Soundside

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March 3 · 13 min
Will the WNBA season get delayed?
WNBA fans, mark your calendars for March 10th. That's a key deadline that could determine when the teams actually hit the court. If the league and players can’t shake hands on a new collective bargaining agreement, or CBA, by next Tuesday, the 2026 season could be delayed. The Seattle Storm's Nneka Ogwumike is president of the WNBA players' union, and she's led the union as labor negotiations have progressed for over a year. The two sides are months past their original deadline for a deal. We talk about the key issues driving bargaining with a reporter covering the league. Guest Sabreena Merchant, staff writer, The Athletic Related Links WNBA’s new CBA offer boosts pay, fast-tracks max deals for stars like Caitlin Clark, AP source says - The Associated Press Kelsey Plum sees WNBA's offer as a 'win,' but CBA talks continue - ESPN What a March CBA deal would mean for WNBA free agency, expansion and the draft - The Athletic Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
March 3 · 18 min
The big risk to the global economy hidden in the supply chain of semiconductors
Much of your technology - your phone, your kid’s ipad, your electric car… wouldn’t function without computer chips. They’re basically tiny pieces of silicon semiconductor wafers that drive our tech-focused economy. And their supply chain is highly centralized. Most chips come from just one country, Taiwan. And Taiwan is in a very delicate geopolitical position. China has claimed sovereignty over the island democracy since the founding of the PRC, in 1949. If China ever decided to exert its claims using military force – that could put chip production in danger. Potentially leading to the largest economic downfall since the Great Depression. According to documents obtained by the New York Times, it’s an issue tech companies here in the US have known about for years, and have largely tried to ignore. Guest: Tripp Mickle, Silicon Valley reporter for the New York Times Related stories: The Looming Taiwan Chip Disaster That Silicon Valley Has Long Ignored - NYT Nvidia’s Quarterly Profit Hits $43 Billion on Strong A.I. Chip Sales - NYT Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
March 3 · 18 min
It wasn't just Bill Gates. Epstein had ties to several Microsoft executives.
Bill Gates has been under scrutiny since the Justice Department released files that put his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein on display. ….. But these files also show that Epstein’s connections within the company Gates co-founded, Microsoft, were more widespread than previously known. Epstein built relationships with several of Microsoft’s top executives. He traded gifts and advice with them, and even invited some to his island. And, through these big players, Epstein also got access to the inner workings of the company. Guests: Karen Weise, a technology correspondent for The New York Times who’s based in Seattle Related links: How Jeffrey Epstein Ingratiated Himself With Top Microsoft Executives - The New York Times Records show deeper ties between Epstein, ex-Microsoft exec Myhrvold | The Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
March 3 · 33 min
The antifa spy inside a Washington white nationalist group
There are many people who would describe themselves as resisting fascism. But, for a small group, “antifa” is more than just a label. In his new book, journalist Christopher Mathias reports that for self-identified members of antifa, the bulk of their work actually involves infiltrating right-wing extremist groups. Often, this takes the form of intelligence gathering online. In some cases it means disguising themselves for in-person operations: becoming members, showing up, getting peoples’ real names and plans. One man did just that in the Seattle area. Mathias tells his story in a new book. Guest Christopher Mathias, journalist covering antifa and the far right, author, "To Catch A Fascist: The Fight to Expose the Radical Right" Related Link What’s behind the White House’s anti-antifa order - Soundside, KUOW White nationalists claimed WA man doxxed them. How a judge responded - Tacoma News Tribune Antifa used to unmask neo-Nazis, now it’s exposing ICE: ‘Predators don’t get anonymity’ - The Guardian Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
March 2 · 16 min
Seattle area Iranians process the start of war at vigil for massacred protesters
Local Iranian community members gathered at a vigil Sunday afternoon at Seattle City Hall to share art, music, dance and healing conversation. The stated purpose of the event was to memorialize those who lost their lives during the Islamic Republic’s deadly crackdown on protesters in January, which had a death toll estimated in the tens of thousands. With the U.S. and Israel striking Iran over the weekend, the event also provided a place to process the beginning of war. The event was organized by the Seattle Isfahan Sister City Advocacy group. ALSO: analysis of the widening conflict in the Middle East with Reşat Kasaba, professor at the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies. RELATED LINKS: Iran Hits Back Across the Mideast, Targeting U.S. Bases and Allies Hegseth insists the Iran conflict is 'not Iraq' and is 'not endless' What to Know About the Widening Fallout From the Bombing of Iran Push from Saudis, Israel helped move Trump to attack Iran Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
