Stability appears to have returned in Mexico after days of violence.

On Sunday a Mexican military raid killed cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, more commonly known as El Mencho. 

In response, members of his Jalisco New Generation Cartel created havoc throughout the nation - lighting cars and buildings on fire, ransacking businesses, and setting up blockades along major roadways throughout the country.

According to authorities at least 62 people have died since Sunday - including cartel members, security officers, and civilians. 

Flights to and from Seatac to various airports in Mexico were cancelled, as the US government recommended that all US citizens and residents shelter in place.

Guest:


Vanessa Freije is an Associate Professor of International Studies, and she’s the chair of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Washington. She's currently based in Mexico City.

Related stories:
Mexico Is Caught Between Trump and the Cartels - NYT
What to Know About the Cartels Operating in Mexico - NYT

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.

Stability appears to have returned in Mexico after days of violence.
On Sunday a Mexican military raid killed cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, more commonly known as El Mencho.&nbsp;
In response, members of his Jalisco New Generation Cartel created havoc throughout the nation - lighting cars and buildings on fire, ransacking businesses, and setting up blockades along major roadways throughout the country.
According to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/23/world/mexico-cartel-el-mencho">authorities </a>at least 62 people have died since Sunday - including cartel members, security officers, and civilians.&nbsp;
Flights to and from Seatac to various airports in Mexico were cancelled, as the US government recommended that all US citizens and residents shelter in place.
Guest:
<ul>
<li>
Vanessa Freije is an Associate Professor of International Studies, and she&rsquo;s the chair of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Washington. She's currently based in Mexico City.
</li>
</ul>
Related stories:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/world/americas/trump-sheinbaum-us-mexico-cartel.html">Mexico Is Caught Between Trump and the Cartels - NYT</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/world/americas/mexico-cartels-leaders-el-mencho.html">What to Know About the Cartels Operating in Mexico - NYT</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

On Sunday a Mexican military raid killed cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, more commonly known as El Mencho.   In response, members of his Jalisco New Generation Cartel created havoc throughout the nation - lighting cars and buildings on fire, ransacking businesses, and setting up blockades along major roadways throughout the country.

A view from Mexico's capital, and the politics behind the country's battle with drug cartels

There are many people who would describe themselves as resisting fascism. 

But, for a small group, “antifa” is more than just a label. 

In his new book, journalist Christopher Mathias reports that for self-identified members of antifa, the bulk of their work actually involves infiltrating right-wing extremist groups.

Often, this takes the form of intelligence gathering online. In some cases it means disguising themselves for in-person operations: becoming members, showing up, getting peoples’ real names and plans. 

One man did just that in the Seattle area. Mathias tells his story in a new book. 

Guest

Christopher Mathias, journalist covering antifa and the far right, author, "To Catch A Fascist: The Fight to Expose the Radical Right"

Related Link

What’s behind the White House’s anti-antifa order

White nationalists claimed WA man doxxed them. How a judge responded

Antifa used to unmask neo-Nazis, now it’s exposing ICE: ‘Predators don’t get anonymity’ - The Guardian

There are many people who would describe themselves as resisting fascism.&nbsp;
But, for a small group, &ldquo;antifa&rdquo; is more than just a label.&nbsp;
In his new book, journalist Christopher Mathias reports that for self-identified members of antifa, the bulk of their work actually involves infiltrating right-wing extremist groups.
Often, this takes the form of intelligence gathering online. In some cases it means disguising themselves for in-person operations: becoming members, showing up, getting peoples&rsquo; real names and plans.&nbsp; One man did just that in the Seattle area. Mathias tells his story in a new book.&nbsp;
Guest
Christopher Mathias, journalist covering antifa and the far right, author, "To Catch A Fascist: The Fight to Expose the Radical Right" Related Link
<a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/what-s-behind-the-white-house-s-anti-antifa-order">What&rsquo;s behind the White House&rsquo;s anti-antifa order</a> <a href="https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article314552160.html">White nationalists claimed WA man doxxed them. How a judge responded</a>
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/30/antifa-unmasking-ice">Antifa used to unmask neo-Nazis, now it&rsquo;s exposing ICE: &lsquo;Predators don&rsquo;t get anonymity&rsquo;</a> - The Guardian

A new book tells the story of a Washington man named Vincent, who infiltrated a branch of a white nationalist group in the Pacific Northwest.

The antifa spy inside a Washington white nationalist group

Local Iranian community members gathered at a vigil Sunday afternoon at Seattle City Hall to share art, music, dance and healing conversation.

The stated purpose of the event was to memorialize those who lost their lives during the Islamic Republic’s deadly crackdown on protesters in January, which had a death toll estimated in the tens of thousands.

With the U.S. and Israel striking Iran over the weekend, the event also provided a place to process the beginning of war.

The event was organized by the Seattle Isfahan Sister City Advocacy group.

ALSO: analysis of the widening conflict in the Middle East with Reşat Kasaba, professor at the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies.

RELATED LINKS:


Iran Hits Back Across the Mideast, Targeting U.S. Bases and Allies


Hegseth insists the Iran conflict is 'not Iraq' and is 'not endless'


What to Know About the Widening Fallout From the Bombing of Iran


Push from Saudis, Israel helped move Trump to attack Iran 

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.

Local Iranian community members gathered at a vigil Sunday afternoon at Seattle City Hall to share art, music, dance and healing conversation.
The stated purpose of the event was to memorialize those who lost their lives during the Islamic Republic&rsquo;s deadly crackdown on protesters in January, which had a death toll estimated in the tens of thousands.
With the U.S. and Israel striking Iran over the weekend, the event also provided a place to process the beginning of war.
The event was organized by the Seattle Isfahan Sister City Advocacy group.
ALSO: analysis of the widening conflict in the Middle East with Reşat Kasaba, professor at the University of Washington&rsquo;s Jackson School of International Studies.
RELATED LINKS:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/world/middleeast/iran-retaliatory-strikes-region.html">Iran Hits Back Across the Mideast, Targeting U.S. Bases and Allies</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/hegseth-insists-the-iran-conflict-is-not-iraq-and-is-not-endless">Hegseth insists the Iran conflict is 'not Iraq' and is 'not endless'</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/02/world/middleeast/iran-attacks-damage-what-to-know.html">What to Know About the Widening Fallout From the Bombing of Iran</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/28/trump-iran-decision-saudi-arabia-israel/">Push from Saudis, Israel helped move Trump to attack Iran</a>&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside's Libby Denkmann attended a vigil on Sunday where Iranians in Seattle to memorialize those protestors lost this year, while looking at the potential of a new war in the Middle East.

Seattle area Iranians process the start of war at vigil for massacred protesters

The Sound Transit system is updating, maybe you've heard.

After three new light rail stations opened up south of Seattle in December, the light rail is set to start running across Lake Washington about a month from now.

But budget issues may complicate plans for the future lines. We'll get into that and much more.

Guest:
Dow Constantine, CEO of Sound Transit

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

The Sound Transit system is updating, maybe you've heard.
After three new light rail stations opened up south of Seattle in December, the light rail is set to start running across Lake Washington about a month from now.
But budget issues may complicate plans for the future lines. We'll get into that and much more.
Guest:
<ul>
<li>Dow Constantine, CEO of Sound Transit</li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>

The Sound Transit system is updating, maybe you've heard. After three new light rail stations opened up south of Seattle in December, the light rail is set to start running across Lake Washington about a month from now. But budget issues may complicate plans for the future lines. We'll get into that and much more.

A view from Mexico's capital, and the politics behind the country's battle with drug cartels

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