Soundside

In the 2026 fiscal year alone, the state paid out over $600 million in judgements, settlements and legal costs. It’s an issue that goes way beyond dollars on a spreadsheet – and gets to the heart of who should be held responsible when someone suffers harm? And how far should that responsibility go?

Plus: What a new Native-owned birthing center means for south Seattle.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

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See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every month, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson sits down with Soundside to discuss the latest news and answer your questions. This month: Housing policy, the budget, the search for a new Seattle police chief, and as always, your questions.

Plus: Libby and David break down today’s top headlines.

Today on the show: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kitsap County relies on Puget Sound Energy for it's electricity. The private, investor owned utility is looking at a 30% rate increase over the next three years. So, the Kitsap PUD is asking voters whether they should consider leaving PSE to start their own electric utility.

Plus: Libby and David read your responses to Initiative 638, the initiative banning trans girls from competing in K-12 sports.

Guests

Fran Korten, Unplug PSE

Matt Steuerwalt, PSE

Angela Bennink, Kitsap PUD

Randy Hardy, former head of Bonneville Power Authority and Seattle City Light

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are bombarded every day with headlines about the latest in artificial intelligence.

There’s a battle between AI doomers: the people warning of the technology’s capability to end humanity, and the techno-optimists who see AI ushering in a post-disease, post-scarcity world.

As news consumers (and civilians!) most of us fall somewhere in the uneasy, confused middle.

How should we separate the hype from reality?

We're trying to figure it out on our new monthly segment, Aye Yai AI.

What's behind the name? Throw up your hands and think Ai Yai Yai.

Plus: Libby and David discuss potential closures at some Seattle elementary schools, affordable housing, and who is "hopping mad" over being included in an ad in favor of repealing the income tax.

Guests

• Destiny Muller, AI reporter at The Seattle Times
• Chirag Shah, professor in the Information School at the University of Washington, where he studies how to build intelligent and responsible AI for information access, author of Raising AI: How Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping Us—and How We Shape It
• Rolanda Fu, investor at Madrona, a venture capital group based in Seattle and Palo Alto

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year, Washington voters will decide if they want to ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports. Initiative 638 has become one of the state's most contentious topics and it reflects a broader cultural divide on this issue across the country.

Parents, lawmakers and more share their thoughts on what this initiative would mean for girls' sports.

Guests

• Verónica García, a former high school athlete
• Elizabeth Wilson, a parent who supports I-638
• Lauren Hipp, a parent who opposes I-638
• Senator Yasmin Trudeau, a lawmaker who opposes I-638
• Representative April Connors, a lawmaker who supports I-638

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington voters will weigh in on three initiatives this year: a repeal of the high earners income tax, a ban on trans girls competing in K-12 girl's sports, and a Parents' Bill of Rights. That last initiative, I-001, is probably the least understood. At its core is this question of how entitled parents are to know about their children’s lives while they’re at school.

Plus, Microsoft announced it is offering buyouts to nearly 60,000 employees, what does that mean for workers in Redmond?

Guests
Melissa Santos, reporter at Axios Seattle

Courtney Normand, Director of Washington State Planned Parenthood Alliance

Travis Reep, fifth grade teacher

Relevant Links:

Axios Seattle: What's at stake in Washington's parental rights initiative

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's going on with Snohomish County's charter proposals? Five proposals to amend the county charter are on the ballot this year. The usually sleepy process has gotten more attention this year. That's in part due to a conservative advocacy organization's vocal support for each proposal. The group is called Future 42, and this year's votes could have implications for the county's government for years to come. We got into it with a reporter covering the story.

Plus, we check in on the close Democrat on Democrat race for Washington's 29th Legislative District

Guests
Jamie Holter, a reporter for MyEdmondsNews

Krista Perez, candidate for WA's 29th LD

Related Links

Snohomish County Commission Charter proposals mired in controversy as voting begins

Statement from Future 42's co-founder and co-leader, Dann Mead Smith

"It’s always exciting when people volunteer to serve their community like the 15 individuals who were elected by voters last November to serve on the non-partisan Snohomish County Charter Review Commission, which takes place every ten years in the county.