February 26 · 24 min
Sound Transit CEO on the Crosslake Connection, the FIFA World Cup, and more
The Sound Transit system is updating, maybe you've heard. After three new light rail stations opened up south of Seattle in December, the light rail is set to start running across Lake Washington about a month from now. But budget issues may complicate plans for the future lines. We'll get into that and much more. Guest: Dow Constantine, CEO of Sound Transit Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 26 · 7 min
Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" for 2/27-3/1
It’s the FINAL Thursday of February, and MARCH starts this weekend. Two of our Soundside producers are celebrating their birthdays this weekend, (Happy Birthday Maleeha Syed and Gabi Healy!!) Women’s hockey is BACK at Climate Pledge Arena, AND it’s the final days of Black History Month, so let’s go out & do some stuff!! Here’s Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows to get us caught up on all that’s happening! LINKS: Mad Science: A night of Improv and Laughter Seattle Torrent vs Toronto Scepters Kraken vs Canucks Sea Slug Animation Festival 2026 Poulsbo Blues & Jazz Festival Tacoma Beer Week Events Free Rose Pruning Demonstration - Woodland Park Zoo Doughboys - Seattle Theatre Group 4th Annual Black Makers & Creatives Art Exhibit Iranian Vigil & Solidarity Art Exhibition Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
February 26 · 23 min
Ask a Doctor: Why go to the doc when you could use a chatbot?
These days people are using AI chatbots for everything. These chatbots have a wealth of information at their metaphorical fingertips. But the accuracy of the information that they offer us is, well, questionable. But it makes sense why some people turn to AI for medical advice. They’re usually free, which gives them an upper hand when healthcare in the United States is so expensive. They’re also easy to access, so people can get their questions answered immediately, instead of waiting for an opening at their doctor’s office. And they’re trained to be empathic, which is especially appealing to patients who don’t feel valued in medical settings. In this "Ask a Doctor" segment, we explore the world of health advice and chatbots with two medical professionals. Guests: Angad Singh is a family medicine physician. He's also an Associate Chief Clinical Information Officer and Clinical Associate Professor at UW Medicine. Danielle Bitterman is an assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Lead for Data Science and AI at Mass General Brigham. Related links: A.I. Chatbots Are Changing How Patients Get Medical Advice - The New York Times How to Use ChatGPT for Health Advice | Right as Rain Health Advice From A.I. Chatbots Is Frequently Wrong, Study Shows - The New York Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
February 25 · 25 min
Front Page: the drama behind Seattle's next City Light CEO, why Washington is moving away from right on red, and more
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: Jane C Hu - journalist and host of City Cast Seattle Related stories: City Council weighs in on mayor’s pick for Seattle’s highest-paid job - Seattle Times Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026: What it takes to rent your home on Airbnb - Seattle Times Why ‘No Right Turn on Red’ Signs Are Multiplying. Plus, Seattle’s Best Places To Cry and Criminal Drones - City Cast Seattle Murals by henry bring joy to Seattle, but it took decades to get there - KUOW Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
February 25 · 22 min
A KUOW journalist returns to the story that rocked Garfield High School when she was a student
In 1999, student journalists at Garfield High School heard a rumor. It was about a beloved teacher named Tom Hudson. He taught biology. He ran a popular outdoors program. And, according to the rumor, he sexually abused students. The journalists broke the news of these allegations for their school newspaper…. And chaos unfolded. The reporters faced pressure to step down from the paper. Their schoolmates turned on them. Their teacher was placed on leave. And, just a few months after everything blew up, Mr. Hudson died by suicide. “Adults in the Room” is a new series from KUOW that explores the questions that went unanswered 27 years ago: Did Mr. Hudson really abuse these students? Or did these young journalists act irresponsibly, at the expense of a teacher’s life? Guests: Isolde Raftery is a managing editor at KUOW. She's also the host of “Adults in the Room" and one of the student journalists who broke the news on these allegations at Garfield. Related links: KUOW - Focus: Adults in the Room KUOW - Two Seattle girls learn a secret at their high school. Their lives change forever KUOW - In 'Adults in the Room,' a KUOW investigative journalist re-reports the story that's haunted her for nearly three decades Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
February 24 · 17 min
A view from Mexico's capital, and the politics behind the country's battle with drug cartels
