Soundside

The gaming industry in the Pacific Northwest has been dealt some major blows in the past few weeks. Monday, Microsoft announced it would be cutting thousands of full time employees and “restructuring” their XBox division, where 1,600 jobs were cut. It’s not immediately clear how many of those are Washington-based. Last month, Bellevue based game studio Bungie announced it would be laying off almost 300 full time employees here in the state. What's behind the upheaval in gaming right now? And what does this mean for our favorite franchises?  GUEST: Sam Machkovech RELATED LINKS: XBox CEO Asha Sharma's letter posted on X Xbox to cut 20% of workforce, plans to divest of five studios Microsoft cuts 4,800 across Xbox, sales divisions, redeploys hundreds more A Studio Shattered: The Aftermath Of The Mass Bungie Layoffs 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Washington’s hottest statehouse races is for a district representing northwest Seattle, Shoreline, parts of Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood. Legislative District 32 has an open seat, because longtime representative Cindy Ryu is challenging for a state senate seat. For Position 1, the candidate field in this solidly-blue district is crowded with Democrats.  For this round of interviews before the primary, Soundside is focusing on candidates who have raised more than $50,000 to fund their campaign.  The first of four interviews is with Keith Scully, a Shoreline councilmember and a lawyer. He’s also Shoreline’s former mayor.  He lives in Richmond Beach with his family. Guest Keith Scully, Shoreline councilmember, lawyerRelated LinksSix candidates vie for open House seat in 32nd District - The Daily HeraldSeattle-area state House race draws crowded field of Democratic hopefuls - The 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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 newscaster Paige Browning Related Links: KOMO: Seattle records first homicide-free June since 1970 Seattle Times: Seattle’s population boom has hit the brakes, new data shows The Athletic: Folarin Balogun available for USMNT vs. Belgium as red card ban suspended The Athletic: ‘Thank you FIFA for reversing a great injustice!’ How Trump, teammates reacted to Balogun’s ban reprieve 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Enchantments are on the up and up.  Or at least, things are looking better than last year.   The 18-mile stretch in the Cascades has long been a popular destination for hikers and backpackers in Washington. But federal cuts and staffing shortages last year made the Enchantments pretty disenchanting.   In 2025, only one ranger was in charge of patrolling the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - which spans 900 miles.  That made trail maintenance really difficult. We’re talking trash on the trails, overflowing garbage cans, and overflowing toilets.  It didn’t help that last summer, the area saw record-shattering crowds - with 2,400 people visiting on one day during the July Fourth weekend.  It’s been a year, and while some things have improved, there’s still a lot of work to be done in the region. Guest: Gregory Scruggs, outdoors reporter for The Seattle Times Related Stories: Here’s where the Enchantments stand for WA summer hiking season | The Seattle Times The Enchantments face dire conditions amid staffing shortage | 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last summer, hundreds of people protested outside of an ICE facility in Spokane. They were trying to stop agents from taking two asylum seekers to an ICE detention center in Tacoma.  As the day wore on and the protest grew in size, law enforcement ordered demonstrators to disperse… and then deployed pepper balls and smoke grenades on the crowd. The mayor issued a curfew.  By the end of the evening, around 30 people were arrested. But the government’s response didn't end there: A month later, federal prosecutors indicted nine Spokane protesters on felony conspiracy charges.    In May, three of those protesters were found guilty of charges related to “conspiracy to impede” federal officers. They face up to six years in prison. It’s an example of the escalating legal strategy the Trump Administration has been using to charge anti-ICE protesters across the country, most recently in Minnesota.   And, according to new reporting, federal law enforcement turned to an atypical surveillance tactic to fuel the Spokane case.    An investigation from Mother Jones found that the FBI secretly extracted data from protesters’ cellphones confiscated during last year’s protest.  Guest: Schuyler Mitchell, an assistant editor at Mother Jones Related links: Public Records Show FBI Secretly Extracted Data From ICE Protesters’ Phones | Mother Jones More than 30 arrested at immigration protest in Spokane sparked by arrest of 2 immigrants | The Spokesman-Review 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s official, Team USA WILL be playing against Belgium in Seattle’s FINAL World Cup match… but that’s not until Monday.  We’ve got the entire 4th of July weekend ahead of us, and I’ve got a feeling there will be a LOT of fireworks in our future.  