Podcasts about mayor harrell

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.

4pm: Guest – Ben Anderstone – Political Commentator // Unpacking the Washington Primaries // Mayor Harrell announces freeway closures will be for mass graffiti removal // Justice Department Releases Ghislaine Maxwell Interview Transcript // ‘Damn, Seattle!’ — Rapper Big Sean stunned, calls out open-air crack use downtown

Mayor Harrell wants new law to curb predatory homebuying, more Washingtonians are getting concealed carry permits, and Paul Allen's estate has sold the Portland Trail Blazers. 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.

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a rare error on a Seattle City Council ordinance, an improving but perhaps unsettled economic forecast, a growing lead for progressive candidates from the August primaries, a change to multi-family tax exemptions for developers, and a question over Seattle's walkability. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

3:00PM Seattle primary election results: Incumbents, including Mayor Harrell, stumble out of the gate // 6 takeaways from Seattle and King County’s primary election // Ballot counting continues in King County as Primary Election 2025 results roll in // Evans up 14% over incumbent Davison in Seattle City Attorney race // Seattle teen sells hit card game to toy giant // Seattle’s middle class is becoming scarce // The Howard Stern Show ‘to be canceled’ after nearly 20 years on SiriusXM as ‘$100m’ contract is up later this year

6:00PM Seattle primary election results: Incumbents, including Mayor Harrell, stumble out of the gate // 6 takeaways from Seattle and King County’s primary election // Ballot counting continues in King County as Primary Election 2025 results roll in // Evans up 14% over incumbent Davison in Seattle City Attorney race // Seattle teen sells hit card game to toy giant // Seattle’s middle class is becoming scarce // The Howard Stern Show ‘to be canceled’ after nearly 20 years on SiriusXM as ‘$100m’ contract is up later this year

This episode delves into three political developments in Seattle and King County. Part I examines a proposed initiative to ban unauthorized public camping in unincorporated King County, discussing its scope, the signature-gathering process, and the larger goals of its main proponent, Saul Spady. Part II focuses on the B&O tax increase proposal which passed out of committee unanimously last week, exploring its financial implications, its goals, recent amendments, and its potential impact on Mayor Harrell's re-election. Part III gets into City Attorney Ann Davison and Mayor Bruce Harrell's lawsuit against the Trump administration, and the timing … just before the August primary.Our editor is Quinn Waller. Send us a text! Note that we can only respond directly to emails realseattlenice@gmail.comThanks to Uncle Ike's pot shop for sponsoring this week's episode! If you want to advertise please contact us at realseattlenice@gmail.comSupport the showYour support on Patreon helps pay for editing, production, live events and the unique, hard-hitting local journalism and commentary you hear weekly on Seattle Nice.

Mayor Bruce Harrell joins us live ahead of next week's Primary Election // Recap of our chat with the Mayor / The current job market in Seattle // SCENARIOS!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the impact of having Debora Juarez back on the Seattle City Council, a breakdown of a tighter-than-expected Mayor's race and a high-intensity City Attorney's race, a curious challenge with seating the Seattle Renter's Commission, a new federal executive order on homelessness, and a proposal to change the way public comment is admitted at Seattle City Council. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the leading candidates in the race for Seattle mayor, a report on the King County courthouse docket that may surprise you, a brewing debate over a resolution about using a sales tax hike that hasn't been proposed yet, a discussion about City Council "district privileges," and a look at cuts to public broadcasting stations. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

We're taking a look at the Seattle mayoral election. Eight people are running, including incumbent Bruce Harrell. The primary election on August 5 will whittle that field down to two candidates. This office is nonpartisan, but the race has turned into a test of progressive versus moderate. Mayor Harrell is seen as a moderate, and he’s being primaried mostly from the left this year. Local Democrats are wondering how races like this one will shake out in the second President Trump era and whether voters want to change course on issues like affordability, homelessness, and budget deficits. You can hear the full interviews with the mayoral candidates on Soundside this week. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts Catharine Smith and Libby Denkmann. And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Councilmember who said it was her job to "lead to leave"... is coming back for an open position in Seattle's District 5! Learn about this and more of the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the Council vacancy, an impending deadline for a new, controversial city business tax proposal, a delay for the City's plan to build housing and a "maker's space" in SODO, a court fight over a local nude beach, and the launch of a new police surveillance system. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the challenges of filling the Council's vacant District 5 job, a new graffiti civil enforcement law from City Attorney Ann Davison, a retrospective of the revitalized Seattle waterfront, a lawsuit facing the City over its Mandatory Housing Affordability requirements, and a new record set for Seattle population growth. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a sales tax proposal from Council President Nelson aimed at improving treatment options and public safety, a new equitable housing plan that looks a lot like one the Council considered in 2024, the joining of two unlikely political allies in Mayor Harrell and Councilmember Rinck with a bid to revamp Seattle business tax collections, a federal bill regarding homelessness on public federal lands, and a new future for Seattle's Memorial Stadium. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Mayor Harrell proposes big changes to Seattle's tax code, WA gets a tepid economic outlook, and digital kiosks are coming to a Seattle street corner near you. 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.

