This week, the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments in two cases challenging state bans on trans athletes competing in girls' and women's sports.

Twenty-seven states have bans on trans girls and women competing in school sports consistent with their gender identity. 

But Washington passed a law in 2007 that protects trans athletes' participation in school sports. It was the first state to do so.

For more than a decade, that law received very little attention. But in recent years, questions about fairness, the athletic advantages conferred by testosterone, and the sanctity of women’s sports have become fiery political issues. 

And for the first time, a few trans athletes have won competitions, including Verónica Garcia, a runner from Spokane Valley.  In May, she repeated as the state 2A high school girls champion in the 400 meters.

Last month, she was the subject of an extensive profile in the Washington Post that explored her life as she was finishing high school and competing in track and field for the last time

Reporter Casey Parks followed Verónica for a year.

We spoke to them both for almost two hours. This episode is the condensed version of that conversation.  

Guests 

Verónica García, college student and runner

Casey Parks, reporter, The Washington Post

Related Links


For young transgender runner, racing wasn’t the hardest thing  - The Washington Post (Casey's piece)

Heywood you sign this? Let's Go WA is working on two new initiatives - Soundside, KUOW

WA Democrats won’t hold hearings on parental rights, trans athlete initiatives - Washington State Standard



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.

This week,&nbsp;the U.S. Supreme Court <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/us/politics/supreme-court-transgender-sports.html">is hearing arguments</a> in two cases challenging state bans on trans athletes competing in girls' and women's sports. Twenty-seven states have bans on trans girls and women competing in school sports consistent with their gender identity.&nbsp;
But Washington passed a law in 2007 that protects trans athletes' participation in school sports. It was the first state to do so.
For more than a decade, that law received very little attention. But in recent years, questions about fairness, the athletic advantages conferred by testosterone, and the sanctity of women&rsquo;s sports have become fiery political issues.&nbsp;
And for the first time, a few trans athletes have won competitions, including Ver&oacute;nica Garcia, a runner from Spokane Valley.&nbsp; In May, she <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/high-school/wa-transgender-athlete-veronica-garcia-repeats-as-state-track-champion/">repeated</a> as the state 2A high school girls champion in the 400 meters.
Last month, she was the subject of <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/12/28/transgender-female-athlete-competition-trump/">an extensive profile</a> in the Washington Post that explored her life as she was finishing high school and competing in track and field for the last time
Reporter Casey Parks followed Ver&oacute;nica for a year.
We spoke to them both for almost two hours. This episode is the condensed version of that conversation.&nbsp; Guests&nbsp;
Ver&oacute;nica Garc&iacute;a, college student and runner
<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/caseyparks.bsky.social">Casey Parks</a>, reporter, The Washington Post
Related Links 
<a href="https://wapo.st/49lnBUK">For young transgender runner, racing wasn&rsquo;t the hardest thing&nbsp;</a> - The Washington Post (Casey's piece)
<a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/heywood-you-sign-this-lets-go-wa-is-working-on-two-new-initiatives">Heywood you sign this? Let's Go WA is working on two new initiatives</a> - Soundside, KUOW
<a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/09/wa-democrats-wont-hold-hearings-on-parental-rights-trans-athlete-initiatives/">WA Democrats won&rsquo;t hold hearings on parental rights, trans athlete initiatives</a> - Washington State Standard 
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <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.

We talked with runner Veronica Garcia and reporter Casey Parks about competing as a trans athlete amid questions of fairness, the scientific evidence available comparing the performance of cisgender and trans athletes and beyond.  

A WA trans high school track champion and the reporter who followed her

Doctors have long recommended regular cervical cancer screenings. Traditionally doctors perform these exams using a speculum, which often say is uncomfortable and, for many, quite painful. 

Some recent developments could make a large number of these screenings easier.

In early January, the Health Resources and Services Administration, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, updated its guidelines to say that self-administered tests are an acceptable way to screen for human papillomavirus. HPV is a sexually-transmitted disease that causes the majority of cervical cancer cases. 

OB-GYNs are hopeful that at-home testing will make cervical cancer screenings  easier to access…. and significantly more comfortable. 

Guests:
Dr. Linda Eckert, professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine

Related links: 
New Guidelines Endorse Self-Swab Alternative to Pap Smear for Cervical Cancer Testing - The New York Times
Cervical Cancer Risk Factors | Cervical Cancer | CDC
The FDA has approved an at-home HPV test. What you need to know : NPR

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.

