Soundside

KUOW News and Information

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Oct 30, 2024 · 17 min
What's the economic value of a minor league team? Everett looks at financials of proposed AquaSox stadium
The Everett AquaSox's home for 40 years, Funko Field, is no longer in compliance with new stadium regulations implemented when Major League Baseball took over the minor leagues in 2020. Now the city of Everett is exploring a replacement stadium that could cost up to $120 million. The city isn't shouldering the whole burden of this stadium, the state has chipped in money, along with Snohomish County, and AquaSox ownership has pledged $5 to $10 million. The city estimates that a new stadium downtown could generate up to $55 million dollars a year, whether that makes the stadium a good investment is up for debate. Guests: Will Geschke - General Assignment Reporter at the Everett Herald Nola Agha - professor at the University of San Francisco’s Sport Management Program Relevant Links: Everett Herald: Everett takes next step toward new AquaSox stadium Everett Herald: Everett faces June deadline to present AquaSox stadium plan 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.
Oct 30, 2024 · 12 min
Our NW volcanoes regularly rumble. But when should we start to worry?
Mount Adams has been a little more active than usual lately. That’s according to researchers with the United States Geological Survey. Now, it’s not uncommon for our northwest volcanoes to shake things up a bit. But Adams tends to be one of the sleepier “chill” giants... until now. So what’s the deal? To dig into what these seismic shenanigans mean– and hopefully set all of our minds at ease – Soundside was joined by Alex Iezzi. Iezzi is a research geophysicist with the US Geological Survey’s Cascade Volcano Observatory. Guests: Alex Iezzi, research geophysicist with the US Geological Survey’s Cascade Volcano Observatory. Related Links: Washington’s Mount Adams is seeing unusual earthquake activity - OPB Glacier Peak's critical monitoring delayed. What this means for WA residents 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.
Oct 30, 2024 · 20 min
Ballots burned in apparent arson attack in Clark and Multnomah counties
The investigation continues into attacks on two ballot drop boxes in Washington and Oregon. Hundreds of ballots were damaged or destroyed early Monday morning at a drop box at a transit center in Vancouver, Washington, the other attack was on a box outside Multnomah County election officers in Portland. Washington’s Secretary of State, Steve Hobbs called the incidents “acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections...” The Vancouver ballot box that was sabotaged is in the highly competitive Third District, where Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is facing off against Republican Joe Kent in one of the closest watched House races in the country. Soundside got the latest information from Oregon Public Broadcasting's politics and government reporter, Dirk VanderHart, then talked election security with State Elections Director Stuart Holmes. 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. GUESTS: Dirk VanderHart - OPB Politics & Government Reporter Stuart Holmes - State Elections Director RELATED LINKS: UPDATED: Clark County Auditor statement regarding ballots destroyed in ballot box - Clark County Statement Regarding Ballot Box Incident in Vancouver, WA - Sec of State Inslee statement on ballot dropbox attack in Clark County - Gov Inslee 2 ballot boxes set on fire in Portland and Vancouver - OPB WA, OR ballot box fires: Here’s what we know | The Seattle Times See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 29, 2024 · 4 min
Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz placed on administrative leave
Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz was placed on administrative leave yesterday. Diaz, who served as chief for four years, was demoted in May amid allegations that he’d hired a romantic partner to a top level advisor role. Diaz is also the subject of a handful of lawsuits asserting he discriminated against SPD staff. Guest: Ashley Hiruko, KUOW Investigative Reporter Relevant Links: KUOW: Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz placed on paid leave amid watchdog investigations KUOW: A beef jerky run and alleged romantic hire: Two investigations launched into former Seattle Chief Diaz 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.
