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Best podcasts about npr network

Latest podcast episodes about npr network

Soundside
Clock is ticking for scientists to make the case against funding cuts

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 45:26


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.

Brave Little State
Why does Vermont still require car inspections?

Brave Little State

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 26:08


Do you know what rocker panels are? No? Well, one listener found out hers were rusted during her annual car inspection — and that they were in need of a pricey repair. Vermont is one of just nine states that still requires annual safety inspections for all cars. And over and over, car inspections — especially car inspections that end in failure — bring frustrated Vermonters to the BLS question box. Three listeners want to know why Vermont's inspection requirements persist, even as other states have axed theirs. And they ask: Do inspections actually make the roads here safer?For photos from our trip to Brian's North End Automotive (feat. Potato the dog) check out the web version of this story.Thanks to Keese Lane and Mike Santos of Essex Junction, and Julianne Jones of Derby, for the great questions.This episode was reported by Josh Crane. Editing and production from the rest of the BLS team, Sabine Poux and Burgess Brown. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Rick Green, Steve Belitsos, Brian Chase, Drew Cline,  Amy Tatko, Scott Davidson, Jeremy Reed, Ernie Patnoe, Pete Hirschfeld, Abagael Giles, Joey Palumbo, April McCullum, Melody Bodette, Mike Dunn, Andrea Laurion and Lola Duffort, .As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside
A new book argues that foster care pushes kids towards prison and homelessness

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 27:02


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.

Soundside
Deciding to See: The View from Nathan's Bus

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 20:27


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.

Soundside
Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" - May 23-26

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 4:27


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.

Soundside
Governor Ferguson leaves most tax increases in place as he signs the budget into law

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 6:22


Governor Ferguson was kind of a wild card as legislators worked on shoring up a $16 billion budget gap this year. The Democratic governor had been unusually friendly to Republicans and signaled he was open to their ideas for how to fill the deficit. Meanwhile, Democrats in the state house and senate have publicly insisted that they have a good relationship with the governor, even as he shot down some of their proposals to generate revenue, like a new wealth tax. The weeks of wondering whether the Governor would make major changes to the Democrat-passed general fund and transportation budget are finally over. Yesterday afternoon, the Governor gave his approval to nearly all of the budget proposals. 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: Paul Queary, editor and publisher of The Washington Observer Relevant Links: The Washington Observer: Ferguson tacks left and embraces the Legislature KUOW: Gov. Ferguson signs new WA budget into law, leaving bulk of tax increases intactSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soundside
Why a gun that's been banned from WA's police academy is still being used by officers

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 18:26


Several law enforcement agencies across the country have decided to replace a popular model of pistol due to concerns about misfires – the guns have been reported to fire accidentally, even when in their holsters. Washington’s police academy earlier this year banned the firearm at all its training facilities. It’s a move that’s drawn protest from several local police departments. In some cases, when agencies choose to replace the guns, they aren’t being sent to a landfill, or a recycling center. Instead, they’re being sold to dealers, who may put them back in circulation to the public. That’s the latest from a new report from Mother Jones and The Trace, a nonprofit newsroom covering gun violence in America. Guest: Ava Sasani is the assistant editor of The Data Hub - an initiative by The Trace, the only newsroom dedicated to reporting on gun violence. She’s also the co-author of the story “A Gun Deemed Too Dangerous for Cops, but Fine for Civilians” - created in partnership with Mother Jones. Related Stories: A Gun Deemed Too Dangerous for Cops, but Fine for Civilians - Mother Jones One of America’s Favorite Handguns Is Allegedly Firing On Its Owners - The Trace WA police departments oppose academy's 'outrageous' ban on Sig Sauer P320 handguns - King5 Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soundside
After deadly climbing accident in North Cascades, here's what one local climbing expert thinks

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 19:38


In one of the most deadly local climbing accidents in recent memory, four men fell roughly 400 feet while climbing in the Northern Cascades on May 10th. One man survived, Anton Tselykh. The tragedy has caused grief – and prompted questions – in the local climbing community. And while some of the accident’s details are still unclear, it made us wonder about the impact of a loss like this on the climbing community, rock climbing safety, and what climbers should know about the North Cascades. Guest James Pierson, director of operations for the American Alpine Institute 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.

Soundside
A Seattle immigration attorney on ICE and your rights

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 17:37


Recent ICE enforcement activity has made headlines across the region. This week, federal immigration agents arrested 17 people at a manufacturer in Kent. And The Seattle Times reports ICE officers appeared to arrest at least 3 people at a Seattle immigration court. But if you're stopped by ICE, everyone is entitled to certain rights and protections by law, no matter what your legal status is. In case you could use help knowing what those rights are, we speak to one Seattle immigration attorney about your rights if ICE shows up at your door, what not to do if you're pulled over by ICE, bystander rights and more. Guest Henry Hwang, one of the directing attorneys for Northwest Immigrant Rights Project Related Links NPR: What basic rights do people have if ICE stops them? A lawyer explains WBUR and NPR: 'Never seen anything like this': An immigration attorney on the arrest of a Tufts student The Seattle Times: Here’s what advocates are telling WA immigrants about ICE raids 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.

