Soundside

Ben Shuldiner just hit 100 days in his role as the superintendent of Seattle Public Schools.... and he’s had to tackle some pretty big issues in that short window.   Like a budget deficit, which could be as much as $100 million. And student safety, after two Rainier Beach High School students were shot and killed at a bus stop in January.  And screen time in the classrooms (Shuldiner recently implemented a new cell phone policy limiting student screen time during the school day) Shuldiner sat down for a live interview to answer a whole bunch of questions from us here on Soundside and from our listeners. Guest: Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner  Related links:  Can new superintendent Shuldiner the burden of Seattle Public Schools? | KUOW 100 days for Seattle’s new superintendent. How is he doing? | The Seattle Times Seattle’s new superintendent takes aim at administrative bloat | The Seattle Times Why U.S. Test Scores Are in a ‘Generation-Long Decline’ | 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It might not be the prettiest weekend, but there ARE a lot of things to do! Go enjoy your weekend! LINKS: Seattle International Film Festival GeekCraft Expo Viking Fest Seattle Pierogi Fest 2026 – Polish Home Association The Seattle Super Saunter U District Street Fair Mariners vs San Diego Padres Reign vs NJ/NY Gotham FC Sounders vs LA Galaxy Storm AWAY vs Indiana Fever 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 planning to head across the border to Canada for a weekend trip this summer, you've got to pack the essentials. Keys, wallet and of course your phone. But you may want to also consider something new – who might want to take a look at that phone as you cross the border. Last fiscal year, Customs and Border Protection reported a 16% increase in searches of digital devices compared to 2024. Should you expect your phone to be searched at the border? And what steps can you take to protect your data? In February, Soundside broadcast a conversation with New York Times reporter Gabe Castro-Root and talked about some of those questions. GUEST: Gabe Castro-Root, New York Times RELATED LINKS:  Phone Searches at the Border Are Up: How to Protect Your Privacy Traveling to the U.S. Under Trump: Visas, Border Control and What to Know Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry 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.

Spring is here which means a malignant force is around us, stalking our parks, beaches and grassy medians.  I’m talking about the Canada Goose. You turn a corner and you see two geese and small goslings. They hiss, they honk, they’re aggressive, their poop closes Lake Washington swim spots and, I hate to implicate you, but they are here because of us. Western Washington wasn’t home to abundant year round Canada Geese until the mid to late 20th century. Humans purposefully moved them here in an operation dubbed “Mother Goose.”  Guest:  David B. Williams, author and historian of books like Wild in Seattle: Stories at the Crossroads of People and Nature and the newsletter The Streetsmart Naturalist Relevant Links:  History Link: Operation Mother Goose begins to distribute Canada geese across the state starting on April 11, 1968 The Street Smart Naturalist: Operation Mother Goose 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 2019, Washington became the first state in the country to legalize human composting as an alternative to burial and cremation. That same year, entrepreneur Micah Truman founded Return Home, a funeral home that built the world’s first large-scale human composting facility in Auburn, Washington. A new documentary tells the story of how Truman, who set out to disrupt the funeral industry for profit, discovered meaning in this new vision for death care. Guest(s) JJ Gerber, director of "The Life We Leave" 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.

Yesterday, we spoke with KUOW reporter Anna Boyro Weyrauch about the social media maelstrom that has taken over Seattle. I am talking about the drama between the Laurelhurst neighborhood and Seattle Children’s Hospital over helicopter landings.  When we talked about this yesterday – we were curious to hear how the whole saga had unfolded from the perspective of someone living in Laurelhurst. Did the average resident even know about this policy? How did they feel being at the center of the online firestorm?Well, I asked for feedback and you delivered.  Relevant Links:  KUOW: How online scrutiny is changing Seattle Children's and Laurelhurst's helipad policy 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.