5pm - TOP STORIES RECAP/UPDATES // Rantz: Judge asked to temporarily close ‘Pervert Park’ in Seattle after Mayor Harrell breaks ‘promise’ to act // David The Mailbox guys calls in to defend the nudists at Denny Blaine // KNOW-IT-ALL QUIZ // LETTERS

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the fallout from this past weekend's "No Kings" rallies, a financial crisis for affordable housing providers in Seattle, emerging problems for the voter-approved social housing developer, a ban on using algorithms to set rents, and a years of major shutdowns projected on I-5 north of Seattle. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the City Council's concerns over having National Guardsmen deployed in Seattle, a nuisance property law the Mayor wants to beef up, the future of renter-landlord regulations in Seattle, a troubling trend on streetlight repairs for Seattle City Light, and a new development on defense attorney caseloads that will impact Seattle and cities across the state. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the surprising resignation of Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore, the ethics code bill she pulled just before her resignation, the campaign of former Councilmember Kshama Sawant for U.S. Congress, a twist in the effort to speed up Sound Transit light rail permitting, and a change to the Council's budget process this fall. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Another day, another chaotic mess in Seattle where Mayor Harrell somehow thinks churchgoers are the real problem. Over 31 arrests in just four days, millions in taxpayer money wasted on police overtime, and the city's brilliant solution? Blame the people peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights while Antifa runs wild in the streets.We dive into the absolute circus outside City Hall where eight more arrests happened during what should have been a simple religious gathering. From masked protesters throwing tantrums to police using bikes as weapons, this footage captures Seattle's complete inability to maintain basic law and order. The contrast is striking—peaceful worship inside, chaos and violence outside, all while city officials point fingers at everyone except the actual troublemakers.Is anyone surprised that Seattle can't handle a church service without it turning into a riot? How much more taxpayer money will be burned on crowd control because our leaders refuse to address the real issues? And why does exercising religious freedom suddenly make you a "right-wing extremist" in this city?

Another day, another Seattle disaster where city officials somehow blame everyone except the people actually causing violence. Mayor Harrell's mental gymnastics are Olympic-level as he tries to explain why 23 Antifa arrests at a permitted Christian rally are somehow the churchgoers' fault. We break down the chaos at Cal Anderson Park—yes, the same park that hosted the CHOP/CHAZ disaster—where masked agitators attacked families attending a lawful "Don't Mess with Our Kids" rally. The city approved the permit, police made proper arrests, yet the mayor still finds a way to blame the victims. What does it say about Seattle's values when peaceful worshippers need police protection from violent counter-protesters? Is anyone surprised that the same park that saw two murders during CHOP is still a magnet for mayhem? How is attacking families for their religious beliefs considered "tolerance"? Seattle's already short hundreds of cops, taxpayer money keeps funding this circus, and residents are left wondering who's actually running their city. Like and subscribe if you're tired of officials defending the indefensible while your tax dollars pay for the cleanup.

Jenny Donnelly, founder of Her Voice Movement, brought a special worship event to Seattle. Antifa assaulted people and police, with 23 arrests, and yet, Mayor Harrell condemned the Christians, calling them the extremists. Jenny joins us with the full story you aren't hearing in the news.  Don't Mess With Our Kids — HVM (https://www.hervoicemvmt.com/dontmesswithourkids)

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss how Seattle has handled a far-right Christian protest movement, a new report on how unprecedented police hiring could impact the city budget, growing concerns over a proposed change to the City Council's ethics laws, the fight over funding a "Welcoming City" ordinance, and an impending state-versus-city battle over density and growth. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the local races to watch now that the candidate filing deadline has passed, a new hi-tech tool for Seattle police, a debate over siting electronic kiosks in the city, a hi-tech homelessness solution, and a new legal complaint from a elected municipal court judge. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a plan to change the Seattle City Council's requirement that members recuse themselves if they have a financial interest, the passage of new automated traffic camera legislation, a connection between Mayor Bruce Harrell and organized labor, a "new" drug court plan, and a lawsuit from the Seattle Police Department's rank and file officers union... filed against the SPD. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a huge boost in hiring for the Seattle Police Department and new concerns about accountability for the SPD. Plus, we're talking about the state legislature's recently-approved $78B budget, a possible revisiting of Seattle's tree ordinance, and a legal battle over a nude beach in northeast Seattle. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

3pm: Trying to buy a house? Entry-level Seattle homes are now at $1 million. // Mayor Harrell proposes housing development legislation. // Man who murdered 80-year-old woman said to be incompetent. // Trying to buy a house? Entry-level Seattle homes are now at $1 million.Mayor Harrell proposes housing development legislation. // Man who murdered 80-year-old woman said to be incompetent. // Going to the movies is still cool, even in Seattle.