Soundside
Amid federal cuts, here's why UW's lab animals could be euthanized

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 20:24


The Trump administration's federal cuts have put billions of dollars for scientific research and thousands of research jobs at risk. They could also be imperiling laboratory animals. Scientists around the country are concerned that funding cuts could mean prematurely ending research involving mice, dogs, nonhuman primates, and more. Like many others, the University of Washington is a research institution that relies on animal subjects for its studies. If these studies are unable to continue, scientists will have to consider euthanizing these animals. That could mean setbacks to all sorts of health-related experiments, including ones related to cancer and Alzheimer’s. Guest Sally Thompson-Iritani assistant vice provost for Animal Care, Outreach and Three Rs (reduction, refinement and replacement) in the Office of Research at the University of Washington Related Links The New York Times: Lab Animals Face Being Euthanized as Trump Cuts Research The Washington Post: Trump’s deep cuts to health research put lab animals at risk, scientists say Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soundside
Is Seattle's port empty?

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 7:42


If you’ve logged into TikTok or Instagram in recent weeks, you may have heard that the port is empty. Social media videos have been popping up claiming that Seattle’s port has no cargo ships docked. And Seattlites are pointing the finger at the continuous threat of new tariffs. But is that actually the case? KUOW labor and economy reporter Monica Nickelsburg headed to the port to find out in the newest episode of KUOW's Booming podcast. Guest: Monica Nickesburg is KUOW’s labor and economy reporter. She’s also the co-host of Booming, KUOW’s economics podcast. Related stories: Whiplash at the Port of Seattle - KUOW Weekly NWSA Volumes & Metrics Report - Northwest Seaport Alliance 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.

Soundside
Negotiations stall on Columbia River Treaty

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 18:00


Signs of the frosty relationship between the United States and Canada are everywhere: from additional checkpoints at border crossings, to fewer Blue Jays fans showing up to T-Mobile Park to see their team play here recently. Rhetoric from the President about making Canada the 51st state and tariffs have put a wedge between the two countries. And the effects of this split are spiraling to how we manage natural resources that cross the border. The Columbia river system - which touches British Columbia, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana - is a major water and power source for the US. For 61 years, the two countries have worked closely to control floods and manage hydropower on the river. When President Trump came back into office in January, Canadian and American officials were weeks away from updating the Columbia River Treaty. But now, discussions have ground to a halt. Guest: Karen Weise, technology correspondent with the New York Times Related stories: A Crucial River Treaty Is Tangled in Trump’s Feud With Canada - New York Times Updates are coming to this 60-year-old treaty guiding the Columbia River - 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.

Colorado Matters
How Trump has changed Colorado in 100 days

Colorado Matters

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 33:08


The first 100 days of President Trump's second time as president is seen by many as a good indicator of what is to come. Early on, he set out his agenda to be tough on immigration, reduce the size of government and overhaul education. How has this affected Coloradans so far? CPR News  journalists explain how Trump's policies are changing lives in Colorado.Hosted by Caitlyn Kim.   Reported by Caitlyn Kim, Allison Sherry, Sarah Mulholland, Jenny Brudin, John Daley and Bente Birkland.  Edited by Jo Erickson, and Megan Verlee   The executive producers are Kevin Dale and Rachel Estabrook   Find more information about Trump's impacts on Colorado here.  For more episodes of Colorado In Depth, follow the show in your podcast feed. Colorado in Depth is a production of Colorado Public Radio, which is part of the NPR Network.

Soundside
Filmmaker Joey Clift talks about the inspiration behind the animated short POW!

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 17:56


It’s a story we can all relate to… Three generations in a car, headed to a family event. The parents are excited; their kid is not. And Grandma? She’s asleep in her wheelchair. In the short animated film “POW!”, this particular family is Native American, and they’re headed to a powwow, where Jake desperately searches for an outlet to charge his gaming device… as his parents try to get him to participate in the festivities… “POW!” is a funny, touching slice of life for young Native Americans. It will be screened both this weekend at the Tulalip Reservation, and next week at SIFF as part of the “Family Picture Show!” GUEST: Filmmaker Joey Clift - Comedian, Emmy and Peabody nominated TV writer, director, as well as an enrolled member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. RELATED LINKS: POW! Trailer Tulalip Reservation Screening SIFF "Family Picture 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.

Soundside
Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" - May 15-18

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 4:51


If you're looking for exciting things to do this weekend, Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows is here with MOST of the stuff you can get up to. Okay, SOME of the stuff you can get up to. Also, one quick correction: Jason erroneously said University AVE instead of University WAY when talking about the U-District Street Fair - it's here in the U-District, NOT in Downtown Seattle. LINKS: POW! Screening at the Tulalip Reservation Seattle International Film Festival!! Meet Me Here SIFF Episode! Never Turn Back Exhibit Opening Party: Soul Train Revival Smash Putt - FINAL WEEKEND Rig-a-palooza 2025 Dozer Days Amazing Bubble Man POP Cats Seattle 2025 U District Street Fair Viking Fest - Poulsbo, WA The Seattle Super Saunter Gays Eating Garlic Bread in the 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.

