Soundside

We’ve been celebrating Pride all month with a TON of events across the state, but now, we’ve hit critical mass, because it’s PRIDE WEEKEND! There is SO MUCH happening, so let's get to it: LINKS: Indigiqueer Festival Trans Pride Seattle Seattle Dyke March PRIDE-FEST: Capitol Hill Seattle Pride Parade 2025 PRIDE-FEST: Seattle Center Dungeons and Drag Queens at The Crocodile Brewology - Pacific Science Center Fairy Fest - Lakewold Gardens Buckley Log Show 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 State started conducting all-mail elections in 2014 and it’s mostly been smooth sailing since then. But a national explosion of vote-by-mail during the 2020 election due to Covid sparked a partisan backlash against the practice. President Trump made claims that voting by mail would lead to widespread fraud, accusations that grew louder after he lost that election to President Biden. Now the Washington State Republican Party has officially come out against vote-by-mail, with Chairman Jim Walsh saying “We want to get back to in-person voting.” Sam Reed is a Republican and was the 14th Secretary of State in Washington, retiring in 2013. He's also the godfather of vote-by-mail in Washington State. And he regrets nothing. Guest: Former WA Secretary of State Sam Reed Relevant links: WAGOP Joins Regional Movement to END Vote-By-Mail The History of Voting and Elections in Washington StateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A festival celebrating the city’s only river won't happen this year. The organization hosting the Duwamish River Festival shut the August celebration down, due to concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in South Park, the neighborhood where the festival usually takes place. We talk about the decision with the head of the Duwamish River Community Coalition, the organization that usually runs the festival. Guest Paulina Lopez, executive director of the Duwamish River Community Coalition Related links Seattle festival canceled due to ICE concerns, The Seattle Times Envisioning a cleaner Duwamish River in South Park, Soundside (2022) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last three years, the shortage of public defenders in Washington state has built to a crisis. It’s been taking a toll on the lawyers who represent clients that need representation but can’t afford it. Since that representation is promised in the U.S. and state constitutions, these lawyers are a critical aspect of the legal system. When there aren’t enough lawyers, people wait in jail. Last year, the ACLU of Washington sued Yakima County for denying defendants their sixth amendment right to an attorney. The county has struggled to hire new public defenders for years. To address the lack, public defenders proposed a counterintuitive solution: lower the number of cases public defenders can take on. They say doing so will reduce burnout and increase recruitment. This month, the Washington State Supreme Court signed on to dramatically reduced caseload limits for defenders. Guests: Daniel Beekman, reporter at the Seattle Times Bob Boruchowitz, professor from practice at Seattle University School of Law and director of the Defender Initiative Relevant Links: Seattle Times: WA Supreme Court orders much lower caseloads for public defenders Seattle Times: WA adds public defender dollars but ‘nowhere near’ enough, counties say Seattle Times: Washington Bar approves much lower caseloads for public defenders 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 ceasefire between Israel and Iran appears to be holding at this hour.President Trump spoke briefly to reporters this morning on the White House lawn. He used an expletive and said he was unhappy that the two countries had both initially violated the agreement to pause attacks. More than a week after Israel kicked off the new war with Iran, Trump intervened on Saturday by ordering a U.S. strike on three Iranian nuclear sites. This morning the president has been re-posting messages on social media from supporters calling his handling of the conflict “an overwhelming…victory” and “a historic masterclass.” But a member of Washington's congressional delegation disagrees. Guest: Adam Smith is a House Democrat who represents parts of Bellevue and Seattle all the way to Auburn and Federal Way. Related links: Democrats Forge Ahead With Efforts to Reach War Powers Vote Amid Shaky Cease-Fire - 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.

