Soundside

Seattle Public Schools has a new Superintendent.  Ben Shuldiner was the only finalist for the position, and the Seattle School Board unanimously approved his contract back in November. On Sunday he stepped into the role early after two teenagers, who are believed to be SPS students, were shot and killed at a bus stop in Rainier Valley. The shooting happened near both South Shore PK-8, and Rainier Beach High School. Soundside sat down with Shuldiner to get his response to the shooting, and to preview his priorities for leading the largest school district in Washington. Guest: Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner Related stories: 2 teen boys killed at bus stop on Rainier Avenue in Seattle - KUOW Seattle School Board names lone superintendent finalist, a district leader recruited from Michigan - KUOW No cops at Garfield High. Seattle School Board rejects plan to revive resource officer program - KUOW

At the start of every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. 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: KUOW Reporter, Producer, and Documentary Podcast Creator Will James Related stories: 2 teen boys killed at bus stop on Rainier Avenue in Seattle Seattle-area businesses, students join national general strike Seattle CHOP verdict: City must pay $30.5 million to family of slain teen Grammys 2026: Zach Top leads WA winners 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.

“The Chronology of Water” is a new movie that dives into the story of a woman’s life, told through scattered memories.  It’s the first feature film directed by Kristen Stewart. And it tackles heavy themes that the protagonist experiences firsthand, like sexual abuse and drug addiction.  But it also explores the beauty in that life, like the escape she finds in competitive swimming, which lands her a college scholarship… And later, a passion for storytelling that she discovers in a creative-writing class.  “The Chronology of Water” may be a work of art, but it isn’t a work of fiction.  It’s adapted from the real-life story of Lidia Yuknavitch, an Oregon author who published a memoir with the same title in 2011.  The film is screening at SIFF on Jan. 30 and Feb. 1.  Guests:  Lidia Yuknavitch, the author of "The Chronology of Water" Related links:  The Chronology of Water | Lidia Yuknavitch | Hawthorne Books ‘The Chronology of Water’ Author Lidia Yuknavitch on Having Her Memoir Adapted by Kristen Stewart | Vogue “The Chronology of Water” Is an Extraordinary Directorial Début | The New Yorker The Chronology of Water | SIFF  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.

The last few weeks, Seattle commuters have been weathering I-5 maintenance on the Ship Canal Bridge. The traffic is bad, the timeline is long … yeah, it’s not fun.  Maybe this will help ease the frustration while you wait in traffic. It could be worse: we could need a whole new bridge. That’s the situation for the I-5 span over the Columbia River, at the border of Washington and Oregon. Parts of the crossing are over 100 years old, and local leaders have discussed a replacement for decades. Planning between Washington and Oregon started twenty years ago … the project hasn’t broken ground yet, and cost estimates have recently ballooned. But the I-5 bridge replacement got good news from the Coast Guard this month that could make it a tad less pricey. Guests:  Carley Francis, Interim Program Administrator for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Related links:  Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Washington State Is Losing Control of the Columbia Interstate Bridge Replacement Megaproject » The Urbanist Coast Guard OKs new I-5 bridge over Columbia River without movable span • 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.

We’re a week away from the start of the OLYMPICS! It’s the final week of January, and I’m amazed that it feels simultaneously like New Year’s Eve was just yesterday, but also that this month has felt like an entire year long. Let’s do something FUN this weekend! Here with all the stuff to do is Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows!! LINKS: Washington Sportsmen's Show Tacoma Home + Garden Show Heated Rivalry Rave | Neumos sQuatch Fest + Galactic Fest 2026 For Your Consideration - SIFF The Chronology of Water - SIFF Battle of the Sound: Seattle Thunderbirds vs Everett Silvertips Tacoma Tattoo Expo 2026 Seattle Wedding Show Drag Queen Bingo - Chuck’s Hop Shop Seward Park 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.