Doctors have long recommended regular cervical cancer screenings.&nbsp;Traditionally doctors perform these exams using a speculum, which often say is uncomfortable and, for many, quite painful.&nbsp;
Some recent developments could make a large number of these screenings easier.
In early January, the Health Resources and Services Administration, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, updated its guidelines to say that self-administered tests are an acceptable way to screen for human papillomavirus. HPV is a sexually-transmitted disease that causes the majority of cervical cancer cases.&nbsp;
OB-GYNs are hopeful that at-home testing will make cervical cancer screenings&nbsp; easier to access&hellip;. and significantly more comfortable.&nbsp;
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Dr. Linda Eckert, professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine</li>
</ul>
Related links:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/well/self-swab-tests-cervical-cancer.html">New Guidelines Endorse Self-Swab Alternative to Pap Smear for Cervical Cancer Testing - The New York Times</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/risk-factors/index.html">Cervical Cancer Risk Factors | Cervical Cancer | CDC</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/01/07/nx-s1-5668259/the-fda-has-approved-an-at-home-hpv-test-what-you-need-to-know">The FDA has approved an at-home HPV test. What you need to know : NPR</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.

Many patients find cervical cancer screenings uncomfortable and, sometimes, painful. New health guidelines offer patients an alternative.  

Cervical cancer screenings... without the speculum? 

Every Monday on Soundside we catch you up on the top stories that are fascinating right now – and what they say about the Pacific Northwest.

It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.

GUEST: Paige Browning - KUOW News Anchor & Podcast Host

RELATED LINKS:
After Minneapolis killing, protests in Seattle, U.S. demand: ‘ICE out’
Valdez introduces bill to ban face-concealing masks by law enforcement in response to masked ICE raids
Gov Bob Ferguson’s 6 Request Bills
WA Democrats won’t hold hearings on parental rights, trans athlete initiatives
Here’s What to Know About the Protests in Iran
Iran Edges Closer to a Revolution That Would Reshape the World
NFL playoffs: Seahawks will host 49ers in NFC divisional round
Seahawks continue crackdown on resale of season tickets

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.

Every Monday on Soundside we catch you up on the top stories that are fascinating right now &ndash; and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. It&rsquo;s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.
GUEST:&nbsp;Paige Browning - KUOW News Anchor &amp; Podcast Host
RELATED LINKS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="3"><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/after-minneapolis-killing-protests-in-seattle-u-s-demand-ice-out/">After Minneapolis killing, protests in Seattle, U.S. demand: &lsquo;ICE out&rsquo;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/masked-ice-agents-reportedly-arrest-3-on-seattles-aurora-avenue-north/"></a><a href="https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/valdez/2025/12/08/valdez-introduces-bill-to-ban-face-concealing-masks-by-law-enforcement-in-response-to-masked-ice-raids/">Valdez introduces bill to ban face-concealing masks by law enforcement in response to masked ICE raids</a></li>
<li><a href="https://governor.wa.gov/news/2026/governor-ferguson-announces-slate-6-governor-request-bills-2026">Gov Bob Ferguson&rsquo;s 6 Request Bills</a></li>
<li><a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/09/wa-democrats-wont-hold-hearings-on-parental-rights-trans-athlete-initiatives/">WA Democrats won&rsquo;t hold hearings on parental rights, trans athlete initiatives</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/article/iran-protests-inflation-currency.html">Here&rsquo;s What to Know About the Protests in Iran</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/iran-edges-closer-to-a-revolution-that-would-reshape-the-world/">Iran Edges Closer to a Revolution That Would Reshape the World</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/nfl-playoffs-seahawks-will-host-49ers-in-nfc-divisional-round/">NFL playoffs: Seahawks will host 49ers in NFC divisional round</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-continue-crack-down-on-resale-of-season-tickets/">Seahawks continue crackdown on resale of season tickets</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.

Every Monday on Soundside we catch you up on the top stories that are fascinating right now – and what they say about the Pacific Northwest.

Front Page: ICE Protests, the State Legislative session gets started, Protests in Iran, and Seahawks vs 49ers part 3

From new transportation fees to requirements for closed captions in movie theaters, you might have already noticed the effects of several new laws and taxes with a January 1 start date. 

And we’re about to begin a new legislative session on Monday, January 12th. 

In Olympia, lawmakers are facing a yawning budget shortfall and uncertain funding from the federal government. 

We review the new laws we need to follow and preview the upcoming session.

GUESTS
Jake Goldstein-Street, reporting, Washington State Standard

RELATED LINKS
Gerrymander Washington state? Democrats want to talk about it - KUOW

These new laws and taxes take effect in Washington state on Jan. 1 - Washington State Standard 

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.

