Soundside

KUOW News and Information

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February 3 · 20 min
An investigation into the use of spit hoods in medical settings
In a medical setting, if staffers think a patient is violent or threatening, they may restrain them to a hospital bed. Or inject them with a sedative. In some cases, they might also use a spit hood. This is a mesh or cloth covering that goes over a patient’s head. It was patented for law enforcement to use during arrests. Critics of these devices consider them dehumanizing…. And in some cases, dangerous. In the past decade, at least five people in the United States died in medical care incidents involving spit hoods. And the FDA doesn’t classify them as medical devices, which means they aren’t subjected to safety regulations. This all comes to us in a new investigation from The Seattle Times. The reporting looks at how spit hoods are used in medical facilities across the country. Guests: Hannah Furfaro, a mental health reporter at the Seattle Times and the journalist behind “Shrouded in Secrecy.” Related links: Shrouded in Secrecy: An investigation from The Seattle Times | The Seattle Times When hospitals use spit hoods on patients, no one is watching | The Seattle Times Where and how spit hoods are used across the U.S. | The Seattle Times How safe are spit hoods — and do they actually work? | The Seattle Times How spit hood use could be made safer, according to experts | 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.
February 3 · 12 min
What are your rights if Border Patrol wants to search your phone?
You’ve heard a lot over the past few weeks about federal agents and how they’re policing the public in Minneapolis. But let’s talk about how people in Washington are currently most likely to interact with Customs and Border Protection: At the border. At those crossings, there is the potential, for your phone, or other devices, to be searched. Last fiscal year, Customs and Border Protection reported a 16 percent increase in searches of digital devices compared with 2024. Maybe you’re planning to head to Canada for a weekend trip, or maybe to the warm weather of Mexico during our dark and dreary winter, Should you expect your phone to be searched at the border? And what steps can you take to protect your data? GUEST: Gabe Castro-Root, New York Times RELATED LINKS: Phone Searches at the Border Are Up: How to Protect Your Privacy Traveling to the U.S. Under Trump: Visas, Border Control and What to Know Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry 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 2 · 30 min
Seattle's new Superintendent on recent shooting, school funding, and more
Seattle Public Schools has a new Superintendent. Ben Shuldiner was the only finalist for the position, and the Seattle School Board unanimously approved his contract back in November. On Sunday he stepped into the role early after two teenagers, who are believed to be SPS students, were shot and killed at a bus stop in Rainier Valley. The shooting happened near both South Shore PK-8, and Rainier Beach High School. Soundside sat down with Shuldiner to get his response to the shooting, and to preview his priorities for leading the largest school district in Washington. Guest: Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner Related stories: 2 teen boys killed at bus stop on Rainier Avenue in Seattle - KUOW Seattle School Board names lone superintendent finalist, a district leader recruited from Michigan - KUOW No cops at Garfield High. Seattle School Board rejects plan to revive resource officer program - KUOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 2 · 20 min
Front Page: Rainier Beach teens fatally shot, ICE protests in Seattle; Antonio Mays Jr settlement, Zach Top wins a Grammy
At the start of 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: KUOW Reporter, Producer, and Documentary Podcast Creator Will James Related stories: 2 teen boys killed at bus stop on Rainier Avenue in Seattle Seattle-area businesses, students join national general strike Seattle CHOP verdict: City must pay $30.5 million to family of slain teen Grammys 2026: Zach Top leads WA winners 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.
January 30 · 22 min
'The Chronology of Water' is a new film based on this Oregon author's memoir
“The Chronology of Water” is a new movie that dives into the story of a woman’s life, told through scattered memories. It’s the first feature film directed by Kristen Stewart. And it tackles heavy themes that the protagonist experiences firsthand, like sexual abuse and drug addiction. But it also explores the beauty in that life, like the escape she finds in competitive swimming, which lands her a college scholarship… And later, a passion for storytelling that she discovers in a creative-writing class. “The Chronology of Water” may be a work of art, but it isn’t a work of fiction. It’s adapted from the real-life story of Lidia Yuknavitch, an Oregon author who published a memoir with the same title in 2011. The film is screening at SIFF on Jan. 30 and Feb. 1. Guests: Lidia Yuknavitch, the author of "The Chronology of Water" Related links: The Chronology of Water | Lidia Yuknavitch | Hawthorne Books ‘The Chronology of Water’ Author Lidia Yuknavitch on Having Her Memoir Adapted by Kristen Stewart | Vogue “The Chronology of Water” Is an Extraordinary Directorial Début | The New Yorker The Chronology of Water | SIFF 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.