This election, the same voting public will have the opportunity to decide whether or not to approve the propositions placed on the ballot by the citizen-elected commissioners.

A “YES” vote is a vote to bring greater accountability, tax relief, and financial transparency to Snohomish County Government."

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans is nearly one year on the job. Just this week, she announced a new sentencing alternative “Connections Court.” Her office has also been in the midst of heightened community concerns about sex trafficking and violence on Aurora. Soundside’s David Kroman and Cat Smith sit down with Evans and take your calls.

Plus: David and Cat discuss their top stories of the day.

Guests:

• Erika Evans, Seattle City Attorney
• Jenna Robert, Criminal Division Chief at the city attorney's office

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the closest races in Washington’s elections this year is between two Democrats on the Eastside.

Following a “no” vote on Washington’s millionaires tax in March, incumbent state house Representative Amy Walen found she was facing a challenge from her own party, from Redmond city council member Jessica Forsythe.

A measly 17 votes separated the two candidates in the primary.

Meanwhile, the race has attracted hundreds of thousands of dollars of independent expenditures in support of both campaigns.

They’re vying to represent the 48th Legislative District, one of the wealthiest districts in the state which includes parts of Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and all of Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow Point, and Hunts Point.

Walen and Forsythe answered questions about their candidacy as part of a debate moderated by KUOW’s David Kroman.

Plus: David and Cat discuss their top stories of the day.

Guests:

• Incumbent LD48 State Representative Amy Walen
• Redmond City Councilmember Jessica Forsythe

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle has three public safety departments. You probably know about the police and fire department, but the city also manages the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) Department, Seattle's police alternative program.

Among other work, CARE responds to emergency 911 calls and provides referrals to people in crisis for services including mental health, drug counseling, and housing support.

But long-standing labor issues with Seattle's Police Officers Guild have interrupted CARE's work in the past.

CARE Chief Amy Barden joined David Kroman and Soundside guest host Cat Smith in the studio to talk about how the agency is evolving under Mayor Katie Wilson and its plans to increase its efficacy in the years to come.

Plus: The race for Washington's Third Congressional District is a tight one between incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and her Republican challenger, Sen. Minority Leader John Braun. Soundside spoke to the two candidates in back to back interviews about their race to represent the district.

Guests

• Amy Barden, chief of Seattle's Community Assisted Response and Engagement Department (CARE)
• Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democratic candidate running for reelection in Washington's 3rd district.
• State Sen. John Braun, Republican candidate for Congress against Gluesenkamp Perez

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Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Renton, a heated fight over whether to keep Flock cameras mirrors the national angst people are feeling about surveillance, government, and big tech. These license plate readers are pitting law enforcement and public safety advocates against people concerned about immigration enforcement and government intrusion into privacy and personal liberties.

Today on the show:

• 4 a Better Renton organizer Sheryl Friesz
• Tukwila Police Chief Eric Lund
• Renton City Councilmember James Alberson
• Renton City Councilmember Carmen Rivera

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington has two neighboring states with very close races on very issues that show interesting fault lines in the electorate. In deep blue Oregon, Democratic Governor Tina Kotek is in an extremely tight race with her Republican opponent, Christine Drazan. And in deep red Idaho, a proposition to overturn the state’s abortion ban is bringing in a lot of money and interest.

Plus: a look at a successful write in campaign in Skagit County.

Today on the show:

• James Dawson of Boise State Public Radio
• Dirk VanderHart of OPB
• Isaac Simonelli of Cascadia Daily News

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listeners, it's time to lock in on the races for the Washington Supreme Court. Why? Five out of nine seats are up for grabs, a rare number of seas. We’re expecting some pretty big rulings from the justices in the years to come.

In the last two elections, five out of the six candidates for Washington Supreme Court ran unopposed.

We take a look at some of the court's biggest recent rulings and get to know the candidates.

Plus: Two conversations including critiques of and praise for the state Supreme Court's track record.

Guests

Amy Radil, KUOW reporter

Todd Myers, vice president of research at the Washington Policy Center

Jessica Levin, associate teaching professor and senior director, Center for Civil Rights and Critical Justice at Seattle University School of Law

Related Links

WA Supreme Court candidates make their case as high-profile election nears- Washington State Standard

Court watchers have eyes on races to reshape Washington Supreme Court - KUOW

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle could change the rules for parking RVs in the city. The councilmember pushing for this change is hoping it will eventually get them off the streets and people connected to housing.