Here with a Holiday Edition of the weekend warmup is Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows!! LINKS: 4th of July Activities! Chicago - Saturday in the Park (Official Audio) Seafair 4th of July at Gasworks & Lake Union! PARADES! Arlington — 5 p.m. (kids 4:30 p.m.) Bainbridge Island — 1 p.m. Bothell — 12 p.m. (kids 11:15 a.m.) Burien — 11 a.m. Carnation — 11:30 a.m. (kids 11 a.m.) Dupont — 10 a.m. Edmonds — 12 p.m. (kids 11:30 a.m.) Enumclaw — noon Everett — 11 a.m. Issaquah — 10 a.m. Kingston — 12 p.m. Kirkland — 12 p.m. (kids 11:30 a.m.) Tumwater — 11 a.m. West Seattle — 10 a.m. kids FIREWORKS! Arlington — Quake Park 10 p.m. Bellevue — Downtown Park 10:05 p.m. Carnation — Remlinger Farms 9:45 p.m. Everett — Port Gardner Bay 10:15 p.m. Federal Way — Celebration Park 10:15 p.m. Kenmore — Log Boom Park 10 p.m. Kent — Lake Meridian Park 10 p.m. Kingston — Mike Wallace Park 10:15 p.m. Marysville — Ebey Waterfront Park 10 p.m. Sammamish — Sam. Commons 10 p.m. Seattle — Lake Union 10:15 p.m. Snoqualmie — Community Park 9:45 p.m. Steilacoom — offshore 10:30 p.m. Tacoma — Ruston Way 10 p.m. Tumwater — Tumwater Valley Golf 10:15 p.m. EVERYTHING ELSE! Mariners vs Blue Jays Seattle Paddle Rave Dolly Parton Fourth of July Drag Brunch Seattle World Cup Fan Celebration Locations 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In May of 2001, a building on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus went up in flames, in the middle of the night. It was the work of arsonists. An eco-sabotage group known as the Earth Liberation Front took credit for the attack. For group members, voting and publicly demonstrating wasn't enough to allay their fears of climate catastrophe. The group had three core principles: public education, economic sabotage and to harm property, not people. But members torched the UW building over unfounded claims that professor was making genetically modified trees. The group committed a string of arsons, from Colorado to Seattle. For several years, the FBI designated the ELF as the most dangerous domestic terror organization in the country.  The group caused tens of millions of dollars in property destruction in the late 90s and early 2000s, according to the federal government.Soundside host Libby Denkmann talks with the author of a new book about the development of the  ELF.  Guest Matthew Wolfe, author, “Fires In the Night: The Earth Liberation Front, the FBI, and a Secret History of Eco-Sabotage”Related LinksThe Rise and Fall of America’s Environmentalist Underground - The New York Times MagazineThe many lives of Joseph Dibee, codename 'Seattle' - 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Politics Editor Cat Smith Related Links: Seattle, King County announce sweeping changes to homeless service system How the SCOTUS trans athlete ruling affects WA Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s proposed limits Supreme Court Lifts Spending Limits on Political Parties and Candidates Takeaways from Supreme Court term: Trump’s power is enhanced, but he lost some high-profile cases Seattle dog, cream cheese and all, named country’s best hot dog by NYT Which of these 8 Famous American Hot Dogs is the Best? Chef José Andrés Weighs In 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revenue in Washington State’s cannabis industry has been declining since it’s peak in 2021. What’s going on? Marijuana farmers say part of the problem is, they have too much pot. Guest:  Aaron Pickus - Media Spokesperson for Washington CannaBusiness Association Michael Dykstra - Mount Baker Homegrown (Marijuana grower based in Bellingham)  Relevant Links:  Oversupply and taxes batter cannabis producers  - Tri-Cities Business News  Annual Cannabis Sales in Washington - Washington State Information System  Washington’s Evolving Cannabis Market - TVW Inside Olympia  WA cannabis market faces pressure from federal changes and oversupply - Washington State Standard  Cannabis rescheduling arrives, with limits: What the DOJ's final order does and doesn't do - Reuters  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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comics publisher Fantagraphics is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It began as “The Comics Journal” – one of the first magazines that reviewed comics with a critics eye. At the time, it took an adversarial role against the big players in the comic industry: DC and Marvel. It tried to push comics into the realm of art instead of idle time waster for kids. And then it grew into so much more. Guest: Gary Groth, co-founder and president of Fantagraphics Relevant Links:  KUOW: Seattle comics publisher Fantagraphics celebrates 50th anniversary 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much soccer have you been watching these days? For millions of American soccer fans (and probably billions elsewhere), the World Cup has already been memorable: Cabo Verde advancing against the odds, Messi setting records, the U.S. team displaying some world-class offensive magic. In fact ALL of the host countries’ teams – USA, Canada and Mexico – have made it to the knockout rounds. Seattle has played host to four matches so far, and things seem to have gone smoothly here. That’s despite all the anxiety in the lead up, over things like crowds and security.  