Seattle Now

The Seattle Symphony has a new music director… And she’s breaking new ground. Xian Zhang is the first woman and the first person of color to direct the Symphony in its more than 120-year history… And she’s here to talk about what brought her to Seattle after conducting orchestras around the world. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bothell principal under investigation for post about Charlie Kirk, UW breaks ground on renovating the Shell House, and the Seattle Storm rally in the WNBA playoffs to stay alive. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of Seattle high school students walked out of class this week to protest changes to the lunch schedule. District officials want to split a single lunch period in two. They say the goal is to lessen crowds and lunch lines. But students are worried about not being able attend clubs, and socialize with their friends. We learn more from Seattle Times education reporter Claire Bryan. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Seattle woman wrongly accused of killing Charlie Kirk speaks out, 45-year-old ash from Mount St. Helens blows around, and Seattle Reign FC will finish their next match without an audience. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A car-free experiment at Pike Place Market is well underway. Host of Cascade PBS's Mossback's Northwest, Knute Berger, talks about the market's move to be car-free, what it has meant to generations of Seattleites and how else it has changed over the years. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Orca mom carries her dead calf in San Juans, Seattle students protest lunch schedule changes, and health insurance rates will spike next year in WA. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle police will soon have more eyes on the city than ever. The city council approved a plan to increase the number of cameras in the city’s CCTV and Real Time Crime Center network. The move is supposed to help curb crime. But it’s also raised concerns about privacy and data security. We'll talk about what the expansion means for public safety and privacy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we’re bringing you the best from the KUOW Newsroom… A federal program that supports local farms abruptly ended in March, leaving Washington farmers looking for solutions. A Washington state farmworker and organizer talks about life in Mexico after being deported by ICE. The town of Forks was once the self-proclaimed 'logging capital of the world,’ but that industry has waned… and now there’s a booming Twilight economy, 20 years after the first book’s release. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elected leaders from Washington state are praising the arrest of a suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Washington's Attorney General has unveiled a new website to help people keep tabs on the legal challenges coming from our state, and this weekend kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month.It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week… Sound Transit made history by driving a train over the I-90 floating bridge. An engineering feat! Lake City’s Fred Meyer, and several other Kroger stores across the Seattle area, are confirmed closing for good despite efforts from lawmakers and local residents. And the New York Times’ 50 best restaurants list came out… but where’s Washington? Author Danielle Marie Holland and transit advocate Alex Hudson are here to break down the week. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WA student test scores remain below pre-pandemic levels, Fred Meyer will move ahead with Seattle area closures, and King County forges ahead to build a walk-in mental health crisis center on Capitol Hill. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a new theater season in Seattle. And this year, Seattle's venues are getting creative to stay afloat. We’ll talk about what’s changed with arts reporter Marcie Sillman. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle to expand surveillance cameras, Mayor Harrell touts affordable housing investments, and the the chance to snag World Cup tickets kicked off today. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sue Bird was forever immortalized this past weekend, into the Basketball Hall of Fame. After 21 years in Seattle, it’s easy to see why. Seattle Now Sports Correspondent Vaughan Jones is here to paint the full picture of Sue Bird the player, activist and Seattle icon. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microsoft calls employees back to the office three days a week, e-bike and e-scooter injuries are on the rise, and King County gives out grants to reduce food waste. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bear Gulch fire is now estimated to be more than 10,000 acres, in the Olympic National Forest. Two men who were fighting that fire were arrested and detained by federal immigration officials last month. We talk with Stateline reporter Alex Brown, who reports that firefighters familiar with the incident believe the management team overseeing the fire crews played a role in handing over the men to immigration authorities. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several new lightning-ignited fires are burning in Washington, President Trump is threatening to send the National Guard to Portland, and conservative activist and initiative sponsor Brian Haywood has a couple of new initiatives he's trying to get on the November ballot. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the last 13 years, the Seattle Police Department has answered directly to the federal government. But last week the consent decree ended. KUOW’s Amy Radil talks about why the decree happened, why it lasted so long and what might be next for police accountability in Seattle. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we’re bringing you the best from the KUOW Newsroom… The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center celebrated its 50th anniversary this week - the center has evolved from a scrappy lab doing what some considered risky science, into one of the top cancer centers in the world. International students have brought needed revenue to colleges in recent years, especially community colleges where local enrollment has fallen… But getting permission to study in the U-S has gotten harder under the Trump administration. And September 2nd marked 80 years since the end of World War II. Hear from veterans’ families, and a historian working to preserve personal memories of World War II. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle closes three parks due to safety concerns, Mayor Harrell proposes plan to boost food access, and Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird will enter the Hall of Fame on Saturday. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week… Autonomous vehicles are making their way to Seattle… But they have to have people in the drivers’ seat for a while. Speaking of cars, the number of cars in Seattle has plateaued in recent years. And a tale of two memberships… Costco is opening its doors an hour early for its highest tier of members. South Seattle Emerald Founder Marcus Harrison Green and Science Journalist Jane C. Hu are here to break down the week. