Soundside

KUOW News and Information

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Episodes1095

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June 22 · 16 min
Long-running fight over Sodo housing takes a new turn
The long saga of whether Seattle can or should allow housing to be built near the stadiums in Sodo is ... still going. This wrestling match has to do with a couple blocks to the south of T-Mobile Park. The debate was restarted in 2025, when the Seattle City Council passed a bill from then-Seattle City Council president Sarah Nelson. It allowed residential use in the small strip of land next to the baseball stadium. The idea quickly drew backlash from port workers and truckers who operate in Sodo and Nelson’s bill eventually suffered a double-whammy of being declared illegal by a state board and later being repealed by her former colleagues on the council. So… conversation over, right? Turns out, no… Guest: Ryan Packer, contributing editor at The Urbanist Relevant Links: The Urbanist: Legal Appeal from MLB Stadium Authority Restarts Stadium District Housing Saga The Urbanist: Council Committee Greenlights SoDo Housing Proposal Despite Strong Port Opposition 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.
June 22 · 29 min
Front Page: is Washington good for soccer, but bad for billionaires? Plus an immigration law firm crackdown, and Starbucks snafu in South Korea
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: Mike Lewis - Journalist and owner of the Streamline Tavern in Seattle Related stories: Soccer beacon Seattle shines on the World Cup stage - The Athletic Empty Rooms and Plunging Prices: World Cup Tourism Is Off to a Slow Start - NYT Public entities across the state are spending around $120 million to host the World Cup, according to a KUOW analysis - KUOW A huge WA immigration law firm rises and falls: The inside story - Seattle Times Why Did Every Starbucks Barista in Korea Have to Take a History Lesson? - 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.
June 18 · 6 min
Soundside's Weekend Warmup: Juneteenth, Father's Day, and BEYOND!
We’ve been having a lot of fun with the World Cup, and with Team USA taking on Australia on Friday at Seattle Stadium, things are going to be BUSY in downtown Seattle… But, if you’re looking to get out of the city, Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows is here with a bunch of options for your Juneteenth & Father’s Day weekend! LINKS: WORLD CUP - Juneteenth Match Day Mariners vs Boston JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS June 19 — Seattle, Jimi Hendrix Park June 19 — Seattle, NW African American Museum June 19 — Shoreline, Shoreline City Hall June 19 — Tacoma, Haub Family Field June 19 — Tukwila, Sullivan Center June 20 — Kent, Morrill Meadows Park June 20 — Lynnwood, Martha Lake Park June 20/21 — Seattle, Arte Noir Gorge Blues and Brews Edmonds Arts Festival Marysville Strawberry Festival Rhubarb Days 2026 Brinnon ShrimpFest Revel Revolution Women & Nonbinary Ride 2026 Fremont Solstice Parade - Seattle Fremont Fair 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.
June 18 · 22 min
Front Page: Upriver Fire, Bear Attacks, Kids Uninsured, and Soccer
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: Melissa Santos Related Links: Displaced residents react to Upriver Fire - KHQ Rare black bear attack on Mount Si injures hiker, shuts down mountain - King 5 WA falls again in national education ranking - Washington State Standard More Washington kids are uninsured as child well-being slips - Axios World Cup 2026: Tiny ‘designated protest zones’ pop up around Seattle Stadium - 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.
June 17 · 6 min
The artist who spent months in a tower on the University Bridge
Have you ever taken a close look at the University Bridge? Specifically those little towers on either side? Earlier this year, depending on which one you looked at, you might have seen a person hanging out. Maybe you waved at her. That was Vivian Cho. She was one of two people that Seattle picked to serve as this year’s Bridge Artists in Residence. It’s a program that the city runs annually. Artists are invited to hang out in a bridge tower for months, either on the Fremont or the University Bridge. At the end of these stints, they showcase art that they created during their residencies. Vivian's artwork went up at King Street Station in early June.... so we took a trip back to November, when we visited her in the bridge tower studio. Guest: Vivian Cho, one of Seattle's Bridge Artists in Residence Related links: Big News from the Bridges: Meet the 2025 Bridge Artists in Residence! - Art Beat 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.
June 17 · 13 min
How the Seattle Storm's head coach went from law books to playbooks
For Sonia Raman, becoming head coach of a WNBA basketball team wasn’t originally in the plans. Sure, she grew up playing the sport. But when her college career ended, she went on to earn a JD/a degree from Boston College Law School. And then, she did what many of us do: she got a regular office job. So how do you go from working for the US Department of Labor, to starting this year as head coach for the Seattle Storm? Guest: Seattle Storm head coach Sonia Raman 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.
