Front Page - Thursday Nov 5

Rep. Jayapal LIVE

Weekend Warmup

Democrats are still basking in the glow of their sweeping electoral wins. You have to go back a half a century, to the post-Watergate era, to find a similar landslide victory by either party in the House. 

And the New York Times reports there may be no modern precedent for the wave of GOP-leaning Senate seats that flipped to Democratic control Tuesday. In two months, they’ll take control of both chambers of congress. How will they lead? Soundside caught up with Representative Pramila Jayapal from Washington’s 7th district to talk about legislative priorities. 

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

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

Democrats are still basking in the glow of their sweeping electoral wins.&nbsp;You have to go back a half a century, to the post-Watergate era, to find a similar landslide victory by either party in the House.&nbsp;
And the New York Times reports there may be no modern precedent for the wave of GOP-leaning Senate seats that flipped to Democratic control Tuesday.&nbsp;In two months, they&rsquo;ll take control of both chambers of congress. How will they lead? Soundside caught up with Representative Pramila Jayapal from Washington&rsquo;s 7th district to talk about legislative priorities.&nbsp;
<hr>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to<a href="http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes"> donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.&nbsp;

For Jayapal, Trump impeachment is a risky strategy when Dems take congress

Introduction

Brian Heywood

Shasti Conrad

Rep. Adam Smith

Chad Minnick

Wrap-Up

The Soundside and Sound Politics teams broke down the biggest takeaways from Election Day. They dug into the initial results on ballot initiatives, national races and more -- with the help of guests who weighed in on what this year's election could mean for Washington Democrats and Republicans.  

Guests:
Brian Heywood of Let's Go Washington 
Shasti Conrad, chair of the Washington State Democratic Party 
Congressman Adam Smith, who represents Washington's 9th District 
Chad Minnick, Republican political consultant and strategist 

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

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

The Soundside and Sound Politics teams broke down the biggest takeaways from Election Day. They dug into the initial results on ballot initiatives, national races and more -- with the help of guests who weighed in on what this year's election could mean for Washington Democrats and Republicans.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Guests:
<ul>
<li>Brian Heywood of Let's Go Washington&nbsp;</li>
<li>Shasti Conrad, chair of the Washington State Democratic Party&nbsp;</li>
<li>Congressman Adam Smith, who represents Washington's 9th District&nbsp;</li>
<li>Chad Minnick, Republican political consultant and strategist&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to<a href="http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes"> donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.&nbsp;

The Soundside and Sound Politics teams broke down the initial takeaways from this year's election. The teams also called up several guests to hear what these results could signal for Republicans and Democrats in Washington. 

A post Election Day roundup with Soundside and Sound Politics

Front Page - Tuesday Nov 3

Tort Liability

Native Birthing Center

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 todonate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

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

In the 2026 fiscal year alone, the state paid out over $600 million in judgements, settlements and legal costs.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s an issue that goes way beyond dollars on a spreadsheet &ndash; 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.
<hr>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to<a href="http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes"> donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.&nbsp;

As WA faces ballooning liability costs, legislative clash brews

Front Page - Monday Nov 2

Mondays with the Mayor

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 todonate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

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

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.&nbsp;
Plus: Libby and David break down today&rsquo;s top headlines.
Today on the show: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson
<hr>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to<a href="http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes"> donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.&nbsp;

Seattle's mayor takes listener questions about the biggest issues facing the city.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson on homelessness, grocery stores and the city budget

Front Page & Listener Responses to I-638

Spooky Stories part 1

Kitsap PUD

Spooky Stories part 2

Weekend Warmup!

Spooky Stories part 3 & Credits

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.

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Plus: Libby and David read your responses to Initiative 638, the initiative banning trans girls from competing in K-12 sports.&nbsp;
Guests
Fran Korten, Unplug PSE
Matt Steuerwalt, PSE
Angela Bennink, Kitsap PUD
Randy Hardy, former head of Bonneville Power Authority and Seattle City Light
<hr>
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.

As energy rates rise, Kitsap voters consider leaving PSE 

Front Page - Wednesday Oct 28

Ay Yi A-I!!