Oct 29, 2024 · 23 min
Your WA Supreme Court Position 2 candidate: Judge Dave Larson
Three of the seats on our state’s Supreme Court will be on the ballot next week. Two of them have incumbent justices running unopposed; the race Washington voters will actually decide is for Washington Supreme Court Position 2. The incumbent, Justice Susan Owens, who turned 75 in August, is aging out of the position because of a rule in the state’s constitution. The position is non-partisan, so you won’t see any party labels next to the candidates’ names - but don’t worry, we’re here to help you make that decision without the “D” or “R” shorthand. Soundside is talking to both candidates vying for the seat this week. Today, we're interviewing Judge Dave Larson. Larson has been a judge for the Federal Way Municipal Court since 2008. Guest: Judge Dave Larson, candidate for Washington Supreme Court Position 2. 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.
Oct 28, 2024 · 11 min
A minor was injured during a school work program. Who's to blame is still in question
Derrik was a 16 year old student when he was given a walk-behind trenching machine to guide through through a field. Derrik was earning school credit with the Battle Ground School District for his work off site with the construction company Rotschy. With no training or oversight, Derrik was severely injured by the machine, eventually losing both of his legs. He survived the work accident, and is now a senior in high school. His story highlights big questions about work based learning programs at Washington schools, and whose job it is to make sure that teens exploring the workforce are kept 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. Guests: Lizz Giordano, investigative reporter with Cascade PBS Relevant Links: ‘Beyond failure’: WA teen loses legs at school-based work program See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 28, 2024 · 13 min
Workers push to revive pensions after decades-long decline
The Boeing machinist’s strike is now in its seventh week. Last Wednesday, the machinist's union rejected the latest contract from the company. A major sticking point continues to be union members’ insistence that the company reinstate a pension, also called a defined-benefits plan. This is a long-held grievance. Union president Jon Holden said that the damage from a 2014 agreement— which froze pensions in favor of a 401(k) plan —remains unresolved. Boeing machinists aren’t alone in this fight. Striking autoworkers also sought to restore pensions during their 2023 strike, but received only increased contributions to their 401(k)s instead. So, why are workers so determined to reclaim pensions now and how realistic is this goal? Guest: Thomas Gilbert, Professor of Finance at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business Links: NPR - At the heart of the Boeing strike, an emotional fight over a lost pension plan KUOW - Why pensions are a hot button issue in the Boeing machinists' strike 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.
Oct 28, 2024 · 21 min
Your WA Supreme Court Position 2 candidate: Sal Mungia
Washington voters will decide next week is who will fill the lone open seat on the Washington Supreme Court. Supreme Court Position 2 is an open race - the incumbent, Justice Susan Owens, is retiring at the end of this year due to the state constitution’s requirement that all justices retire after the year they turn 75. The position is non-partisan. Soundside is talking to both candidates vying for the seat on the state's highest court. Up first: attorney Sal Mungia. Mungia is a partner at Gordon Thomas Honeywell, a law firm based in Seattle and Tacoma. He has specialized in medical malpractice, serious injury, personal injury and real estate litigation. He has also served as the President of the Washington State Bar Association. Guest: Sal Mungia, candidate for Washington Supreme Court Position 2. 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.