Well, yes, they're back on the court. Seattle's WNBA team played their first regular season game Friday night.  But the team has changed a lot since last season. They lost two key veteran players.But a new coach and two first-round draft picks could mean an exciting year for the Storm.And as more people are watching the WNBA, the players start this season with a new union contract – with new salary increases and other new benefits to match.GuestMaitreyi Anantharaman, staff writer for Defector, an employee-owned sports and culture website. Related LinksRole Players, Ring Chasers, And A Shadow GM: Your Guide To The 2026 WNBA Season - DefectorHow Can You Not Be Romantic About Women’s Basketball? - DefectorThank 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 2021, Microsoft set an aggressive emissions goal: 100 percent of its electricity would come from renewable sources or be matched by zero-carbon energy purchases, 100 percent of the time. This was a big pledge – one that went farther than its existing net-zero emissions goal. But a lot can change in six years … Now, the company appears to be weighing a retreat. According to recent reporting by Bloomberg, Microsoft is considering delaying or dropping its 100 percent renewable electricity pledge because of energy intensive data center build outs. This isn't the only scaling back the company has been doing with its carbon goals. GUEST: Alastair Marsh LINKS: Microsoft Reconsiders Clean-Energy Pledge Made Harder by AI How Microsoft Spooked the Global Carbon Removal Market Microsoft will be carbon negative by 2030 6 projects that helped Microsoft meet its renewable energy goal 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 cookbook from a Seattle author takes readers into the food and history of the Cham, an ethnic group in Vietnam and Cambodia.  Nurhaliza Mohamath is a writer, storyteller, culture worker..... and the author of "“My Cham Tongue," which promises readers “a taste of an ancient kingdom through family recipes."  Mohamath stopped by Soundside to share why she wanted to publish the book... and why she wanted it to go beyond the food.  Guest: Nurhaliza Mohamath, the author of "My Cham Tongue"  Related links:  My Cham Tongue In a New Cookbook, Author Nurhaliza Mohamath Serves Up Cham Cuisine and Culture | South Seattle Emerald 'My Cham Tongue' seeks to unite people through Cham cuisine Real Change Cham Refugee Community: A Photo and Video Portrait of Generational Wealth-Building | 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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, Seattle Children’s Hospital has been restricted from using its helipad except when transporting a child who is critically ill or facing a life-threatening emergency. These restrictions come from an agreement between the hospital and the nearby neighborhood of Laurelhurst. The old agreement became the subject of new scrutiny on Reddit and now a change may be in the works. Guest Anna Boiko-Weyrauch, general assignment reporter at KUOW Related links KUOW: Seattle Children's and Laurelhurst neighborhood agree to change controversial helicopter landing policy 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: Ryan Packer - Contributing Editor at The Urbanist Related Links: Seattle Children's and Laurelhurst neighborhood agree to change controversial helicopter landing policy  Noisy protest calls out limits on airlifts to Seattle Children's Sound Transit Board Grapples with Plan to Rebalance ST3 Somers Proposal Keeps Rail to Everett and Tacoma On Track, Stops Short of Ballard Seattle Sound Transit Leaders Rally to Avoid Light Rail Delays Who doesn’t want WinCo store to open in North 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know, it really feels like THIS WEEKEND is the first REAL weekend of Spring... Let’s get out & enjoy it!  LINKS: Seattle International Film Festival Seattle Beer Week  Maifest - Leavenworth Washington Get Intimate with the Shrub-Steppe | KEEN World Migratory Bird Day Celebration! · Seward Park Audubon Center Beat the Bridge for Breakthrough T1D Spring Walk n Wag Penn Cove Water Festival 18th Annual Flower Festival - Pike Place Market BonsaiFEST! | Pacific Bonsai Museum Sounders vs San Diego FC Seattle Reign vs Washington Spirit - MOTHER’S 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.

The 52nd Annual Seattle International Film Festival begins this evening, bringing 11 days of movie magic back to the Pacific Northwest.  Over 200 films from more than 70 countries are on the docket, with features, shorts, documentaries, and – for the brave at heart – SECRET screenings on both Sundays of the festival.  It’s been a tough year for SIFF, the organization that runs the festival...  The closure of the Egyptian Theater in Capitol Hill and layoffs loom large, while staffing issues and contract negotiations with SIFF’s Cinema Workers’ Union remain unresolved. Those talks have been put on hold until after the Festival.  This year’s fest kicks off at the Paramount Theater with Boots Riley’s “I Love Boosters,” tonight at 7pm.GUEST: Megan Leonard - SIFF’s Festival Programming Manager LINKS:  Seattle International Film Festival SIFF 2026 Program  Programmers' Picks: Megan Leonard on SIFF 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.