From new transportation fees to requirements for closed captions in movie theaters, you might have already noticed the effects of several new laws and taxes with a January 1 start date.&nbsp;
And we&rsquo;re about to begin a new legislative session on Monday, January 12th.&nbsp;
In Olympia, lawmakers are facing a yawning budget shortfall and uncertain funding from the federal government.&nbsp;
We review the new laws we need to follow and preview the upcoming session.
GUESTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jake Goldstein-Street, reporting, Washington State Standard</li>
</ul>
RELATED LINKS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/gerrymander-washington-democrats-want-to-talk-about-it">Gerrymander Washington state? Democrats want to talk about it</a> - KUOW <a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/scott-greenstone"></a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/12/30/these-new-laws-and-taxes-take-effect-in-washington-state-on-jan-1/">These new laws and taxes take effect in Washington state on Jan. 1</a> - Washington State Standard&nbsp;</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="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.

You like laws? We got some new ones in 2026. And taxes. 

New year, new Washington laws, new legislative session

We’ve reached the end of our first full week of 2026, and it’s time to get out there & do something FUN.

LINKS: 
2025 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour - Northwest Film Forum
David Horsey | Elliott Bay Book Company
OrcaCon Tabletop Games Convention 
Seattle Travel and Adventure Show
Great Train Show 2026 - Ridgefield, WA
Seattle Bach Festival
Jules Maes Saloon - Prohibition Party
Seattle Torrent vs Minnesota Frost
Official Watch Party at Rough & Tumble Ballard

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.

We&rsquo;ve reached the end of our first full week of 2026, and it&rsquo;s time to get out there &amp; do something FUN.
LINKS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://nwfilmforum.org/films/2025-sundance-film-festival-short-film-tour/">2025 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour - Northwest Film Forum</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.elliottbaybook.com/events/49057">David Horsey | Elliott Bay Book Company</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.orcacon.org/">OrcaCon Tabletop Games Convention</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://travelshows.com/shows/seattle/">Seattle Travel and Adventure Show</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.greattrainshow.com/gts-show-landing-pages/ridgefield-01-26">Great Train Show 2026</a> - Ridgefield, WA</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://seattlebachfestival.org/">Seattle Bach Festival</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/jules-maes-prohibition-party-2026-01-10-jules-maes-seattle-68fe25">Jules Maes Saloon - Prohibition Party</a> </li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.thepwhl.com/en/stats/game-center/252">Seattle Torrent vs Minnesota Frost</a>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Official Watch Party at <a href="https://www.roughandtumblepub.com/">Rough &amp; Tumble Ballard</a></li>
</ul>
</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.

Our first Weekend Warmup of 2026 brings you an entire weekend's worth of events, including a couple of conventions, but no jazz...

Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" - Jan 8-11

A lot has changed in Seattle in the last 7 days.

The city has a new mayor, a new city attorney, two new council members, and, as of Tuesday afternoon, a new city council president.

District 3 representative Joy Hollingsworth won unanimous support yesterday from her colleagues to lead the council over the next two years. 

The stakes of leading the city are always high, but this looks to be an especially packed year:  there’s the ongoing project of finishing the city’s growth plan, another budget deficit to contend with…. and the World Cup (and its hordes of fans) landing here in June. Not to mention the potential for federal policy changes that could impact city government.

So - how will the city council navigate 2026 and beyond?

GUEST:
Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth

RELATED LINKS: 
Councilmember Hollingsworth calls for action after violence on Capitol Hill - Seattle City Council Blog
Seattle OKs New Growth Plan, but Biggest Zoning Battles Lie Ahead - The Urbanist
Katie Wilson is officially Seattle's mayor. Her agenda: affordability, housing, and workers' rights - KUOW

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. 

A lot has changed in Seattle in the last 7 days.
The city has a new mayor, a new city attorney, two new council members, and, as of Tuesday afternoon, a new city council president.
District 3 representative Joy Hollingsworth won unanimous support yesterday from her colleagues to lead the council over the next two years.&nbsp;
The stakes of leading the city are always high, but this looks to be an especially packed year:&nbsp; there&rsquo;s the ongoing project of finishing the city&rsquo;s growth plan, another budget deficit to contend with&hellip;. and the World Cup (and its hordes of fans) landing here in June. Not to mention the potential for federal policy changes that could impact city government.
So - how will the city council navigate 2026 and beyond?
GUEST:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth</li>
</ul>
RELATED LINKS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://council.seattle.gov/2025/10/10/councilmember-hollingsworth-calls-for-action-after-violence-on-capitol-hill/">Councilmember Hollingsworth calls for action after violence on Capitol Hill - Seattle City Council Blog</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.theurbanist.org/2025/12/17/seattle-oks-new-growth-plan-but-biggest-zoning-battles-lie-ahead/">Seattle OKs New Growth Plan, but Biggest Zoning Battles Lie Ahead - The Urbanist</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/katie-wilson-is-officially-seattle-s-mayor-her-agenda-affordability-housing-and-workers-rights">Katie Wilson is officially Seattle's mayor. Her agenda: affordability, housing, and workers' rights - KUOW</a><a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/eilis-oneill"></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.&nbsp;

District 3 representative Joy Hollingsworth won unanimous support yesterday from her colleagues to lead the council over the next two years. She explains how the city council will navigate 2026 and beyond. 

