Soundside

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Aug 14, 2024 · 20 min
An Indigenous CEO says "time is ticking" to help Native elders heal from government-run boarding schools
For 150 years, the United States government operated boarding schools that separated Native American children from their families and communities. The government's goal was to eradicate native languages and culture. At least 17 US Indian boarding schools existed in Washington State. A new report from the Department of Interior outlines the scale and impact of the government's effort. It identifies by name almost 19,000 native children who were sent to boarding schools across the US and roughly 1000 children who died in the boarding school system, including 60 in Washington State. While the report is among the first of its kind, native leaders are saying it's just a start towards understanding the impact of these schools. Deborah Parker, a citizen of the Tulalip tribes and Chief Executive of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, talks about where things stand in light of the new report. Guests: Deborah Parker, Chief Executive of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition Relevant links: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/60-native-children-from-northwest-died-in-u-s-boarding-schools-among-nearly-1000-deaths-nationwide/ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/30/us/politics/native-american-boarding-schools.html 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.
Aug 14, 2024 · 10 min
Exploring the intersection of art and landscape in the Pacific Northwest
A new show from Cascade PBS looks at the way artists in the Pacific Northwest incorporate their surroundings into drawings, tapestry, and pottery. ‘Art by Northwest’ showcases local artists inspired by the landscapes and culture of their communities. Each episode explores the stories behind their work, reflecting the unique essence of the Pacific Northwest. "What I hope for the series is that people see how artists are translating their landscape into their work," says host Brangien Davis. 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: Brangien Davis, host of Art by Northwest and Crosscut's arts and culture editor Relevant Links: Art by Northwest Episode 1 - Leaving the Loom: Tininha Silva Art by Northwest Episode 2 - Collaborating With Trees: Todd Horton See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 14, 2024 · 19 min
Marysville Schools are facing a 'critically declining financial condition,' but is far from the only district with budget challanges
There are a lot of stories about the financial challenges facing schools right now: Seattle School District has a $100 million budget gap they need to close and they’re going to be shuttering schools to make ends meet. Bellevue School District also closed schools to shore up its budget last year. Other districts are looking at million dollar shortfalls and considering school closures or ending programs. But Marysville School District is facing a particularly challenging landscape. "They have a critically declining financial condition," said Washington State Auditor Pat McCarthy. Her office reviews the finances of all 295 school districts in the state. Their report on Marysville’s finances made headlines when it was published last week. McCarthy compared Marysville's situation to Vader School District, which dissolved in 2007 because of severe financial problems. So what is going on at Marysville and how does it fit into the larger landscape of budget challenges at districts statewide? Guest: Marguerite Roza, director of the Edunomics Lab and a Research Professor at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy Relevant Links: Washington State Standard: Why WA school budgets are getting tighter, and what can be done about it KUOW: Could Marysville schools have to close amid 'uniquely perilous' financial troubles? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 13, 2024 · 29 min
What will it take to bring the Boeing Starliner, and it's astronauts, back to Earth?