Washington state is taking quick action to meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As part of it, last year the state spent $45 million dollars to help lower income people buy or lease electric vehicles. To do this, they lowered the barrier for getting a rebate – all you needed to do was self-report your income or say you were enrolled in an assistance program, and the dealer would discount thousands of dollars from the price. But a new investigation from Cascade PBS has found that some of the money didn’t go towards the people it was intended for. Guest: Elizabeth Whitman, freelance journalist Relevant Links: Cascade PBS: WA spent $45M to boost electric vehicle use — with mixed results 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 book examines the theory that lead and arsenic poisoning may have affected the brain development of serial killers like Ted Bundy and Gary Ridgway. Childhood exposure to these poisons might provide a partial explanation for these horrific crimes. The book is “Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers.” It’s part memoir; part examination of anthropology, criminology, and also the ecological history of the Pacific Northwest. Guest Caroline Fraser, author of “Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers.” She grew up on Mercer Island and won the Pulitzer Prize for her biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder in 2018. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Upstairs at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, MoPop, right now you can take a trip through the musical genres and artists that trace the arc of Black history in America, from gospel foremothers like Rosetta Tharpe and Mahalia Jackson, to the soul songs of Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. The exhibit is called Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music. Soundside host Libby Denkmann caught up with curator Adeerya Johnson for a tour of the exhibit. GUEST: Adeerya Johnson, Associate Curator at MoPop RELATED LINK: Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music | Museum of Pop Culture 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 are officially in the summer busy season. Solstice, pride, Juneteenth — if you’re looking for something to do this week, have no fear, there’s something for you. Soundside is off tomorrow for Juneteenth, so we're bringing you an EARLY edition of the WEEKEND WARMUP. Here with stuff to do this weekend is Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows! LINKS: Juneteenth | Atlantic Street Center NAAM | Juneteenth Juneteenth — ACLT Summer of Soul Series Juneteenth 2025 | Mercer Island, Washington Juneteenth 2025 | Shoreline City Hall Juneteenth - Stewart Heights Park, Tacoma 2025 Juneteenth Commemoration - Washington State Historical Society Washington Brewers Fest MOPOP - 25th Anniversary Fremont Solstice Parade Fremont Fair Summer Bonsai Solstice | Pacific Bonsai Museum Marysville Strawberry Festival Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival 2025 Georgetown Pride 2025 Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boys and ghouls, allow me to tell you about the mad doctor who injects himself with an experimental serum, turning the scientist into a hideous monster that terrorizes a hospital. This twisted tale is from the mind of Richard Lyford, a 19-year-old indie filmmaker in Seattle, who wrote, directed and starred in the short horror film The Scalpel. But he wasn’t influenced by horror legends like John Carpenter or Wes Craven or George Romero. No, The Scalpel was filmed in 1936, and film historians considered it lost for almost 90 years. It’s now been restored and re-edited, and been accepted to more than 150 film festivals throughout the country. Guest: Composer Ed Hartman Related Links: Trailer for The Scalpel Lost 1936 Seattle film saved by local composer takes festival circuit by storm Zion Film Fest The Scalpel Festival RunSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel and Iran continue to trade missile and drone attacks as the war stretches into its fifth day. This conflict started last week with Israeli airstrikes that targeted top military commanders and nuclear facilities in Iran. Here in the Seattle area, members of the Iranian diaspora are experiencing a familiar anxiety: Trying to keep tabs on friends and family during a bloody conflict. We talk to four members of Seattle's Iranian diaspora and get additional analysis on the conflict from a Washington, D.C.-based expert. Guests Omid Roustaei, The Caspian Chef, cookbook author and Iranian-American psychotherapist Rep. Darya Farivar, Washington state Representative, D-46 Aria Fani, director of the Persian and Iranian Studies Program at the University of Washington Faraz Zarghami, also known as DJ Dancing Faraz Alex Vatanka, senior fellow, Middle East Institute Related links The Washington Post: Israeli attacks leave Iranians fearful and hopeful See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever walked into a bookstore, lonely and single, and hoped you’d meet the love of your life? We know there are at least a few of you out there. That's part of the setup for Moira Macdonald’s debut novel “Storybook Ending.” It’s a story about loneliness, friendship, reading – and of course, the singular pleasure of spending time between the shelves of a cozy book shop in Seattle. The spot in question, titled “Read the Room”, is based on Ravenna’s Third Place Books, one of Macdonald's regular haunts. We talk to Macdonald, the longtime Seattle Times arts critic, about writing her novel, her recommendations for great summer reads and Guest Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times arts critic and debut novelist See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Millions of Americans across the country gathered over the weekend in support of “No Kings Day”, a nationwide protest against the Trump Administration. Marches were planned to contrast with a military parade at the nation’s capital, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Army. The events also coincided with President Trump’s birthday. And it all came after a week of escalating tensions between the federal government and California officials, where immigration raids had prompted clashes between protestors and police… and Trump had called in the military against the wishes of the state’s governor. Across Washington on Saturday, cities from Olympia, to Wenatchee, even passengers on a ferry from Bainbridge island - had “No Kings” protests. We wanted to get a sense of what the protests felt like across the state - and how the momentum of crowd participation could spark further action. Guests: KUOW reporter Casey Martin Seattle University assistant professor of law Pilar Margarita Hernández Escontrías Former Spokane city council president Ben Stuckart Related stories: LIVE: Crowds descend on Seattle for ‘No Kings’ protests - KUOW Mysterious notice tells immigrants to check in at Seattle-area federal building. Several get detained - KUOW Tukwila police fire pepper balls on protesters at unusual ICE check-in - Seattle Times More than 30 arrested at immigration protest in Spokane sparked by arrest of 2 immigrants - 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.