Soundside
What will it take to curb overcrowding at WA's youth prisons?

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 22:10


Washington’s youth prisons are facing a crisis of overcrowding. The state’s two medium and maximum security youth prisons – Green Hill School in Chehalis, and Echo Glenn Children’s Center in Snoqualmie – have both consistently met or surpassed their maximum capacity for residents in recent years. When the 2025 Washington legislative session began, lawmakers had lots of potential solutions. From custody transfers, to increased diversion programs, to early release petitions - lawmakers brought a bevy of bills attempting to fix overcrowding at youth detention centers. But now, with the session at an end… some of those key bills have not passed. What happened, and where does it leave Washington’s youth detention centers? Guests: Jake Goldstein-Street, reporter with the Washington State Standard Dr. Eric Trupin, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington Medical School. He’s also a child psychologist who has worked with incarcerated youth for decades Related stories: No fixes on horizon for crowding crisis in WA’s youth prisons - Washington State Standard Washington lawmakers confront juvenile detention overcrowding crisis - Washington State Standard Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soundside
The end of Bartell Drugs and the rise of pharmacy deserts

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 17:00


Founded in 1890 in the Central District, Bartell Drugs may be entering its final days. Its parent company, the national pharmacy chain Rite Aid, exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy late last year, but continues to struggle financially. Now, the fewer than 30 Bartell Drugs and around 100 Rite Aids will be sold or closed forever. This continued hemorrhaging of retail pharmacy stores will likely be felt most acutely in lower-income neighborhoods. A 2022 UW study already put the number of Washingtonians with low-access to pharmacies at 1.2 million. Guests: Alex Halverson, Seattle Times business reporter Dr. Dima Qato, professor at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy. Links: Why the new Rite Aid bankruptcy could kill Seattle’s Bartell Drugs Filling a prescription in the Seattle area? Put on comfortable shoes and be ready to wait Reforming Markets to Strengthen Independent Pharmacies 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.

Soundside
What we know about the science of consciousness

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 16:29


New research has brought us a little closer to answering a key question about consciousness: How does the brain create the experience of self-awareness? The problem was first posed by Aristotle, over 2000 years ago. KUOW editor and longtime science journalist Gabriel Spitzer tells us more about that research and the Seattle scientist at the center of it. 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.

Soundside
WA lags behind other states in green energy growth

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 17:53


Over the last 10 years Washington has passed a bevy of climate laws aimed at reducing the state’s carbon emissions. That includes a carbon auction, a ban on coal in the state’s energy mix, and a requirement that the state reach net zero emissions by 2045. But during that same period, energy production from renewable sources has actually declined slightly. Oregon has set its sights on net zero emissions by 2050. It, too, has seen sluggish growth in renewable energy. Both states rely on the Bonneville Power Administration to move energy across the state. A new investigation from Oregon Public Broadcasting and ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network, found that the Bonneville Power Administration's aging grid may be stymieing decarbonization efforts in the Northwest. 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: Monica Samayoa, climate reporter at OPB Tony Shick, investigative editor and reporter at OPB Links: How the Pacific Northwest’s dream of green energy fell apartSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soundside
Should Catholic priests in Washington State be forced to break the confessional seal?

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 21:04


On May 2nd, Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law a new requirement that clergy of all faiths become mandatory reporters of child abuse. It’s a move that’s especially controversial for the Catholic Church because of the sacrament of confession. Up until now, admitting to crimes during confession, in a private conversation with a priest, retained similar legal protections as attorney-client privilege. In a statement criticizing the new law, Seattle Archbishop Paul Etienne said the law violates the “seal of confession," and any priest who reports information received in confession “will be excommunicated from the Church.” Guest: Dr. Russell Powell, the Father John Topel Endowed Scholar for Catholic Thought and Justice at the Seattle University School of Law. Links: Abuse survivors defend WA law that feds slam as ‘anti-Catholic’ Federal Courts: First Amendment and Religion ‘Excommunicated’: WA Archdiocese pushes back against mandatory reporting law, DOJ investigating 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.

Soundside
Amid concerns about the ‘manosphere', here's what three experts think about raising boys in 2025

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 50:41


Are men okay? It’s a question sometimes asked in jest, but recent data has caused some experts to worry about American men and boys. Men are going to and graduating from four year colleges at lower rates than women. Men age 25-54 are participating in the workforce at a lower rate than ever before. And, data from 2023 suggests young men are spending significantly more time alone than they did in 2019. And this concern comes as influencers like the Tate brothers and Joe Rogan keep taking up space in the manosphere – a network of podcasters and influencers pushing a version of masculinity that many people consider toxic. So how do you navigate healthy masculinity, and raising young men, in 2025? We talk with our expert panel about how to raise boys in 2025. Guests: Don Cameron, executive director of Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement Jerad Koepp, Native student program specialist for North Thurston Public Schools, 2022’s Washington Teacher of the Year Keren Landman, independent reporter, former health reporter for Vox Related Links: Mentor sign up form for Seattle CARES, the next mentor trainings take place on May 31st and August 27th How to talk to boys so they grow into better men, a Vox article by reporter Keren Landman Men are lost. Here’s a map out of the wilderness. A 2023 Washington Post opinion piece on this topic, by Christine Emba 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.