Two NASA astronauts named Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are currently stuck in space. The pair launched in the Boeing Starliner earlier this year. Malfunctions have delayed their return from what was originally meant to be an 8 day trip to the International Space Station. Now, they may not be back on Earth until February. And – most galling for Boeing: They may have to hitch a ride with its competitor, SpaceX. So, what exactly happened with Boeing’s new spacecraft? And what will it take to get the Boeing Starliner back on Earth? Guests: Jim Hermanson, Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Washington Dr. Wendy N. Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies Relevant links: AP News: Could 2 NASA astronauts be stuck at the space station until next year? Here’s what to know The Conversation: Boeing’s Starliner launches toward the International Space Station − an important milestone for commercial spaceflight See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 13, 2024 · 9 min
Race remains tight in primary for public lands commissioner
While ballots are still being counted, most of the races in last week’s primary election have been decided. But one contest in particular – the race to become the next Commissioner of Public Lands for Washington state – has become surprisingly close. The Commissioner of Public Lands runs the state Department of Natural Resources – think forest and wildfire policy, along with issues like fish hatcheries and salmon restoration. As of last week, just a few thousand votes separated the two candidates fighting for the final spot in this November’s general election -- and even now, the race is a toss-up. For the latest, Soundside was joined by Seattle Times' Amanda Zhou and Isabella Breda. Both Zhou and Breda are reporters for the Seattle Times Climate Lab. Guests: Amanda Zhou and Isabella Breda, Seattle Times staff reporters covering climate and the environment. Related Links: Democrat Upthegrove moves into No. 2 spot in WA lands commissioner primary | The Seattle Times Here’s where candidates for WA lands commissioner stand on key issues | The Seattle Times See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 12, 2024 · 25 min
Remembering Seattle music journalist Charles R. Cross
We wanted to round out today’s show by remembering a man described as the greatest music journalist Seattle ever had - Charles R. Cross. For over 40 years, Cross tracked the pulse of Seattle through its music. He was also known for his biographies of local rock legends: Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. Cross’ family confirmed in a statement that he died on Aug. 9 of natural causes at his home in Shoreline. He was 67. Charles was also a regular guest on KUOW. . Our last conversation was back in January. Charles invited me over to his house to pour over archives of The Rocket - the scrappy biweekly music magazine he owned and edited. The paper published from 1979 to 2000, and its writers were tastemakers for the whole music industry during grunge’s dizzying heights in the ‘90s. When we sat down to talk, Cross had just announced that all 336 issues of The Rocket were available online, a painstaking process that exemplified the deep love he had for the journalism and artists who helped build Seattle culture . Here’s that conversation. Guest: Seattle-based music journalist Charles R. Cross Relevant Links: Variety: Charles R. Cross, Music Journalist Who Wrote Heralded Kurt Cobain Biography and Edited Seattle’s Alt-Weekly the Rocket, Dies at 67 The Seattle Times: Charles R. Cross, influential Seattle music journalist, dead at 67 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 12, 2024 · 15 min
As Seattle City Council gets up to speed, election results may signal voter discontent
Primary election results continue to roll in. And sure, your head may have been turned by that flashy State Lands Commissioner race. But if you’re a Seattle resident, a very consequential city council contest should also be on your radar. The at-large 8th district seat is up for grabs this November. The citywide position was formerly held by Teresa Mosqueda. Last year, she won a spot on the King County Council. Tanya Woo, a business owner and community organizer in the Chinatown International District, was appointed to the vacated city council seat earlier this year. She is now running to win that seat outright. But a progressive challenger Alexis Mercedes-Rinck had a dominant showing in last week’s primary. And she may be on track to make Woo’s stint on the council a short one. Guests: David Kroman, Seattle Times staff reporter covering Seattle City Hall Relevant Links: Seattle Times: Seattle incumbent’s lagging primary results signal warning for general Seattle Times: New Seattle City Council members sprint to catch up after slow start Seattle Times: Seattle council delays vote on social housing funding initiative See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 8, 2024 · 20 min
Data centers put WA clean energy goals in jeopardy