Seattle’s new city attorney, Erika Evans has been on the job for a little over 3 weeks – one of several newly elected officials moving the city in a more progressive direction.    We’re discuss a range of topics - from drug laws and diversion, to federal immigration enforcement in the city.  And a quick reminder about the city attorney’s duties: They enforce Seattle’s laws, prosecute misdemeanor crimes and defend the city in court. Guest:  Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans Related storieS: Seattle doubles down on diversion — not charges — for public drug use - KUOW Ferguson, Brown pledge legal action if ICE violates WA residents’ rights - 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.

The Trump Administration might be dialing down some of its most confrontational immigration enforcement operations focused on the Twin Cities. Alex Pretti, a 37 year old VA nurse, was shot and killed on Saturday by Customs and Border Patrol agents. It was the second deadly shooting in one month by immigration officers in Minnesota.  Federal officials said Pretti “approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun.” Pretti did have a gun on him, which he was legally licensed to carry.  Video of the scene does not show him brandishing the weapon and he appeared to be disarmed before he was shot by CBP.  After several members of his administration spent the weekend defending the agents’ actions, President Trump on Monday relieved Border Patrol’s Gregory Bovino of command duties in Minnesota and put border czar Tom Homan in charge. Governor Tim Walz said in a statement that he spoke with Homan this morning and they agreed to the need for “an ongoing dialogue.” Since the Pretti killing, some Republicans in congress have signaled rare criticism of the President’s policies. Some called for an  independent investigation and appear to be pushing to de-escalate the situation in Minnesota.  Meanwhile, there is a showdown in Congress this week over funding for DHS – fueled by outrage over the events in Minneapolis – and it’s all leading to a potential federal government shutdown looming on Friday. Guest:  Rep. Pramila Jayapal - U.S. Representative from Washington's 7th District Relevant Links: NPR: In the wake of Alex Pretti's death, Congress appears on track for a partial shutdown NPR: Tensions escalate in Minnesota after another killing 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.

Minnesota courts are reportedly overwhelmed by the number of civil rights lawsuits being filed by immigrants and observers interacting with ICE and CBP during “Operation Metro Surge.” Politico has documented more than 2,400 cases across the country, in which judges have rejected the administration’s detention policy.   Across our own state local police departments have put out statements about what they can and cannot do when ICE comes to their communities. In the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd, many Police Departments were challenged to renew their focus on civil rights – to avoid the kinds of shootings, injuries, and lawsuits we see around ICE and Border Patrol right now.  According to reporting by The Atlantic and the Wall Street Journal, that’s led to a rift between federal agents and police officers, as they see ICE using tactics previously denigrated by the Justice Department in the wake of George Floyd.  But what are police officers able to do when confronting potential civil rights violations by federal agents? Guest: Tahir Duckett is the Executive Director of the Center for Innovations in Community Safety at Georgetown Law. The center runs the ABLE project, which teaches police how to intervene during civil rights violations by fellow law enforcement officers Related stories: Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project - Georgetown Law Police and ICE Agents Are on a Collision Course - The Atlantic Police Who Once Backed ICE’s Mission Are Losing Faith in Its Tactics - Wall Street Journal 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.

The federal government wants parents to breastfeed more.  In a press conference last month, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. argued that infant formula falls short in comparison to breast milk.  And in a strategy report published last September called “Make Our Children Healthy Again," the White House said it would “work to increase breastfeeding rates.”  In some corners, these initiatives and comments have ruffled feathers – with critics arguing the emphasis was tantamount to shaming women who can’t or choose not to breastfeed.  But they also got us thinking about the science behind the breast milk versus infant formula debate ….  and why it’s still so controversial when people have been feeding their babies since, well… forever.  Guests:  Janelle Guirguis-Blake, a practicing family physician in Tacoma and clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Related links:  The-MAHA-Strategy-WH.pdf RFK Jr. is investigating infant formula. Here’s what’s at stake | CNN Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for Infants and Children: A Systematic Review | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics HHS, FDA Announce Operation Stork Speed to Expand Options for Safe, Reliable, and Nutritious Infant Formula for American Families | FDA 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.