Lawmakers in D.C. are still working on President Trump's big beautiful bill. That's the budget reconciliation measure focused on extending his first term tax cuts, boosting defense spending and immigration enforcement and cutting some spending. Should it become law, it's expected to cut into benefits for millions of Americans – specifically, federal food assistance programs. It's expected to slice hundreds of billions from SNAP, or food stamps. Around 10 percent of Washington state's population get SNAP benefits, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Washington State Standard estimates tens of thousands in the state could lose federal food aid if the bill passes. We hear from the executive director of a Seattle food bank about the proposed cuts to SNAP and how they could affect the food bank’s operations and clients. And we get an update on the bill's progress from a D.C.-based reporter. Guests Orion Donovan Smith legislative reporter, Washington, D.C. Bureau, The Spokesman-Review Gloria Hatcher-Mays executive director, Rainier Valley Food Bank 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, I don't know about YOU, but President Trump has big weekend plans: On Saturday, he's going to be enjoying a military parade in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Army, which also happens to fall on his birthday. There are hundreds of protests planned in cities across the country as counter-programming to this parade. They're organized under the umbrella of the "No Kings" theme. That includes here in Washington State, and the No Kings website says 80 protests are planned in places from Anacortes to Walla Walla. The Kitsap Sun has a list of where those are happening on Saturday and how to stay safe at KitsapSun.com But not to worry, there are a TON of other weekend events coming up: LINKS: Black Night Market — Friends of Waterfront Park Brass Screw Consortium - Port Townsend Maple Valley Days - Lake Wilderness Park An Evening with John Cusack & Screening of "High Fidelity" - Tacoma Seattle Flying Dragon Boat Club - South Lake Union 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.

