Soundside

KUOW News and Information

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Jul 12, 2024 · 39 min
This week in politics: Who could be Washington's next Attorney General, and who's still ridin' for Biden?
Voters statewide have big choices coming their way: They’re getting their ballots for the August primary starting next week, and there are a lot of candidates to decide between. Over the last week, Soundside host Libby Denkmann has been interviewing the top candidates in the race for our state's next Attorney General. Now, KUOW politics reporter Scott Greenstone, and former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna are chiming in on the race so far. And later, Greenstone will take a deeper look at whether Washington Democratic voters, and donors, are still behind President Biden. Guests: Scott Greenstone, KUOW politics reporter Rob McKenna, former Washington Attorney General Related Links: How Washington's lawmakers, donors, and delegates could influence the Biden conversation The race for WA Attorney General: Pete Serrano The race for WA Attorney General: Manka Dhingra The race for WA Attorney General: Nick Brown See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 11, 2024 · 23 min
The race for WA Attorney General: Nick Brown
Washington voters this year are contemplating a wide-open race to replace the state’s Attorney General. The Attorney General manages the state's largest public law firm, overseeing a staff of attorneys charged with representing public agencies and defending the rights of Washington residents, covering issues including consumer protection, civil rights, environmental regulations, and antitrust. This year’s race is an especially interesting one. The current Attorney General, Bob Ferguson, is running for governor. That means that without an incumbent, the office will see its first new A.G. in 12 years. This week Soundside is interviewing the three candidates who all want to be the state’s next top lawyer. Libby Denkmann spoke with Republican candidate and Pasco mayor Pete Serrano and Democratic candidate and State Senator Manka Dhingra earlier this week. Our last candidate is Nick Brown. Brown has been General Counsel to Governor Jay Inslee and from 2021-2023, he was the U.S. Attorney for Western Washington. Guests: Nick Brown, formerly general counsel to Governor Jay Inslee, and from 2021-2023 the U.S. Attorney for Western Washington. Related Links: Who are the three candidates running for WA attorney general? What is an attorney general? They’re more attorney than general As fentanyl deaths skyrocket, U.S. attorney maintains tougher prosecution isn't the answer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 11, 2024 · 31 min
Reading recomendations to get you through the summer
I can’t stop listening to the news, it’s stressing me out to the max, you say? I’m literally listening to the news right now, and may be developing an anxiety-induced twitch, you say? If that’s how you’re feeling right now, you may be in need of a little escape this summer. Perhaps a good book is in order? Well, if that’s the case you’re in luck because our next guests are here to hook you up with novels, non-fiction roller coasters, and storylines that’ll make you forget TikTok dances exist for a while. You’ll be like Tyla Dance what, never heard of her. Book Recommendations: Jenna Zarzycki, adult services librarian at King County Library System You Sexy Thing by Cat Rambo (Summer Pick) Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura (Beach Read) No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister (Local Recommendation) Never Whistle at Night edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. (Horror) The Yellow Handkerchief (El Pañuelo Amarillo) by Donna Barba Higuera (Children's) This is Chance! by Jon Mooallem (Non-fiction) Charlie Hunts of Charlie's Queer Books: Goblin Mode by McKayla Coyle (Summer Pick) THE GUNCLE series by Steven Rowley (Beach Read) Someplace Generous edited by Elaina Ellis and Amber Flame (Beach Read) Second Night Stand by Karelia and Fay Stetz-Waters (Local Recommendation) Cryptid Kids: The Bawk-ness Monster by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter (Children's) Off with their Heads by Zoe Hana Mikuta (Young Adult Horror) Katie Campbell, KUOW editor and reporter Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Summer Pick) Subduction by Kristen Millares Young (Local Recommendation) Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford (Local Recommendation) Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang (Mild Horror) The Last One by Will Dean (Medium Horror) The House Next Door by Anne Rivers Siddons (Hot Horror) The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones (Thriller) Diana Opong, KUOW host Dinner at the Brake Fast by Renee Beauregard Lute (Children's) Guests: Jenna Zarzycki, adult services librarian at King County Library Katie Campbell, KUOW editor and reporter who runs KUOW's book club Charlie Hunts, owner of Charlie's Queer Books in Fremont Relevant Links: KUOW Book Club King County Library Summer Reading Program See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2024 · 21 min