6pm: Trying to buy a house? Entry-level Seattle homes are now at $1 million. // Mayor Harrell proposes housing development legislation. // Man who murdered 80-year-old woman said to be incompetent. // Trying to buy a house? Entry-level Seattle homes are now at $1 million.Mayor Harrell proposes housing development legislation. // Man who murdered 80-year-old woman said to be incompetent. // Going to the movies is still cool, even in Seattle.

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the Seattle City Council's concerns over how cuts to federal programs will impact the city's most vulnerable residents, what a relatively car-free Pike Place could look like, the ongoing investigation over workplace dysfunction at Seattle City Light, a new education levy with a major price tag, and a city plan to help developers with water main linkup costs. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Mayor Harrell announces new climate measures, Pike Place Market goes temporarily car-free, and the Seattle Kraken are looking for a new head coach, again. 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.

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a new legal challenge brought by the Port of Seattle against the city over the Council's recently-passed SODO housing measure, plans to reduce gun violence at late-night lounges and across the city, a pending increase for a city levy you might not be aware of, and a look at tensions within the Seattle City Council on public display. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the Seattle City Council's efforts to expand the use of speed cameras, a concern over lower projections for Seattle's Jumpstart sales tax, a sobering report on gun violence from the City Auditor's Office, and new work to expand housing options by state and city leaders. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a Seattle City Council plan to improve regulation of late-night lounges as a way to curb gun violence, a new statement about past pledges to "defund" the police, a multi-billion dollar budget gap for the state heading toward a legislative showdown, Seattle's attempt to stay in line with the state shield law for reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care, and a challenging pickleball problem in northeast Seattle. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the wins and losses incurred after a bruising City Council fight over housing in SODO, a senior deputy mayor speaking out about a "toxic" workplace under Mayor Harrell, a plan to speed up light rail construction, Seattle Public School's superintendent leaving his position, and a story about earplugs you've... gotta hear. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

The University of Washington implements a hiring freeze, British Columbia bans U.S. alcohol sales at government stores, and Mayor Harrell has a new challenger. 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.

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the expansion of Seattle's CARE Department and it's non-police 9-1-1 response teams, some new challengers for city elections this fall, a democracy voucher program that's up for renewal, the City Attorney's lawsuit against the Trump administration, and a state bill on police hiring that's turned into a larger political battle. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

WA Ferries to delay converting boats to hybrid-electric, another candidate emerges to challenge Mayor Harrell, and what's behind the small earthquakes lately? 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.

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss a new list of potential city programs (and cuts) the Seattle City Council is considering, a new development for Seattle's transportation levy, an unorthodox pre-emptive initiative proposal to protect the so-called "Parents' Bill of Rights," the first meeting of a Seattle committee meant to respond to federal policy changes, and a re-opening of bus stops in a Seattle neighborhood that needs good public safety news. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

What do you call it when Mayor Bruce Harrell raises eyebrows with alleged praise for Trump advisors, a totem pole stands in the way of a park opening, and a tree divides a neighborhood? Just another week in Seattle!   In this episode, we dive into Mayor Harrell's comments at a downtown business event, where he appeared to praise tech advisors to Donald J. Trump like Elon Musk. Was it an off-script gaffe, a calculated appeal to the business community, simply a fact about tech innovation leaders, or something else entirely? We discuss the comments, the context and what it might mean for Seattle politics.Then, we explore the battle between historic preservationists and the city over totem poles that has kept the newly renovated Victor Steinbrueck Park shuttered. What should happen to the contested poles? It's a classic Seattle story of process, history, identity, and bureaucracy. Finally, we look at the heated debate over "Grandma Brooks' Cedar" in Ravenna. When is it right to save a tree, and when is it time to let go? We debate the story of conflict between neighbors, activists, and the family of the woman who lived alongside the tree for decades.  Our editor is Quinn Waller. Send us a text! Note that we can only respond directly to emails realseattlenice@gmail.comThanks to Uncle Ike's pot shop for sponsoring this week's episode! If you want to advertise please contact us at realseattlenice@gmail.comSupport the showYour support on Patreon helps pay for editing, production, live events and the unique, hard-hitting local journalism and commentary you hear weekly on Seattle Nice.