Brave Little State
Is logging bad for the climate?

Brave Little State

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 28:06


Vermont's logging industry has changed a lot over the last several decades. But one thing remains true: We just can't agree about how to manage our forests in the face of climate change.This raises a lot of questions about how Vermont should manage its forests — and it has led to heated debates around the state.For photos from the episode, check out the web version of this story.This episode was reported by Abagael Giles. Editing and production from the BLS team: That's Sabine Poux, Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Digital support from Zoe McDonald. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Katharine Servidio.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. Correction 5/9/25: A previous version of this story included an incorrect estimate for acres of forest that could be logged under the Telephone Gap Project. It has since been updated.

Soundside
Can you solve the mystery of the Oakville blobs?

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 15:46


More than three decades ago, tiny blobs of gelatinous goo of unknown origin rained down on the small Grays Harbor community and captured national headlines. The cause of the strange phenomenon, and even what the blobs were made of -- remains an enigma. It was even the subject of an episode of the TV show Unsolved Mysteries. (Watch the episode here.) No one knows what they were. But last month they returned. Guests: Alli McCrite Tom Paulson, former reporter for the Seattle P-I Related Links: Oakville blobs return? Resident says she and neighbors saw mysterious blobs falling from the sky once again last week The Day Blobs Rained Down on Oakville 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.

Soundside
Soundside's Weekend Warmup - Mother's Day! May 8th-11th

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 7:34


Thanks for checking out the Weekend Warmup - We have a LOT going on this weekend. First of all, Sunday is Mother's Day. Second of all, the Mariners are starting a home stand against the Blue Jays on Friday. Let's go! LINKS: Seattle Mariners Schedule USAF Band of the Golden West - Bellingham USAF Band of the Golden West - Mercer Island Seattle Beer Week 43rd Annual Beat the Bridge World Migratory Bird Day | Seward Park Audubon Center Penn Cove Water Festival Pierogi Fest 2025 Seattle Art Book Fair BonsaiFEST! | Pacific Bonsai Museum SIFF 'n' Stitch: Mamma Mia! Sinners - SIFF Cinema Downtown NEXT WEEK: Never Turn Back Opening Party: Soul Train Revival | 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.

Soundside
Why Seattle's City Council is considering changing their ethics code

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 13:09


Should Seattle city council members have to recuse themselves if a policy proposal would directly help or harm their self interests? That’s been the guidance here in Seattle for the last 40 years. But a new proposal from City Council member Cathy Moore could change that. The idea to change ethics rules for the council comes ahead of contentious debates related to tenant protections and eviction laws in the city. And it’s set to go before the council’s governance committee today, Thursday May 8th. Guest: Seattle Times city hall reporter David Kroman Related stories: Seattle City Council to consider changing ethics code for votes - 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.

Soundside
Hear it Again: Pulitzer Prize winning author Tessa Hulls on her graphic novel 'Feeding Ghosts'

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 19:31


Yesterday, Seattle-based author Tessa Hulls won a Pulitzer Prize for her graphic novel "Feeding Ghosts." Hulls' first published book starts with her Chinese grandmother, Sun Yi, a journalist and author who fled Shanghai after the Communist Revolution. Then, the narrative shifts -- to her mother Rose, the daughter of a Swiss diplomat, essentially raised in a Hong Kong boarding school after her mother was institutionalized. And finally to Hulls herself, who is trying to bring peace to her family ghosts. 10,000 Things host and author Shin Yu Pai sat down Hulls for Soundside last year. We're re-sharing our original interview to highlight Hulls' big achievement. Guest: Tessa Hulls, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Feeding Ghosts Related stories: In 'Feeding Ghosts,' author, illustrator Tessa Hull recounts a healing journey across generations - KUOW Seattle author Tessa Hulls wins 2025 Pulitzer Prize - 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.

Soundside
Federal funding uncertainty? Budget gap? New KC Exec has a plan for that.

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 23:34


King County has its first new Executive in 15 years. Dow Constantine, who held the position since 2009, was chosen as the CEO of Sound Transit earlier this year. He stepped away from the Executive job at the end of March.In his place, Shannon Braddock is leading the county until a new executive is elected this November. Before this she worked mostly behind the scenes in various roles for the county over the last 15 years, including Deputy County Executive. County business waits for no one and Braddock is holding the position at a challenging time. King County is facing a roughly $150 million dollar general fund budget deficit and is dealing with uncertainty over federal grants. How does Braddock intend to lead the second largest government in the state of Washington? Well, she has a blueprint for that. At yesterday’s council meeting, she released her 200 day plan for her time in office. Guest: Shannon Braddock, King Count Executive Relevant Links: Seattle Times: Shannon Braddock is King County’s first new leader in 15 years. Who is she? Seattle Times : Maneuvering and lack of trust as King County seeks a new executive The Urbanist: King County Council Appoints Shannon Braddock Acting Executive in Constantine’s Wake PublicCola: Could a Sales Tax Hike for Criminal Justice Programs Save the County’s Budget? 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.