At the start of every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. 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: Seattle Times reporter David Kroman Related stories: 'Not our America.' Washington state leaders condemn federal shootings in Minnesota - KUOW Super Bowl 60 is set and it's a rematch from 11 years ago: Patriots vs. Seahawks - 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.

You know what they say... where there's a weekend, there's a warmup.  And here with all the random stuff you can do this weekend is Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows! LINKS: Edible Books — Shorelake Arts GameSymphonic with Eímear Noone | Seattle Symphony Pacific NW Reptile & Exotic Animal Show Jet City Roller Derby 20th Anniversary Season Game 1 5th Annual Viking Beard Competition Anaheim Ducks at Seattle Kraken - Fri 1/23 - 7pm New Jersey Devils at Seattle Kraken - Sun 1/25 - 12pm Seattle Torrent vs Vancouver Goldeneyes - Sun 1/25 - 3pm IN DENVER Seahawks NFC Championship Game - Seahawks vs LA Rams - Sun 1/25 - 3:30 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.

When you visit the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, you’ll see a red circular structure with a four-letter phrase written across the top: “This Is Native Land.”  It’s the name of the museum’s permanent exhibit that opened in October. The phrase is a reminder that you’ve probably seen many times... But don’t be lulled into thinking you’ll know what to expect. It has been given a new lens.  We went to Tacoma a few months ago to talk with the curators behind "This Is Native Land" about how the exhibit came together... and how it challenges the typical ways that museums portray Indigenous people.  Guests: Todd Clark, tribal liaison for the Washington State Historical Society and co-curator of “This Is Native Land.” Danica Sterud Miller,associate professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Washington Tacoma and co-curator of "This Is Native Land."  Related links This Is Native Land - Washington State Historical Society Washington State History Museum opens new exhibit, 'This is Native Land' | Puyallup Tribe ‘This is Native Land' explores Washington state history through contemporary art | KNKX Public Radio 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.

For over 30 years (since 1995) Ira Glass has been one of, if not THE voice of public radio.  His show, This American Life, has won Peabody awards, the first ever audio journalism Pulitzer. And it’s also shaped generations of listeners and audio makers. As an early adopter of podcasting (2006), the show was for many a first foray into digital listening. It spawned major hits like Serial, which led to a boom in documentary podcasting. But the world of audio has changed a lot in recent years.  Ira Glass shares his thoughts with Soundside. And he’s coming to the Mount Baker Theater in Bellingham this weekend (Saturday, January 24th) to share some of his secrets: the show is called  “An Evening with Ira Glass: Seven Things I've Learned” Guest: Host and executive producer of This American Life, Ira Glass Related Links: Mount Baker Theatre Presents An Evening with Ira Glass: Seven Things I've Learned Ira Glass Explains Why I’m Listening to Podcasts Wrong | SubwayTakes Uncut - Youtube Ira Glass plays a nicer version of himself on the radio - 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.

There’s not a lot of places like Seattle Center... Where else can you take in the opera, a professional hockey game, and an iconic tourist attraction (y’know, the pointy one with a disk on top,) plus a world-famous radio station, and Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning on a six story movie screen… all in the same place? The 13 square block campus draws over 10 million visitors each year, but supporters argue that the city has been taking Seattle Center for granted. The campus is scattered with aging buildings and creaky infrastructure… And it’s unclear where money to fix up the center will come from. In short, Seattle Center is in the middle of a crossroads. David Kroman reports for the Seattle Times. Along with Margo Vansynghel, he co-bylined a story about the issues facing Seattle Center and a proposed path forward. GUEST:David Kroman RELATED LINK:Seattle Center is fraying. Will the city pay to fix it? 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.

At the start of every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. 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: KUOW reporter Casey Martin Related stories: ICE Arrest of a Citizen, Barely Dressed, Sows Fear in Twin Cities - NYT Seattle police directive clarifies officers’ role as ICE rumors rise - Seattle Times In act of ICE resistance, Seattleites make hundreds of ‘whistle kits’ - Seattle Times Mayor Wilson Announces Executive Orders to Accelerate Shelter and Improve Transit - Office of the Mayor A more clean and comfortable ride: Why Link is moving to vinyl seats - Sound Transit Seahawks had ‘right intent’ with 49ers ticket resale notice that upset fans - 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.