Yet critics worry this could create hardship for Seattleites who live in these vehicles.

Plus: co-hosts Libby Denkmann and David Kroman break down today’s top headlines.

Today on the show:

• Dan Strauss, who represents Seattle's District 6
• Neal Lampi, who lived in an RV for years
• Alison Eisinger, executive director for the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massive federal cuts to Medicaid are playing out here in King County. 4,000 lawfully present immigrants lost their coverage this month, and over 200,000 more could see their coverage affected soon. King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda joins Soundside to talk about the county’s response to these cuts.

Plus: co-hosts Libby Denkmann and David Kroman break down today’s top headlines, the latest on 12th and Jackson, and your weekend warmup.

Today on the show:

• Teresa Mosqueda, King County Councilmember District 8
• Connor Nash, politics reporter for the South Seattle Emerald

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes.

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fate of the high earners income tax, sometimes called the “Millionaire’s Tax," is in the hands of Washington voters. This year, Democrats in Olympia passed a nearly 10 percent tax on every dollar of household income over $1 million.

Almost immediately after the legislature passed it, the tax was challenged; both in court and with an initiative on this November’s ballot.

The legal battle is ongoing, today, we're focusing on you, the voters. We have two people ready to debate whether voters should repeal the income tax by passing Initiative 645.

Plus: We hear from you about yesterdays segment on eldercare and AI.

Today on the show:

• Rian Watt, executive director of the Economic Opportunity Institute
• Jaime Herrera Beutler, former congresswoman for WA-03

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a crisis in elder care worldwide.

The population of people aged 65 and older is expected to nearly double by 2060 and many countries are facing serious questions about how to support such a huge increase in elderly community members.

In America, nursing homes are both expensive and linked to significant declines in mental health, leading states like Washington to prioritize at-home caretakers.

But at-home care is facing its own crisis, which has the state turning to a new solution: An at-home AI companion called ElliQ.

Earlier this year Washington became the first state to have these devices fully subsidized by Medicaid.

And so far they’ve made it into the hands of more than 50 residents.

Is this a solution to the elder care crisis? Or another sign of an AI dystopia?

Plus: Why one of the biggest immigrant support networks in Washington just laid off half its staff, and David and Libby on their top stories of the day.

Today on the show: tech journalist Jacob Robbins, and KUOW immigration reporter Gustavo Sagrero Alvarez

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every month Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson sits down with Soundside to discuss the latest news and answer your questions. This month: the budget, public safety, and homelessness policy.

Plus: Libby and David break down the latest on the Washington State Ferry cancellations

Today on the show: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This election season, State Sen. Jesse Salomon is defending his seat against a challenger who believes he's not progressive enough, Rep. Cindy Ryu. Legislative District 32, which they both represent now, is a safe seat for Democrats. LD 32 includes Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood and also parts of northwest Seattle, Edmonds and Woodway.

Both have been in local and state politics for a while, but why is Ryu running against Salomon now? The two sat down for a debate with "Soundside" in front of a live audience.

Plus: Co-hosts Libby Denkmann and David Kroman talk today's top headlines and Shane Mehling takes on the Weekend Warmup.

Today on the show:

• Jesse Salomon, state senator for Legislative District 32
• Cindy Ryu, position 1 representative for Legislative District 32

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The University of Washington's Board of Regents almost voted on a change to the school's Student Conduct Code in early September, which led to a wave of pushback from students and faculty who read it as an effort to crackdown on certain kinds of protests. The school delayed that original vote and extended its feedback period to December.

Soundside spoke to students, as well as an organization that advocates for free speech, about what all of this signals about the state of protests at the University of Washington.

Also, KUOW is a self-sustaining service of the University of Washington, meaning we fundraise separately and maintain editorial independence from the school.

Today on the show:

• Radcliffe Cushman, an undergraduate student at the University of Washington
• Francisco Dojenia, a graduate student at the University of Washington
• Laura Beltz, the director of policy reform at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go tohttp://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.