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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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October 1 · 51 min
WA Senate Debate: Two Democrats vie to represent Seattle's northern suburbs
This election season, State Sen. Jesse Salomon is defending his seat against a challenger who believes he's not progressive enough, Rep. Cindy Ryu. Legislative District 32, which they both represent now, is a safe seat for Democrats. LD 32 includes Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood and also parts of northwest Seattle, Edmonds and Woodway. Both have been in local and state politics for a while, but why is Ryu running against Salomon now? The two sat down for a debate with "Soundside" in front of a live audience. Plus: Co-hosts Libby Denkmann and David Kroman talk today's top headlines and Shane Mehling takes on the Weekend Warmup. Today on the show: Jesse Salomon, state senator for Legislative District 32 Cindy Ryu, position 1 representative for Legislative District 32 Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 30 · 50 min
New school year, new fights over free speech at the UW
The University of Washington's Board of Regents almost voted on a change to the school's Student Conduct Code in early September, which led to a wave of pushback from students and faculty who read it as an effort to crackdown on certain kinds of protests. The school delayed that original vote and extended its feedback period to December. Soundside spoke to students, as well as an organization that advocates for free speech, about what all of this signals about the state of protests at the University of Washington. Also, KUOW is a self-sustaining service of the University of Washington, meaning we fundraise separately and maintain editorial independence from the school. Today on the show: Radcliffe Cushman, an undergraduate student at the University of Washington Francisco Dojenia, a graduate student at the University of Washington Laura Beltz, the director of policy reform at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 29 · 51 min
Congressman Adam Smith answers your questions on Israel, AI, and more
Oddsmakers and election forecasters say Democrats are heavily favored to win back the House this November. If that does happen, Washington State Congressman Adam Smith is likely to chair the powerful House Armed Services Committee. There, he would take on some seriously thorny issues, such as the U.S. war in Iran, the war between Israel and Palestine, the Department of War and the role of AI in military operations. Plus: Co-hosts Libby Denkmann and David Kroman talk today's top headlines. Today on the show: Congressman Adam Smith. He represents Washington’s 9th congressional district, which includes Federal Way, Renton, and parts of Bellevue and 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.
September 28 · 51 min
The candidates running to represent Seattle's progressive 43rd Legislative District
This November, Sen. Jamie Pedersen will defend his seat in Seattle's 43rd Legislative District against a challenger who believes he's not progressive enough. Hannah Sabio-Howell, a labor activist and former legislative aide, is running to unseat Pedersen, who has represented the district for nearly two decades. The two sat down for separate interviews with "Soundside" to share why they think they're the best fit for the progressive district. Plus: Co-hosts Libby Denkmann and David Kroman talk today's top headlines. Today on the show: Hannah Sabio-Howell, who's running to represent the 43rd Legislative District in Seattle Sen. Jamie Pedersen, an incumbent running for reelection in the 43rd Legislative District Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 24 · 52 min
Seattle city council candidates debate public safety, food deserts, and more
Two candidates are running to represent Seattle’s northern neighborhoods - from Greenwood to Bitterlake, and Crown Hill to Lake City. The outcome of this race has big implications for the political balance of City Hall and could prove to be the tipping point in continued debates over tax revenue, whether to turn on CCTV cameras as a crime prevention measure, the next stage of Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan, and the ever looming issue of the city’s budget deficit. Today on the show: City Council District 5 candidates Nilu Jenks and Julie Kang Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 23 · 51 min
Council President Hollingsworth on the budget, progressive policies, and mayor's homelessness goals
Budget deficits are an annual trend for post pandemic Seattle. The city is facing a projected $175 million dollar budget shortfall next year. To solve that, the city's socialist mayor has put forward no new taxes. She’s instead calling for cuts to many departments, while adding more police. Now the ball is in the city council’s court, to amend and pass the budget by the end of the year. This is just one of the many items the council has on its plate – including housing and public safety initiatives. Today on the show: Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 22 · 51 min
A broken window, the Central Library and a $6 billion city-wide problem
A broken window on the 9th floor of Seattle's Central Library symbolizes a six billion dollar problem. Much of the city’s infrastructure is aging. The animal shelter needs renovations, the Fire Department needs a new headquarters – the city even needs new maintenance yards. And competition for those dollars is going to be pretty intense. The city’s budget is in a tough place and previous ways the city has raised money iwon't be around forever. Plus: A new screen time policy at Seattle Public Schools for K-2 students Today on the show: Noel Gasca, KUOW reporter Tom Fay, chief librarian, Seattle Public Library Rob Gannon, director of administrative services, Seattle Public Library Keith Harris, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Urban Design & Planning at the University of Washington Jesse Praeter, library patron Peter Wheeler, library patron Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 21 · 51 min