After visiting the shipyard in Florida where three new ferries will be built, WSF Executive Director Steve Nevey is feeling optimistic about a new boat coming on line in 2030 to assist with the agency's ailing fleet.  Guest: Steve Nevey, the Executive Director of the Washington State Ferry System Relevant Links: Seattle Times: WA gets just 2 bids to build new electric ferries, and the prices are in  Seattle Times: Ferguson selects Florida shipbuilder to build WA fleet of electric ferries  Seattle Times: WA governor’s $1B borrowing plan to buy new ferries sinks in Legislature  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 House just wrapped a federal government shutdown fight, a deadline to authorize military action against Iran came and passed and further afield a state Senate primary in Indiana has launched predictions about the redistricting fights rippling across the nation. Soundside talked with Rep. Pramila Jayapal about the latest from the other Washington. GuestRep. Pramila Jayapal, represents Washington's 7th districtRelated LinksHouse Democrats’ Primary Endorsements Divide the Party -The New York Times‘A betrayal’: Democrats fume at establishment wading into primaries - The Washington PostSenate GOP unveils $72 billion proposal to fund ICE, Border Patrol through 2029 - The HillThank 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 look on the cover of Hole's album "Celebrity Skin," you'll see her right away. Melissa Auf der Maur is standing to the left of Courtney Love. The 1998 album is the first one she recorded with the band. She joined in 1994 after bassist Kristen Pfaff died, and she played with them around the world, from a music festival in Australia to Tuktoyaktuk, a village in the Arctic Circle.But after a few years, Auf der Maur left Hole. She went on to have a highly successful career in music, including as bassist for the Smashing Pumpkins. She’s collaborated with many musicians and built a career as a solo artist. She’s also a photographer – a craft she studied in her university days.  And now, she’s an author. Auf der Maur’s new book is called “Even The Good Girls Will Cry: A 90s Rock Memoir.” It chronicles her early life in Montreal and her time with Hole, and how she started making her own music. She stopped by KUOW while she was in Seattle on her book tour and told us just how she "liv[ed] through this.GuestMelissa Auf der Maur - musician, author, photographer Melissa Auf der Maur's '90s song picks Tragic Carpet Ride - Polvo Doe - The Breeders Out Of Focus - Love Battery Use Once and Destroy - Hole (the one Courtney calls Melissa's song)Followed The Waves - Melissa Auf der MaurRelated LinksAuf der Maur's interview with The Ringer's BandsplainMelissa Auf der Maur, a ’90s Rock Linchpin, Is Spilling Her Stories - 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a state spends beyond its means?  Moody’s and Fitch, two of the three major credit rating agencies, recently moved Washington’s credit outlook from “stable” to “negative.”  So it turns out that you're not the only one keeping your spending in check and trying to bump up your credit score... Because states have to worry about that, too.  Guest: Mike Pellicciotti, Washington State Treasurer  Related links: Moody’s and Fitch revise Washington’s credit outlook down from stable to negative | Washington Research Council State treasurer warns Washington credit rating at risk, cites reserves, tax debate | KOMO News No, WA isn’t going bust. But falling credit outlook raises red flags | 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.

The nation is still reckoning with a Supreme Court decision last week that critics say renders a key aspect of the Voting Rights Act useless. The court ruled that Louisiana illegally used race in the way it drew its district map.  It has wider implications for how all such maps are drawn. Some states, including Florida, have already moved to change their maps. This is all happening mere months before the midterm elections.  KUOW's Paige Browning talked with voting rights activist Stacey Abrams about her take on the decision, about her opinion on voter apathy and why she stepped back from the national stage.Guest Stacey Abrams, lawyer, former Georgia Democratic state legislator, founder of the American Pride Rises Network and the 10 Steps CampaignRelated Links Louisiana v. Callais - Supreme Court decisionSupreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Map, Another Blow to Voting Rights Act - The New York TimesStacey Abrams on how voter suppression threatens democracy - Code Switch, NPRThank 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.

This year, Washington cut more than $500,000 from the state’s Department of Natural Resources.  These budget cuts are going to mean campground closures, less trail maintenance and dirtier bathrooms at a lot of popular trailheads.  Many are wondering how it’ll impact their outdoors time, because the Department of Natural Resources maintains a lot of land.  We checked in with The Mountaineers to hear how they're feeling about these cuts.... and then we called up the Department of Natural Resources to figure out what all this means for outdoor recreation.  Guests: Tom Vogl, CEO of The Mountaineers  Dave Upthegrove, Commissioner of Public Lands   Related links:  State Budget Cuts Prompt DNR to Reduce Recreation Services | Department of Natural Resources Popular I-90 trailheads, bathrooms will feel budget crunch, WA says | The Seattle Times The Mountaineers - Explore, Learn, Conserve   WA Department of Natural Resources to close four campgrounds after lawmakers cut funding | 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.