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WA's top health official issues order that anyone can get a Covid vaccine, tariffs will cost jobs and raise prices in WA according to new report, and undercover cops will attend Seahawks games, dressed as opposing fans. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**Story update: The Seattle Times reports that late on Wednesday several Washington insurers committed to continuing to cover the new COVID vaccine despite federal changes.** West Coast states are teaming up to issue their own vaccine guidelines in the face of rapid changes at the CDC and FDA The federal turmoil has some people wondering what this means for their seasonal shots. UW’s Dr. Helen Chu is here to clarify what you need to know about vaccines, illnesses, and insurance coverage this year. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WA forms West Coast alliance to protect vaccine access, Seattle Police released from federal oversight, and Waymo's robotaxis are coming to Seattle. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Neptune Theatre in the U-District is usually a place for touring musicians. Now a new grant from local arts organizations is opening the door to local music - by hosting a Seattle band on stage at the 1,000-person venue for a live recorded show. Grant winner RUB is here to talk about their music, and this opportunity. Learn more about the Live at the Neptune grant here. Learn more about RUB here. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle sues gun manufacturer Glock, Amazon to crack down on sharing Prime memberships, and leashed dogs are now allowed in passenger areas on ferries. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new audit is putting the spotlight on King County's Department of Community and Human Services, whose actions allowed potential fraud and numerous improper payments to contractors. The report by county auditors found a massive lack of oversight. KUOW’s Ann Dornfeld has been reporting on this story, and the fallout. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Labor Day, Seattle Now is bringing you a bonus episode from KUOW's food podcast Seattle Eats. On this episode, Tan Vinh reflects on the best bites and slurps of the summer with Rachel Belle. While Labor Day may feel like the end of summer, it’s not over yet. Tan and Rachel also have some places you should try before fall weather rolls in. Read more of Tan’s reporting on what to try before summer ends: new Seattle restaurants to try before summer ends And find everything Rachel Belle is cookin’ up and talking about here: https://www.hellorachelbelle.com/ Recommendations in this episode: Brimmer and Heeltap Pie School by Kate Lebo La Marea Radio Whiskey Carnal We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we’re bringing you the best from the KUOW Newsroom… Federal Medicaid cuts are causing anxiety for a Bellevue family whose son has a disability. Local governments in Washington are using ChatGPT to do a lot. You can find it in social media posts, speeches, and even policy. And Washington’s beloved reptile zoo is closing this October. Families are rushing to say a final goodbye or a first hello to the favorite cold bloodied friends. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An update on the firefighters arrested at the Bear Gulch fire yesterday, a forecast of the future of lightning in the region, and some suggestions for some local long weekend fun. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some city governments in Washington are outsourcing all kinds of things to generative AI. Dogs are now free to roam around Washington state ferries, sort of. And more speed cameras in school zones might make school drop-off and pick up a little less intense. Factal Editor Joe Veyera and Comedian Phil Burton are here to break down the week. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two firefighters arrested by Border Patrol in WA, Microsoft fires two employees involved in protests, and the Seahawks unveil a new alternate uniform. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Tech companies are powerful, influential, and often hard to holdaccountable. But No Azure for Apartheid is trying to get Microsoft to make changesthrough protests. Those protests have escalated recently. There’s lots to talk about and Geekwire reporter and co-founder Todd Bishop ishere to discuss. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pressure builds against Microsoft's ties with Israel, WA leaders say health insurance costs will surge next year, and Paul Allen's estate promises $500 million in science grants. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve got a soft spot for Fred Meyer, this one's gonna sting. Kroger says it plans to close five Fred Meyers and one QFC in the Seattle area. We’ll hear from Seattle Times business reporter Paul Roberts about why. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LGBTQ community urges Mayor Harrell to cancel permit for Christian activist group, WA officials move to protect more forestland, and Uber Eats to pay $15 million in labor settlement. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stabilizing someone after a drug overdose is critical to their survival, but that’s often not the end of their struggle with opioid use disorder. A new recovery option is opening in Seattle this week. We’ll learn more about it with UW medicine’s Dr. Caleb Banta-Green. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extreme heat warning extended to Wednesday, FBI leads renewed search for fugitive Travis Decker, and Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh makes history, again. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UW Medicine researchers reached an extraordinary milestone this summer. They successfully implanted a device onto the brain of a Seattle-area man who suffered multiple strokes. They believe the device can help him recover movement in his arm and hand. KUOW editor and producer Stephen Howie tells about what this could mean for the future of stroke recovery. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we’re bringing you the best from the KUOW Newsroom... The August primary election has been certified, meaning Sara Nelson and Dionne Foster are the two official candidates for Seattle’s 9th city council seats. Their strategies to address drug addiction are quite different. Canadians are continuing to feel upset with America’s most recent political actions. Being right on the Canadian border, businesses in Blaine Washington are really feeling the pain. And data centers are coming to Central Washington towns. With them comes an economic boost, but also skepticism about what the centers can actually deliver for residents and how much harm they are causing the environment. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of WA is under a heat advisory, downtown light rail service will be disrupted on Saturday morning, and President Trump's Border Czar visits the PNW. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kroger announced upcoming closures to 4 Fred Meyers in the Seattle area. Washington’s only hybrid electric ferry isn’t working. And people are acting up in public. UW Professor Jeff Shulman and Geekwire Co-Founder Todd Bishop are here to break down the week. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.