Soundside
Why the video game industry needs a 1UP

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 18:53


In the 2010s, the video game industry saw an ENORMOUS boom, with annual revenues jumping from 80 billion dollars to TWO HUNDRED billion over that decade, according to a report by investment research group Epyllion. But in recent years, that exponential growth hit a plateau. “Games were so successful both prior to & during 2020 & 2021, that they set kind of impossible standards for 2023 & 2024… And when the uptick flattened, it was seen as a tremendous failure.” That’s video game writer and creator Alanah Pearce from her recent video titled, “The games industry is screwed.” While the industry remains profitable, volatility has shaken investors and large game studios – and created major instability for workers. Last week, EA, which has a local footprint in Kirkland, announced a new round of layoffs – affecting hundreds of employees including workers at Respawn, the studio behind games like Apex Legends and the Star Wars: Jedi series. Things are changing for consumers, too: Microsoft recently announced that it’s raising prices across the entire XBOX platform, … hot on the heels of Nintendo announcing price hikes for its Switch 2 games. The gaming industry appears to be at a crossroads. GUEST: Jason Schreier, author & reporter at Bloomberg RELATED LINKS: The games industry is screwed. Electronic Arts Lays Off Hundreds, Cancels ‘Titanfall’ Game - Bloomberg Apex Legends and Star Wars: Jedi Dev Respawn Cancels Another Incubation Project, Around 100 Employees Impacted - IGN Players Have Too Many Options to Spend $80 on a Video Game - Bloomberg PRESENTATION: The State of Video Gaming in 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.

Soundside
One UW student's push to regulate "kidfluencing"

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 14:31


In the new Netflix documentary “Bad Influence”, 11 teenagers recount their experiences working with Piper Rockelle, who was herself a child influencer. All of the teens were former “squad members” of the Youtuber. They described performing scripted scenes in front of the camera - like fake “dating” scenarios, or pranks. They also described feeling violated by some of the videos, and behind the scenes interactions with Rockelle’s mother, Tiffany Smith - who’s also her manager. And they described not knowing how to say “no” when placed in a situation where they felt uncomfortable. “Bad Influence” is one of two recently released documentaries about the impact being a “kidfluencer” can have on children, as well as on their families. There’s also the new Hulu documentary, “The Devil in the Family: The Ruby Franke Story”. The documentaries are bringing a lot of attention to the potential dangers of kidfluencing and the work many are doing to rein in the industry. One person who is pushing for changes is Chris McCarty. They founded “Quit Clicking Kids”, a non-profit dedicated to stopping the monetization of minors on social media, as a high school senior. Now, as a college student at the University of Washington, McCarty has helped shape legislation in multiple states focused on regulating the kidfluencer industry. They were also featured in Netflix’s “Bad Influence: the dark side of kidfluencing”. Guest: Chris McCarty, founder of Quit Clicking Kids Related stories: Kids, Inc. - NYT Piper Rockelle Has a Lot to Say About That Netflix Documentary - Rolling Stone 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.

Soundside
The Trump Administration vs. Head Start

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 17:53


In the face of staff cuts, funding freezes, and threats to zero out its budget – Head Start has survived… for now. This program serves almost 800,000 kids throughout the country –15,000 in Washington State alone. Many of these children are low-income, disabled or in foster care. A Trump Administration budget proposal leaked in April put all Head Start funding on the chopping block. Providers in multiple states, including Washington, filed a lawsuit last week, aiming to halt the elimination of the program and actions, they say, further undermine it. But on Friday there was a bit of a reprieve: the Administration’s budget summary did not list Head Start as one of their defunding targets, and an official told reporters there would be no changes to the program. But the lawsuit will continue. And, according to supporters, this dismantling of the program has been in the works for a while. Guest: Joel Ryan, the Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Head Start. Links: Head Start survives Trump administration budget proposal WA Head Start staff locked out and let go due to Trump cuts Washington ACLU sues Trump administration over attempts to dismantle free Head Start preschool program 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.