May the Fourth Be With you, because today is Star Wars Day! For nearly 50 years, the Star Wars franchise has captured the hearts of SO MANY sci-fi and fantasy fans. And for a lot of people, it’s all about the droids… R2-D2 and C-3PO, to be precise. This past weekend, that love of droids was on full display at both the Museum of Flight, and at Barnes & Noble in Northgate, where we caught up with James Adams of the Pacific Northwest R2 Builders Club. He and his fellow club members build and demonstrate life-sized replicas of the beloved droids. Some of them can be driven around using remote control. The R2 unit James brought to Northgate looks and sounds just like what you see on the screen. It’s a hit with kids who fawn over it.  "Seeing the kids really light up – and it’s a type of character that is very easy for people to kind of let their imagination fill in the little bit of blank. So when you have a little kid come up, and you just see their eyes light up. They can’t see that there’s somebody remote controlling the device, so to speak, but instead to them it’s just R2-D2, the little guy from the movie that they like. And just seeing that, it’s like, it is them genuinely meeting the character and not standing next to an object, it never, it never gets tiring." Speaking of kids, droid builders say it’s a great opportunity to get people excited and involved with STEM projects. For this Star Wars Day, we wanted to learn more about the craft and dedication that goes into making these droids, so we’re speaking with Dr. Scott Ransom! He’s got a lot of expertise in robots. That’s because he’s a Director of a research center at Northwestern University that researches and develops robotic hands. GUEST: Dr. Scott Ransom is Director of Industry and Innovation at the Center for Human Augmentation via Dexterity at Northwestern University RELATED LINKS: Astromech.net R2Northwest: Pacific Northwest R2 Builders Club For R2-D2 builders in the Seattle area, ‘it’s a joy to see this thing bring so much happiness’ 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.

Members of Congress from Washington state are almost unified in their condemnation of the Iran war, which passed the two-month mark this week. But the two House Republicans on the east side have been supportive of President Trump’s decision to strike Iran starting Feb. 28th. One of them is Rep. Michael Baumgartner, a Republican representing Washington's 5th Congressional District. Baumgartner has been a vocal champion of the war, calling it “important and necessary.” Guest: Rep. Michael Baumgartner, a Republican who represents Washington’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Spokane, Walla Walla, and Pullman.  Related links: Washington lawmakers react to U.S. attacks on Iran | KREM 2 Trump threatened to wipe out Iran. Here’s how WA lawmakers responded | The Seattle Times Rep. Michael Baumgartner on U.S. Strategy in War With Iran | Video | C-SPAN 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 still don't have any plans for this weekend, fear not. The Weekend Warmup is here to help with a whole bunch of ideas for fun things to do around the region this weekend. LINKS:  Seattle May Day 2026 Seattle Black Film Festival Sequim Irrigation Festival Mariners vs KC Royals Kentucky Derby Day Party at Emerald Downs May the Fourth | The Museum of Flight Seattle Erotic Art Festival PNW Burlesque 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.

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: Cat Smith, KUOW politics editor  Related links: Public Safety Committee 4/28/2026 | Seattle Channel Washington state says Geo Group refuses to let health inspectors into detention facility | KING 5 Behind Meta’s Huge Layoffs Is a Relentless Shift Toward AI | 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.

A plethora of social media influencers and affordable, high-quality products means the quest for so-called “perfect skin” seems more attainable than ever.Poreless, plump, unwrinkled, acne-free: Companies are ready to sell you something to make those attributes a reality for you.But does anyone really need a 20-step skincare routine? And when do our efforts start to do us harm – either physically or mentally?Guests Dr. Sarah Sung, The Perq Dermatology Arabelle Sicardi, beauty writer, author of You've Got Lipstick on Your Chin and The House of Beauty: Lessons from the Image IndustryRelated Links The Best Skin-Care Trick Is Being Rich - Amanda Mull, The AtlanticThe Classist Implications of ‘Bad Skin’ - Jaya Saxena, Racked The House of Beauty: Arabelle Sicardi exposes the dark side of the industry - DazedThank 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.