June 16 · 16 min
A Seattle immigration lawyer reacts to green card application policy changes
The green card application process has become more confusing in recent weeks. In May, the Trump administration sent out a memo saying applicants inside the U.S. would need to leave the country and apply from their home country. The change could have affected tens of thousands of Washington residents, some of whom have waited years to complete the last step to become a U.S. citizen. But then, the week following that announcement – the Trump administration appeared to partially walk back the change. The back-to-back announcements panicked many hoping to get their green cards. A lot of unanswered questions remain, so Soundside spoke with a Seattle immigration attorney about how she's working through this moment. Guest Tahmina Watson, founding immigration lawyer with Watson Immigration Law Related Links Actually, Most Immigrants Won’t Need to Leave U.S. to Get Green Cards, D.H.S. Says - The New York Times Stephen Miller’s New Attack on Green-Card Applicants Is Simply a Scare Tactic - Slate What Trump’s dramatic green card announcement means for WA - The Seattle Times 'Confusion and uncertainty.' Washington green card hopefuls react to new policy hurdle - 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.
June 16 · 17 min
Former Councilmember Cathy Moore on Aurora Avenue North, public safety, and SOAP orders
Aurora Avenue North has been the site of escalating gun violence that police say is driven by sex trafficking. Last week, Mayor Katie Wilson, City Attorney Erika Evans, and Council President Joy Hollingsworth held a news conference to announce next steps. They include using civil orders to take guns away from sex traffickers and closing side streets. Hanging over all of this is whether the city should use stay out of areas of prostitution or SOAP law. Guest: Former Seattle City Council member and King County Superior Court Judge Cathy Moore Relevant Links: KUOW: How three key players view the narrative about sex work and gun violence on Aurora Avenue Seattle Times: Seattle moves to take guns from traffickers on Aurora as mayor closes streets 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.
June 16 · 15 min
Researchers at the UW are using concrete vibrators to kill pesky shrimp. Why?
Burrowing Shrimp dig into the sand and make tunnels underground. In doing so they kick up about a handful of sand up to the surface everyday, and bury clams and oysters. That’s a problem for shellfish farmers. Researchers at the University of Washington found a new way to get rid of the pests with the help of concrete vibrators. Guests: Jennifer Ruesink, a biology professor at the University of Washington and the senior author of a recent paper on the technique. Ken Wiegardt, a 5th generation oyster grower with Jolly Roger Oysters in Willapa Bay. Links: A new method could help Washington shellfish farmers control a pesky shrimp - UW News Immobilization of Burrowing Shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis) by Vibrocompaction as a Pest Control Strategy for Shellfish Farms - Journal of Shellfish Research Shellfish growers’ request to use neonicotinoid pesticide too risky for Washington’s environment - Department of Ecology of Washington State Jennifer L. Ruesink - University of Washington See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 15 · 23 min
Why people in Seattle are converting to Catholicism
Even in one of the U.S.'s most non-religious areas, early data suggests more people in the Seattle area are converting to Roman Catholicism. The archdiocese of Seattle keeps tallies on catechumens, which refers to a person who will be baptized, confirmed and receive Holy Communion. In 2026, the archdiocese already reports over 1070 catechumens, across more than 130 parishes, a 17 percent increase over last year and a 40 percent increase since 2024. We spoke with a handful of recent converts to Catholicism from around the Seattle area about why each of them converted, and what role faith plays in their lives now. Guest Kevin Brown, Graduate Program director and a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at Gonzaga University. He also currently serves as the editor of the Proceedings of the Catholic Theological Society of America. Related Links Roman Catholic Churches See a Surge of New Converts - The New York Times National Rise in Catholicism Conversions Makes its Way to the Puget Sound - The Seattle Spectator 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.
June 15 · 25 min
Front Page: World Cup, Aurora Ave N, and THE HEAT!
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: Soundside Producer Maleeha Syed Related Links: Was the World Cup win over Paraguay the best in USMNT history? At Gonzaga, a glimpse of Salah and a city's day of wonder After Somali referee denied entry, Seattle organization returns World Cup tickets Seattle moves to take guns from traffickers on Aurora as mayor closes streets WA weather: Highs in Seattle area could touch 90 on World Cup game day 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.