Soundside
New linguistic paper traces the many Indigenous names of Mount Rainier

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 14:23


Since May 8, 1792, European colonists have called the large volcano just off the coast of Puget Sound "Mount Rainier." It was given that name by a British explorer, Captain George Vancouver – a gift to his friend, Rear Admiral Peter Rainier. But prior to Vancouver’s arrival in what eventually became Washington state, the Indigenous peoples in and around the Salish Sea called it by many names. A recent linguistic paper from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians traced those many names for the mountain – where they came from, and what they mean. Guests: Zalmai ʔəswəli Zahir, linguist and Lushootseed language teacher Related Links: Puyallup Tribal Language - Analysis of the Many Names of the Mountain Puyallup Tribal language consultant publishes first comprehensive analysis of the many Native names for Mount Rainier - ʔuhuyəxʷ ti dᶻixʷ pipa ʔə tiiɫ qa sdadaʔ ʔə tiiɫ skʷatač, ʔux̌alad ti ʔəswəli | Puyallup Tribe Puyallup Tribal Language - 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.

Soundside
Why there's a good chance your city is facing a budget cliff

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 19:32


Seattle city leaders were met with some less than ideal news this month: the city is facing a $241 million dollar budget shortfall over the next two years. And maybe you’re thinking, hey didn’t city council use the Jump Start tax to fill the $250 million budget gap this year? Surprise: that was a whole other budget deficit. But Seattle is far from the only municipality facing a shortfall. King County is facing a $150 million gap. Tacoma? It had to fill a $24 million hole late last year. Spokane County? $20 million short. Yakima? $9 million. Cle Elum is filing for bankruptcy (a very rare move that has only happened once in the history of the state). So what is going on with local governments across the state? Guests: Candice Bock, director of government relations at the Washington Association of Cities John Rennie Short, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Related stories: A fiscal crisis is looming for many US cities - The Conversation 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.

Sound Politics
The Grand Old Panel

Sound Politics

Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 55:56


It’s been dubbed “muzzle velocity.” Or a “blizzard.” Fast and expansive changes to the federal government during President Trump's first one hundred days in office. Immigration policy, tariffs, even the size of the federal workforce has been drastically altered. We've talked to Democrats about this change and heard words like "disaster" or "catastrophe." Trump critics on the Left are numerous and loud here in Washington state. But what about the Right side of the political spectrum? Almost 45% of our electorate voted for a Republican for governor last year, after all. How are conservatives feeling about the direction of the country, 100 days into Trump 2.0? 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 Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone 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.

Soundside
Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" - May 1st-4th

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 5:31


After a week of gloom & drizzle, we’ve finally got a 70 degree day or three in the forecast! We won’t talk about what’s happening with Saturday’s weather, it knows what it did… THAT SAID - if you need a few more excuses to go out & do things, we’ve got you covered! Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows is here with a VERY SPECIAL Weekend Warmup. LINKS: May Day in Seattle 2025 Seattle Erotic Art Festival Port Townsend Victorian Festival FCBD 2025 Comic Books Store Locator - Free Comic Book Day Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - Spokane Symphony Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back | bellingham.org May the Fourth | The Museum of Flight May the Course be with You 5k All Ages Star Wars Trivia Night 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.

Booming
The plan to boost Black homeownership

Booming

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 18:22


In Seattle's Central District, the number of Black homeowners has reached a historic low. And across Seattle, less than half as many Black households own homes as white families. But there's a new law that could help turn that around. The law expands the Covenant Home Ownership program, a state program that helps first-time Black and other marginalized home buyers cover their down payments and closing costs. In today's episode, Joshua explains why Black homeownership has plummeted and what lawmakers are doing to boost it. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. Do you have a question about the economy that you want us to answer? Or an idea for a future episode? Email us at booming@kuow.org. Booming is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Carol Smith. Our producers are Lucy Soucek and Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Joshua McNichols and Monica Nickelsburg.Support the show: https://kuow.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soundside
Hear It Again: 'The Adding Machine' asks if AI has a future in the theatre

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 15:12


When tech companies began announcing advanced artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT, there was widespread enthusiasm. AI was going to make mundane jobs more efficient; it was going to reshape entire industries and creative processes; and it was going to free up time for humans to do things that were, well, more human – things like creating art. But in the last few years, it’s been artists themselves raising the alarm around automation. Some see AI as a cool new tool, or another color on the palette; others argue it’s an existential threat to industries that were already struggling to stay afloat. For local theater director Ryan Guzzo Purcell, the bleeding edge of AI in art is something we can’t approach from an either/or point of view. His latest production with The Feast is a reinterpretation of “The Adding Machine,” a 100 year old play about automation by playwright Elmer Rice. A new version of the play at Seattle University’s Lee Performing Arts Center updates that notion for modern times, leaning into the question of dealing with automation by incorporating AI at practically every level: the stage design, the production – even the performances. Soundside producer Alec Cowan spoke with Purcell to learn more about the intersection of technology and stagecraft after attending a showing last October. GUEST: Ryan Guzzo Purcell, artistic director at The Feast, a Seattle theater company, and director of "The Adding Machine: A Cyborg Morality Play." RELATED LINKS: What's Next | The Feast (the-feast.org) The Adding Machine: A Cyborg Morality Play - Seattle University How Seattle theater company The Feast’s play using AI turned out | The Seattle Times KUOW - Artists vs. AI: where innovation meets unwelcome imitation 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.