Stability appears to have returned in Mexico after days of violence. On Sunday a Mexican military raid killed cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, more commonly known as El Mencho. In response, members of his Jalisco New Generation Cartel created havoc throughout the nation - lighting cars and buildings on fire, ransacking businesses, and setting up blockades along major roadways throughout the country. According to authorities at least 62 people have died since Sunday - including cartel members, security officers, and civilians. Flights to and from Seatac to various airports in Mexico were cancelled, as the US government recommended that all US citizens and residents shelter in place. Guest: Vanessa Freije is an Associate Professor of International Studies, and she’s the chair of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Washington. She's currently based in Mexico City. Related stories: Mexico Is Caught Between Trump and the Cartels - NYT What to Know About the Cartels Operating in Mexico - NYT Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
February 24 · 22 min
Front Page: TSA pre-check, a potential Millionaire's Tax, and the latest with the SAVE act
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: Seattle Times reporter Jim Brunner Related stories: T.S.A. Says PreCheck Will Remain Operational at Airports - NYT Sen. Cantwell, WA elections officials slam Trump-backed voter ID bill - Seattle Times In Washington State, Democrats Consider Breaking a Taboo: Taxing the Rich - NYT Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
February 24 · 6 min
At Washington State Penitentiary, incarcerated journalists find connection through a news magazine
Every month at the Washington State Penitentiary, a group of incarcerated journalists meets up to pick a theme for their news magazine. The paper is called Top of the Mountain. It details the goings on in the prison as well as recipes for the food you can buy at the commissary, advice from long time residents, and interviews with the formerly incarcerated. Top of The Mountain started after three people committed suicide in the unit. The goal was to be a way to form connection. It has grown into a labor of love. We spoke with the founder of Top of The Mountain and a reporter there about the paper and what it means to the prison community Guests: Jennifer Jaylee, founder of Top of the Mountain Jeffrey McKee, writer for Top of the Mountain Relevant Links: Prison Journalism Project: My Job at a Washington State Prison Newsmagazine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 23 · 22 min
New play looks at Bruce Lee's formative years in Seattle
Bruce Lee wasn’t born an icon. First, he was a baby, born in San Francisco and then a kid in Hong Kong who followed his father into acting. And it wasn’t a straight line from child star to groundbreaking Hollywood action star who broke stereotypes about Asian Americans. Lee’s adult life in America started when he moved to Seattle, still a teenager – where he studied at the University of Washington, washed dishes at a restaurant, and eventually opened his own gung fu schools. He also met his wife, Linda, once a martial arts student. His five years in Seattle were formative for Lee both in terms of learning about America, but also about himself and honing his cross-cultural philosophy. That’s the subject of a new play at Seattle Children’s Theater called Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story, it runs through March 22nd. Guest: Shannon Lee, founder and chair of the Bruce Lee Foundation and author of Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee Relevant Links: Seattle Children's Theater page Bruce Lee Foundation website Seattle Times: Seattle Children’s Theatre Bruce Lee play fights on after Kennedy Center canceling See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 20 · 31 min
King County Prosecutors Office prepares for a potential immigration enforcement surge
Many federal immigration officers are reportedly in the process of packing up and leaving the Twin Cities. Border Czar Tom Homan said Sunday that Operation Metro Surge is drawing down. The months-long campaign led to intense protest. Two American citizens were shot and killed by immigration enforcement officers during the operation. Local prosecutors have been trying to investigate those shootings but they say they have been rebuffed by the federal government. Earlier this week, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said it was denied access to evidence by the FBI meanwhile, Hennepin County prosecutors in Minneapolis are crowdsourcing evidence from people who videotaped one of the shootings. Like local officials everywhere, King County is navigating a shifting relationship with the federal government and the possibility that an immigration enforcement surge could happen here. Guests: Leesa Manion, King County Prosecuting Attorney Gary Ernsdorff, Supervising Attorney at the Special Operations Unit Relevant Links: KCPAO: Manion Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting King County from Unlawful Deployment of ICE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 19 · 5 min
Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" - Feb 19-22