This weekend, the FIFA Club World Cup descends on Seattle.This isn’t the big tournament that pits national teams against each other that’s coming in 2026. Instead, this tournament features club teams from around the world. Spectators in Seattle will be able to see storied squads take the pitch throughout June. For clubs, there is big money at stake but the majority of that money, at least when it comes to Major League Soccer, is set to go to the clubs’ owners. U.S. players, including ones with the Seattle Sounders, won’t see much of it. So players have been speaking out about, what they call, a cash grab. U.S. fans of the beautiful game are now following an ugly contract dispute. Guest: Pablo Mauer, staff writer at the Athletic Relevant Links: The Athletic: Sounders protest MLS’ Club World Cup player payout cap, backed by MLSPA 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 Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire is the largest ren faire in the state. It will bring out fairies, pirates, knights in shining armor, and more for five weeks, starting in mid-July, near the Skykomish River outside of Monroe. It has a whole lot of fans including one of our colleagues at KUOW, Vicky VanHout. She says Ren Faires are all about dressing up in medieval garb, dancing to medieval themed music, archery, and axe throwing. A celebration of cosplay and history together! But, not everyone is happy with the state of the faire. They say something’s amiss, and it’s not the pirates hitting the grog too hard or Mistress Tiddlywinks’ donkey breaking into the cabbage patch… The Village of Merriwick, AKA the fictional home of the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire, is at the center of a new investigative report in the summer edition of Seattle Met. The story details a series of allegations about management’s treatment of volunteer staff and questions about their financial priorities, as well as bigger questions about changes that some argue are sacrificing the “soul” of the Faire. We reached out to both Washington Renaissance Arts & Education Society and Wandering in Time Productions for their response to Nathalie’s story. They declined an interview, but they did send us a statement: "Wandering in Time Productions is a Pacific Northwest institution, employing nearly 120 full-time, part-time, and contract staff. Its partnership with the Washington Renaissance Arts & Education Society has WITP providing essential services to help produce a high-quality, immersive event each year. In 2024, WITP assumed responsibility for guild and entertainer payments and transitioned to a more equitable contractor model, reinforcing its commitment to fairness and sustainability. WITP, in partnership with the WRAES, puts its heart and soul into bringing an extraordinary production to life each summer. Putting on a high-quality event that welcomes approximately 10,000 visitors daily takes time, effort and significant financial resources. Like many businesses across Washington, the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire has felt the impact of rising production costs. As a result, we have had to make difficult decisions, including increases to ticket prices and a more selective vendor invitation process to ensure the Faire’s continued success. We have also adopted policies, such as quiet hours, meant to ensure that the greatest number of our guests and participants are as comfortable as possible. WITP is also aware that, in past years, a small number of vendors, staff and entertainers have acted in ways that do not reflect the values of our community. When concerns were brought to our attention, WITP responded quickly and decisively based on available information. WITP remains committed to creating a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for all. WITP and WRAES look forward to welcoming all our guests this summer, especially those who have attended for generations, to create magical and memorable experiences together. Our focus remains on creating a safe, inclusive and memorable experience for the many guests, vendors, entertainers and staff who make the Faire possible each year." GUEST: Nathalie Graham - staff writer at The Stranger and freelancer with Seattle Met RELATED LINK: Fear and Loathing at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire 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’s efforts to deport more unauthorized immigrants have led to protests in major cities across the United States. Evidence of stepped-up immigration enforcement can also be seen at the U.S.-Canada border. But it’s not always drawing protests or media attention. A family of six at the Blaine border crossing was detained earlier this year. The family, originally from southwestern Africa, was held by Customs and Border Protection in a windowless cell, with a toilet, for more than three weeks – with no news stories and few people aware of their situation. The ACLU is now involved in the case. Guest: Troy Brynelson, reporter for Oregon Public Broadcasting Related Links: ‘Like a jail cell’: Family of six detained at Washington state border facility for more than three weeks See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a long time, if you wanted to know what the future looked like for Washington’s climate policies, you just had to look at California. The Golden State put a carbon auction in place in 2012. 10 years later, state lawmakers here set up our own cap and trade system. California passed legally binding emissions goals in 2006. Washington did that about a decade later. And let’s talk car sales: California passed a law that will ban the sale of most gasoline powered vehicles by 2035. Washington passed a similar law a few years ago. But now, California’s law has come under the crosshairs of the federal government and that may hamper both states’ ability to meet ambitious goals to decarbonize. Guest: Conrad Swanson, climate reporter for the Seattle Times Related Links: Seattle Times: Did Congress just revoke WA’s gas car ban? Stateline: Major legal brawl may decide what types of cars Americans can buy Cal Matters: US Senate blocks California’s electric car mandate in historic vote 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.

When the University of Washington began searching for a new president back in 2015, they did what you might expect: They started a nationwide hunt, looking for the best fit to lead an institution known at the time, more for its research than for its classes. It turns out the answer was right at home. Ana Mari Cauce had been at the University of Washington since 1986, in various teaching and leadership roles, starting as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology. Cauce entered the office as the first openly gay, first Latina, and first woman to lead the largest University in the state. And during her time in the office, the UW has changed a lot. There was a global pandemic and move to online learning. Campus-wide Pro-Palestine protests brought national attention to the school as students clashed with university administrators. Key for sports fans, The Huskies left the PAC-12 conference, joining the Big 10. Add to that – in the last few months, defunding moves, international student visa cancellations and further threats from the federal government. Now, Cauce’s ten years at the helm of the University of Washington is coming to the end. What has she learned from her tenure? And what advice does she have for her successor as he prepares to take over? Guest: Ana Mari Cauce, President of the University of Washington Related Stories: Trump Has Targeted These Universities. Why? - New York Times UW president warns of budget crisis, potential layoffs - KUOW ED, HHS, and GSA Initiate Review of Anti-Semitic Activity at the University of Washington - HHS.gov What comes next for the pro-Palestine protesters at UW? - 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.