Seattle's new City Council President shares her goals for 2026

Less than a week after the U.S. captured Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, the Coast Guard seized two oil tankers accused of violating U.S. sanctions. One of the vessels, seized in the North Atlantic, was registered in Russia.

The Trump Administration is leaning on Venezuela to open up its oil industry to U.S. companies and oust the influence of Russia and China. President Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela will turn over 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S.

As this new era of interventionism unfolds, Greenland also appears to have returned to the top of the White House’s agenda.

We talked to Rep. Adam Smith, the Democratic ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, about all of that and more. 

NOTE: News is developing quickly, and we spoke to Rep. Smith just after 10am PT. Head to npr.org or KUOW for the latest updates. 

GUEST:
Rep. Adam Smith, Democrat, Washington's 9th district

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. 

Less than a week after the U.S. captured Venezuela&rsquo;s President Nicolas Maduro, the Coast Guard seized two oil tankers accused of violating U.S. sanctions. One of the vessels, seized in the North Atlantic, was registered in Russia.
The Trump Administration is leaning on Venezuela to open up its oil industry to U.S. companies and oust the influence of Russia and China. President Trump said Tuesday that Venezuela will turn&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/06/world/venezuela-maduro-us-trump/heres-the-latest?smid=url-share">over 30 to 50 million barrels of oil</a> to the U.S.
As this new era of interventionism unfolds, Greenland also appears to have returned to the top of the White House&rsquo;s agenda.
We talked to Rep. Adam Smith, the Democratic ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, about all of that and more.&nbsp;
NOTE: News is developing quickly, and we spoke to Rep. Smith just after 10am PT. Head to npr.org or KUOW for the latest updates.&nbsp;
GUEST:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Rep. Adam Smith, Democrat, Washington's 9th district</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.&nbsp;

The Seattle-area Congressman tells us what he's heard from the Trump adminstration about its plans for Venezuela and Greenland.

"There's a lot more oversight needed": Rep. Adam Smith, on the U.S., Venezuela and Greenland 

Jenaro Abraham

Marines Scaramazza

It has been three days since the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in an audacious military raid. 

It was a sudden and intense escalation of an ongoing campaign by the United States to oust Maduro.

Maduro, and his wife Cilia Flores, appeared in a Manhattan court yesterday in an arraignment hearing over drug trafficking and weapons charges. Those charges were central to the government’s rationale for capturing Maduro. 

But since Maduro’s capture, the Trump administration has focused on the Venezuelan oil industry and threatened other countries in Latin America like Cuba, Columbia and Mexico. 

GUESTS:
Jenaro Abraham, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Gonzaga University
Marines Scaramazza, reporter and manager of Latino Herald, based in Lynnwood

RELATED LINKS: 

NPR: 7 takeaways from Trump's incursion into Venezuela

Seattle Times: After Maduro’s capture, Venezuelans in WA ask: ‘Should we be happy?’ 

Al Jazeera: Trump’s bid to commandeer Venezuela’s oil sector faces hurdles, experts say

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.

It has been three days since the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicol&aacute;s Maduro in an audacious military raid.&nbsp;
It was a sudden and intense escalation of an ongoing campaign by the United States to oust Maduro.
Maduro, and his wife Cilia Flores, appeared in a Manhattan court yesterday in an arraignment hearing over drug trafficking and weapons charges. Those charges were central to the government&rsquo;s rationale for capturing Maduro.&nbsp;
But since Maduro&rsquo;s capture, the Trump administration has focused on the Venezuelan oil industry and threatened other countries in Latin America like Cuba, Columbia and Mexico.&nbsp;
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jenaro Abraham, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Gonzaga University</li>
<li aria-level="1">Marines Scaramazza, reporter and manager of <a href="https://latinoherald.com/">Latino Herald</a>, based in Lynnwood</li>
</ul>
RELATED LINKS:&nbsp;
NPR:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/01/05/nx-s1-5666331/trump-politics-venezuela-republicans-democrats">7 takeaways from Trump's incursion into Venezuela</a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/04/world/trump-us-venezuela-maduro"></a>
Seattle Times: <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/after-maduros-capture-venezuelans-in-wa-ask-should-we-be-happy/">After Maduro&rsquo;s capture, Venezuelans in WA ask: &lsquo;Should we be happy?&rsquo;&nbsp;</a>
Al Jazeera: <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/1/5/trumps-bid-to-commandeer-venezuelas-oil-sector-faces-hurdles-experts-say">Trump&rsquo;s bid to commandeer Venezuela&rsquo;s oil sector faces hurdles, experts say</a>
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.