Seismic activity at sporting events is nothing new to Seattle fans.  Many of us remember Marshawn Lynch’s 2011 BEAST-QUAKE. Seahawks fans revel in Lumen Field’s reputation for noise when opposing teams are on offense…  Even T-Mobile Park has experienced its fair share of shaking. Earlier this year when the Mariners made it to the playoffs, the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network was on site to measure the bone rattling when the M’s hit home runs. And this past weekend, they were at the 49ers game with a live stream where fans could keep tabs on how much shaking was going on... GUEST: Harold Tobin - Director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and WA State Seismologist RELATED LINKS:  PNSN 2026 Seahawks vs 49ers PNSN - Seahawks on Instagram Seahawks fans’ roar over 49ers rivaled ‘Beast Quake,’ scientists 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.

In recent years, Washington state has made two major policy changes to keep more birth families together. Since then, fewer kids in Washington have been taken from their birth families, especially infants. But over the same time period, more babies and children from families who’ve been investigated by child welfare workers have died. That’s why critics say those changes have made children less safe and should be reversed. Read the full story: Washington made it harder for CPS to separate families. Critics say kids are less safe 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.

How comfortable are you with AI in your news?  The Tacoma News Tribune, Tri-City Herald, Bellingham Herald, the Olympian. For over a century all of these local papers have brought in-depth reporting and local news to their communities. But new policies instituted by publisher McClatchy Media have left reporters at the papers worried that the company is adopting artificial intelligence tools for efficiency’s sake, at the cost of  accurate information. Union members from the Idaho and Washington State Newsguild, a group of five McClatchy owned papers in the region (that includes the four from WA and The Idaho Statesman), are demanding that the publisher change its policy on how it uses artificial intelligence to produce and collate content.   Guests: Kristine Sherred is the food reporter at the Tacoma News Tribune, and chair of the WA state newsguild   Links: To our readers: How we are using AI in our newsrooms - Miami Herald The McClatchy News Group Is Pushing AI. Their Union Is Pushing Back. - The Stranger   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.

Another week down, only... 50 left to go in 2026.  If you need a bit of distraction from your doom scrolling, we’ve got just the thing…  Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows is here with local events you can check out over the next few days, plus some really great stuff coming up to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day… LINKS: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS vs San Francisco 49ers - Saturday 5pm Seattle Torrent vs Boston Fleet - Sun 7pm Seattle Kraken vs Pittsburgh Penguins - Mon 2pm Seattle Retro Fest Monster Jam | Tacoma Dome Fat Con Kidstock! 2026 | Edmonds Center for the Arts Follow the Yellow Brick Road: An Oz Film Festival 2026 Winterhop Brewfest MLK Day Events: Annual Community Celebration of MLK | Seattle Colleges - Fri 1/16 2026 MLK Day March & Celebration on January 17 - Parkways - Sat 1/17  26th Annual Expansions MLK Unity Party and Live Broadcast - Sun 1/18 MLK Celebration 2026 - Bainbridge Island Museum of Art - Sunday 1/18 Events | SCBHC - Everett, WA Sun 1/18 - Celebration + Mon 1/19 - March & Rally MLK Day — Seattle MLK Jr Organizing Coalition - Mon 1/19 NAAM | Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration 2026 - Mon 1/19 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.