Soundside
Washingtonians may soon have the "right to repair" their technology

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 13:03


A new law waiting to be signed by the governor would give you more options when your technology breaks. House Bill 1483 establishes a “right to repair” for consumer electronics, including tech like phones, laptops, and home appliances. Its partner bill in the Senate (SB 5680) also establishes the right to repair electric wheelchairs. This is part of a larger, nationwide movement to create more accessible technology. If the governor signs these bills into law, Washington will be the seventh state to have a right to repair on the books. But, what exactly will this mean for Washingtonians? And how could this change things when your phone next takes a dive into Lake Washington? Guests: Representative Mia Gregerson was the lead sponsor of House Bill 1483. She represents Washington’s 33rd district, which includes Burien, Normandy Park, Seatac, Des Moines, and parts of Renton Amanda Miller, Executive Director of South King Tool Library Related Links: Repair Economy Washington 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.

Soundside
How a new option for fentanyl treatment is changing lives

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 23:19


For people addicted to fentanyl, the desire to quit is often overshadowed by the fear of withdrawal. Incredible nerve pain, diarrhea, chills, vomiting. It’s been likened to the worst flu you’ve ever experienced. Buprenorphine, the medication often used to aid in easing addiction, can trigger withdrawal symptoms, making it tough for patients to continue treatment. Here in Seattle, Downtown Emergency Service Center, or DESC, has been trying a new method of administering buprenorphine to ease treatment and curb cravings -- and it’s showing some promising results. Guests: Jeremy Hoog, senior nurse manager at DESC's Opioid Recovery and Care Access. Carson Bell is a care navigator at DESC. Related Links: Substance Use Disorder Treatment - DESC Seattle nonprofit rolling out potential ‘game changer’ for fentanyl addiction | The Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soundside
A conversation with King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 34:28


Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall has headed up the King County Sheriff’s Department since 2022. The King County Sheriff’s Department serves unincorporated King County and 12 contract cities, in addition to policing King County Metro buses and Sound Transit trains. Since she took over the role, overall crime numbers have been trending in a positive direction – felony referrals were down by a quarter in 2024 compared to 2019. And new data from the King County Prosecutor’s office released this morning says that in the first quarter of 2025, the county saw the lowest number of shots fired incidents since 2021.But Sheriff Cole-Tindall has been sounding the alarm about staffing challenges as King County is facing down a budget shortfall of at least $150 million dollars. Proposed cuts to the sheriff’s department budget total more than 30 million dollars over the next two years. Sheriff Cole-Tindall joined Soundside host Libby Denkmann in-studio today to discuss these issues, and to answer listener questions on public safety, immigration enforcement, homelessness response and more. GUEST: King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall RELATED STORIES: Early 2025 data shows crime dropping in Seattle - Axios King County Sheriff's Office reduces staffing amid budget constraints - KOMO King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall reaffirms department’s commitment to immigrant rights - b-town blog King County Sheriff’s lawsuit over Burien camping ban thrown out by federal judge - 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.

Soundside
“Disaster.” DelBene on Trump's (second) first 100 days

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 16:08


Today marks the 100th day of Donald Trump’s presidency. How about some more numbers: Since taking office, the President has signed more than 140 executive orders, pushing major policy shifts on issues from immigration, to climate policy, and DEI in schools and workplaces . As of Monday, court rulings have blocked or paused Trump policies 128 times, according to the New York Times. The administration enacted high tariffs on around 60 countries before walking that back and going with a much lower rate on most countries – with 1 major exception: China. Under Trump, immigration authorities have used a 1798 law designed for wartime to deport people accused of being gang members without hearings. Even with these aggressive tactics, experts are skeptical that the administration is on track to expel 1 million people a year, as Trump promised. And here’s one more number: 0. That’s the branches of government that Democrats control. They’ve been on the sidelines during this rapid and expansive change to the federal government. Guest: Representative Suzan DelBene (WA-01) 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.

Soundside
What is pension spiking, and how is it costing the state of WA millions?

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 24:33


Companies have increasingly shifted the responsibility of saving for retirement onto workers. Pension plans have mostly disappeared from the private sector, in favor of 401k style plans. For example, the Boeing Machinist union tried unsuccessfully get their pension plan reinstated during last year’s strike. For most public employees, including Washington state workers, though, Pensions are still an option. But not all public pensions are created equal. Some allow workers to potentially increase their pension checks by logging a lot of overtime in their highest paid years. The result is a big ongoing cost to the state of Washington. Seattle Times data reporter Manuel Villa combed through 20 years of payroll data on this practice by City of Seattle workers: specifically police and firefighters. GUEST: Manuel Villa - Seattle Times data reporter on the investigations team RELATED LINKS: Inflated Seattle public pensions for retirees cost tens of millions How WA public pensions work: retirement funding, risks, ‘spiking’ Try our WA public pension ‘spiking’ calculator | The Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soundside
After a state Supreme Court ruling, what's next for Spokane's camping ban?