Thursdays... What a concept! Let’s get out of the house this weekend & do some fun stuff! “What fun stuff?” you may ask… and with that answer is Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows! LINKS: Northwest Flower & Garden Festival Seattle Home & Garden Show Wintergrass Festival Black History Month Soirée 2026 - Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Lunar New Year Family Festival | Seattle Art Museum Cupid's Undie Run at The Dock in Fremont Cardi B - Climate Pledge Arena Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
February 19 · 12 min
What the Forest Service knew about PFAS in some gear for wildland firefighters
Fighting wildland fires is dangerous enough. The smoke exposure, changing conditions and mental health risks can be daunting, for even experienced firefighters. But federal wildland firefighters across the country were also wearing pants containing potentially dangerous PFAS chemicals, according to reporting this month from ProPublica. Officials at the U.S. Forest Service knew about that risk for years, before it became public knowledge. In Washington, fire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer and just last year, western Washington experienced its largest fire in a generation. Reporter Abe Streep covered all of this for ProPublica, and he talked with KUOW's Paige Browning. Related Links Firefighters Wore Gear Containing “Forever Chemicals.” The Forest Service Knew and Stayed Silent for Years. “It Feels Impossible to Stay”: The U.S. Needs Wildland Firefighters More Than Ever, but the Federal Government Is Losing Them Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
February 19 · 19 min
Ask a Doctor: All things colon cancer
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths for Americans under the age of 50, according to a paper published last month in JAMA. This research backs up a trend that doctors have been seeing for a while now: Colon cancer isn’t just a disease that affects older people. Just last week, James Van Der Beek, who played Dawson on “Dawson’s Creek” died of colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old. In the past few years, more health organizations have followed the American Cancer Society in lowering the recommended age for colon cancer screenings from 50 to 45 years old. And more recently, there’s been a trend online that encourages people to start “fibermaxxing”... which is just a fancy way of telling them to eat more fiber. We talk to a doctor about this trend and the symptoms to look out for when it comes to colon cancer. Guests: Dr. Rachel Issaka, director of the colorectal cancer screening program for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and UW Medicine Related links: Leading Cancer Deaths in People Younger Than 50 Years | Breast Cancer | JAMA | JAMA Network Colorectal Cancer Is Now the Top Cause of Cancer Death in Younger People - WSJ Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
February 18 · 19 min
Front Page: Seahawks for sale, Seattle's mayor on the state of the city, and future state taxes
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: Seattle Times reporter David Kroman Related stories: Seattle Seahawks begin sale process, less than 2 weeks after winning Super Bowl - NYT Katie Wilson promises shelter, focus on public safety in first year of office - Seattle Times Tension rising over how to spend revenue from proposed WA income tax - Washington State Standard Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.
February 17 · 34 min
The federal government is rolling back greenhouse gas regulations. What's it mean, and what's Washington doing?
Last week, President Trump announced he was overturning the Environmental Protection Agency’s "endangerment finding.” That finding is a scientific conclusion signed by the EPA in 2009. It determined that greenhouse gases are harmful to people and the environment, and it allowed the EPA to regulate heat trapping emissions like carbon dioxide and methane. The current Presidential administration says that climate change is a “hoax” and that environmental regulations hinder the economy. Current EPA head Lee Zeldin is praising the move by Trump. Environmental activists and democratic lawmakers took no time to denounce the decision, saying that it will harm public health and lead to intensifying climate change related catastrophes, such as wildfires, heatwaves, and flooding. And, of course, there’s a court challenge. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that California intends to sue the federal government over this change – potentially leading to a drawn out, years long battle to determine what the EPA can and cannot do when it comes to greenhouse gas regulation. Washington attorney general Nick Brown has promised something similar. But how could its repeal change climate science and policy in the United States? And what does it mean for Washington? Guests: David Battisti - Professor of Atmospheric and Climate Science and Tamaki Endowed Chair at the University of Washington Former Washington State Governor Jay Inslee Related stories: As U.S. abandons climate fight, Washington state feels the heat to do more - KUOW Trump Administration Erases the Government’s Power to Fight Climate Change - NYT Future of Washington state’s climate-pollution fund up in the air - KUOW Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to 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.