January 29 · 16 min
It's not just the Ship Canal: Another part of I-5 needs a major makeover
The last few weeks, Seattle commuters have been weathering I-5 maintenance on the Ship Canal Bridge. The traffic is bad, the timeline is long … yeah, it’s not fun. Maybe this will help ease the frustration while you wait in traffic. It could be worse: we could need a whole new bridge. That’s the situation for the I-5 span over the Columbia River, at the border of Washington and Oregon. Parts of the crossing are over 100 years old, and local leaders have discussed a replacement for decades. Planning between Washington and Oregon started twenty years ago … the project hasn’t broken ground yet, and cost estimates have recently ballooned. But the I-5 bridge replacement got good news from the Coast Guard this month that could make it a tad less pricey. Guests: Carley Francis, Interim Program Administrator for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Related links: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Washington State Is Losing Control of the Columbia Interstate Bridge Replacement Megaproject » The Urbanist Coast Guard OKs new I-5 bridge over Columbia River without movable span • 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.
January 29 · 6 min
Soundside's Weekend Warmup - Jan 29-Feb 1
We’re a week away from the start of the OLYMPICS! It’s the final week of January, and I’m amazed that it feels simultaneously like New Year’s Eve was just yesterday, but also that this month has felt like an entire year long. Let’s do something FUN this weekend! Here with all the stuff to do is Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows!! LINKS: Washington Sportsmen's Show Tacoma Home + Garden Show Heated Rivalry Rave | Neumos sQuatch Fest + Galactic Fest 2026 For Your Consideration - SIFF The Chronology of Water - SIFF Battle of the Sound: Seattle Thunderbirds vs Everett Silvertips Tacoma Tattoo Expo 2026 Seattle Wedding Show Drag Queen Bingo - Chuck’s Hop Shop Seward Park 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.
January 28 · 25 min
Seattle's City Attorney on ICE, drug prosecutions, and working through a case backlog
Seattle’s new city attorney, Erika Evans has been on the job for a little over 3 weeks – one of several newly elected officials moving the city in a more progressive direction. We’re discuss a range of topics - from drug laws and diversion, to federal immigration enforcement in the city. And a quick reminder about the city attorney’s duties: They enforce Seattle’s laws, prosecute misdemeanor crimes and defend the city in court. Guest: Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans Related storieS: Seattle doubles down on diversion — not charges — for public drug use - KUOW Ferguson, Brown pledge legal action if ICE violates WA residents’ rights - 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.
January 27 · 31 min
"This is all designed to supress our rights," Rep. Jayapal reflects on immigration operation in Minnesota
The Trump Administration might be dialing down some of its most confrontational immigration enforcement operations focused on the Twin Cities. Alex Pretti, a 37 year old VA nurse, was shot and killed on Saturday by Customs and Border Patrol agents. It was the second deadly shooting in one month by immigration officers in Minnesota. Federal officials said Pretti “approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.” Pretti did have a gun on him, which he was legally licensed to carry. Video of the scene does not show him brandishing the weapon and he appeared to be disarmed before he was shot by CBP. After several members of his administration spent the weekend defending the agents’ actions, President Trump on Monday relieved Border Patrol’s Gregory Bovino of command duties in Minnesota and put border czar Tom Homan in charge. Governor Tim Walz said in a statement that he spoke with Homan this morning and they agreed to the need for “an ongoing dialogue.” Since the Pretti killing, some Republicans in congress have signaled rare criticism of the President’s policies. Some called for an independent investigation and appear to be pushing to de-escalate the situation in Minnesota. Meanwhile, there is a showdown in Congress this week over funding for DHS – fueled by outrage over the events in Minneapolis – and it’s all leading to a potential federal government shutdown looming on Friday. Guest: Rep. Pramila Jayapal - U.S. Representative from Washington's 7th District Relevant Links: NPR: In the wake of Alex Pretti's death, Congress appears on track for a partial shutdown NPR: Tensions escalate in Minnesota after another killing 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.
January 27 · 20 min
Can local police arrest ICE if they violate someone’s civil rights?