The race for WA Attorney General: Manka Dhingra
Washington voters this year are contemplating a wide-open race to replace the state’s Attorney General. The Attorney General manages the state's largest public law firm, overseeing a staff of attorneys charged with representing public agencies and defending the rights of Washington residents, covering issues including consumer protection, civil rights, environmental regulations, and antitrust. This year’s race is an especially interesting one. The current Attorney General, Bob Ferguson, is running for governor. That means that without an incumbent, the office will see its first new A.G. in 12 years. This week Soundside is interviewing the three candidates who all want to be the state’s next top lawyer. Libby Denkmann spoke with Republican candidate and Pasco mayor Pete Serrano yesterday. Next up is state Senator Manka Dhingra. Dhingra is a Democrat representing the state’s 45th legislative district, which includes Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish and other parts of the Eastside. She’s also the Deputy Majority Leader in the State Senate. Guests: Manka Dhingra, Democrat representing the state’s 45th legislative district, which includes Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish and other parts of the Eastside. Related Links: Who are the three candidates running for WA attorney general? What is an attorney general? They’re more attorney than general WA attorney general candidate questioned over employment claims, asked to correct website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2024 · 11 min
Concerts begin at Remlinger Farms, but community concerns linger
Remlinger Farms in Carnation, Washington, is a 350-acre working farm. It’s celebrated for its family-friendly attractions, including amusement parks, petting zoos, berry picking, pumpkins, hayrides. There’s an on-site cafe and brewery. And now it’s become the Seattle area's hottest new concert venue. Partnering with Seattle Theater Group, the farm is hosting a brand-new concert series. The 6000-capacity outdoor space has booked performers like Portugal the Man, Mt. Joy and Elvis Costello. BUT tensions are brewing between the farm and some vocal community members who oppose its existence. GUEST: Michael Rietmulder | The Seattle Times RELATED LINKS: Remlinger Farms’ new music venue has small Carnation concerned | The Seattle Times Alleged hit-and-run incident at Remlinger Farms under investigation | The Seattle Times Facebook Statement by Remlinger Farms See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2024 · 14 min
We ask a dermatologist your burning questions about sunscreen
Like a lot of Washingtonians right now, we're doing our best to stay cool. Sometimes going outside is unavoidable, and in that case, it means doing everything you can to avoid sun damage. That means applying - and reapplying lots of sunscreen. But lately, some people on social media platforms like Tiktok, have been trying to convince their audiences to do the opposite. You don’t have to have a medical degree to know: that kind of advice is wrong, and it’s having a worrying impact. Here to help us tackle these sunscreen myths - and answer some of your burning questions about sunscreen, is Dr. Lindsay Gunnell, a dermatologist at with UW Medical. Guests: Dr. Lindsay Gunnell, UW Medical dermatologist Related Links: Some Tiktok influencers are maligning sunscreen. Here's what to know about the claims. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2024 · 23 min
The race for WA Attorney General: Pete Serrano
Washington voters this year are contemplating a wide-open race to replace the state’s Attorney General. The Attorney General manages the state's largest public law firm, overseeing a staff of attorneys charged with representing public agencies and defending the rights of Washington residents, covering issues including consumer protection, civil rights, environmental regulations, and antitrust. This year’s race is an especially interesting one. The current Attorney General, Bob Ferguson, is running for governor. That means that without an incumbent, the office will see its first new A.G. in 12 years. This week Soundside is interviewing the three candidates who all want to be the state’s next top lawyer. First up: Pete Serrano is a city council member serving as mayor of Pasco, Washington. He’s a co-founder of the legal nonprofit, The Silent Majority Foundation, and he’s endorsed in the Attorney General race by the Washington GOP. Guests: Pete Serrano, city council member serving as mayor of Pasco, Washington. Related Links: What is an attorney general? They’re more attorney than general Who are the three candidates running for WA attorney general? Washington Supreme Court will hear Gator’s Custom Guns case on high-capacity magazine ban The Republican who wants to be Washington’s next attorney general See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 9, 2024 · 9 min
A ban on proposed bans? Initiative attempts to halt WA's effort to move away from natural gas