Now, are we at the point where we might be able to say it’s kind of fun to be a host city?  Other parts of Washington have been playing host as well, including Spokane: the official tournament base camp for the Egyptian national team, with the team training at Gonzaga University’s Luger Field. GUEST: Mitchell Roland RELATED LINK: World Cup 2026 - Special coverage at The Spokesman-Review 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 21st Century Road to Housing Act, is kind of like a Washington D.C. unicorn, because it passed on a bipartisan basis. Both Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D) and Rep. Dan Newhouse R) were part of strong majorities supporting the legislation. The bill is a collection of measures focusing on the supply side of the housing equation: things that might make it easier for prospective owners to buy a home and for potential home builders to start constructing.But President Trump hasn't signed it, even though it's on his desk. We talk about why not, and what the bill could mean for the Evergreen State. GuestHeidi Groover, real estate reporter, The Seattle TimesRelated LinksWhat we know about the big housing bill Trump is refusing to sign - 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hiking can be hard. So can trail running. Even harder than both of those? Performing a rescue in the woods.  That’s why Seattle Mountain Rescue is using exoskeleton legs, under the brand name Hypershell, that you can wear on your legs to basically...  help you move.  The hope is that these mechanical legs will help the volunteer rescue team navigate rough terrain and steep inclines to quickly get to people on the trail.  We drove out to North Bend to see exactly how this gear works.  Guest: Wes Cooper, an Emerging Technologies Director at Seattle Mountain Rescue.  Related links:  Seattle Mountain Rescue deploys exoskeletons as second team in U.S. to use the tech | KING 5 I Hiked Using Robot Legs in the Grand Canyon. I Didn’t Even Need My Cane | CNET I Hiked a Mountain Wearing $2,000 Robotic Legs. It Was a Walk in the Park. - WSJ 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: sports journalist and author of the newsletters The Dang Apostrophe and The Grudgery, Danny O'Neil Related Links: Mamdani Emerges as Kingmaker, Pushing His Slate to a Primary Sweep - NYT Seattle mayor endorses challenger to WA Senate majority leader - Washington State Standard WA’s rich are leaving? Another tax on wealth smashes records - Seattle Times Has VAR become a lottery at the World Cup? - BBC 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new estimate for the number of unhoused people in King County is out.  Over the past two years, the new data shows a 9% increase in the homeless population on any given night in King County, and over 18,000 homeless people in the region. One of the standout data points?  The new count also suggests a nearly 11 percent decrease in the number of Indigenous people who are unhoused in our region, since 2020. And that should be good news. But the county’s only urban housing and homelessness service provider dedicated to Native people says the latest figures represent an undercount. And according to them, it’s not the first time. Guest Derrick Belgarde, executive director, Chief Seattle ClubRelated LinksThe Chief Seattle club's initial statement King County finds 9% rise in homelessness since 2024 - The Seattle Times2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Initial Report - King County Regional Homelessness AuthorityThank 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle will celebrate Pride this weekend: there's the parade downtown on Sunday and Pride Fest on Broadway in Capitol Hill. It's the culmination of a month of celebrations across the state, including one of the units at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. We caught up with one of the organizers of Pride there, which took place earlier this month. Guest:  Jennifer Jaylee, one of the organizers of the Pride celebration and member of the queer community support group, PEACE 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Thursday tradition continues with a big list of all the things to do outside of the Pride & World Cup of it all this weekend... That said, there ARE a ton of Pride & World Cup events, so don't miss out if that's your jam too! LINKS: Trans Pride Seattle  Seattle PrideFest  Seattle PrideFest - Capitol Hill  Seattle PrideFest - Seattle Center  Seattle Pride - Parade Seattle Pride - Community Events Queer/Pride Festival  World Cup - Pride Match Day 2026 Seattle Pirates Landing - Seafair Rusty Scupper's Pirate Daze Gobble Up SLU  The Taste NW Buckley Log Show Kenmore Midsommarfest Washington Summer Mead Festival 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has something like this happened to you before?  You’re on a hike with someone, maybe a romantic partner, and you start slowing down, or want to take a break, but your partner wants to push on. Eventually, you’re left behind as your partner goes ahead without you. And this situation has consequences for the relationship. If so, you’re not alone.  