Seattle is gearing up to host some big events this summer – from music festivals to early World Cup matches. The Sounders will host their first FIFA Club World Cup match on Sunday June 15 at Lumen Field. June is also Pride Month, with all kinds of LQBTQ+-focused celebrations planned throughout the city. It’s a time when law enforcement agencies are tasked with keeping people safe, and respecting free expression. And that balance has gotten extra difficult in recent weeks here in Seattle, after duelling protests by queer demonstrators and their allies and fundamentalist Christian groups. So we wanted to invite the Seattle Police Department, and the city of Seattle on to talk about how they’re approaching public safety this summer. And a note: this conversation was recorded on Friday, prior to this weekend’s protests in Los Angeles, and the mobilization of the National Guard. Guests: Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes Seattle Chief Public Safety Officer Natalie Walton-Anderson Related stories: Cal Anderson protest: No charges (yet), Parks says nope to August, FBI threat, and ‘mostly silent’ vigil planned outside Seattle church - Capitol Hill Seattle Blog 8 more arrests at dueling protests, this time at Seattle City Hall - Seattle Times 14 indicted on charges of drug trafficking in Chinatown International District - 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.

ICE enforcement raids led to violent clashes between protestors and law enforcement in Los Angeles this weekend. President Trump mobilized the National Guard in response. This was against the wishes of the state’s Governor, Gavin Newsom -- it’s the first time a President has done so since the 1960s. Both Newsom and L.A. mayor Karen Bass have vocally criticized the move, with Newsom calling it an “unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.” Over 50 people were arrested this weekend. More protests are planned today. It’s something we’re watching closely here in Seattle, a Democrat-led city in a heavily Blue state with its own history of showdowns with the Trump Administration. Relevant Links: CalMatters: With troops and protests, Trump’s feud with California moves to the streets of LA CalMatters: Gavin Newsom asks Trump to withdraw troops from Los Angeles as protests intensify Guest: Nigel Duara, LA-based reporter for CalMatters 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.

President Trump deployed 2,000 California National Guard troops in Los Angeles this weekend. Protests had broken out in response to aggressive local immigration enforcement activity. California’s attorney general now says the state will sue the president over this. But here in Washington, is the state prepared for widespread protests or presidential mobilization of the national guard? We spoke with Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, a Democrat, on Monday morning about those questions. 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 not up for driving all the way to Astoria Oregon for the Goonies, and would rather stick closer to home this weekend, never fear - we’ve got you covered! Here with almost every event, festival, and concert happening this weekend is Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows! LINKS: Steel Magic Northwest - "Here Comes the Sun" Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show - Tacoma Indigenous People Festival - Seattle Center Kent Nerd Party 2025 Duvall Days Festival SCOTTISH GATHERING - Blaine Maritime Gig Festival - Gig Harbor 2025 Anacortes Waterfront Festival Seattle Pride in the Park 2025 Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival Fiber Fusion Northwest - Monroe The Stranger's Burger Week 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 talk foosball. You know, the table top game with the little soccer guys. Maybe you’re a hot shot at your local bar. You have a few tricks up your sleeve. And maybe they’ve even won you a couple beers over the years. But we warn you: You are in an entirely different league from Spokane resident Lotus Leong-Chesbrough. She has won real money playing foosball. She’s been coy about saying how much, but it's at least in the six figures. She’s also claimed two foosball world titles and, in 2018, was inducted into the Table Soccer Hall of Fame. Later this month she's headed to Spain for the World Cup. And she expects to win. Guest: Lotus Leong-Chesbrough Related Stories: ‘The battle of the fittest on the table’: Two Spokane women to compete in foosball World Cup next month 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.

Chris Vance was a Republican for 37 years. During that time he served as the chair for the Washington State Republican Party, a Metropolitan King County Councilmember and a state representative. But then Donald Trump descended down that golden escalator. Vance left the GOP in 2017 as President Trump was reshaping the Party in his image. Since then Vance has considered himself in exile… flirting with independent candidates and openly supporting Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. So it might come as a surprise that he is returning to the party and calling himself a Republican once again. This time, though, he’s part of a new group called Our Republican Legacy. They say they want to establish a big tent inside the Party to advance a more traditionally Republican agenda. Guest: Chris Vance, a senior adviser for the group Our Republican Legacy Related Links: A rallying cry for a post-MAGA future from a Republican in exile Our Republican Legacy 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 month Pierce County resident Tuan Thanh Phan was deported. That wasn’t unexpected for Tuan or his family - he was planning on starting a new life in Vietnam after he was deported. His permanent residency was revoked in 2009, nearly ten years after he was convicted of first degree murder and second degree assault. The surprise was where he went. He wasn’t going to Vietnam, his birth country. Instead, Tuan ended up on a flight to South Sudan. That was redirected to Djibouti. The flight was part of a push by the Trump administration to remove convicted visa holders from the U.S. – back to countries that aren’t their own. Now Phan's wife is sounding the alarm - she hasn't heard from her husband since he was sent to Djbouti. Guest: KUOW Race, Identity, and Immigration Reporter Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez Related Stories: A Pierce County man expected to be deported to Vietnam. Instead, ICE routed him to South Sudan - 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.