Oh, voter. You are going to be asked to watch so many races in the coming months. There is, of course, the presidential race, which is sucking the air out of the room. There's also governor, attorney general, congressional seats, state house representatives, land’s commissioner, and, because you live in the great state of Washington, citizen’s initiatives. And, if you don’t have enough to think about, there is a new initiative likely headed to your ballot. It will roll back the state’s efforts to move away from this fossil fuel. And it would ban any proposed bans on natural gas. Guest: Jerry Cornfield, state government and politics reporter at the Washington State Standard Relevant Links: Washington State Standard: Initiative opponents target the millionaire behind the measures Washington State Standard: Builders launch initiative to block Washington’s natural gas phase-out Washington State Standard: Washington’s heat pump push hits a snag See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 9, 2024 · 14 min
As city mulls $1.5 billion transportation levy, SDOT works through "Move Seattle" projects
Perhaps you’ve noticed a lot of construction on Seattle streets this year: new bike lanes along MLK, fresh pavement and bus shelters on Madison Street, and sidewalk replacements across the city. That’s because the Seattle Department of Transportation has money to spend. In 2015, voters passed a $930 million transportation levy called “Move Seattle.” And initially, Seattle was slow moving that money out the door. “Move Seattle” expires this year and Seattle voters will likely be deciding on whether to raise their property taxes again for a new transportation levy this fall. And this one is clocking in at over $1.5 billion. Tomorrow, the city council plans to vote on the final version of a Seattle transportation levy that will appear on ballots in November. Guests: Greg Spotts, Director of the Seattle Department of Transportation Related Links: The Urbanist: SDOT Sprints Toward the End of the Move Seattle Era Seattle Times: Sidewalks top of mind for Seattle’s priciest-ever transportation levy KUOW: $1B for sidewalks, bike lanes, and road repairs: Seattle transportation levy ahead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 8, 2024 · 38 min
"From Here/From There" follows the first undocumented attorney to appear before the Supreme Court
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a policy President Obama enacted by executive order in 2012. It’s had a rocky legal journey, but when it was still accepting new applications, DACA was open to undocumented young people who graduated from high school or served in the military and were brought to the U.S. as children. The program has given roughly 800,000 people access to things like a driver’s license, a social security number, and a work permit. When the Trump Administration came into office, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that things would be changing. "I am here today to announce that the program known as DACA under the Obama administration is being rescinded." ~Former AG Jeff Sessions That was September, 2017. Within hours, immigration attorney Luis Cortes Romero – a DACA recipient himself based in Kent, Washington – helped assemble a team of legal heavy-hitters and plaintiffs who were committed to taking on the Trump Administration in federal court. Cortes Romero and his colleagues took the fight all the way to the highest court in the land and successfully defended DACA. In the process, he became the first undocumented person to help argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Now, Luis Cortes Romero is the subject of a new documentary, called “From Here/From There (De Aquí/De Allá)”, which premieres on the PBS series VOCES tomorrow, Tuesday, July 9th. GUEST: Luis Cortes Romero RELATED LINKS: ‘From Here/From There’ (De Aqui/de Alla): The Extraordinary Journey of Luis Cortes Romero – People's World Luis Cortes-Romero, a lawyer and DACA recipient, on his team's Supreme Court victory. Small Step Could Bring Big Relief to Young Undocumented Immigrants Biden Gives Legal Protections to Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens - The New York Times Trump says foreigners who graduate from US colleges should get green cards | Reuters See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 3, 2024 · 51 min
Producer picks: An architectural tour of Seattle
Soundside is revisiting a few of our favorite stories this holiday week, and today, we’re taking an architectural tour of Seattle. First stop, the backstory behind Capitol Hill’s iconic Volunteer Park Reservoir – which isn’t just a pretty pool, but an emergency stopgap. Then, the often-overlooked story of legendary architect Minoru Yamasaki as told by his granddaughter, Katie Yamasaki, author of "Shapes, Lines, and Light: My Grandfather's American Journey." And finally, we’ll visit a Seattle secret garden and fall in love with the backstory that made it possible. Guests: Jennifer Ott, chair of the Volunteer Park Trust Alex Chen, director of drinking water at Seattle Public Utilities Katie Yamasaki, author of "Shapes, Lines, and Light: My Grandfather's American Journey." Ben Streissguth, caretaker of Streissguth Garden Relevant Links: KUOW: Why is there a reservoir in Volunteer Park? KUOW: Serenity, surprise, and delight: sharing the legacy of architect Minoru Yamasaki KUOW: The love story that grew Seattle's 'secret garden' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 2, 2024 · 50 min