The phrase “Alpine Divorce” was coined in a short story about a murderous husband over 100 years ago - but TikTok has lately adopted the label for less dastardly scenarios. In a recent viral post, a woman sobs as she climbs down a mountain - saying “he left me”. The video has thousands of comments, many of which share similar stories of being left behind on the trail. But how common is Alpine Divorce? And is it actually a bad thing to spend some solo time on the trail? Guest: Alaina Demopoulos, daily features writer for the Guardian Related Link: Women are being abandoned by their partners on hiking trails. What’s behind ‘alpine divorce’? 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 political reporter Jim Brunner Related Links: KCRHA - Point in Time Count Initial Report King County finds 9% rise in homelessness since 2024 WA Democrats chart path to more power in 2026 at Spokane convention Protect Every Animal From Cruelty? Not in 2026, Oregon Democrats 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you know about Bellingham? Possibly that it’s renowned for its proximity to outdoor activities like skiing, mountain biking, and hiking, or it’s home to Western Washington University and a robust music and craft beer scene.  What about that it has a thriving boomerang throwing community? It’s not only thriving, but world renowned. Western Washington University is sending three people to the Boomerang World Championships this year, including marketing professor Ed Love.  Guest: Ed Love, marketing professor at Western Washington University going to the World Boomerang Championships in 2026 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data from King County shows putting people in housing without preconditions like drug treatment has had some significant benefits.  The report comes from the King County Department of Community and Human Services and shows a decrease in jail bookings among those in permanent supportive housing programs between 2021-2025.  Seattle has been a national leader in using such “Housing First” initiatives. But funding for those programs is at risk, to the tune of $26 million – that’s after the Trump administration released a new rule earlier this month, requiring providers to move away from Housing First programs in order to qualify for HUD grants next year.What more does this data analysis show? And what's lost if federal funding goes away? GuestJelani Jackson, acting director for the Housing & Community Development division within the King County Department of Community and Human ServicesThank 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Americans age, they have a few options for care in their later years, like moving in with a family member or into an assisted-living facility.  Or aging in place.... Increasingly, with the assistance of AI.  Steven Blum is a writer from Seattle now based in Austria. He published a piece about his aging father, who lives alone in Seattle and is being monitored through Sensi.  It’s an AI device that’s constantly listening for signs of distress. It’s supposed to detect if Blum’s dad has fallen.  It was an option that made sense, because his father doesn’t want to move out of his home. He isn’t alone.  Last year, the Pew Research Center asked older Americans what they would do if they couldn’t live by themselves anymore.  Around 60% said that they’d rather stay in their homes and have someone care for them, instead of moving into an assisted living facility or a nursing home.   As Americans enter their later years, AI could be part of their care.  Guest: Steven Blum, a writer based in Austria  Related links:  My Father Wants to Age in Place. AI Will Be Watching | WIRED  Assistive tech for older adults is becoming increasingly automated. What are the privacy risks? | 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long saga of whether Seattle can or should allow housing to be built near the stadiums in Sodo is ... still going.  This wrestling match has to do with a couple blocks to the south of T-Mobile Park. The debate was restarted in 2025, when the Seattle City Council passed a bill from then-Seattle City Council president Sarah Nelson. It allowed residential use in the small strip of land next to the baseball stadium.   The idea quickly drew backlash from port workers and truckers who operate in Sodo and Nelson’s bill eventually suffered a double-whammy of being declared illegal by a state board and later being repealed by her former colleagues on the council.   