Oct 24, 2024 · 26 min
Your Seattle City Council Position 8 Candidates: Tanya Woo
There’s one seat up for grabs on Seattle’s city council this November. Typically city council seats are filled during odd-year elections. But, when former councilmember Teresa Mosqueda was elected to the King County Council in 2023, she left a vacancy that needed filling. Tanya Woo was appointed by the council to fill the seat, until this year’s special election could determine a replacement to serve through 2025. Position 8 represents all of Seattle, as opposed to just one geographic district. This week, Soundside is speaking with both candidates for the office. Today, we're speaking with incumbent councilmember Tanya Woo. 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. Guests: Tanya Woo, candidate for Seattle city council position 8 Relevant Links: The Stranger’s Endorsements for the November 5, 2024 General Election See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 24, 2024 · 26 min
Your Seattle City Council Position 8 Candidates: Alexis Mercedes Rinck
There’s one seat up for grabs on Seattle’s city council this November. Typically city council seats are filled during odd-year elections. But, when former councilmember Teresa Mosqueda was elected to the King County Council in 2023, she left a vacancy that needed filling. Tanya Woo was appointed by the council to fill the seat, until this year’s special election could determine a replacement to serve through 2025. Position 8 represents all of Seattle, as opposed to just one geographic district. This week, Soundside is speaking with both candidates for the office. Up first is Alexis Mercedes Rinck. 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. Guests: Alexis Mercedes Rinck, candidate for Seattle city council position 8 Relevant Links: The Times recommends: Tanya Woo for Seattle City Council Position 8 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 23, 2024 · 20 min
For this Seattle samurai, cartoons were key to illustrating Japanese American perspectives
In 2018, The North American Post, Seattle’s oldest Japanese-language newspaper, printed the final strip of Seattle Tomodachi, a comic created by Sam Goto. Goto was a second generation Japanese-American, born in the Seattle area in 1933. He raised two girls here, working for most of his life as a dental technician. He passed away at the age of 84, just a few months before his final comic strip was printed. For 5 years, Goto used his pen to illustrate the Japanese American experience in the Pacific Northwest. The strips could be funny and whimsical. But his work could also be somber and reflective, as the main character, a young boy, grows up as an outsider straddling two worlds – caught between assimilating and preserving his heritage. These are struggles the real Sam Goto faced in his life. Now, a retrospective of Sam’s art and life has been compiled and published in a new book, called Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience. Guest: Kelly Goto, author of Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience, and Sam Goto's daughter. Relevant links: Seattle Samurai book website Remembering Sam Goto - Seattle Tomodachi cartoonist left lasting legacy - The North American Post 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.
Oct 22, 2024 · 22 min
Taking on the challenges of fatherhood, one phone call at a time
Perinatal Support Washington is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. The organization was started in 1989 as a way for parents to connect and find support during those really tough and bewildering years after a new baby arrives. The organization may be best known for its “Warm Line,” where callers are connected with peers to talk about the challenges they face – including postpartum depression and infertility. Childcare is a central issue in the 2024 presidential election, during the vice presidential debate last month between Senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz, there was an extended conversation about the challenges of raising children in the United States. There was something familiar in the fact that they were two fathers, talking about support for mothers. That’s pretty common on the Warm Line, people who work there say dads often call in with concerns about a partner before realizing they need support, too. A recent survey from the Washington Fatherhood Council found that dads are in need of emotional and mental health support and face stigma around their roles in families, but dads are often conditioned to suppress or avoid feelings that are challenging around parenthood, which makes acknowledging the need for assistance difficult. Guests: Victoria Cherniak, senior warm line manager at Perinatal Support Washington Nathan Friend, dad specialist at Perinatal Support Washington Relevant Links: Perinatal Support Washington (1-888-404-7763) National Maternal Health Hotline 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.
Oct 22, 2024 · 15 min
The program giving Pierce County jurors a $90 raise
Let’s do a quick exercise. How are you feeling? Heart rate good? Optimistic about the rest of the day? Now, how do you feel after I say the words: JURY DUTY? Ugh! What is it about that summons in the mail that makes us cringe so much? The disruption to our schedule? The waiting around? The other jurors? One thing that certainly doesn’t help is the insultingly low pay. Most jurors in the state of Washington have been paid $10 per day since 1959. For people just getting by, serving can be a huge financial burden. And that’s contributing to a lack of diversity among jury pools. Pierce County Superior Court is trying out a way to make serving more attractive… by paying jurors $100 per day, in a first-of-its kind state-funded pilot program, running likely through next May. 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. GUESTS: Chris Gaddis - Pierce County Superior Court Administrator Laurie Sale - Project Manager with the Administrative Office of the Courts with the Pierce County juror pay pilot program RELATED LINKS: Pierce County Launches Juror Pay Pilot, New Daily Rate Will be $100 Through May - WA State Courts Pierce County to begin paying jurors $100 a day • Washington State Standard 2023 Statewide juror demographic survey See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 22, 2024 · 13 min
'A lot of food CEOs have gone away for far less than this': What's behind the crisis at Boar's Head?