AI, housing, and Aurora Ave N: A conversation with the candidates for WA State Legislative District 46 House Position 1
Washington’s 46th Legislative District covers the north end of the city of Seattle, from the northern City Limit at 145th down to NE 45th, and from Aurora Ave N out to Lake Washington. Gerry Pollet is a lawyer and environmental advocate who has represented the district in Olympia since 2012. He currently chairs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review committee and is running for re-election this year. He attracted two motivated challengers this year, both Democrats, and will now face Will Dreher, a former assistant U.S. Attorney and partner at the law firm Keller Rohrback, in the general election. We’ve invited them both into the studio to talk about their platforms. Today on the show: Gerry Pollet Will Dreher Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 17 · 34 min
The debate around Seattle's 'fair pricing' push for grocery shoppers
Seattle could soon ban "algorithmic-based price discrimination" for grocery shoppers. It's a move that city leaders are pushing in the name of affordability and privacy protection. In this episode, we'll talk to a City Councilmember who's trying to pass it, as well as an industry leader who has critiques of the ordinance as it's written. We'll also hear from a privacy reporter about what this fight against "surveillance" or "personalized pricing" looks like around the country. Plus: Soundside's Weekend Warmup (click for links to events!) Today on the show: Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Seattle City Councilmember; Amanda Dalton, president and CEO of the Northwest Grocery Retail Association; Alfred Ng, privacy reporter at POLITICO Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 16 · 34 min
Candidates vying to replace Newhouse talk immigration, trade, and data centers
The race to replace one of the last Trump-skeptical Republicans in Congress is in Central Washington. We'll take you to Washington's 4th Congressional District to hear from candidates vying to replace Dan Newhouse in the house. It's one of the safest Republican house seat in the state. But it touches on some pretty big picture issues like immigration, trade and data centers. Today on the show: Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney, former Air Force Major John Duresky Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 15 · 36 min
What’s in Mayor Wilson’s new gun violence plan?
This morning, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson released her new plan to reduce gun violence in the city. This comes after multiple high profile shootings this summer. What exactly is in this plan and why Wilson is bringing it forward now? Plus we’ll get a reaction from a leader in Seattle’s business community, which has been vocal about the need to step up public safety efforts Today on the show: KUOW Reporter Amy Radil, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Joe Nguyen Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 14 · 36 min
Spokane, after the fires
More than a month after wildfires engulfed the northwest corner of Spokane, how are residents recovering? And how can the state become more resilient in the face of wildfires… especially since these seasons are only expected to get longer and more severe in the coming years. Plus: Libby and David break down today’s top headlines. Today on the show: Courtney Burkholder, owner of CJB Dressage, Alexandra Duggan, reporter at the Spokesman-Review and George Geissler, the state forester for the Department of Natural Resources Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 10 · 50 min
The head of Seattle's public schools on A.I., student safety and recess
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner returns to Soundside to discuss the latest news and answer your questions. This time: union negotiations, A.I. in classrooms, student achievement — and live calls. Plus: David and guest host Scott Greenstone break down today’s top headlines. Today on the show: Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 9 · 52 min
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson on homelessness, CCTV cameras, and more
Every month Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson sits down with Soundside to discuss the latest news and answer your questions. This month: gun violence prevention, expanding the city's CCTV pilot program, and increasing shelter availability. Plus: Libby and David break down today’s top headlines. Today on the show: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
September 8 · 51 min
The City Hall Pit: Why a hole in downtown Seattle has persisted for more than 20 years
We dig into a giant hole in downtown real estate: the story behind why a full city block has remained undeveloped for more than 20 years. Plus: Libby and David break down today’s top headlines. Today on the show: Former Seattle Deputy Mayor Tim Burgess, Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin, and Director of the Washington Center for Real Estate Research, Professor Steven Bourassa Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 6 · 12 min
Inside the race to fix bugs in Microsoft's software
New ProPublica reporting reveals how a new AI tool, made by Anthropic, is reportedly detecting software bugs faster than Microsoft can address them. And the clock to patch those vulnerabilities is ticking fast. Soundside talked with ProPublica tech reporter Renee Dudley about her reporting on this issue, and how it's raising major questions about the security of the wider U.S. tech industry, and products consumers rely on daily. Related Links Anthropic’s New AI Model Can Identify More Software Bugs Than Ever. Microsoft Is Struggling to Fix Them Fast Enough. - ProPublica Editor's note: Microsoft is a financial supporter of KUOW, but we cover them like we do any other company. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 6 · 5 min
Soundside's Weekend Warmup - the one before we're off for a month!