Across vast stretches of rural Washington, large boxy warehouses have popped up between fields of potatoes. They contain the humming infrastructure that the tech industry and users rely on to store documents in the cloud, access streaming videos, or perform internet searches. It’s easy to see why companies put data centers in this part of the state: cheap hydro electricity, available land, and a friendly legislature in Olympia that provides tax breaks. But now, all those data centers are gobbling up electricity, which will only intensify with the growth of AI technology. And the growing demand is stretching the grid in rural counties, moving them farther away from green energy mandates from the state. Lulu Ramadan and Sydney Brownstone are reporters at the Seattle Times who looked into the effects of data centers on the electrical grid and rural communities in a two part series. Guests: Lulu Ramadan, investigative reporter at The Seattle Times and a distinguished fellow with ProPublica's Local Reporting Network Sydney Brownstone, investigative reporter at The Seattle Times Relevant Links: Seattle Times: Data centers guzzle power, threatening WA’s clean energy push Seattle Times: Data centers got a huge tax break to create WA jobs. Is it paying off? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 7, 2024 · 15 min
Community of Point Roberts struggling as tourists are slow to return
Summer is in full swing with clogged hiking trails, packed ferries, and the smells of backyard barbeques. But while many of you might be visiting tourist towns in the Cascades or near a Puget Sound Island, one Washington tourist town has been struggling: Point Roberts, our favorite local exclave. It’s a peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides, and its fourth side borders Canada. Summers are usually the high points for Canadian tourists who flock to "The Point’s" beaches, or maybe they just want the cheaper gas. But since the pandemic closed down the border, traffic and tourism has struggled to rebound. A lot’s been written about Point Roberts and its predicament. Soundside producer Alec Cowan wanted to know how locals see the situation. He took a trip across the border and back to see how this isolated town is dealing with the dip – and all the stories about its decline. Guests: Brian Calder, president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce Neil King, co-owner of Kora's Corner in Point Roberts Emma Jones, Point Roberts local Rick Hoole, Point Roberts local with the Bald Eagle Golf Club Tracy Evans, Point Roberts local with the Bald Eagle Golf Club Dave Duncan, manager at the International Market in Point Roberts Related Links: KUOW - After two years of isolation, Point Roberts is open for business — sort of KUOW - Ferry service boosted to U.S. exclave of Point Roberts, which is cut off by Canada See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 7, 2024 · 23 min
Breaking down Washington's 2024 primary election
Yesterday, thousands of Washingtonians dug through the pile of mail sitting on their hallway table. They found their primary ballot - maybe even their voter pamphlet - and took time to vote. Congratulations to all who did. Wear that new “I voted” sticker with pride. Because there were a lot of important things to consider in this year’s primary election: come January we’ll have a new Governor, a new Attorney General, and a new Commissioner of Public Lands, to name just a few of the big jobs up for grabs. Today, we’re going to figure out: what we know so far about how yesterday’s primary went, and what we're still waiting to learn. Guests: Former Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna Democratic political consultant Cathy Allen Relevant Links: Washington Primary Election Results See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 7, 2024 · 12 min
What to know about Covid and the Summer Surge
Have your friends been canceling on you because they’re sick? Coworkers on prolonged absence because your entire team came down with a bug? Feeling a sniffle yourself lately? This summer, The CDC says more than a dozen states across the US are seeing “very high” spikes in COVID cases. But now that we’re a few years past the pandemic, what’s the responsible amount of time to stay home from work, avoid the grocery store, or get the latest booster? To help answer those questions and get the latest in covid-ettiquette, Soundside reached out to an expert. GUEST: Dr. Amanda Casto - Infectious Disease Specialist with the University of Washington School of Medicine RELATED LINKS: Most people don't care about COVID anymore. That's good — and bad. The Science Behind Why COVID-19 Tends to Spike During Summer Months See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 6, 2024 · 28 min
Better, Faster, Farther and the revolutionary impact of women runners