For over a century, the deli meat company Boar’s Head has built its brand on a promise to customers - to only sell products based on the most exacting standards. Boar's Head is ubiquitous in the Pacific Northwest, especially if you shop at Kroger stores. You know that logo. But in September, Boar's Head liverwurst was uncovered as the source of the deadliest listeria outbreak in over a decade. The problems at Boar's Head stretch up to the C-suites – where a messy family feud may be affecting the company’s response to the safety crisis. Guest: Chloe Sorvino, a staff writer for Forbes covering food and agriculture. She’s also the author of Raw Deal: Hidden Corruption, Corporate Greed, and the Fight for the Future of Meat. Related links: Inside The Chaos At Boar's Head - Forbes Boar's Head Has Faced Multiple Lawsuits Claiming Sexual Harassment and Racial Discrimination - Forbes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 21, 2024 · 23 min
When you can't run, hide, or fight: How schools can create safety plans that accommodate everyone
“Run, Hide, Fight." That's the advice given to many students in the event of an active shooter at their school. Both the U-S Department of Homeland Security and the FBI support run/hide/fight as a safety protocol. It could save a lot of lives, theoretically. According to the Gun Violence Archive and Education Week this year in the U.S., there have already been 30 school shootings that resulted in injury or death. But - what happens when you can’t run, hide, or fight? What are you supposed to do in any kind of emergency - especially at school? 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. Guests: Jae Kim, an Information and Referral Program Manager with The ARC of King County. Michele Gay, co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools, a non-profit school safety advocacy and resource center. Michael Berkenwald, Principal of Loyal Heights Elementary in Seattle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 21, 2024 · 18 min
How money is changing college athletics, for better and for worse
Halfway through the season, college football has been a whirlwind for local sports fans this season. Some may still be basking in the glory of the Washington Huskies beating the Michigan Wolverines earlier this month. And the Cougars deserve a tip of the hat for successfully keeping the Pac-2 alive…. or maybe it’s the PAC-6 now? The 6-PAC? While fans of Washington schools are still wrapping their heads around conference moves and changes to who and where their teams play, the entire college sports world is adjusting to the new reality of how players get paid. In 2021 it became legal for athletes to make money off of their image. This is called "Name, Image, Likeness" – or NIL. And it’s changed the ability of schools to recruit top talent, in part because of how much boosters are able to offer prospective players. It’s something Thilo Kunkel has thought a lot about. Kunkel is a professor in the school of sport, tourism, and hospitality management at Temple University. He joined Soundside to discuss the upsides and drawbacks of the new NIL system, and how teams, schools, and the NCAA can keep up with the rapidly growing influence of money on athletics. Guests: Thilo Kunkel, professor in the school of sport, tourism, and hospitality management at Temple University. Related Links: How NIL money is paid to college athletes - Washington Post Is NIL a good thing or a bad thing? Sports industry expert weighs in | Temple Now KUOW - What's behind a banner season for the UW Huskies? It could be a fan 'collective' 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.
Oct 21, 2024 · 7 min
Seattle's latest growth plan is out. How would it change the city's neighborhoods?
There are some things that just scream Mondays. A fresh pot of coffee, fresh laundry, and a deep dive into the latest proposal for Seattle’s ongoing city growth plan. If you’re unfamiliar, Seattle’s 20-year growth plan is basically a zoning blueprint showing how the city will make room for new residents. Mayor Bruce Harrell’s first draft came out in March, and the proposal wasn’t exactly what housing advocates were hoping for. Soundside was joined by Ryan Packer, contributing editor to the Urbanist, who helped break down the latest proposal and how it could reshape Seattle's neighborhood density. Guests: Ryan Packer, contributing editor at The Urbanist. Related Links: Updated Seattle Growth Plan Adds Five Neighborhood Anchors, Bigger Fourplexes - The Urbanist Mayor Harrell Releases Details of One Seattle Comprehensive Plan Update - Office of the Mayor 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.