Sound Transit is looking at potential cuts and readjustments to its ST3 plan. Voters approved the vision for the next phase of regional transit nearly a decade ago. But last year, Sound Transit announced it was somewhere between 30 and 40 billion dollars in the hole. At a Sound Transit retreat in March, board members were presented with the reality that they may need to drop planned stations or entire lines in Ballard, Issaquah, Everett, and Tacoma.  So what happens next? And how will affected communities respond? Guest: Ryan Packer, contributing editor at The Urbanist Kristina Walker, Tacoma City Councilmember, Chair of the Sound Transit Board Rider Experience and Operations Committee, and chair of Pierce Transit Mark Mullet, Issaquah Mayor David Scott, board chair of Seattle Subway Relevant Links:  The Urbanist: Three More Takeaways from a Pivotal Sound Transit Board Retreat The Urbanist: Snohomish County Has Sound Transit's Regional Rail Spine Top of Mind 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 Trump Administration is changing federal cannabis policy. On Thursday acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order reclassifying medical marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug.  That puts the drug in the same category as substances like ketamine and anabolic steroids. Now, this doesn’t mean cannabis is legal nationwide, and people with convictions related to marijuana won’t see their charges dropped. But officials say it’ll allow for more research into cannabis for medical use. For distributors in the 40 states that have medical marijuana systems already in place, it could mean tax benefits and less hoops to jump through when selling cannabis. This reclassification does not impact recreational marijuana. But advocates say it could be a sign of bigger changes to come. Guest:  Dr. Susan Ferguson, Director of the Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute at the University of Washington Related links: Justice Department Places FDA-Approved Marijuana Products and Products Containing Marijuana Subject to a Qualifying State-issued License in Schedule III, Strengthening Medical Research While Maintaining Strict Federal Controls Federal Marijuana Rescheduling Will End Discrimination In Housing, Healthcare And Employment For Medical Cannabis Patients (Op-Ed) - Marijuana Moment SAM CONDEMNS IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S ILLEGAL DIRECTIVE ON MARIJUANA RESCHEDULING - Smart Approaches to Marijuana 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: David Kroman - Seattle Times City Hall Reporter Related Links: Lawmakers call for dissolving King County homelessness agency following audit Seattle, county officials demand reform to homeless authority, file for dissolution Analysis adds to debate over Seattle’s delivery driver wage law Spokane Valley teen takes it upon himself to create sensory aid for blind classmate 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 less than two months, Seattle will begin hosting matches for the 2026 World Cup.  And, like in the 10 other U.S. host cities, there is a lot of excitement here about this mega international sporting event coming to town. ... But there's likely some trepidation, too, as people think ahead to the congested streets, possible transit hangups and big crowds.  Seattleites could be tempted to ask, how did we get roped into this and will it be worth it? We called up a sports economist for answers.  Guest: Victor Matheson, a professor at College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts Related links: "The Economics of the World Cup" by Victor Matheson The World Cup is around the corner. Are cities and states prepared? • Stateline Why Host The Olympics When History Shows It's Likely A Money Pit? : The Indicator from Planet Money : NPR KUOW - Will this summer's World Cup be an economic win for 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey, it's your weekly roundup of everything worth going out & doing this weekend! HOST: Soundside producer Jason Megatron Burrows LINKS:  Seattle/King County Clinic at Seattle Center Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Melissa Auf der Maur: Even the Good Girls Will Cry, A '90s Rock Memoir Professional Bull Riding - Tacoma Dome The Pancakes & Booze Art Show Carnival of Cocktails — Seattle Cocktail Week 2026 Seattle Independent Bookstore Day The Tacoma Flea Seattle Seawolves Rugby vs Chicago Hounds Seattle Sounders vs FC Dallas Seattle Reign vs Utah Royals Seattle Torrent vs Montreal Victoire Pre-game "Tailgate" will be held at the corner of 1st Ave N & Lenny Wilkins Way from 4pm until the doors open at 5:30! 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve walked through Westlake Park recently, perhaps you’ve noticed the new statue of Swami Vivekananda, a philosopher and Hindu monk. Vivekananda is credited with introducing yoga and the Vedanta philosophy to a global audience. That statue is a gift to the city from the government of India. People from India represent more than 10 percent of Washington’s foreign-born residents. As of 2024, nearly 95,000 King County residents were born there.  The statue is part of a broader cultural diplomacy initiative, according to the consulate general in Seattle. The diplomatic outpost opened two years ago, and India's consul general in Seattle joined Soundside to talk about the relationship between the Pacific Northwest and India.  Guest Consul General Prakash GuptaRelated Links America's First Guru - PBS Trump’s Changes Lock Some Employers Out of H-1B Visa Program & As H-1B Visa Program Changes, Skilled Foreign Workers Consider Leaving U.S.  - 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.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: Greg Kim, reporter for the Climate Lab at The Seattle Times who writes about the intersection of climate, energy and business. Related links: DOJ investigating University of Washington over antisemitism concerns - Washington State Standard Five large data centers eyed for Seattle - Seattle Times Gates Foundation to Cut 20% of Staff, Review Epstein Ties - WSJ More than 30 pickleball courts in Seattle could be gone under Parks and Rec proposal - KOMO 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.

