yai AI! The biggest headlines in AI
We are bombarded every day with headlines about the latest in artificial intelligence. There’s a battle between AI doomers: the people warning of the technology’s capability to end humanity, and the techno-optimists who see AI ushering in a post-disease, post-scarcity world. As news consumers (and civilians!) most of us fall somewhere in the uneasy, confused middle. How should we separate the hype from reality? We're trying to figure it out on our new monthly segment, Aye Yai AI. What's behind the name? Throw up your hands and think Ai Yai Yai. Plus: Libby and David discuss potential closures at some Seattle elementary schools, affordable housing, and who is "hopping mad" over being included in an ad in favor of repealing the income tax. Guests Destiny Muller, AI reporter at The Seattle Times Chirag Shah, professor in the Information School at the University of Washington, where he studies how to build intelligent and responsible AI for information access, author of Raising AI: How Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping Us—and How We Shape It Rolanda Fu, investor at Madrona, a venture capital group based in Seattle and Palo Alto 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.
October 27 · 51 min
Trans girls in sports, on the ballot. The arguments for and against I-638.
This year, Washington voters will decide if they want to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports. Initiative 638 has become one of the state's most contentious topics and it reflects a broader cultural divide on this issue across the country. Parents, lawmakers and more share their thoughts on what this initiative would mean for girls' sports. Guests Verónica García, a former high school athlete Elizabeth Wilson, a parent who supports I-638 Lauren Hipp, a parent who opposes I-638 Senator Yasmin Trudeau, a lawmaker who opposes I-638 Representative April Connors, a lawmaker who supports I-638 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.
October 26 · 51 min
The access question at the center of WA's parents bill of rights initiative
Washington voters will weigh in on three initiatives this year: a repeal of the high earners income tax, a ban on trans girls competing in K-12 girl's sports, and a Parents' Bill of Rights. That last initiative, I-001, is probably the least understood. At its core is this question of how entitled parents are to know about their children’s lives while they’re at school. Plus, Microsoft announced it is offering buyouts to nearly 60,000 employees, what does that mean for workers in Redmond? Guests Melissa Santos, reporter at Axios Seattle Courtney Normand, Director of Washington State Planned Parenthood Alliance Travis Reep, fifth grade teacher Relevant Links: Axios Seattle: What's at stake in Washington's parental rights initiative 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.
October 22 · 50 min
The battle happening on Snohomish County's ballot
What's going on with Snohomish County's charter proposals? Five proposals to amend the county charter are on the ballot this year. The usually sleepy process has gotten more attention this year. That's in part due to a conservative advocacy organization's vocal support for each proposal. The group is called Future 42, and this year's votes could have implications for the county's government for years to come. We got into it with a reporter covering the story. Plus, we check in on the close Democrat on Democrat race for Washington's 29th Legislative District Guests Jamie Holter, a reporter for MyEdmondsNews Krista Perez, candidate for WA's 29th LD Related Links Snohomish County Commission Charter proposals mired in controversy as voting begins Statement from Future 42's co-founder and co-leader, Dann Mead Smith "It’s always exciting when people volunteer to serve their community like the 15 individuals who were elected by voters last November to serve on the non-partisan Snohomish County Charter Review Commission, which takes place every ten years in the county. This election, the same voting public will have the opportunity to decide whether or not to approve the propositions placed on the ballot by the citizen-elected commissioners. A “YES” vote is a vote to bring greater accountability, tax relief, and financial transparency to Snohomish County Government." 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.
October 21 · 51 min
City Attorney Erika Evans on "Connection Court" and public safety approach on Aurora
Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans is nearly one year on the job. Just this week, she announced a new sentencing alternative “Connections Court.” Her office has also been in the midst of heightened community concerns about sex trafficking and violence on Aurora. Soundside’s David Kroman and Cat Smith sit down with Evans and take your calls. Plus: David and Cat discuss their top stories of the day. Guests: Erika Evans, Seattle City Attorney Jenna Robert, Criminal Division Chief at the city attorney's office 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.
October 20 · 51 min
As PAC money pours in, two Democrats fight to represent the Eastside
One of the closest races in Washington’s elections this year is between two Democrats on the Eastside. Following a “no” vote on Washington’s millionaires tax in March, incumbent state house Representative Amy Walen found she was facing a challenge from her own party, from Redmond city council member Jessica Forsythe. A measly 17 votes separated the two candidates in the primary. Meanwhile, the race has attracted hundreds of thousands of dollars of independent expenditures in support of both campaigns. They’re vying to represent the 48th Legislative District, one of the wealthiest districts in the state which includes parts of Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and all of Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow Point, and Hunts Point. Walen and Forsythe answered questions about their candidacy as part of a debate moderated by KUOW’s David Kroman. Plus: David and Cat discuss their top stories of the day. Guests: Incumbent LD48 State Representative Amy Walen Redmond City Councilmember Jessica Forsythe 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.
October 19 · 51 min
Don't call her 'abolitionist': Seattle's CARE Chief Amy Barden on what unarmed response should look like
Seattle has three public safety departments. You probably know about the police and fire department, but the city also manages the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) Department, Seattle's police alternative program. Among other work, CARE responds to emergency 911 calls and provides referrals to people in crisis for services including mental health, drug counseling, and housing support. But long-standing labor issues with Seattle's Police Officers Guild have interrupted CARE's work in the past. CARE Chief Amy Barden joined David Kroman and Soundside guest host Cat Smith in the studio to talk about how the agency is evolving under Mayor Katie Wilson and its plans to increase its efficacy in the years to come. Plus: The race for Washington's Third Congressional District is a tight one between incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and her Republican challenger, Sen. Minority Leader John Braun. Soundside spoke to the two candidates in back to back interviews about their race to represent the district. Guests Amy Barden, chief of Seattle's Community Assisted Response and Engagement Department (CARE) Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democratic candidate running for reelection in Washington's 3rd district. State Sen. John Braun, Republican candidate for Congress against Gluesenkamp Perez ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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.