It’s track and field week at the Paris Olympics. Yesterday, the women’s 800 wrapped up with Keeley Hodgkinson of Great Britain taking the top spot. As exciting as an Olympics track event always is, it didn’t compare with nearly 100 years ago, when women were first allowed to run this race. Then, it was a media frenzy. And not because of the pure awe at elite runner’s abilities. Instead, at the Amsterdam Olympics of 1928, the media and many sports officials were concerned about women running competitively at all. The Boston Globe’s John Hallahan described “six competitors [who] were so exhausted that they were near collapse at the finish. All fell flat on the ground.” But the truth of that race, and the history of women’s running, is far more complex than popular accounts would lead you to believe. It’s a story that author Maggie Mertens tells in her new book, Better, Faster, Farther: How Running Changed Everything We Know about Women. Guests: Maggie Mertens, journalist and author of Better, Faster, Farther: How Running Changed Everything We Know about Women Relevant Links: WSJ: The Long Road to Olympic Equality for Women See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 6, 2024 · 8 min
Seattle Synchro's small but mighty part in this year's Olympic games
The Paris 2024 Olympics are in full swing. Tomorrow (Wednesday the 7th) is the final day of competition for the artistic swim teams - better known to many by the sport’s old name: synchronized swimming. This is the first time in 16 years that the American team has qualified for the Olympics. And, two members of that team come from right here, in Seattle. They both got their start at the same club - called Seattle Synchro. Guest: Daniela Garmendia, Head Coach at Seattle Synchro Relevant links: Seattle Synchro team website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 6, 2024 · 13 min
Voter Turnout and YOU! Elections Officials share their thoughts on the Primary
It’s primary election day. Over a million Washingtonians have already turned in their ballots. If you’re not one of those early voters, you’re not alone. About 80% of registered voters have opted to wait until the last few hours, if they’re voting at all. Perhaps it’s procrastination; perhaps you plumb forgot. Maybe you just really prefer casting a ballot in-person on election day, you traditionalist, you. Or maybe you just don’t think primary elections are all that crucial, and you’re saving it up for November. Well, we wanted to get an update on voter participation so far for this primary… So we’ve brought in some experts to help us go through the numbers. Their teams are busy RIGHT NOW with the huge logistical work of collecting, counting and securing ballots to provide accurate results later this week. GUESTS: Pierce County Elections Manager, Kyle Haugh Clark County Auditor, Greg Kimsey RELATED LINKS: Current Ballot Return Statistics - WA Secretary of State A trickle of ballots so far for Washington’s primary - WA State Standard See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 5, 2024 · 14 min
Nearly 99% of WA ballots are accepted, what's going on with the 1% that aren't?
When I say the one percent, what do you think of? Is it the ultrawealthy? A phrase coined during the Occupy Movement? Is it the second wateriest form of milk on the market? This story is about a different group of one percenters, it’s primary election season, after all, and we’re talking about voters who have their ballots rejected in Washington. Over the last decade, around 99 percent of cast ballots were accepted. But of those one percent that were disqualified, the Secretary of State's office noticed a trend: certain demographic groups had higher rates of rejections than others. That’s something the office wanted to know more about, so they teamed up with University of Washington researchers to better understand whose ballots were rejected and why. Guest: Scott W. Allard, Associate Dean for Research & Engagement at the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington Relevant Links: Washington State Ballots Project See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 5, 2024 · 15 min
As wildfires burst through, ranchers fight to protect their herds and homes
Fueled by dry weather and high temperatures, wildfires across the Northwest have now burned more than 1 million acres. On Friday, Governor Jay Inslee declared a statewide emergency to unlock more firefighting resources. As of now, those dozens of fires across Washington and Oregon have put thousands of people under evacuation notice. But for cattle ranchers across the plains of the Northwest interior, moving their families – and their herds – is getting more and more difficult. Soundside was joined by Anna King, who has been following a number of ranchers as they work to get their cattle away from fire. King is a Senior Correspondent with Northwest Public Broadcasting and has spent more than a decade covering ranching in the remote corners of the Northwest. Guests: Anna King, Senior Correspondent with Northwest Public Broadcasting Kayce Faulkner, rancher in Burns, OR Matt McElligot, president of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Mitch Baker, rancher north of Burns, OR Related Links: Burnt over cattle and lands: In southeast Oregon, grief-stricken ranchers are exhausted and frustrated by wildfires - Northwest Public Broadcasting (nwpb.org) Anna King's video on cattle fences: Good Fences (youtube.com) Map of current Northwest fires: Wildfires rage in Oregon, Washington: Map the Pacific Northwest wildfires, evacuations (msn.com) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 5, 2024 · 15 min