Canada needs healthcare workers, but there just aren't enough of them in the country. So they've amped up their efforts to recruit medical professionals from other countries, especially the United States. And Canada is seeing quite a bit of success. Last year, the British Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons reported licensing three times the number of American physicians than they had the year before. One person trying to recruit Americans to work in Canada is Tod Maffin. Tod is a former national CBC radio host and producer. He now runs a newsletter and podcast called Mirror Falls. And he's one of the organizers of the Nanaimo Healthcare Infusion this weekend.  Guest: Tod Maffin, former national CBC radio host and producer. He now runs a newsletter and podcast called Mirror Falls Relevant Links: KUOW: US healthcare workers encouraged to consider the charms of Canada 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 California doctor is suing primary care provider One Medical, claiming she was fired in part for retaliation for raising concerns about patient care.  Amazon owns One Medical, it bought the company in 2023. The service offers telemedicine and in-person locations and Amazon Prime members are able to access a One Medical membership at a discount.  The company’s goal is to use technology to make primary care as convenient as home delivery. Our guest writes that this recent lawsuit, however, “pulls back the curtain on Amazon’s entrée into healthcare.”Guest Caroline O'Donovan, AI and Big Technology senior Reporter, The San Francisco Standard Related LinksAmazon’s One Medical fired a doctor who raised safety concerns, lawsuit says - The San Francisco StandardLeaked documents reveal patient safety issues at Amazon’s One Medical - The Washington Post Full statement from a OneMedical spokespersonOne Medical is committed to excellent patient care and a supportive workplace. We welcome feedback from our team members every day—it's essential to how we improve. Using general observations from individuals unfamiliar with this matter to attempt to validate lawsuit allegations is misleading. Our investigation into the concerns found no safety issues and patients received quality care, and this is in fact a serious workplace conduct matter, despite attempts to frame it otherwise. We dispute the allegations in this complaint, and this employee was not terminated in response to raising safety concerns. One Medical is committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient care, and we fully investigate and take appropriate action to resolve concerns and do not retaliate against employees who raise them. While we cannot comment on the specifics of this personnel matter, we work hard to maintain a respectful workplace for all team members and are confident in the thoroughness of our investigation and outcome. 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 January shooting of two teenage boys in Seattle's Rainier Beach neighborhood devastated its residents. The incident also amplified a split between people who believe surveillance cameras could help keep residents safe, and those who remain concerned about how data from the cameras gets used. Guest Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero, freelance reporter for the South Seattle Emerald Related links South Seattle Emerald: What Safety Looks Like in South Seattle Depends on Who You Ask 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: Angela Poe Russell, a veteran journalist and the playwright behind "Aviatrix."  Related links: Five large data centers eyed for Seattle | The Seattle Times Is Starbucks breaking up with Seattle? | The Seattle Times Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe announce separation on social media|  ESPN Aviatrix | Seattle Public Theater 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 August 2018, Richard "Beebo" Russell stole a Horizon Air Bombardier Q400 aircraft from SeaTac International Airport. A new documentary tells his story through the eyes of his friends and family, who opened up for the first time since their 2018 statement. Guest Patricia E. Gillespie, documentary filmmaker and director of #SKYKING Related links The Seattle Times: ‘#SkyKing’ director talks Hulu documentary about Richard ‘Beebo’ Russell 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.

KUOW journalist Isolde Raftery has taken us back in time, to Seattle’s Garfield High School 26 years ago.  In her podcast, "Adults in the Room", she tells listeners about a rumor about a teacher named Tom Hudson. The rumor was that Hudson was sexually abusing a student.  Mr. Hudson was a popular teacher at Garfield. He taught biology and led a student outdoors program. At the time, Isolde and her best friend Ella Hushagen reported the rumor of alleged abuse for the Garfield student newspaper. And just a few months after the news broke, Mr. Hudson died by suicide.  Decades later, Isolde and Ella wanted to know what really happened. So they started to investigate. That investigation turned into a (so far) seven-episode podcast called "Adults in the Room."  We talked to Isolde about how the podcast is being received and what comes next for "Adults in the Room."  Guest: Isolde Raftery, a managing editor at KUOW and the host of "Adults in the Room."  Related links: KUOW - Focus: Adults in the Room 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.