The state’s general fund budget is in trouble, as is its transportation budget. Inflation, higher than expected costs, lower than anticipated revenues, state services scheduled to expand. If you listen to KUOW, you’re probably aware of whythe state is facing budget shortfalls.  This next segment is about a bright spot in the state’s budget: the money generated from the cap and invest system. That’s part of the Climate Commitment Act which voters upheld in 2024.  Here’s how it works: The state sets a limited amount of emissions allowed each year by major companies that’s the cap. Companies that emit more than they’re supposed to have to buy an allowance in a state-run auction. The latest auction generated $394 million dollars. The money is supposed to go towards climate investments like air quality monitors, electric vehicle chargers, and public transportation projects.  But Governor Ferguson recently proposed using more than half billion dollars of that money to fund another program: The Working Families Tax Credit. It’s a refund that gives money back to low-and-medium income state residents.    Meanwhile, Republicans, perhaps seeing an opening with the governor’s proposal, want to use the money to offset utility costs for schools. Environmental groups are already pushing back against the Governor’s proposal.  The budget fight has come for this big pot of money and we’re going to hear two perspectives on this issue today.  Guests: Todd Myers, Vice President of Research at Washington Policy Center Reuven Carlyle, Founder of Earth Finance, former state senator, and architect of the Climate Commitment Act Relevant Links: Seattle Times: A budget ‘rat hole’? Political fight over WA climate money intensifies Washington State Standard: WA governor calls for tapping reserve fund and climate law cash to fill budget hole 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.

Tensions across the country remain high one week after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.  The shooting has sparked nationwide protests, including in the Seattle area. Accounts of what happened have split along political lines. Since the shooting, the administration is doubling down on its immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities. The number of federal immigration enforcement agents deployed to Minnesota is expected to reach 3,000 in the coming days, the largest operation in U.S. history, according to DHS.   U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal joined us to share her thoughts on the events that unfolded this past week.   Guests: Pramila Jayapal, U.S. Representative for Washington's 7th Congressional District.  Related links:  How 3,000 federal agents would compare to 10 largest Twin Cities police forces - The Minnesota Star Tribune New poll reveals voter sentiments on fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good - USA TODAY  Trump officials defend federal agents after ICE shooting - The Hill  Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump's Deadly Assault on Minnesota - Rep. Pramila Jayapal's Youtube page 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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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

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: Geekwire contributing editor, journalist, and owner of the Streamline Tavern - Mike Lewis Related stories: Maduro and wife plead not guilty to narco-terrorism charges - NPR Trump wants U.S. oil companies in Venezuela. Here's what to know - KUOW Katie Wilson is officially Seattle's mayor. Her agenda: affordability, housing, and workers' rights - KUOW Seattle-area Somalis seek officials’ help with daycare doxxing, immigration crackdown - 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.

It’s New Year’s Eve. At midnight, many of us will be raising glasses, kissing loved ones, and trying to remember the words to “Auld Lang Syne.”  That song, if you don’t recall, begins with a question: “Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?”  We here at Soundside say, NO! We will remember.  This year, we brought on a couple new producers, and they have been fantastic additions to our team! I am super excited to see how they help us grow.  But we will never forget those who helped us get here. So, today, we’re playing back some of the great work by former Soundside producers. RELATED LINKS:  'Thousands of stiches, all by hand': a look at Puget Sound's artisan sailmakers Remembering Soul Radio-o-o-o-o-o-o 1250 KYAC - Seattle How the Olympic marmot became Washington's fuzziest state symbol   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, we’re revisiting some of our favorite segments of the year.  And today, we're talking about transit. And translators.  A now-former King County Metro Bus driver tells us what passengers should know when they ride the bus. But more importantly, we got some insight into why the 8 in downtown Seattle is so often called the late bus. Plus, we sat down with a Seattle-based translator to discuss her National Book Award-nominated work translating the novel We Computers into English.  She said that translating the poetry and the prose in this book was like running a triathlon. We're taking a trip with two local women who helped us get from point A to point B in 2025.  Guests Desiree Andersen, former King County Metro bus driver, @desinthepark Shelley Fairweather-Vega, Seattle-based translator of Hamid Ismailov's  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’s the holidays and, to round out 2025, the Soundside team is sharing some of our favorite conversations we had on the show this year. For this episode, we devoted the entire hour to a conversation we originally aired last month on Bruce Lee.   This year, author Jeff Chang published an in-depth biography on Lee’s life. It's called “Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America." In it, Chang shows how the rise of Bruce Lee mirrored the rise of Asian American identity.  In this interview, we talked about Lee’s life in Seattle; his rise in Hollywood; and how his short life left an imprint on Asian Americans that can be felt to this day.  RELATED LINK: "Water Mirror Echo" explores the life, and legacy, of Bruce Lee Book Review: ‘Water Mirror Echo,’ by Jeff Chang - The New York 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.