So… conversation over, right? Turns out, no…  Guest:  Ryan Packer, contributing editor at The Urbanist Relevant Links: The Urbanist: Legal Appeal from MLB Stadium Authority Restarts Stadium District Housing Saga The Urbanist: Council Committee Greenlights SoDo Housing Proposal Despite Strong Port Opposition   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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Mike Lewis - Journalist and owner of the Streamline Tavern in Seattle Related stories: Soccer beacon Seattle shines on the World Cup stage - The Athletic Empty Rooms and Plunging Prices: World Cup Tourism Is Off to a Slow Start - NYT Public entities across the state are spending around $120 million to host the World Cup, according to a KUOW analysis - KUOW A huge WA immigration law firm rises and falls: The inside story - Seattle Times Why Did Every Starbucks Barista in Korea Have to Take a History Lesson? - NYT Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve been having a lot of fun with the World Cup, and with Team USA taking on Australia on Friday at Seattle Stadium, things are going to be BUSY in downtown Seattle…  But, if you’re looking to get out of the city, Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows is here with a bunch of options for your Juneteenth & Father’s Day weekend! LINKS: WORLD CUP - Juneteenth Match Day Mariners vs Boston JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS June 19 — Seattle, Jimi Hendrix Park June 19 — Seattle, NW African American Museum June 19 — Shoreline, Shoreline City Hall June 19 — Tacoma, Haub Family Field June 19 — Tukwila, Sullivan Center June 20 — Kent, Morrill Meadows Park June 20 — Lynnwood, Martha Lake Park June 20/21 — Seattle, Arte Noir Gorge Blues and Brews Edmonds Arts Festival Marysville Strawberry Festival Rhubarb Days 2026 Brinnon ShrimpFest Revel Revolution Women & Nonbinary Ride 2026 Fremont Solstice Parade - Seattle Fremont Fair 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Melissa Santos Related Links:  Displaced residents react to Upriver Fire - KHQ Rare black bear attack on Mount Si injures hiker, shuts down mountain - King 5 WA falls again in national education ranking - Washington State Standard More Washington kids are uninsured as child well-being slips - Axios World Cup 2026: Tiny ‘designated protest zones’ pop up around Seattle Stadium - 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever taken a close look at the University Bridge? Specifically those little towers on either side? Earlier this year, depending on which one you looked at, you might have seen a person hanging out. Maybe you waved at her.    That was Vivian Cho. She was one of two people that Seattle picked to serve as this year’s Bridge Artists in Residence.   It’s a program that the city runs annually. Artists are invited to hang out in a bridge tower for months, either on the Fremont or the University Bridge. At the end of these stints, they showcase art that they created during their residencies.  Vivian's artwork went up at King Street Station in early June.... so we took a trip back to November, when we visited her in the bridge tower studio.  Guest: Vivian Cho, one of Seattle's Bridge Artists in Residence Related links:  Big News from the Bridges: Meet the 2025 Bridge Artists in Residence! - Art Beat 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Sonia Raman, becoming head coach of a WNBA basketball team wasn’t originally in the plans. Sure, she grew up playing the sport. But when her college career ended, she went on to earn a JD/a degree from Boston College Law School. And then, she did what many of us do: she got a regular office job. So how do you go from working for the US Department of Labor, to starting this year as head coach for the Seattle Storm? Guest: Seattle Storm head coach Sonia Raman 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The green card application process has become more confusing in recent weeks.In May, the Trump administration sent out a memo saying applicants inside the U.S. would need to leave the country and apply from their home country.  The change could have affected tens of thousands of Washington residents, some of whom have waited years to complete the last step to become a U.S. citizen. But then, the week following that announcement – the Trump administration appeared to partially walk back the change.The back-to-back announcements panicked many hoping to get their green cards. A lot of unanswered questions remain, so Soundside spoke with a Seattle immigration attorney about how she's working through this moment.  Guest Tahmina Watson, founding immigration lawyer with Watson Immigration Law Related LinksActually, Most Immigrants Won’t Need to Leave U.S. to Get Green Cards, D.H.S. Says - The New York Times Stephen Miller’s New Attack on Green-Card Applicants Is Simply a Scare Tactic - SlateWhat Trump’s dramatic green card announcement means for WA - The Seattle Times'Confusion and uncertainty.' Washington green card hopefuls react to new policy hurdle - KUOWThank 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aurora Avenue North has been the site of escalating gun violence that police say is driven by sex trafficking. Last week, Mayor Katie Wilson, City Attorney Erika Evans, and Council President Joy Hollingsworth held a news conference to announce next steps.  They include using civil orders to take guns away from sex traffickers and closing side streets. Hanging over all of this is whether the city should use stay out of areas of prostitution or SOAP law.  Guest:  Former Seattle City Council member and King County Superior Court Judge Cathy Moore Relevant Links: KUOW: How three key players view the narrative about sex work and gun violence on Aurora Avenue Seattle Times: Seattle moves to take guns from traffickers on Aurora as mayor closes streets 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Burrowing Shrimp dig into the sand and make tunnels underground. In doing so they kick up about a handful of sand up to the surface everyday, and bury clams and oysters.  