October 15 · 51 min
Renton is considering whether to keep Flock cameras. The clock is ticking.
In Renton, a heated fight over whether to keep Flock cameras mirrors the national angst people are feeling about surveillance, government, and big tech. These license plate readers are pitting law enforcement and public safety advocates against people concerned about immigration enforcement and government intrusion into privacy and personal liberties. Today on the show: 4 a Better Renton organizer Sheryl Friesz Tukwila Police Chief Eric Lund Renton City Councilmember James Alberson Renton City Councilmember Carmen Rivera 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.
October 14 · 51 min
Close races in Northwest states show interesting fault lines in the electorate
Washington has two neighboring states with very close races on very issues that show interesting fault lines in the electorate. In deep blue Oregon, Democratic Governor Tina Kotek is in an extremely tight race with her Republican opponent, Christine Drazan. And in deep red Idaho, a proposition to overturn the state’s abortion ban is bringing in a lot of money and interest. Plus: a look at a successful write in campaign in Skagit County. Today on the show: James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio Dirk VanderHart of OPB Isaac Simonelli of Cascadia Daily News 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.
October 13 · 50 min
WA state Supreme Court races are usually sleepy affairs. Not this year.
Listeners, it's time to lock in on the races for the Washington Supreme Court. Why? Five out of nine seats are up for grabs, a rare number of seas. We’re expecting some pretty big rulings from the justices in the years to come. In the last two elections, five out of the six candidates for Washington Supreme Court ran unopposed. We take a look at some of the court's biggest recent rulings and get to know the candidates. Plus: Two conversations including critiques of and praise for the state Supreme Court's track record. Guests Amy Radil, KUOW reporter Todd Myers, vice president of research at the Washington Policy Center Jessica Levin, associate teaching professor and senior director, Center for Civil Rights and Critical Justice at Seattle University School of Law Related Links WA Supreme Court candidates make their case as high-profile election nears - Washington State Standard Court watchers have eyes on races to reshape Washington Supreme Court - 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.
October 12 · 51 min
The push, and pushback, to getting RVs off of Seattle's streets
Seattle could change the rules for parking RVs in the city. The councilmember pushing for this change is hoping it will eventually get them off the streets and people connected to housing. Yet critics worry this could create hardship for Seattleites who live in these vehicles. Plus: co-hosts Libby Denkmann and David Kroman break down today’s top headlines. Today on the show: Dan Strauss, who represents Seattle's District 6 Neal Lampi, who lived in an RV for years Alison Eisinger, executive director for the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness 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.
October 8 · 51 min
Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda on King County’s response to Medicaid cuts
Massive federal cuts to Medicaid are playing out here in King County. 4,000 lawfully present immigrants lost their coverage this month, and over 200,000 more could see their coverage affected soon. King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda joins Soundside to talk about the county’s response to these cuts. Plus: co-hosts Libby Denkmann and David Kroman break down today’s top headlines, the latest on 12th and Jackson, and your weekend warmup. Today on the show: Teresa Mosqueda, King County Councilmember District 8 Connor Nash, politics reporter for the South Seattle Emerald 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.
October 7 · 51 min
The debate over WA's millionaires tax
The fate of the high earners income tax, sometimes called the “Millionaire’s Tax," is in the hands of Washington voters. This year, Democrats in Olympia passed a nearly 10 percent tax on every dollar of household income over $1 million. Almost immediately after the legislature passed it, the tax was challenged; both in court and with an initiative on this November’s ballot. The legal battle is ongoing, today, we're focusing on you, the voters. We have two people ready to debate whether voters should repeal the income tax by passing Initiative 645. Plus: We hear from you about yesterdays segment on eldercare and AI. Today on the show: Rian Watt, executive director of the Economic Opportunity Institute Jaime Herrera Beutler, former congresswoman for WA-03 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.
October 6 · 51 min
Are robot companions the future of elder care? Or a sign of the oncoming AI apocalypse?
There is a crisis in elder care worldwide. The population of people aged 65 and older is expected to nearly double by 2060 and many countries are facing serious questions about how to support such a huge increase in elderly community members. In America, nursing homes are both expensive and linked to significant declines in mental health, leading states like Washington to prioritize at-home caretakers. But at-home care is facing its own crisis, which has the state turning to a new solution: An at-home AI companion called ElliQ. Earlier this year Washington became the first state to have these devices fully subsidized by Medicaid. And so far they’ve made it into the hands of more than 50 residents. Is this a solution to the elder care crisis? Or another sign of an AI dystopia? Plus: Why one of the biggest immigrant support networks in Washington just laid off half its staff, and David and Libby on their top stories of the day. Today on the show: tech journalist Jacob Robbins, and KUOW immigration reporter Gustavo Sagrero Alvarez 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.
October 5 · 51 min
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson talks homelessness policy, the budget, and public safety
Every month Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson sits down with Soundside to discuss the latest news and answer your questions. This month: the budget, public safety, and homelessness policy. Plus: Libby and David break down the latest on the Washington State Ferry cancellations 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.

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