Oct 17, 2024 · 7 min
Meet the people on a quest to count every Cooper's Hawk in Seattle
The Urban Raptor Conservancy's Ed Deal and Patti Loesche are running a decades long study on the population health of Cooper's Hawks in Seattle. What does that involve? Spending a lot of time looking for and observing the city's hawks. Guests: Patti Loesche, co founder of the Urban Raptor Conservency Ed Deal, co founder of the Urban Raptor Conservancy Relevant Links: Urban Raptor Conservancy Website KUOW: What's that screeching? Maybe a hungry young Cooper's Hawk 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.
Oct 17, 2024 · 22 min
Should WA Cares be Optional? The case for NO on I-2124
This election season we’re bringing you conversations on all of the statewide initiatives on this November’s ballot. This week, we’re taking a deep dive into I-2124, it’s the initiative that would give WA voters the option to OPT-OUT of the WA Cares long term services insurance program. Yesterday, we talked to Elizabeth New from the WA Policy Center, who urged listeners to vote YES on I-2124. TODAY, we’re talking to the NO side. Gov. Inslee signed the bill that created WA Cares back in 2019. It’s a kind of “social insurance plan,” which would extend a one-time benefit of $36,500 to people who pay into the program, to help them cover the cost of long-term care. Right now, most Washington workers pay about 58 cents into the program for every 100 dollars earned. If you make $50,000 a year, that’s about 24 dollars a month. There was a delay in getting the payroll deduction started because of COVID, then an opt-out period, so payroll deductions for the plan didn’t actually kick in until July of last year. The first claims for WA Cares benefits can be filed starting July 1st, 2026. A “NO” vote on I-2124 would maintain the WA Cares program as is, without an opt-out. It also preserves the legislature’s ability to revise and improve the program. 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. GUEST: Cathy MacCaul is a member of Washington State’s Long-Term Services & Supports Trust Commission that helps oversee WA Cares, along with being the policy & advocacy director for AARP Washington. RELATED LINKS: Washington Initiative 2124, Opt-Out of Long-Term Services Insurance Program Initiative (2024) - Ballotpedia No On I-2124 Vote ‘no’ on I-2124 and keep WA Cares participation mandatory | The Seattle Times Editorial: Opt-out of WA Cares would cost most more later | HeraldNet.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 17, 2024 · 24 min
Should WA Cares be Optional? The case for YES on I-2124
This election season we’re bringing you conversations on all of the statewide initiatives on the November ballot. Most recently, we looked at both sides of the Capital Gains Tax Repeal. This week, we’re taking a deep dive into I-2124: it’s the initiative that would give Washington voters the option to OPT-OUT of the WA Cares long term services insurance program. Gov. Inslee signed the bill that created WA Cares into law back in 2019. It’s a kind of “social insurance plan,” which would extend a one-time benefit of $36,500 to people who pay into the program, to help them cover the cost of long-term care. Right now, most Washington workers pay about 58 cents into the program for every 100 dollars earned. If you make $50,000 dollars a year, that’s about 24 dollars a month. There was a delay in getting the payroll deduction started because of COVID, then an opt-out period, so payroll deductions for the plan didn’t actually kick in until July of last year. The first claims for WA Cares benefits can be filed starting July 1st, 2026. A vote of "Yes" on Initiative 2124 would make the program optional, instead of a payroll tax applying to most workers with a W-2. We’ll hear both sides of I-2124 this week: TODAY, we’re talking to the YES side. 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. GUEST: Elizabeth New - Policy Analyst and the Director of the Centers for Worker Rights and Health Care at the Washington Policy Center RELATED LINKS: Washington Initiative 2124, Opt-Out of Long-Term Services Insurance Program Initiative (2024) - Ballotpedia Vote ‘yes’ on I-2124 and make WA Cares participation optional | The Seattle Times The Seattle Times editorial board recommends: Vote ‘yes’ on Initiative 2124 and give residents more choice on WA Cares See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.