That’s a problem for shellfish farmers. Researchers at the University of Washington found a new way to get rid of the pests with the help of concrete vibrators.  Guests:  Jennifer Ruesink, a biology professor at the University of Washington and the senior author of a recent paper on the technique.  Ken Wiegardt, a 5th generation oyster grower with Jolly Roger Oysters in Willapa Bay.  Links:  A new method could help Washington shellfish farmers control a pesky shrimp - UW News  Immobilization of Burrowing Shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis) by Vibrocompaction as a Pest Control Strategy for Shellfish Farms -  Journal of Shellfish Research Shellfish growers’ request to use neonicotinoid pesticide too risky for Washington’s environment - Department of Ecology of Washington State  Jennifer L. Ruesink - University of Washington See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even in one of the U.S.'s most non-religious areas, early data suggests more people in the Seattle area are converting to Roman Catholicism. The archdiocese of Seattle keeps tallies on catechumens, which refers to a person who will be baptized, confirmed and receive Holy Communion. In 2026, the archdiocese already reports over 1070 catechumens, across more than 130 parishes, a 17 percent increase over last year and a 40 percent increase since 2024. We spoke with a handful of recent converts to Catholicism from around the Seattle area about why each of them converted, and what role faith plays in their lives now.GuestKevin Brown, Graduate Program director and a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at Gonzaga University. He also currently serves as the editor of the Proceedings of the Catholic Theological Society of America.   Related LinksRoman Catholic Churches See a Surge of New Converts - The New York TimesNational Rise in Catholicism Conversions Makes its Way to the Puget Sound - The Seattle SpectatorThank 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Soundside Producer Maleeha Syed Related Links: Was the World Cup win over Paraguay the best in USMNT history? At Gonzaga, a glimpse of Salah and a city's day of wonder After Somali referee denied entry, Seattle organization returns World Cup tickets Seattle moves to take guns from traffickers on Aurora as mayor closes streets WA weather: Highs in Seattle area could touch 90 on World Cup game day 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever walked around First Hill in Seattle, you might have noticed the Stimson Green Mansion on the corner of Seneca and Minor Avenue.  The house is celebrating its 125th year. It used to be home to some of the most influential and first families of Seattle.  Guest: Chris Moore - Executive Director of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Abby Armato - Public Programs Specialist of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Related Links:  Stimson-Green Mansion - Washington Trust for Historic Preservation   Stimson-Green Mansion - History Link Joshua Green - History Link First Hill Park - First Hill Improvement Association  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in 16 years, a new King County Executive gave a state of the county address. Executive Girmay Zahilay was in Federal Way last night to outline the work he has done in his first six months in office and look forward to what he plans to accomplish in the next 3 and a half years of his term. Zahilay spoke about new investments in childcare, homelessness, and mental healthcare, amid the rapidly shifting federal environment over the last year and a half.  He also acknowledged the need to build trust after recent troubling audits looking into  KCRHA and the county’s Department of Community and Human Services. Guest: King County Executive Girmay Zahilay Relevant Links: Seattle Times: Zahilay wants more King County childcare funding, bus service, housing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's so much to do this weekend, so LET'S GET TO IT: LINKS: Salmon Bay FC vs FC Olympia - Public Radio Night! Brass Screw Consortium Seattle Pride Classic 2026 Pride Ice Skate Lifelong Pride Gala Washington Brewers Fest 2026 Beacon Arts Street Fairs Viking Tour – Poulsbo Rotary Club Furry 5K 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Note: Microsoft is a financial supporter of KUOW, but we cover them like we do any other company. Guest Catharine Smith, KUOW politics editorRelated Links Seattle data center ban heads to Mayor Wilson's desk - KUOW Transgender ballot initiative could require genital exams for WA secondary school students - KUOW School cellphone ban proposed by WA governor, superintendent - 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 NetworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re just over six months into Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's tenure, which means the honeymoon period’s in the rear view mirror. Voters have gotten a look at how her administration is handling  some of the biggest issues facing the city: How ready is Seattle to host its first World Cup game on Monday? What happened to those 500 