June 12 · 11 min
Celebrating the Stimson-Green Mansion's 125th Birthday
If you’ve ever walked around First Hill in Seattle, you might have noticed the Stimson Green Mansion on the corner of Seneca and Minor Avenue. The house is celebrating its 125th year. It used to be home to some of the most influential and first families of Seattle. Guest: Chris Moore - Executive Director of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Abby Armato - Public Programs Specialist of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Related Links: Stimson-Green Mansion - Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Stimson-Green Mansion - History Link Joshua Green - History Link First Hill Park - First Hill Improvement Association See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 11 · 23 min
KC Exec Zahilay has ambitious goals, first he wants the county to rebuild trust
For the first time in 16 years, a new King County Executive gave a state of the county address. Executive Girmay Zahilay was in Federal Way last night to outline the work he has done in his first six months in office and look forward to what he plans to accomplish in the next 3 and a half years of his term. Zahilay spoke about new investments in childcare, homelessness, and mental healthcare, amid the rapidly shifting federal environment over the last year and a half. He also acknowledged the need to build trust after recent troubling audits looking into KCRHA and the county’s Department of Community and Human Services. Guest: King County Executive Girmay Zahilay Relevant Links: Seattle Times: Zahilay wants more King County childcare funding, bus service, housing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 11 · 6 min
Soundside's Weekend Warmup - Pride Hockey, Viking Biking, and the Furry 5K
There's so much to do this weekend, so LET'S GET TO IT: LINKS: Salmon Bay FC vs FC Olympia - Public Radio Night! Brass Screw Consortium Seattle Pride Classic 2026 Pride Ice Skate Lifelong Pride Gala Washington Brewers Fest 2026 Beacon Arts Street Fairs Viking Tour – Poulsbo Rotary Club Furry 5K 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.
June 11 · 18 min
Front Page: Seattle's data center ban, KUOW's reporting on trans athlete ballot initiative
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. Note: Microsoft is a financial supporter of KUOW, but we cover them like we do any other company. Guest Catharine Smith, KUOW politics editor Related Links Seattle data center ban heads to Mayor Wilson's desk - KUOW Transgender ballot initiative could require genital exams for WA secondary school students - KUOW School cellphone ban proposed by WA governor, superintendent - 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.
June 10 · 31 min
Seattle Mayor Wilson on World Cup, CCTV cameras, shelter promise, and Ballard light rail
We’re just over six months into Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's tenure, which means the honeymoon period’s in the rear view mirror. Voters have gotten a look at how her administration is handling some of the biggest issues facing the city: How ready is Seattle to host its first World Cup game on Monday? What happened to those 500 shelter beds that were supposed to be added before the games How is the Mayor taking criticism from the business community over some of her progressive messaging? How will Wilson, as a former transit rider organizer, prioritize moving people throughout the city? Guest: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Relevant Links: Seattle Times: Mayor Wilson agrees to turn on stadium-area cameras ahead of World Cup Politico: The World Cup’s biggest policy bet Seattle Times: Seattle mayor pitches sales tax increase to boost bus service 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.
June 10 · 13 min
Many parent caregivers are struggling with disability care. Here are their stories.
In Washington, many families that have children with disabilities are supposed to have help with care. Actually finding that help, though, can be incredibly difficult. The struggle some families have experienced and the lengths they're going to to try to make it better. 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.
June 9 · 29 min
How Lori Matsukawa became a Seattle news icon
If you’re a TV news viewer in Seattle, there’s a REALLY good chance you know this signoff: “Lori Matsukawa, KING 5 News” Lori spent 36 years as one of KING 5’s most celebrated news anchors, before retiring in 2019. Now, she has written a memoir which takes readers from rural Oahu, to Stanford University, and from the skies above Mt. St. Helens as it erupted to the Imperial Palace of Japan. Lori Matsukawa’s book is titled “Being There: Memoir of an Asian American Journalist.” GUEST: Lori Matsukawa LINK: Being There: Memoir of an Asian American Journalist by Lori Matsukawa 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.
June 8 · 16 min
Front Page: Fare enforcement pilot, Seattle movie news
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 Chase Hutchinson, film critic and journalist Related Links Sound Transit study suggests fare gates at 14 busy stations by 2030 - The Seattle Times Sound Transit Recommends Fare Gates at 14 Stations for Initial Pilot - The Urbanist ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ Boost Movie Theaters to Major Win at May Box Office - The Hollywood Reporter SIFF bringing back 70mm screenings for Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ - 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.
June 8 · 33 min
How three key players view the narrative about sex work and gun violence on Aurora Avenue
On Saturday night, more than 100 people who live around Aurora Avenue North in Seattle marched to protest gun violence in their neighborhood. It was organized to call attention to the escalating number of shootings neighbors and law enforcement say are related to sex trafficking in the Aurora corridor. In desperation, some neighbors recently took matters into their own hands and put up makeshift street barriers to try to stop people from driving through neighborhoods. The city council has begun working on legislation that would allow the city to close off streets at the discretion of the chief of police. The hope is that this would help curb violence. But on Saturday, neighbors expressed anger that the city isn’t doing more to stop shootings and to help the victims of sex trafficking. So what’s happening on Aurora? And what is being done to fix it? Guests: Alex Voorhees, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for King County. Audrey Baedke, executive director of SAFE in Washington. Amber with Green Light Project. Related links: Seattle officials introduce bill to help residents battle gun violence | The Seattle Times Seattle City Council proposal would use street closures to curb gun violence | KUOW Why Sex Trafficking Persists on Aurora | Seattle Met North Seattle businesses demand action after Aurora Avenue shooting leaves community shaken | KING 5 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.