Christmas Eve begins our holiday break here on Soundside. We’re taking some time off to enjoy the holidays with our friends and family… or to just eat lots of good food while staying indoors. But we’ve still got plenty of jam packed shows ready for you. Today - we’re focusing on local businesses here in the Pacific Northwest. RELATED LINKS: A tech startup helping the visually impaired "watch" sports with their fingertips Will people always love Costco? At 75, Cougar Gold canned cheese is still a Washington state favorite The lights go down... for now... on the Grand Illusion Cinema 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 during Sara Nelson’s time in Seattle government. She was a centrist outlier on a progressive city council when she was first elected in 2021. But the dynamics changed: Nelson became the center of power, and ended up running the show as council president, after a moderate slate of candidates swept the 2023 election.  She helped oversee pandemic-era recovery, worked with two different mayoral administrations and two very different presidential administrations during her time on the council.  Now - her time in office is coming to an end. Next month, there will be a new, more progressive representative in the citywide Position 9 seat that Nelson’s held the past four years. Nonprofit leader Dionne Foster will take Nelson’s place after winning by a wide margin of votes in November.  Between passing a police contract, approving phase one of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, and putting forward a bill to change how consultants work with the city – Nelson has been busy during her last month in office. And last week she spent an hour with Soundside to reflect on her tenure and the direction Seattle politics is moving. GUESTS: Sara Nelson, outgoing position 9 Seattle City Councilmember and City Council President RELATED LINKS:  Seattle passes new transparency law aimed at political consultants - Seattle Times New Seattle Police contract includes pay boost, increased use of unarmed crisis responders - 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. 

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: Former KIRO-FM host Dave Ross TODAY'S TOPICS: Flooding Seattle Times: A damaged King County levee awaited fixes for years. Then it failed. NBC News: Federal grants for flood mitigation work sat on hold as storms inundated Washington state Affordability NYTimes: How Democrats Used One Word to Turn the Tide Against Trump NYTimes: These Young Adults Make Good Money. But Life, They Say, Is Unaffordable. Dave Ross parody songs 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.

The holidays: a time to gather with friends and family, to enjoy one another’s company as we light candles or sit by a tree and contemplate the year’s passing. It’s also a time to argue with said friends and family about some really dumb stuff. Is Die Hard a holiday movie? Should Mariah Carey officially be crowned “Queen of Christmas?” Has there ever been a good Hanukkah song?  You’ll be debating hard hitting questions like this. And on Soundside, we’re here to help you win the argument. It’s our gift to you. Today – We’re pitting three movies, songs, and local events against each other to determine a winner, in a totally original game we’re calling “Kiss Merry Kill.” And of course that’s merry like Santa is - with an E.   HOLIDAY FARE DISCUSSED: Movies Deck the Halls (2006) The Happiest Season (2020) A Diva’s Christmas Carol (2000) Music The Christmas Shoes by NewSong Mistletoe by Justin Bieber Puppy for Hanukkah by Daveed Diggs Events The Bait Shop holiday light show SantaCon The Seattle Christmas Market Sitting on Santa's lap at the Bellevue Square Mall   GUESTS: Betty Wetter is a Seattle drag queen, and host of monthly drag variety show Tush! at the Clock-out Lounge Juno Men is a comedian, and co-host of the Moth Storytelling Slam here in Seattle   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.