Producer picks: tracing family lineage and searching for hermits
The Soundside team is on a break this week for the 4th of July holiday, so we’re revisiting some of our favorite segments of the year. First up, when Seattle writer and illustrator Tessa Hulls started drafting the story of her grandmother’s life, she wanted to take on the role of neutral narrator, but that didn't last long. We’ll hear about her graphic novel, Feeding Ghosts, and the complicated family history she unraveled. And then, we'll speak with the director of a documentary about renowned translator Bill Porter aka Red Pine. Guests: Tessa Hulls, author of Feeding Ghosts Ward Serrill, filmmaker behind Dancing with the Dead Bill Porter, translator and author Relevant Links KUOW: In 'Feeding Ghosts,' author, illustrator Tessa Hull recounts a healing journey across generations KUOW: A Port Townsend man went searching for hermits. Now he's a celebrity in China See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 1, 2024 · 53 min
Producer picks: An Oscar nominee and Coast Salish Punk share the power of Indigenous stories
The Soundside team is taking some time off this 4th of July week; some of us are on vacation, and others are working on upcoming shows. We’re going to revisit some of our favorite segments, and the hardworking producers who make Soundside, will be making the picks. Producer Noel Gasca's picks: Lily Gladstone chronicles Blackfeet Nation's reunion with buffalo in new SIFF documentary In 'Thunder Song,' a Coast Salish punk creates her own form of medicine Guests: Lily Gladstone, Oscar nominee and executive producer of Bring Them Home Sasha taqwšəblu LaPointe, author of "Thunder Song: Essays" and “Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 28, 2024 · 12 min
The Belltown Hellcat finds himself in hot water
For months, one creature of the night has been drawing the fascination and exasperation of city leaders, police officers, and residents of one of Seattle’s trendiest neighborhoods. Some call him The Belltown Hellcat. Maybe you’ve caught a glimpse of his souped-up 2023 Dodge Charger Hellcat zipping by, or the car’s revving and backfiring has kept you from getting a decent night of sleep. Or you could be one of his roughly 760 thousand Instagram followers – watching as he posts clips of his late night or early morning drives - going upwards of 100 miles per hour. Needless to say, city officials and police are not pleased. And requests of him to quiet down - have been ignored. Since March, Hudson has been hit with two charges of reckless driving. And last week, a Seattle Municipal Court Judge fined him over $83 thousand dollars for not removing the noise-enhancing modifications that violate the city’s noise laws. Seattle Times reporter Paige Cornwell joins Soundside host Libby Denkmann to share an update on how the Hellcat ended up in hot water. Guests: Paige Cornwell - Reporter for The Seattle Times See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 27, 2024 · 24 min
Is it cool to be a Democrat? We hear from WA delegates
When it comes to Presidential elections, Washington state's electoral votes are about as blue as you can get. But there are still big stakes here when it comes to how national political conversations affect local races. A recent analysis from the Cook Political Report says that the 2024 Washington gubernatorial race is shaping up to be competitive, even though a Republican hasn't been governor since the 1985. While it may be assumed Democrats will get the votes they need to clinch the governor's mansion in Olympia, that doesn't mean voters are enthusiastic about democratic candidates, or the party's platform. Soundside host Libby Denkmann caught up with KUOW politics reporter Scott Greenstone about his trip to the Washington state Democratic convention, where he talked to delegates about what it'll take for the party's messaging to land with voters. Guests: Scott Greenstone - KUOW politics reporter Michael Kazin - Historian and professor at Georgetown University, author of "What It Took to Win: A History of the Democratic Party." Relevant Links: KUOW - WA Democratic Party will send ceasefire letters to Biden, party leadership See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 27, 2024 · 10 min
Seattle delays decision on which schools will close
For weeks, Seattle Public Schools families have been waiting for news about school closures. In May, the district announced plans to close 20 elementary schools to shore up its budget. And that left parents, and students, wondering if their local school was on the chopping block. Last night was supposed to be the night they would learn which schools will close, but they’ll have to wait just a little longer to find out. Guest: Sami West, KUOW education reporter Relevant Links: KUOW: Families won't know which Seattle schools may close until fall KUOW: Will closing schools really balance the budget for Seattle Public Schools? Parents have their doubts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 26, 2024 · 28 min
'COPS' returns to Spokane County