Seattle City Council's SOAP and SODA Zones, explained
Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison and Councilmember Cathy Moore say they have a plan to give the city a new tool to help fight drug trafficking and prostitution. Last Thursday they introduced a pair of ordinances that would create a number of “safe zones” in the city -- typically called Stay out of Drug Areas (or SODA) and Stay Out of Areas of Prostitution (or SOAP) zones. The legislation hearkens back to previous Seattle laws that were REPEALED by the Seattle City Council four years ago. So, why bring them back now? Soundside host Libby Denkmann sits down with KUOW reporter Amy Radil to get the latest. She covers politics, government, and law enforcement for the station. GUEST: Amy Radil RELATED LINKS: Seattle officials revisit ‘exclusion zones’ to disrupt drug activity, sex trafficking - KUOW Council Proposes Creating Huge New Zone Where Sex Workers Aren't Allowed - Publicola See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 1, 2024 · 24 min
The Race for District 3: Leslie Lewallen
We’re headed back to Washington’s 3rd Congressional District – which includes the southwest corner of the state, from Long Beach to Mount Adams, and from Yelm down to Vancouver. It’s expected once again to be the site of one of the closest House races in the country – the Cook political report rates it as one of only 22 “tossup” contests in 2024. Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez flipped the seat in 2022 by a slim margin: she defeated Republican Joe Kent by roughly 2600 votes. Kent is back vying for the seat, along with another Republican challenger: GUEST: Leslie Lewallen, a city councilmember in Camas, WA and a former King County Deputy Prosecutor. RELATED LINKS: Leslie Lewallen sets sights on Washington’s 3rd Congressional District seat - The Columbian One of 2022's closest House races is primed for a rematch — with a fight over the GOP's future first - NBC YVYV: Republican Leslie Lewallen running in Washington's Third Congressional District - KATU TV See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 31, 2024 · 38 min
Amid mergers and layoffs, how is Seattle's theater scene doing?
There has been an onslaught of news in Seattle’s theater community. Earlier this year, Seattle Rep announced it was laying off the majority of its artistic staff. The non-profit theater’s subscription base is half of what it was before the pandemic. And that isn’t the only change in the theater world: The 5TH Avenue Theatre is shutting down its new works program. ACT Theatre is exploring a merger with Seattle Shakespeare. Now, to be clear, these aren’t the only theaters in town, there are many, many smaller theaters throughout King County, like Second Story Repertory in Redmond, and Green Lake’s Seattle Public Theater which has merged with Matcha Theatre Works. But for major players like the Rep, 5TH Ave, Village Theatre, and ACT, the climb out of the pandemic has been tough. Guests: John Langs, Artistic Director of ACT Theatre Sheila Daniels, Assistant Professor at Cornish College of the Arts Aviona Rodriguez Brown, Associate Director of Engagement at 5TH Avenue Theatre and founder and CEO of ARB Consulting Arts. Relevant Links: Seattle Times: Seattle Rep layoffs to include majority of its artistic staff Seattle Times: ACT Contemporary Theatre and Seattle Shakespeare Company may merge soon Seattle Times: John Langs, artistic director of Seattle’s ACT Theatre, to step down CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Seattle Theater Group merged with Matcha Theater Works; the organization that merged with Matcha Theater Works is called Seattle Public Theater. An earlier version of this podcast also stated that Seattle Rep and Seattle Children's Theatre merged. This overstates the recently announced partnership between these two theaters. Seattle Children's and Seattle Rep have instead combined forces on a few functionalities like box office, IT, and database administration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 31, 2024 · 12 min
WA race for head of public schools is heating up
August is right around the corner and that means schools are getting ready for the academic year. While kids are hanging onto a few more weeks of summer, voters are getting ready to determine who will oversee Washington’s public schools. The incumbent, Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, is facing some challengers in the primary on August 6. Guest: Washington State Standard reporter Grace Deng Relevant Links: Washington State Standard: Six quotes to sum up the second WA schools chief candidate debate Ballot drop box locations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.