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss the pushback from Port of Seattle officials over a SODO housing proposal from Council President Sara Nelson, a plan to re-open a popular Pike Place park that's been derailed by a debate over totem poles, a look at the priorities of Seattle's new police chief, a new homeless outreach plan, and the future of the multifamily tax exemption system. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

What’s Trending: The city of Seattle has been seeing multiple smash-and-grab break ins at pot shops. None of the suspects in these break ins have not been caught. Rep. Robert Garcia is playing the victim of censorship after he was called out by the Trump Admin for using rhetoric that sounded like a threat.  Guest Jeff Rhodes from the Freedom Foundation joins the show to talk about the impact of Jan. 6th from a legal perspective and where the funds for those investigations end up going. // Big Local: The owner of an antique store in Everett is fed up with the thieves coming into different shops and stealing gold and jewelry. Two women were found dead in a car in Tacoma. This is not an uncommon thing for the Tacoma PD but they do not have any suspects in this case. A Lacey teacher is suiting the school district for ignoring sexual harassment and racial discrimination claims. // It’s time for Friday’s with Jake Skorheim! Jason and Jake break down the issues that have come to light with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. In this instance, Mayor Harrell brandished a firearm and resisted arrest. 

Guest host Brian Callanan discusses the week's news with South Seattle Emerald's Lauryn Bray, former state Representative and Senator Bill Finkbeiner, and Seattle Times David Kroman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3pm: Mayor Harrell says Seattle is ‘on the rise’ in State of the City address // Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell gets ripped for Sonics joke that fell flat  // Guest -  Tom Schatz - President of Citizens against Government Waste

6pm: Mayor Harrell says Seattle is ‘on the rise’ in State of the City address // Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell gets ripped for Sonics joke that fell flat  // Guest -  Tom Schatz - President of Citizens against Government Waste 

KUOW has uncovered a controversial period in the life of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell -- one that he's rarely discussed in public. In 1996, while at a casino in Iowa, Harrell brandished a gun in a late-night confrontation over a parking spot. Harrell was arrested over the incident before the charges were dismissed five months later. He says he was racially profiled in the events leading up to the arrest. KUOW’s reporting is the first local coverage of Mayor Harrell’s run-in with the law. It comes at an important moment because this year, Harrell is up for reelection. The reporting on the incident comes from KUOW investigative reporter Ashley Hiruko, who joined Soundside to share her reporting. Guests: Ashley Hiruko, KUOW investigative reporter Related Links: KUOW - Seattle Mayor Harrell was arrested in 1996 for pulling gun during parking lot confrontation 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.

URSULA'S TOP STORIES: A hatchet job on Mayor Harrell // Grocery prices a top financial worry // WE NEED TO TALK. . . Mac & cheese restaurant coming to Ruston

Learn about the latest in local public affairs in about the time it takes for a coffee break! Brian Callanan of Seattle Channel and David Kroman of the Seattle Times discuss Mayor Bruce Harrell's State of the City address, a push for transit passenger safety, a wage theft lawsuit brought by three City of Seattle employees, a look at what's next for social housing, and a revived proposal for a voluntary road-use tax. If you like this podcast, please support it on Patreon!

SODA Seattle's new drug "stay out zones" are barely being unforced. Erica said this was the predictable result of bad, "performative" policy by council. Sandeep defended the policy but said more enforcement is needed, echoing this comment by City Council President Sara Nelson. She called on Mayor Harrell and other leaders to do more. Will "One Seattle" be put to the test this election year?  SoDo Sandeep and Erica were both on Sara Nelson's side about a controversial proposal to add housing in SODO. David felt obligated to challenge their symbolic capitalist ideology and lack of skepticism about growth. SOAP Finally, Erica questioned city policy targeting "Johns" on Aurora Avenue, while Sandeep offered a qualified defense.  Our editor is Quinn Waller. Interested in going to Rome? Visit www.thebittersweetlife.net or email bittersweetifepodcast@gmail.comSend us a text! Note that we can only respond directly to emails realseattlenice@gmail.comThanks to Uncle Ike's pot shop for sponsoring this week's episode! If you want to advertise please contact us at realseattlenice@gmail.comSupport the showYour support on Patreon helps pay for editing, production, live events and the unique, hard-hitting local journalism and commentary you hear weekly on Seattle Nice.

What’s Trending: Mayor Harrell says Seattle police staffing levels are improving as more officers join the force, but it turns out the numbers aren’t as glamorous as they want you to believe. REI announced a round of layoffs in a desperate attempt to break even in 2024. And the Washington Post will cut back on about 4% of their workforce. // GUEST:  Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) breaks down the debate on one big bill versus several smaller ones to pass the Trump agenda, plus he celebrates the passage of the Laken Riley Act and weighs in on whether or not we should acquire Greenland // Quick Hits: City of Tacoma is considering lifting the ban on psychedelics.

Mayor Harrell announces new Seattle Police Chief, Starbucks workers go on strike, and how to make air travel less harmful to the environment. 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.