Hey, it's your weekly roundup of everything worth going out & doing this weekend! HOST: Soundside producer Jason Megatron Burrows LINKS:  Mariners vs Texas Rangers Seattle Torrent vs Vancouver Goldeneyes Seattle Sounders vs St Louis City SC Indoor Plant Festival Oddmall Emporium of the Weird: SPRUNG Tilted Thunder Roller Derby POP Cats Seattle 2026: Pacific Northwest’s Ultimate Cat Convention International Children's Friendship Festival Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival RSD 2026 List | RECORD STORE 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.

Looking for something to do this weekend? How about… a perimenopausal comedy cabaret featuring killer whales? Intiman Theatre is running a production called "The Orca Show." It’s a play that explores the lead character’s experience with perimenopause. Along the way she bonds with someone who can truly understand what she’s going through: An orca whale. The writer and performer behind "The Orca Show" stopped by to share how she came up with the concept for her play, which is showing at The Intiman Cabaret at the Erickson Theatre from April 16 to April 19.  Guest: Aysan Celik, the writer and performer behind "The Orca Show" Related links: The Orca Show | Intiman Theatre Killer whales have menopause. Now scientists think they know why | Nature 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 those stories 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  Melanie Henshaw, Indigenous affairs reporter at InvestigateWest, Mvskoke (Creek) Nation citizen Related links  Portland Mayor Keith Wilson requests millions from other counties for homeless shelters as cash dries up in Multnomah County - The Oregonian Katie Wilson’s big shelter promise has looming deadline, few details  - The Seattle Times.  Trump backs Braun to unseat WA’s Gluesenkamp Perez in US House race - Washington State Standard  Washington courts rarely discipline guardians ad litem accused of misconduct in custody cases  & Parents, advocates say guardians ad litem need more guardrails. These Washington reforms could help - Kelsey Turner. InvestigateWest Belfair tow driver hikes into deep woods to rescue Uber Eats driver stranded by GPS - 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.

A stoic philosopher assembles a coven of middle aged single women in her Manhattan apartment building, she is working for an uber-wealthy family and feeling “wide and well," when  she is suddenly drawn into a mysterious romance that takes her into the world of possible art thieves, weapons dealers and double agents, one of whom she happens to be falling for. This all goes down while she desperately tries to reconcile her beloved Epictetus and Seneca with her increasingly emotional choices. Okay, maybe you haven’t heard that one. That’s understandable, because Maria Semple’s new novel, Go Gentle, just came out this week. Semple is the bestselling author of Where’d You Go, Bernadette and Today Will Be Different, both set in Seattle. And Semple will be appearing at Town Hall Seattle on Saturday, April 18th.  Guest: Maria Semple, author of Go Gentle Relevant Links: Maria Semple with Ken Jennings at Town Hall Seattle on April 18th The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness by Sharon Lebell   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.

Artist Bootsy Holler joined Seattle's punk and grunge scene while it was taking off. Then, she documented the genesis of the “post-grunge” independent music boom of the early 2000s. She photographed many of the bands that would go on to define the “indie” scene: like Death Cab for Cutie, Fleet Foxes, Gossip, Modest Mouse, Interpol and more. Whether the bands are onstage or in a portrait, her photos are full of movement, life and quirk. When you see them, you feel like you can almost hear the microphone feedback and smell the sweaty crowd at the Crocodile or El Corazon. Her new book is "Making It: An Intimate Documentary of the Seattle Indie, Rock & Punk Scene, 1992–2008". Guest  Bootsy Holler Related links Bootsy Holler’s photobook is a tribute to the golden era of indie rock (flying bassists and attitude included) - It's Nice That 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 animated short film ‘Tulip’ opens as many stories do - with "once upon a time." The tale might sound familiar. It begins with a woman finding a tiny baby girl, curled up at the center of a blooming flower. Soon, Tulip climbs out her window and sets off on an adventure in her own backyard – meeting the many creatures that call it home as she tries to find her way back to her own. The film is a take on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale Thumbelina. Each scene is awash in bright colors and textures.  Every part of Tulip - from the characters to the sets and backgrounds - is made by hand, most of it in felt, and brought to life using the time-intensive technique of stop motion animation. And the lush, green backgrounds may look familiar - the co-directors behind the film are based here in Western Washington. Tulip was originally released in 2020. It screened at film festivals like the Annecy International Animation Festival and the Seattle International Film Festival. Now, for the first time, anyone can watch the short on YouTube. Guests: Andrea Love is a stop motion animator based in Port Townsend. She was co-director for Tulip, and also headed up fabrication & animation.  Phoebe Wahl is an illustrator and children’s book author based in Bellingham. She was the co-director, lead set and character designer, and script writer for Tulip. Related links: Watch 'Tulip' on Youtube 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.