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 to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

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

We are bombarded every day with headlines about the latest in artificial intelligence.&nbsp;
There&rsquo;s a battle between AI doomers: the people warning of the technology&rsquo;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 <a href="https://www.mentalfloss.com/language/where-did-phrase-aye-yai-yai-come">Ai Yai Yai.</a>&nbsp; Plus: Libby and David discuss potential closures at some Seattle elementary schools, affordable housing, and <a href="https://washingtonobserver.substack.com/p/using-gregoire-against-the-income">who is "hopping mad" over being included</a> in an ad in favor of repealing the income tax.&nbsp;
Guests
<ul>
<li>Destiny Muller, <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/author/destiny-muller/">AI reporter at The Seattle Times</a></li>
<li>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 <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/raising-ai-9798216452423/">Raising AI: How Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping Us&mdash;and How We Shape It</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.madrona.com/team-profiles/rolanda-fu/">Rolanda Fu</a>, investor at Madrona, a venture capital group based in Seattle and Palo Alto</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to<a href="http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes"> donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

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

Introducing: Ai Yai AI! The biggest headlines in AI

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 to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

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

 

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.&nbsp;
Guests 
<ul>
<li>Ver&oacute;nica Garc&iacute;a, a former high school athlete&nbsp;</li>
<li>Elizabeth Wilson, a parent who supports I-638</li>
<li>Lauren Hipp, a parent who opposes I-638</li>
<li>Senator Yasmin Trudeau, a lawmaker who opposes I-638</li>
<li>Representative April Connors, a lawmaker who supports I-638</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to<a href="http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes"> donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.
&nbsp;

Washington voters could ban transgender girls from girls' sports if they vote "yes" on Initiative 638. Parents, lawmakers and more weigh in on what this would mean for the future of girls' sports in Washington. 

Trans girls in sports, on the ballot. The arguments for and against I-638.

Front Page - Monday Oct 26

I-001: Parents' Bill of Rights

Medicare Advantage changes

Credits

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 to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

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

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&rsquo;s lives while they&rsquo;re at school.
Plus, Microsoft announced it is offering buyouts to nearly 60,000 employees, what does that mean for workers in Redmond?&nbsp;
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: <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/10/26/washington-2026-ballot-parents-rights-school-medical-records">What's at stake in Washington's parental rights initiative</a>
<hr>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to<a href="http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes"> donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside talks Microsoft's buyout options that were announced today; I-001, aka the Parents' Bill of Rights, and upcoming changes to Medicare Advantage.

The access question at the center of WA's parents bill of rights initiative 

Front Page - Thursday Oct 22

Snohomish County

LD 29 House Position 1 - Krista Perez

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 to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

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

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 <a href="https://myedmondsnews.com/2026/10/snohomish-county-commission-charter-proposals-mired-in-controversy-as-voting-begins/">Snohomish County Commission Charter proposals mired in controversy as voting begins</a>
Statement from Future 42's co-founder and co-leader, Dann Mead Smith 
"It&rsquo;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 &ldquo;YES&rdquo; vote is a vote to bring greater accountability, tax relief, and financial transparency to Snohomish County Government."&nbsp;&nbsp;
<hr>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to<a href="http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes"> donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

What's going on with Snohomish County's charter proposals? We dig into it.

The battle happening on Snohomish County's ballot

Front Page - Wednesday Oct 21

Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans pt 1

Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans pt 2

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 todonate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

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

Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans is nearly one year on the job. Just this week, she announced a new sentencing alternative &ldquo;Connections Court.&rdquo; Her office has also been in the midst of heightened community concerns about sex trafficking and violence on Aurora. Soundside&rsquo;s David Kroman and Cat Smith sit down with Evans and take your calls.&nbsp;
Plus: David and Cat discuss their top stories of the day.
Guests:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Erika Evans, Seattle City Attorney</li>
<li aria-level="1">Jenna Robert, Criminal Division Chief at the city attorney's office</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to<a href="http://donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes"> donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

City Attorney Erika Evans on "Connection Court" and public safety approach on Aurora

Soundside leads the Puget Sound conversation with smart questions, lively debates, and direct access to the region's most influential voices. Timely, insightful, and unmistakably local, it's where the Pacific Northwest comes to dig into the news.

Soundside leads the Puget Sound conversation with smart questions, lively debates, and direct access to the region's most influential voices. Timely, insightful, and unmistakably local, it's where the Pacific Northwest comes to dig into the news.

Soundside

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