Libby Denkmann speaks with Gonzaga University Professor Jenaro Abraham and Latino Herald reporter Marines Scaramazza about the latest in Venezuela

After U.S. captures Maduro, what's next for Venezuela and Latin America? 

Being a movie buff in Seattle feels a little… unsettled right now.

That’s because there’s been a lot of changes at SIFF, the Seattle International Film Festival, which has been the vanguard when it comes to all things movies.

The organization announced Monday, it was undergoing an organizational restructuring, including some layoffs.

This follows a somewhat tumultuous year for SIFF. For more, we're joined by... 

GUESTS:
Chase Hutchinson, critic and freelance reporter, who often covers SIFF for the Seattle Times

RELATED LINK: 


SIFF announces more layoffs, organizational restructuring | The Seattle Times 

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.

Being a movie buff in Seattle feels a little&hellip; unsettled right now.
That&rsquo;s because there&rsquo;s been a lot of changes at SIFF, the Seattle International Film Festival, which has been the vanguard when it comes to all things movies.
The organization announced Monday, it was undergoing an organizational restructuring, including some layoffs.
This follows a somewhat tumultuous year for SIFF. For more, we're joined by...&nbsp;
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/author/chase-hutchinson/">Chase Hutchinson</a>, critic and freelance reporter, who often covers SIFF for the Seattle Times</li>
</ul>
RELATED LINK:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">
<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/siff-announces-more-layoffs-organizational-restructuring/">SIFF announces more layoffs, organizational restructuring | The Seattle Times</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.

Seattle film critic and freelance reporter Chase Hutchinson joins Soundside to talk about the latest news out of SIFF and what to expect as we move into 2026.

Organizational restructuring at SIFF leads to layoffs... again

There are plenty of headwinds affecting affordable housing construction and maintenance right now. Building costs are going up, and federal funding is uncertain. Affordable housing providers in Seattle and beyond have struggled as COVID-era rent subsidies disappeared.

Colleen Echohawk has been thinking about these issues a lot. She is the new CEO of Community Roots Housing, a Public Development Authority that manages over 2,300 affordable housing units in Seattle. They’re set to open more units in 2026, so we spoke to her about her plans for the organization.

Echohawk is also a member of the transition team for Mayor Katie Wilson, co-chairing the a group working on affordable housing and community needs. 

Guest


Colleen Echohawk, CEO, Community Roots Housing

Related Links


Seattle’s affordable housing industry is in crisis. The city faces tough choices - The Seattle Times (June 2025)

Seattle doubles bailout for ailing affordable housing sector - The Seattle Times (December 4th, 2025)

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

There are plenty of headwinds affecting affordable housing construction and maintenance right now. Building costs are going up, and federal funding is uncertain. Affordable housing providers in Seattle and beyond have struggled as COVID-era rent subsidies disappeared.
Colleen Echohawk has been thinking about these issues a lot. She is the new CEO of Community Roots Housing, a Public Development Authority that manages over 2,300 affordable housing units in Seattle. They&rsquo;re set to open more units in 2026, so we spoke to her about her plans for the organization.
Echohawk is also a member of&nbsp;the transition team for Mayor Katie Wilson, co-chairing the a group working on affordable housing and community needs.&nbsp;
Guest <a href="https://communityrootshousing.org/2025/09/announcing-ceo-colleen-echohawk/"></a>
<a href="https://communityrootshousing.org/2025/09/announcing-ceo-colleen-echohawk/">Colleen Echohawk, CEO, Community Roots Housing</a>
Related Links 
<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/seattles-affordable-housing-industry-is-in-crisis-city-faces-tough-choices/">Seattle&rsquo;s affordable housing industry is in crisis. The city faces tough choices</a> - The Seattle Times (June 2025)
<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/seattle-doubles-bailout-for-ailing-affordable-housing-sector/">Seattle doubles bailout for ailing affordable housing sector</a> - The Seattle Times (December 4th, 2025) 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

Colleen Echohawk is the CEO of Community Roots Housing, managing over 2,300 affordable housing units in Seattle.

Soundside

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