Soundside is going on a working hiatus for the month of August, but we'll be back and better than ever the day after Labor Day... But until then, Soundside producer Jason Megatron Burrows has a bunch of events to keep you busy until we're back! LINKS: Seattle Mariners vs Tampa Bay CAPITOL HILL BLOCK PARTY Edmonds Block Party CatVideoFest 2026 Sherlock Jr at Magnolia Lutheran Church Seattle Tattoo Expo Get Sauced: Mountlake Terrace Seahawks vs. Cowboys Preseason Game WA State Garlic Fest Dragonflight GameCon Cake at Remlinger Farms PAX West 2026 Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 6 · 12 min
El Niños can be a real headache, especially for WA's fishing industry
If you didn’t know, we are in the middle of an El Niño. Scientists say it has the potential to be one of the strongest in recent years. This is the weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that periodically pushes warm water toward the West Coast. El Niños cause all kinds of problems, including worsening Washington droughts. And they can be a real pain for the region’s fishing industry. Guests Bob Alverson, general manager of the Fishing Vessel Owners' Association Anthony Rogers, a fisheries economist at Ocean Conservancy Related links: The 2026 El Niño Is on Track to Be the Strongest on Record | WIRED Record-breaking El Niño could gut California’s crab and salmon fleets | Los Angeles Times What a ‘very strong’ El Niño could mean for WA | The Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 6 · 22 min
"Don't broadcast your notes, broadcast the game." Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs reflects on 41 years with the team
Long summer nights with the Mariners on the radio are a rite of passage in the Pacific Northwest. This weekend the team is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and whether you grew up with the M’s as a kid during the glory days of Ken Griffey Jr. in the Kingdome, just started following as the Big Dumper was breaking records last season, or stuck with the team, faithfully, through a 20 year playoff drought, one voice has stood out. Rick Rizzs started with the Mariners back in 1983... He had a brief stint in Detroit, coming back to Seattle in ‘95 where he put in a record breaking 41 years with the team He announced earlier this year that he would be retiring at the end of the 2026 season, and this week sat down with Soundside producer Jason Burrows. GUEST: Rick Rizzs Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 5 · 21 min
Why some parents and teachers want the president of Seattle's teachers union to step down
Should the president of Seattle’s teachers union keep her position? That’s the question on the minds of many local teachers and parents. Last week, parents of a student of Ibijoke Idowu began the process of pursuing a civil lawsuit against the teacher and the district, claiming she had physically harmed their child. This follows a Seattle Public Schools investigation, released in June, which concluded that Idowu “more likely than not” grabbed the student hard enough to cause bruising. Idowu was elected to lead the Seattle Education Association while she was on leave pending the results of this probe. Idowu has denied allegations of misconduct. Guest: KUOW education reporter Noel Gasca Related stories: Demands for Seattle teacher’s union president to resign intensify amid student abuse allegations - KUOW Seattle teacher, union president, responds to report she ‘likely’ harmed student - Seattle Times Petition to initiate RECALL of SEA President Ibijoke Idowu-Holiday - change.org Petition support Idowu: Protect Devoted Educator from targeted harassment, intimidation & cultural bias! - change.org Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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