Seattle may have to say goodbye to a longstanding vintage shop in the new year.  Red Light Vintage & Costume sits in the heart of the University District. It has been a fixture in Seattle’s fashion scene since it opened in the mid 90s. Now the shop could close because owner Niz Marar is retiring. He’s hoping to sell the business before his lease expires at the end of January. If he can’t find a buyer, fashion lovers will have to let go of this cherished spot.  We talk to Marar about his final few weeks at Red Light... and hear from the person who's trying to keep it alive by buying the shop before the lease ends.   GUESTS: Niz Marar, owner of Red Light Vintage & Costume Tacee Webb, co-founder of Red Light Vintage & Costume RELATED LINKS:  Red Light Vintage – vintage & costume Red Light Revival: New classes, events, & memberships! — Kickstarter 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 only a few weeks left in 2025. That means for those of you who resolved, at the beginning of the year, to do more reading — it's crunch time.  Did you actually put down your phone long enough to get through a book this year? It's not too late.  Many great books came out this year. If you need suggestions for something to read or to give to someone who really ought to be reading more, we've got you covered.  GUESTS: Misha Stone, reader services librarian, Seattle Public Library Spencer Ruchti, author events manager, Third Place Books RELATED LINKS:  Our list of books we loved! Yes, it's a Google Doc. 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.

The end of the year is just around the corner, and with the next two Thursdays each being holidays, this is the final Weekend Warmup of the Year! LINKS: TNF! Seahawks vs Rams Thurs 12/18 The 29th Annual Model Train Festival - Washington State Historical Society Opens Fri 12/19 - runs through Jan 1, 2026 2025 Winter Beer Fest – WA Brewers Guild  Fri/Sat - 12/19-20 Hell’s Belles at the Croc Sat 12/20 United Indians Native Art Market » United Indians of All Tribes Foundation - Daybreak Star Sat/Sun - 12/20-21 Seattle Torrent vs Boston Fleet Sun 12/21 - 2pm 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.

Skagit County has been hit by multiple waves of catastrophic flooding over the past week.    Amid the devastation, there is a bright spot: A floodwall in Mount Vernon successfully held off the Skagit River as it rose to a record 37.7 feet. That floodwall only exists because it sits in an area determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be at highest risk of flooding.  Many residents of Skagit county might be unaware of the current flooding risk to their homes or businesses –  because, according to The Seattle Times, Skagit County’s flood maps haven’t been updated in 40 years.  We'll hear from Lulu Ramadan, who reported on these flood maps, before turning to Kristiana de Leon, who had to evacuate malamutes amid flooding along the Puyallup River last week.    GUESTS: Lulu Ramadan, an investigative reporter at The Seattle Times  Kristiana de Leon of the Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League RELATED LINKS:  Skagit County flood maps showing high-risk areas are 40 years old | The Seattle Times  Washington Alaskan Malamute Adoption League – We pull for them  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.

Approximately 10,000 people are still under evacuation notice after multiple levee failures across Western Washington. In King County: flood controls have breached in the last 48 hours. As of this morning, residents in the city of Pacific, east of Tacoma, are under a "go now" evacuation order after a flood control breach on the nearby White River. A levee was breached yesterday in Tukwila and Kent, the evacuation order for the area is no longer in effect.  Guests: Casey Martin, KUOW reporter Josh Baldi, water and land resources division director for King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Relevant Links:  KUOW live updates  