shelter beds that were supposed to be added before the games How is the Mayor taking criticism from the business community over some of her progressive messaging? How will Wilson, as a former transit rider organizer, prioritize moving people throughout the city? Guest: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Relevant Links: Seattle Times: Mayor Wilson agrees to turn on stadium-area cameras ahead of World Cup  Politico: The World Cup’s biggest policy bet Seattle Times: Seattle mayor pitches sales tax increase to boost bus service  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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Washington, many families that have children with disabilities are supposed to have help with care. Actually finding that help, though, can be incredibly difficult. The struggle some families have experienced and the lengths they're going to to try to make it better.   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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re a TV news viewer in  Seattle, there’s a REALLY good chance you know this signoff: “Lori Matsukawa, KING 5 News”  Lori spent 36 years as one of KING 5’s most celebrated news anchors, before retiring in 2019. Now, she has written a memoir which takes readers from rural Oahu, to Stanford University, and from the skies above Mt. St. Helens as it erupted to the Imperial Palace of Japan.  Lori Matsukawa’s book is titled “Being There: Memoir of an Asian American Journalist.”  GUEST: Lori Matsukawa LINK: Being There: Memoir of an Asian American Journalist by Lori Matsukawa 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Chase Hutchinson, film critic and journalist Related Links Sound Transit study suggests fare gates at 14 busy stations by 2030 - The Seattle TimesSound Transit Recommends Fare Gates at 14 Stations for Initial Pilot - The Urbanist‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ Boost Movie Theaters to Major Win at May Box Office - The Hollywood ReporterSIFF bringing back 70mm screenings for Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ - 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday night, more than 100 people who live around Aurora Avenue North in Seattle marched to protest gun violence in their neighborhood. It was organized to call attention to the escalating number of shootings neighbors and law enforcement say are related to sex trafficking in the Aurora corridor.   In desperation, some neighbors recently took matters into their own hands and put up makeshift street barriers to try to stop people from driving through neighborhoods.  The city council has begun working on legislation that would allow the city to close off streets at the discretion of the chief of police. The hope is that this would help curb violence. But on Saturday, neighbors expressed anger that the city isn’t doing more to stop shootings and to help the victims of sex trafficking.  So what’s happening on Aurora? And what is being done to fix it? Guests: Alex Voorhees, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for King County.  Audrey Baedke, executive director of SAFE in Washington. Amber with Green Light Project.  Related links:  Seattle officials introduce bill to help residents battle gun violence | The Seattle Times Seattle City Council proposal would use street closures to curb gun violence | KUOW Why Sex Trafficking Persists on Aurora | Seattle Met North Seattle businesses demand action after Aurora Avenue shooting leaves community shaken | KING 5 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Thursday, and like we do every week, we like to look ahead at what there is to do over the weekend. And we do that by turning to the biggest nerd in the business, Soundside Producer Jason Burrows... LINKS: Seattle Pride in the Park Paws & Pride Dog Walk Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show NORTHWEST NOIR: NWFF's 2026 Annual Gala DubSea Fish Sticks 2026 Cascade PBS Ideas Festival Kent Nerd Party 2026 Duvall Days 2026 Anacortes Waterfront Festival Point Defiance Flower & Garden Festival The "Sound of Sunshine" Steel Orchestra Concert 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 16 years, Ada’s Technical Books in Capitol Hill was THE place to find eclectic books, grab a coffee and co-work with other folks in the neighborhood, play a game out on the street side tables, or just hang out and read a book.  But like a lot of our favorite books, the ending often arrives before you’re ready,  and Ada’s story is no different. The bookstore and cafe will be closing at the end of the week, and many Ada’s faithful will MOURN its loss.  Ada’s was built to be a place of community that encouraged curiosity and learning.  You learn a lot yourself, when you run a business for so long, and Soundside is happy to have the chance to glean wisdom from the co-owner of Ada’s Technical Books.  GUEST: Danielle Hulton RELATED LINK: Capitol Hill bookstore Ada’s will close; Fuel coffee chain up for sale 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington is more than five months into a new pilot program that has been using AI to screen requested procedures for people enrolled in Medicare. It’s called the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) program, which incentivizes private companies to deny procedures.  