In D.C. the president’s Big Beautiful Bill is facing a contentious fight in the Senate. Governor Ferguson recently signed over 400 bills into law. But there was other bill related news in recent weeks and we went to see someone who has been right in the middle of it. Alejandro Rico Guevara is one of the foremost researchers on hummingbird bills. He has spent years studying how hummingbirds use their beaks to feed and fight. But his latest research looked at how human actions seem to be driving a high-speed example of evolution in hummingbird bills. Alejandro is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Washington, and he’s the co-author of a study published last month in Global Change Biology. It shows how hummingbird feeders have influenced the size and shape of hummingbird bills in a matter of decades. Guest: Alejandro Rico Guevara, Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Washington Relevant Links: NPR: Backyard feeders changed the shape of hummingbird beaks, scientists say Global Change Biology: Supplemental Feeding as a Driver of Population Expansion and Morphological Change in Anna's Hummingbird Smithsonian: California’s Hummingbirds Have Changed Their Beaks in Response to Backyard Feeders, Study Finds 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.

Cathy Moore is stepping down from the Seattle City Council. She announced the decision yesterday afternoon, citing health and personal reasons. Moore has been in office for a year and a half, and leaves district 5 - which includes Greenwood, North Gate and Lake City - down an elected representative. Why has Moore decided to step down after such a short tenure, and what does it mean for Seattle’s city council? Guest: David Kroman, city hall reporter for the Seattle Times Related stories: Councilmember Moore to step down - Seattle City Council Blog Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore is stepping down - 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.

When Washington state legalized marijuana back in 2012, one of the big goals was to displace the black market, bring weed out of the shadows, and take the power away from dealers and traffickers. But more than a decade later, the ILLEGAL weed industry is still thriving in Washington, and that’s taking a toll on LEGAL cannabis businesses. Meanwhile, the SYSTEM for keeping track of legally produced weed is broken. That has raised concerns about diversion into the black market, as well as lost money, product safety, and more. Tim Gruver Wrote about the “fuzzy math of tracking dark weed” for The Washington Observer GUEST: Tim Gruver - Washington Observer RELATED LINK: The fuzzy math of tracing dark weed 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.

Fifteen years ago, actor Pam Nolte received a phone call from a friend who worked at the Greenwood Senior Center in Seattle. Her friend asked if she’d be willing to create an improv class specifically for people with early stage memory loss. Pam was intrigued. She had zero experience with improv. But had personal experience dealing with her mother’s experience with Alzheimer's disease. Pam eventually created a gentle and slower-paced improv class. Participants play improv games that tap into their long term memories and their senses, and instructors ask them questions like “what are some sounds you hear in the springtime?” or “what was an activity you loved to do as a kid?” The class then builds off these prompts, to create longer form improv games. Students and instructors say the class is a unique experience for people with early stage memory loss, who in the real world are often told “no.” For example, when their doctor tells them they can no longer drive. But in improv class, students are met with a resounding “yes!” to whatever ideas they come up with. And they’re given space and time if they forget what they’re saying mid-sentence. Experts say improv class offers real benefits for anyone who wants to keep their mind and memory in good shape. GUESTS: Pam Nolte, actor and co-founder of Taproot Theatre Company Dr. Danny Fisher, Memory and Brain Wellness Center at Harborview Students and instructors from the “improv for memory loss” class RELATED LINKS: Taproot Theatre Company’s “Re-ignite the Mind” Class The Upfront Theatre’s “Minds Alive!” class in Bellingham 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.