The Department of Homeland Security may be shifting its approach to deportation flights by ICE.  According to reporting by the Washington Post, DHS recently signed a contract to purchase six Boeing 737 planes. Currently, ICE primarily uses charter planes for deportations. This purchase suggests the agency has plans to expand its capacity to deport people using its own fleet. What implications does this have for immigration enforcement and the way detainees are moved in and out of the United States?  GUEST: McKenzie Funk - Reporter at ProPublica covering immigration, privacy and climate change RELATED LINKS:  DHS inks contract to create its own fleet of 737 jets for deportations Inside ICE Air: Flight Attendants on Deportation Planes Say Disaster Is “Only a Matter of Time” At Seattle’s Boeing Field, Real-Time Video Offers a Rare Glimpse of America’s Troubled Deportation Flights Avelo Airlines, a New ICE Air Contractor, Faces Backlash in Connecticut 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 – 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: KUOW Politics Editor Cat Smith TODAY'S TOPICS: Flooding Live updates: Western Washington braces for more rain and flooding this week - KUOW Canlis A market of extremes: How 2026 will impact restaurant winners and losers - Restaurant Dive Grandpa Rivers & the Indianapolis Colts Philip Rivers hadn't played an NFL game in 5 years. The grandfather nearly upset a Super Bowl contender. - NBC 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’s been a busy year for the Seattle Police Department.  A new chief was sworn in, the longstanding federal consent decree ended and the city reached a new contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild that changes how it can approach unarmed crisis response. Plus, a new mayor will take office in January. Mayor-elect Katie Wilson announced this week that she planned to retain Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, despite some rumors to the contrary.  Soundside's Libby Denkmann talked with Barnes on the morning of Thursday, December 11th, about the incoming administration, the recent policing shooting in Othello, and more.  Note: Starting at 7:45 in the interview, Barnes cites several statistics about a drop in crime. We asked SPD for more information about the decreased crime percentages, and they said Barnes is referencing the first 11 months of 2025 compared to 2024. But in reference to homicides, the information SPD gave us cites 2019 as the last comparable year, and the reduction is actually 36 percent, instead of 35 percent, as Barnes states.  Guest Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes Related Links Seattle City Council approves new police contract, boosting pay and expanding crisis response -KUOW Seattle police video shows officers fatally shooting allegedly armed man - The Seattle Times Seattle City Council Approves Police Contract as South End Mourns Killing in Othello - South Seattle Emerald 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.

Catastrophic flooding continues to threaten Washington.  Around 100,000 people in Western Washington have been advised to evacuate.  Hundreds of Washington National Guard members have been tapped to help with response efforts. And Gov. Ferguson declared a statewide emergency in response to the flooding.  We talked to three KUOW reporters about what they're seeing on the ground and what we need to know about this weather event.  CORRECTION: As of 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, approximately 100,000 people were advised to evacuate across Western Washington. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Skagit County issued immediate evacuation orders to 100,000 residents. GUESTS: KUOW Reporter Joshua McNichols KUOW Reporter John Ryan KUOW Reporter Casey Martin RELATED LINKS:  KUOW - Live updates: 100,000 evacuated in historic Skagit Valley flood in Washington state KUOW - Western Washington faces 'catastrophic' flooding as two atmospheric rivers dump heavy rain Live: Flooding in WA’s Skagit, Snohomish rivers prompt road closures, evacuations | The Seattle Times Skagit River creeps toward Mount Vernon flood wall | 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.

Hey Soundside Listeners! Because our entire show was focused on flood coverage with the Governor's press conference, and live conversations with KUOW reporters Joshua McNichols, John Ryan, and Casey Martin, we decided to skip the Weekend Warmup on the air this week, and drop it here on the podcast feed instead. Stay safe, check KUOW.org for updates, and look in on your neighbors.  With that said, please enjoy this podcast exclusive Weekend Warmup! LINKS: SPORTS! Seahawks vs Indianapolis Colts - Sun 1:25pm Buffalo Sabres at Seattle Kraken - Sun 5pm Seattle Torrent vs Ottawa Charge - Wed 7pm WildLanterns: Night Owls (21+) - Fri 12/12 Mozart & Mutts: Annual Holiday Concert - Fri 12/12 Jurassic Quest | Washington State Fairgrounds  The Naughty Novel Social Club: Krampus Edition DEAF SANTA CLAUS - Sun 12/14 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.

At 38 years old, Girmay Zahilay is King County’s youngest-ever executive. He’s coming in after the long tenure of his predecessor Dow Constantine, who ran the county for nearly 16 years. Zahilay was sworn in early to replace the temporary acting executive who’s been in charge since Constantine stepped down in March. He says he’s ready to “completely change” the office. The King County Executive oversees all kinds of important services like the sheriff’s department, public health, transportation, public housing, and jails. So what will that change look like? And what could it mean for King County?   GUESTS: King County Executive, Girmay Zahilay   RELATED LINKS:  Sworn in early, Exec Zahilay is ready to shake up King County - 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.