Minnesota courts are reportedly overwhelmed by the number of civil rights lawsuits being filed by immigrants and observers interacting with ICE and CBP during “Operation Metro Surge.” Politico has documented more than 2,400 cases across the country, in which judges have rejected the administration’s detention policy. Across our own state local police departments have put out statements about what they can and cannot do when ICE comes to their communities. In the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd, many Police Departments were challenged to renew their focus on civil rights – to avoid the kinds of shootings, injuries, and lawsuits we see around ICE and Border Patrol right now. According to reporting by The Atlantic and the Wall Street Journal, that’s led to a rift between federal agents and police officers, as they see ICE using tactics previously denigrated by the Justice Department in the wake of George Floyd. But what are police officers able to do when confronting potential civil rights violations by federal agents? Guest: Tahir Duckett is the Executive Director of the Center for Innovations in Community Safety at Georgetown Law. The center runs the ABLE project, which teaches police how to intervene during civil rights violations by fellow law enforcement officers Related stories: Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project - Georgetown Law Police and ICE Agents Are on a Collision Course - The Atlantic Police Who Once Backed ICE’s Mission Are Losing Faith in Its Tactics - Wall Street Journal 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.
January 26 · 18 min
Ask a Doctor: To breastfeed or not to breastfeed?
The federal government wants parents to breastfeed more. In a press conference last month, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. argued that infant formula falls short in comparison to breast milk. And in a strategy report published last September called “Make Our Children Healthy Again," the White House said it would “work to increase breastfeeding rates.” In some corners, these initiatives and comments have ruffled feathers – with critics arguing the emphasis was tantamount to shaming women who can’t or choose not to breastfeed. But they also got us thinking about the science behind the breast milk versus infant formula debate …. and why it’s still so controversial when people have been feeding their babies since, well… forever. Guests: Janelle Guirguis-Blake, a practicing family physician in Tacoma and clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Related links: The-MAHA-Strategy-WH.pdf RFK Jr. is investigating infant formula. Here’s what’s at stake | CNN Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for Infants and Children: A Systematic Review | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics HHS, FDA Announce Operation Stork Speed to Expand Options for Safe, Reliable, and Nutritious Infant Formula for American Families | FDA 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.
January 26 · 33 min
Front Page: Washington's leaders lay out plan for ICE response, Seahawks head to the Super Bowl
At the start of 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: 'Not our America.' Washington state leaders condemn federal shootings in Minnesota - KUOW Super Bowl 60 is set and it's a rematch from 11 years ago: Patriots vs. Seahawks - 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.
January 22 · 5 min
Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" - Jan 23-25
You know what they say... where there's a weekend, there's a warmup. And here with all the random stuff you can do this weekend is Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows! LINKS: Edible Books — Shorelake Arts GameSymphonic with Eímear Noone | Seattle Symphony Pacific NW Reptile & Exotic Animal Show Jet City Roller Derby 20th Anniversary Season Game 1 5th Annual Viking Beard Competition Anaheim Ducks at Seattle Kraken - Fri 1/23 - 7pm New Jersey Devils at Seattle Kraken - Sun 1/25 - 12pm Seattle Torrent vs Vancouver Goldeneyes - Sun 1/25 - 3pm IN DENVER Seahawks NFC Championship Game - Seahawks vs LA Rams - Sun 1/25 - 3:30 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.
January 22 · 7 min
This exhibit challenges how museums portray Native Americans
When you visit the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, you’ll see a red circular structure with a four-letter phrase written across the top: “This Is Native Land.” It’s the name of the museum’s permanent exhibit that opened in October. The phrase is a reminder that you’ve probably seen many times... But don’t be lulled into thinking you’ll know what to expect. It has been given a new lens. We went to Tacoma a few months ago to talk with the curators behind "This Is Native Land" about how the exhibit came together... and how it challenges the typical ways that museums portray Indigenous people. Guests: Todd Clark, tribal liaison for the Washington State Historical Society and co-curator of “This Is Native Land.” Danica Sterud Miller, associate professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Washington Tacoma and co-curator of "This Is Native Land." Related links This Is Native Land - Washington State Historical Society Washington State History Museum opens new exhibit, 'This is Native Land' | Puyallup Tribe ‘This is Native Land' explores Washington state history through contemporary art | KNKX Public Radio 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.