When you buy a fruit, a vegetable, a carton of almond milk - you might assume it’s an animal free product. But all of those foods, and many more, rely on one small but mighty member of the animal kingdom: the bee. Bees – especially honeybees – are an important part of any working farm. They pollinate everything from papayas to cucumbers to coffee beans. Like cows, pigs, or chickens, these little buzzy workers are considered livestock: cared for and managed by farmers and beekeepers so that you can have food on your plate. But, unlike other livestock, there is one thing farmers haven’t been able to do for their bees: provide nutritious, human-made feed when flowers aren’t blooming. Until now. Last month scientists unveiled a new food source designed for livestock bee colonies. They say it could help bee survival rates across the world. Guest: Brandon Hopkins is the P.F. Thurber Endowed Distinguished Professor of Pollinator Ecology at Washington State University, and ran the trials for this new food. He also co-authored a study on the food source Related stories: New pollen-replacing food for honey bees brings new hope for survival - WSU Insider A nutritionally complete pollen-replacing diet protects honeybee colonies during stressful commercial pollination—requirement for isofucosterol - The Royal Society 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.

GAMERS REJOICE - The day that Mario, Pokémon, & Zelda fans have been looking forward to is right around the corner: The Switch 2 from Nintendo is out on THURSDAY, June 5th!! The second generation of Nintendo’s flagship console has been highly anticipated for years, but the launch announcement was NOT without controversy. Nintendo announced the new console back in January, but it wasn’t until last month that details came out about games, pricing, and licensing. It was revealed that instead of buying the GAMES THEMSELVES at your friendly local game store, the cartridge you buy is merely a KEY to download the game from Nintendo’s digital storefront, which caused quite the stir among the Nintendo faithful… We reached out to Nintendo of America last week to get their response to the question about “right to repair” in WA State, and we’ll update this story as soon as they respond. GUEST: Ryan DiVittorio - Writer at CBR.com RELATED LINK: It's the End of an Era for Game Ownership and Physical Media 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 day 65-year-old Julie Leon died was the hottest day ever recorded in Washington State history. Her death was officially ruled as hyperthermia, or overheating. Officially, more than 100 people died in the state due to that extreme 2021 heat wave, but many experts believe the number of deaths exceeds 400. Last week, Julie’s daughter, Misti Leon, filed a lawsuit, pointing the finger at who she thinks is responsible: big oil. The lawsuit claims that oil and gas companies have been knowingly misleading the public for more than 50 years about the effects of fossil fuels on the climate. It says this deception has made them trillions of dollars, while leading to the deaths of people like Julie Leon. Guest: Korey Silverman-Roati, a Senior Fellow at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School Related Links: Oil companies face a wrongful death suit tied to climate change Leon v. Exxon Complaint PDF Oil Companies Are Sued Over Death of Woman in 2021 Heat Wave 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 isn't officially summer, but it sure does feel like it in the Pacific Northwest. The sun is out and maybe you're planning on laying out by the water this weekend. But what to listen to as the warm season nears? Well, we have something that might help you. We rounded up a panel of local music experts to give you some fresh recommendations for songs to check out. Michael Reitmulder: Deep Sea Diver, Billboard Heart Sea Lemon, Diving for a Prize Bunnie on the Board: Sailorr, Soft Girl Summer Envi Jordan, "Tonight" Shaboozey, "Horses & Hellcatts" Cameron Lavi Jones OBGMS, "Get Up" Orgone, "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman" ft. Cyril Neville Liv Victorino, "Neighborhood" 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. Guests: Bunnie on the Board - live and studio audio engineer and Seattle Music Commissioner Michael Reitmulder - Seattle Times music writer Cameron Lavi Jones, lead singer and guitarist of Seattle band King Young Blood and co-creator of the Black and Loud music festival See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know who we haven't discussed on this show in a while? The Boeing company. They're the 2nd biggest private employer in this state. It’s good we haven't talked about ’em because when we do, it's usually bad news.The fatal crashes a few years ago, the door panel blowing out last year, the machinist strike. The US Senate held a whistleblower hearing and the title was “Examining Boeing’s Broken Safety Culture: Firsthand Accounts.” - Not a great sign. So how is Boeing doing now? Well, the stock price is up 20% this year, Qatar Airlines is buying 210 new jets, and Boeing might not face criminal charges after all for those fatal crashes - something the victims’ families are angry about. Let’s catch up on Boeing... GUESTS: Lauren Rosenblatt, Seattle Times business reporter covering Boeing Richard Aboulafia, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory RELATED LINKS: Federal prosecutors confirm they may drop Boeing criminal charge MAX crash families say DOJ is handing Boeing ‘get out of jail free’ card Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems furloughs workers on 737 program Boeing nears Spirit AeroSystems takeover after move by Airbus Boeing is nearly back on its feet — just in time for Trump trade war hit Boeing sets new values after ‘brutal’ employee feedback 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 has been a short week for most of us, thanks to Memorial Day. Here we already approaching another weekend, nd with ALMOST everything you need to know to keep yourself busy, we've got Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows!! LINKS: Mariners - Nationals on Thurs, Minnesota Twins on Fri/Sat/Sun Sounders - Minnesota United FC on Sunday Storm - Fri vs Atlanta/Sun vs Las Vegas Salmon Bay FC - FRI vs Tacoma Rat City Roller Derby - Home Team Championships Saturday Two Dykes and a Mic - Fri/Sat Mason County Forest Festival - Fri/Sat/Sun in Shelton, WA HONK! Fest West Bite of Greece Seattle Stamp & Scrapbook EXPO - Puyallup Paws & Pride Dog Walk - Bellevue Downtown 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.

