Whooping cough is making a major comeback in Washington state. At this time last year, there were 54 cases of pertussis. Right now, the statewide case count is more than 1,300. The bacterial disease is most dangerous to babies, and many who get it require hospitalization. We talk with UW Medicine's Dr. Helen Chu about why whooping cough is surging in Washington.

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Whooping cough is making a major comeback in Washington state. At this time last year, there were 54 cases of pertussis. Right now, the statewide <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/whooping-cough">case count</a> is more than 1,300. The bacterial disease is most dangerous to babies, and many who get it require hospitalization. We talk with UW Medicine's <a href="https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/helen-chu">Dr. Helen Chu</a> about why whooping cough is surging in Washington.
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by <a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">making a gift</a> to KUOW.
We want to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram at SeattleNowPod, or <a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback">leave us feedback</a>.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now

WA is getting whooped by whooping cough

Today, we’re bringing you the best from the KUOW Newsroom…

First, public defenders are looking to reform Washington's bail system, but not everyone is on board.

Next, we visit the Yakima Nation, who say they feel pushed aside for energy development.

And finally, beavers have a complicated relationship with Washington landowners. But they’re learning to coexist.

We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.

Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.

Today, we&rsquo;re bringing you the best from the KUOW Newsroom&hellip;
First, public defenders are looking to <a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/public-defenders-ask-wa-supreme-court-to-put-new-limits-on-cash-bail">reform Washington's bail system</a>, but not everyone is on board.
Next, we visit the Yakima Nation, who <a href="https://www.nwpb.org/local/2026-05-11/the-yakama-nation-says-it-feels-pushed-aside-for-energy-developments-theyre-working-to-protect-sacred-sites">say they feel pushed aside for energy development</a>.
And finally, beavers have a complicated relationship with Washington landowners. <a href="https://www.nwpb.org/local/2026-05-13/landowners-conservationists-finding-new-ways-to-deal-with-beaver-problems">But they&rsquo;re learning to coexist</a>.
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. <a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">Tap here</a> to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or<a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback"> leave us feedback online</a>.

Today, we’re bringing you the best from the KUOW Newsroom…  First, public defenders are looking to reform Washington's bail system, but not everyone is on board.  Next, we visit the Yakima Nation, who say they feel pushed aside for energy development.  And finally, beavers have a complicated relationship with Washington landowners. But they’re learning to coexist. 

Weekend Listen: Public defenders spark debate about changing Washington’s bail system, the Yakima Nation says it feels pushed aside for energy developers, and landowners and conservationists are trying to deal with beaver problems

Undocumented foster kids are suing Washington state, Seattle installs public toilets ahead of the World Cup, and Starbucks lays off more employees.

It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning.

We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.

Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.

Undocumented foster kids are suing Washington state, Seattle installs public toilets ahead of the World Cup, and Starbucks lays off more employees.
It&rsquo;s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning.
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">Tap here</a>&nbsp;to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or<a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback">&nbsp;leave us feedback online</a>.

Undocumented foster kids are suing Washington state, Seattle installs public toilets ahead of the World Cup, and Starbucks lays off more employees.

Friday Evening Headlines

This week… Costco is bringing a new oversized item to the food court.

Pike Place Market is inviting visitors to Sip and Stroll some weekends through the summer.

And the Mariners are bringing back that old school feeling with a live organist.

KUOW Editor Phyllis Fletcher and Seattle Now Senior Producer Andy Hurst are here to break down the week.

We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.

Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.

This week&hellip; Costco is bringing a new oversized item to the food court.
Pike Place Market is inviting visitors to Sip and Stroll some weekends through the summer.
And the Mariners are bringing back that old school feeling with a live organist.
KUOW Editor Phyllis Fletcher and Seattle Now Senior Producer Andy Hurst are here to break down the week.
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. <a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">Tap here</a> to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or<a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback"> leave us feedback online</a>.

This week… Costco is bringing a new oversized item to the food court.  Pike Place Market is inviting visitors to Sip and Stroll some weekends through the summer.  And the Mariners are bringing back that old school feeling with a live organist.  KUOW Editor Phyllis Fletcher and Seattle Now Senior Producer Andy Hurst are here to break down the week.

WA is getting whooped by whooping cough

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