Federal lawmakers are returning from their Spring Break tomorrow, when the House goes back in session. And, what a two week recess it has been. The President threatened Iran with destruction of its “whole civilization,” and then agreed to a cease fire. That cease fire is now in doubt after peace talks failed in Islamabad over the weekend and the U.S. military began a blockade of Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz.  Meanwhile, congress is still battling over whether to fund the Department of Homeland Security with future pay for TSA agents and other workers in doubt. And Cuba saw a brief respite from a U.S. oil blockade that has led to nationwide blackouts. My next guest says U.S. policy amounts to collective punishment of the Cuban people and she’s calling for formal negotiations to begin.  Guest:  Representative Pramila Jayapal 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.

Opponents of Washington’s new income tax on high earners are looking to fight the law on a couple of fronts: on the ballot, and in court.   And last week, Citizens Action Defense Fund, a conservative nonprofit, filed a legal challenge to the tax in Klickitat County Superior Court, claiming the tax violates the state’s constitution.  We talk to one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs in that suit against the so-called “millionaires tax.”  Guest Rob McKenna, former Washington State Attorney General, 2012 Republican candidate for governor Related Links New lawsuit challenges constitutionality of Washington’s ‘millionaires tax’ - KUOW Opponents sue to block WA’s new ‘millionaires tax’ - 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.

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 LINKS:  Seattle’s economic outlook is in choppy waters, but officials hopeful City Inside/Out: Inside Mayor Katie B. Wilson’s first 100 days Seattle, World Cup boosters say Trump’s actions likely to hurt tourism Mariners unveil broken Ichiro statue outside of T-Mobile 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re just a few months away from the World Cup’s kick off. The United States is one of the host countries, along with Mexico and Canada.  Host cities like Seattle are getting ready to welcome players, coaches, officials, families and fans from all around the world…..  At least, the ones who are still comfortable traveling to the United States, which has taken a number of steps many see as unwelcoming to outside visitors.  Travel bans, visa restrictions and expanded immigration arrests have left some people wondering if traveling to the United States right now is worth it… even to see their countries compete.   Guest: Albert Samaha, a journalist who reported on how players are feeling about this year's World Cup in light of the Trump administration's immigration policies. Related links: How World Cup Players Are Navigating Trump’s Immigration Crackdown | The New Yorker   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.

Let's get out & do something this weekend! Here are all the events fit to print! HOST: Soundside producer Jason Megatron Burrows LINKS:  Fin de Fest - Latin Film Festival MARINERS vs Houston Astros Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival Spring Fair | Washington State Fair Event Center NW Model Hobby Expo SDFF 2026 - Deaf Spotlight WA State Toy Show 2026 Tea Festival - April 11th | Cascadia Tea Fest iDiOM Theater - “All Our Tragic” 4 part series Dungeons and Drag Queens Brunch Show SIFF 2026 Annual Volunteer Meeting 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 U.S. Forest Service says it’s going ahead with a major overhaul of the way it manages the nation’s forests.  The plans, announced last week, include moving agency headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City, Utah.  The Forest Service will close or repurpose its regional offices, including the Pacific Northwest one, and create 15 state offices. It will also close dozens of research facilities. GUEST: Christine Peterson RELATED LINK: Forest Service overhaul sows confusion, concern - High Country News  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: Jane C. Hu, a journalist and the host of City Cast Seattle.  Related links: Latest ICE data shows surge in immigration arrests in WA • Washington State Standard Advocates praise WA for selling off $62M in Caterpillar bonds | The Seattle Times Why WA Sold Off Caterpillar Bonds, Measles in Seattle, and a Pro-Tax Millionaire - City Cast Seattle Why Did the Greenwood Fred Meyer Stop Offering Paper Bags with Handles? | 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.