The Trump Administration’s health policies are upending years of advice about COVID vaccines. Since they’ve been available, experts have recommended the shot to almost everyone. The vaccines are safe and they work. But now federal agencies are taking a much narrower approach. Health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. just announced the vaccines won't be recommended for children or healthy pregnant people. And the FDA plans to approve booster shots only for older adults and people with extra risk factors. We talk more about all of that with an expert on COVID-19, Dr. Helen Chu. Chu doesn't agree with the recommendations. "I think the reason why we have COVID vaccines for young children and for pregnant persons is because they know we know that they work, that they're safe, they're effective," Chu says. "These are populations that are at high risk for severe disease." Guest Dr. Helen Chu, professor of medicine at the University of Washington. She’s run several landmark studies of how COVID spreads. 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 funding for research from the National Science Foundation is being awarded at the slowest rate in 35 years, according to an investigation from the New York Times. Since the start of Trump’s second term, cuts to National Institutes of Health and NSF grants have totaled more than 1.5 billion, according to the research publication Science. Republicans have justified these cuts by claiming the administration is rooting out wasteful spending, or left-wing ideology run amok. And these attacks, along with threats of funding freezes for universities, have reportedly created a culture of fear for researchers. It’s left scientists wondering: do I speak up about what’s happening? Or do I stay quiet, in hopes my funding might be restored? One Seattle researcher with a lot of experience in political communication and information systems is saying: speak up. Guest: Kate Starbird is the co-founder of the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public. She’s also a professor at the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE). Related stories: Trump’s ‘fear factor’: Scientists go silent as funding cuts escalate - Science Trump Has Cut Science Funding to Its Lowest Level in Decades - NYT To understand right-wing media’s power, study improv and theater of influencers - 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.

Jason Megatron Burrows is out this week, so Shane NoCoolNickname Mehling rattles through some of the best things to do this Memorial weekend. Northwest Folk Life Seattle Black Nerd Fest Second Breakfast - Hobbit Feast and Painting Party! Charcuterie Board Workshop Kevin Diers Benefit Show 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.

When you ride a Metro bus that Nathan Vass is driving, you might notice a few things. It starts with when you get on the bus: he makes a point of saying hello to every passenger who climbs aboard. Once you grab a seat, you’ll see he’s also on the intercom, announcing every single stop. When he isn’t orienting riders, he’s chatty and talks with people sitting at the front of the bus. And when you step off the bus he says goodbye. What you may not notice is that Nathan is noticing everything happening around him: the conversations he’s having and the regulars who show up every day. He often writes about his interactions and those stories are compiled in a new book called “Deciding to See: The View from Nathan’s Bus.” The book is a collection of dozens of narratives of daily interactions across the city, touching on loss, joy, and connection on a King County Metro bus. 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. Guest: Nathan Vass, author of Deciding to See: The View from Nathan's Bus Relevant Links: Seattle Times: Nathan Vass brings readers onto his bus in new book ‘Deciding to See’ KUOW: This Seattle bus driver decided to be extra nice to his passengers. Here's how it wentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States spends 30 billion dollars on foster care each year. Yet, according to author Claudia Rowe, the results have too often been damaging for the children in that system. The award-winning journalist claims our child welfare system is dangerously dysfunctional: by disconnecting kids from their biological families and extended networks, she says, foster care severs attachments that are important for healthy brain development. Her new book, Wards of the State: The Long Shadow of American Foster Care, is a deep dive into what she says is a pipeline from foster care to crime, drug addiction, homelessness and prison. Guest: Claudia Rowe Related Links: ‘Wards of the State’ is a devastating look at the foster care system 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.