Washington lawmakers and medical professionals say the program has led to denials and delays in care for older residents.  All of this is covered in a new story from KUOW that looks at the pushback to this pilot program.  Guest: Stephen Howie, a senior online editor and reporter at KUOW Related links: Washington seniors face denied, delayed care under AI Medicare review program | 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We won’t have a full explanation for the implosion at a Longview paper processing mill for a while. The disaster left 11 people dead, and released thousands of gallons of white liquor, which is a highly corrosive chemical used to break down wood chips into pulp.  The tragedy highlights the risks when people work in close proximity with large quantities of dangerous chemicals. The plant is one of several big industrial facilities in the area. Reporter Kyra Buckley looked into the pulp and paper mill industry and its safety record for Oregon Public Broadcasting.  Related LinksLongview mill tragedy highlights dangerous nature of wood product manufacturing - Kyra Buckley, Oregon Public Broadcasting After Explosion, Mourning Mixes With Dread Over a Paper Mill’s Future - Anna Griffin, Aaron West The New York Times WA agencies lacked role inspecting failed chemical tank in Longview mill disaster - Washington State StandardThank 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 NetworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: David Kroman, Seattle Times city hall reporter Related stories: Bob Kettle says Mayor Wilson is legally required to turn on CCTV cameras - Seattle Times Mayor Katie Wilson pitches sales tax increase for transit - Seattle Times Giant warehouse planned for Wild Waves property in Federal Way - Federal Way Mirror Car drives onto elevated light rail tracks in Seattle - KING5 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 NetworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just like many other celebrities, Bill Gates has a stylist. His sweaters, button-downs and glasses are meant to portray someone calm and approachable, current and former employees say. His clothing choices show how carefully he's crafted an image as a global philanthropist, in the decades since co-founding Microsoft. But maintaining Gates’s image has become more difficult, due to persistent inquiries about his relationship with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. That relationship is also affecting his major philanthropic efforts with the Seattle-based Gates Foundation.Reporter Emily Glazer investigated the mounting backlash against Bill Gates over revelations in the Epstein files and the ways Gates’s team has tried to manage his image.Guest Emily Glazer, enterprise reporter at The Wall Street Journal Related Links Bill Gates Spent Years Crafting His Image. Now It’s Cracking. - The Wall Street JournalBill Gates Apologizes to Foundation Staff Over Epstein Ties - The Wall Street Journal Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! Right now, we're asking for listeners to give us a full review of the show. Tell us where we could improve, or what you've enjoyed at kuow.org/feedback. Also, 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dream of light rail to Ballard just took a big hit. The Sound Transit Board voted last week on how to move forward with expanding the system and how to cover a $34 billion dollar budget shortfall over the next two decades. After a marathon voting session, the board moved forward with several major projects. Those include: finishing rail to Everett and Tacoma, building a West Seattle extension, adding a new station at Graham Street, and making a new line between Issaquah and Kirkland (though, the delivery target is now 2050). You may have heard the board did not, however, prioritize getting light rail to Ballard. Instead, under the new plan, the line will stop at Seattle Center. Guest: Seattle City Council Member Dan Strauss Relevant Links: The Urbanist: Sound Transit Board OKs Major ST3 Update, Casting Ballard into Limbo KUOW: Sound Transit board shelves Ballard extension, saves South Seattle stations Seattle Times: Ballard light rail idea rejected while Sound Transit OKs other lines  Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! Right now, we're asking for listeners to give us a full review of the show. We want to know what you like, what you hate: Tell us your hot takes. kuow.org/feedback. Also, 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. GuestAngela Poe Russell, a veteran journalist and the playwright behind "Aviatrix." Related LinksSeattle Times: Seattle officials introduce bill to help residents battle gun violence  Axios: Seattle's economic engine is starting to sputter Aviatrix | Seattle Public Theater Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! Right now, we're asking for listeners to give us a full review of the show. We want to know what you want from the show, so share your thoughts with us at kuow.org/feedback. Also, 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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.