After a four year hiatus, the reality television show “Cops” is returning to Spokane County. If you had a TV anytime in the last few decades, you know the show: shaky cameras following police busting drug deals, stopping thefts, chasing down the “bad boys”. Paramount canceled Cops in 2020, amid the George Floyd protests. But it didn’t take long for the show to return. ‘Cops’ began airing again in 2021 as part of Fox Nation -- Fox’s streaming service. Now, after four years away from the limelight, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels says now is the time to start filming again. Guests: Nick Gibson - county reporter for the Spokesman Review Sean Campbell - independent investigative journalist and contributing reporter with the Garrison Project. An independent, nonpartisan organization addressing the crisis of mass incarceration and policing Relevant Links: Spokesman Review: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/jun/18/resurrected-reality-tv-series-cops-to-return-to-sp/ Slate: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/11/reality-tv-cops-on-patrol-live-pd.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 26, 2024 · 10 min
After 8 month search, Seattle Art Museum names new director and CEO
After an 8 month search, the Seattle Art Museum has a new director and CEO: Scott Stulen comes to Seattle from Tulsa, Oklahoma where he led the Philbrook Museum. In their announcement, SAM touted Stulen’s work expanding the role of museums in civic life by using the Philbrook as a polling place and vegetable garden. Stulen’s hire comes at an important time for the SAM, arts organizations are still recovering from the pandemic, the museum is engaged in union negotiations with security guards, and carrying out a new strategic plan. Guests: Scott Stulen, incoming director and CEO of the Seattle Art Museum Relevant Links: KUOW: Seattle Art Museum has a new leader after 8-month CEO search GeekWire: Seattle Art Museum’s new CEO brings innovation mindset — with an openness to AI and other tech See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 25, 2024 · 36 min
UW will continue disinformation research as Stanford program falters
An influential research team with a focus on fighting false and misleading election information online has reportedly collapsed under pressure from conservative critics. The Stanford Internet Observatory’s future is uncertain now that the team has lost most of its staff. While Stanford told reporters in a statement that the Observatory’s work will continue under new leadership, it appears the rapid analysis work identifying election misinformation that researchers conducted during the 2020 election will not continue. The announcement comes as disinformation work has come under fire in recent years. Some Republicans in congress, conservative groups and influencers have said academic research designed to track and better understand rumors online amounts to a censorship campaign and a violation of their First Amendment rights. Stanford's Internet Observatory (SIO) and University of Washington researchers have also been the subject of a lawsuit from a conservative pundit and a vaccine skeptic, represented by former Trump Administration advisor Stephen Miller’s group America First Legal. That’s a troubling development for those who are continuing the work of studying our online information ecosystem, including researchers at the University of Washington. Soundside spoke with Kate Starbird, the co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington, about what the cracks in the SIO's foundation say about the field at large. Guests: Kate Starbird, co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington. Starbird's work focuses on misinformation and disinformation. Links: The Washington Post: Stanford’s top disinformation research group collapses under pressure Politico: Challenge to Biden hectoring of social media firms appears doomed at Supreme Court Platformer: The Stanford Internet Observatory is being dismantled See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 25, 2024 · 13 min
A partial pause on the Parents' Bill of Rights
A King County Superior Court Judge has hit the pause button on a few elements of the Parents Bill of Rights, also known as I-2081. The Friday order comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of WA in May. LGBTQIA advocacy groups and civil liberties organizations raised concern about the legality of the Parents Bill of Rights and its effect on students. Jeanie Lindsay joined Soundside host Libby Denkmann to talk about which parts of the bill have been put on hold, and what this means for schools, students, and their parents. GUEST: Jeanie Lindsay, Olympia correspondent for Northwest News Network RELATED LINKS: New police pursuit rules, 'parents bill of rights' become law in Washington - Northwest News Network ACLU sues Washington to stop 'parents bill of rights' initiative from becoming law - Northwest News Network Washington's 'parents bill of rights' law partly on hold - KUOW Washington's Public Schools Will Continue to Protect Student Privacy and Safety - OSPI Statement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.