January 21 · 22 min
Ira Glass reflects on fame, podcasting, and the future of public radio
For over 30 years (since 1995) Ira Glass has been one of, if not THE voice of public radio. His show, This American Life, has won Peabody awards, the first ever audio journalism Pulitzer. And it’s also shaped generations of listeners and audio makers. As an early adopter of podcasting (2006), the show was for many a first foray into digital listening. It spawned major hits like Serial, which led to a boom in documentary podcasting. But the world of audio has changed a lot in recent years. Ira Glass shares his thoughts with Soundside. And he’s coming to the Mount Baker Theater in Bellingham this weekend (Saturday, January 24th) to share some of his secrets: the show is called “An Evening with Ira Glass: Seven Things I've Learned” Guest: Host and executive producer of This American Life, Ira Glass Related Links: Mount Baker Theatre Presents An Evening with Ira Glass: Seven Things I've Learned Ira Glass Explains Why I’m Listening to Podcasts Wrong | SubwayTakes Uncut - Youtube Ira Glass plays a nicer version of himself on the radio - NPR 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.
January 21 · 16 min
Is Seattle ready to pay up for a Seattle Center glow up?
There’s not a lot of places like Seattle Center... Where else can you take in the opera, a professional hockey game, and an iconic tourist attraction (y’know, the pointy one with a disk on top,) plus a world-famous radio station, and Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning on a six story movie screen… all in the same place? The 13 square block campus draws over 10 million visitors each year, but supporters argue that the city has been taking Seattle Center for granted. The campus is scattered with aging buildings and creaky infrastructure… And it’s unclear where money to fix up the center will come from. In short, Seattle Center is in the middle of a crossroads. David Kroman reports for the Seattle Times. Along with Margo Vansynghel, he co-bylined a story about the issues facing Seattle Center and a proposed path forward. GUEST: David Kroman RELATED LINK: Seattle Center is fraying. Will the city pay to fix it? 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.
January 21 · 19 min
Front Page: SPD’s ICE policy, Wilson wants to fix the l8 bus, Seahawks demolish 49ers
At the start of 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: KUOW reporter Casey Martin Related stories: ICE Arrest of a Citizen, Barely Dressed, Sows Fear in Twin Cities - NYT Seattle police directive clarifies officers’ role as ICE rumors rise - Seattle Times In act of ICE resistance, Seattleites make hundreds of ‘whistle kits’ - Seattle Times Mayor Wilson Announces Executive Orders to Accelerate Shelter and Improve Transit - Office of the Mayor A more clean and comfortable ride: Why Link is moving to vinyl seats - Sound Transit Seahawks had ‘right intent’ with 49ers ticket resale notice that upset fans - 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.
January 20 · 8 min
Did you feel that? The science behind the Seahawks' "Shaheed Quake"
Seismic activity at sporting events is nothing new to Seattle fans. Many of us remember Marshawn Lynch’s 2011 BEAST-QUAKE. Seahawks fans revel in Lumen Field’s reputation for noise when opposing teams are on offense… Even T-Mobile Park has experienced its fair share of shaking. Earlier this year when the Mariners made it to the playoffs, the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network was on site to measure the bone rattling when the M’s hit home runs. And this past weekend, they were at the 49ers game with a live stream where fans could keep tabs on how much shaking was going on... GUEST: Harold Tobin - Director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and WA State Seismologist RELATED LINKS: PNSN 2026 Seahawks vs 49ers PNSN - Seahawks on Instagram Seahawks fans’ roar over 49ers rivaled ‘Beast Quake,’ scientists say 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.
January 20 · 22 min
Washington made it harder for CPS to separate families. Critics say kids are less safe
In recent years, Washington state has made two major policy changes to keep more birth families together. Since then, fewer kids in Washington have been taken from their birth families, especially infants. But over the same time period, more babies and children from families who’ve been investigated by child welfare workers have died. That’s why critics say those changes have made children less safe and should be reversed. Read the full story: Washington made it harder for CPS to separate families. Critics say kids are less safe 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.
January 15 · 19 min
McClatchy News is experimenting with AI. Union reporters have questions
How comfortable are you with AI in your news? The Tacoma News Tribune, Tri-City Herald, Bellingham Herald, the Olympian. For over a century all of these local papers have brought in-depth reporting and local news to their communities. But new policies instituted by publisher McClatchy Media have left reporters at the papers worried that the company is adopting artificial intelligence tools for efficiency’s sake, at the cost of accurate information. Union members from the Idaho and Washington State Newsguild, a group of five McClatchy owned papers in the region (that includes the four from WA and The Idaho Statesman), are demanding that the publisher change its policy on how it uses artificial intelligence to produce and collate content. Guests: Kristine Sherred is the food reporter at the Tacoma News Tribune, and chair of the WA state newsguild Links: To our readers: How we are using AI in our newsrooms - Miami Herald The McClatchy News Group Is Pushing AI. Their Union Is Pushing Back. - The Stranger 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.