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 14:59


The debate over how to address homelessness in Spokane continues to simmer after a decision this month from Washington’s Supreme Court. The ruling struck down Proposition 1, a camping ban introduced by a citizen-led initiative that was overwhelmingly passed by Spokane voters in 2023. The court’s decision wasn’t based on the merits of the camping ban, but rather on whether the citizens of Spokane had the power to take such action in the first place. Now, the legal ripples of this decision are stirring up fierce emotions over regulating homelessness in Spokane, and are raising questions over how much say citizens can have in local policy at large. Guests: Emry Dinman, city hall reporter for the Spokesman Review. Related Links: Homeless camping ban struck down by state Supreme Court Spokane City Council declines to reinstate Prop 1 after state Supreme Court strikes it down 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.

Soundside
Google and DOJ face off over remedy for search engine monopoly

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 14:31


Do you ever wonder why you turn to Google so often to search for a recipe or a news article or how to properly use a semicolon? If you ask Alphabet, Google’s parent company, they’ll tell you it’s because they just have the best results. The Department of Justice has a different take: it filed an antitrust case against the company in 2020 accusing Google of using its power as the pre eminent online search engine to stifle competition. The government won last year, when a federal judge ruled against Google. This week, both the company and the D-O-J have returned to court to argue for what they believe the remedy should be for these monopolistic practices. Depending on what’s decided in a D.C. courthouse, there could be big changes in store for one of tech’s biggest juggernauts. Guest: Douglass Ross, professor of law at the University of Washington Relevant Links: New York Times: U.S. Asks Judge to Break Up Google 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.

Soundside
Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" - 4/24-27

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 5:13


Have you been outside this week? It’s GORGEOUS. If you need a few more excuses to go out & do things, then you’re in luck. We’ve got Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows here with one or two or three more reasons to leave your house LINKS: Seattle/King County Clinic - Seattle Center Crescendo: A Symphonic Celebration of Washington Landscapes Seattle Independent Bookstore Day Jet City Roller Derby vs RCRD's Grave Danger PBR Unleash the Beast | Tacoma Dome Run Like the Wind Running Festival Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soundside
The White House killed this one of a kind report. The scientists behind it aren't giving up

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 16:51


"Our world is changing. It's changing rapidly. Like, we can see climate changing our world as we speak, but also, we're losing nature at unprecedented rates, and there's an equity crisis as well." That was University of Washington professor Phil Levin two years ago. At the time, he’d just been tapped by the Biden Administration for a one of a kind mission: writing the most all encompassing review ever of nature throughout the entirety of the United States. “The National Nature Assessment,” as it was called, was to be a wide ranging report on the state of and potential threats to the U.S.’s varied ecosystems. "Now is the time to break down the silos between climate, nature, and equity and bring them together... and I can't think of anything else I would want to do and anything else that would be more meaningful to me in my life and more valuable I think for the country." Over two years, Levin worked at the White House and coordinated a massive team of authors and federal agencies. The team was ready to submit their first draft of the assessment in February this year, before they heard from the Trump administration that the whole project was being shut down. Since then, the scientists involved in the National Nature Assessment have pushed forward to complete their work – with or without the White House’s blessing. Guests: Phil Levin, professor in the University of Washington College of the Environment Related Links: KUOW - Seattle area scientist leads U.S. efforts toward 'holistic picture' of the climate crisis Opinion | We Found a Work Around to Trump Defunding Science - The New York Times Trump Killed a Major Report on Nature. They’re Trying to Publish It Anyway. - The New York Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soundside
Student loan borrowers are being asked to pony up

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 13:57


On Monday, the Department of Education announced that it will resume collections on defaulted loans on May 5th. That’s after a five year pause started in the midst of the covid pandemic. More than 42 million people in the United States have student loans through the federal government. And, according to the Department of Education, five million have not made a payment in the last year. Experts warn that this push for repayment will put loan holders in difficult financial situations and could have a big impact on an already unstable economy. GUEST: Stacy Cowley, business reporter for the New York Times RELATED LINKS: Millions of Student Loan Borrowers Are Behind on Payments Education Department Will Resume Collections on Student Loan Debt Trump administration to resume collections on student loan borrowers in default 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.

Soundside
This author used ChatGPT as a mirror for her life — and for big tech, too

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 32:49


Vauhini Vara’s new essay collection opens with a heart to heart with ChatGPT. In her prompt, she asks the program to give her feedback on a few chapters of her upcoming book. “I’m nervous,” she tells it. “That’s completely understandable,” it responds with a cheery exclamation point. “Sharing your writing can feel really personal, but I’m here to provide a supportive and constructive perspective. Take your time, and whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here to discuss it with you.” So begins a high tech odyssey through old Google searches, Amazon product reviews, social media profiles and experiments with artificial intelligence. Along the way, Vara explores the technology that came of age alongside her, including her teenage years on Mercer Island and college experience at Stanford, and how her relationship with it has changed over time. The book is part-memoir, part critique of how tech companies have positioned their products as “collaborators,” or even companions, in our lives. Every couple chapters, Vara invites the large language model to respond to her writing. It’s just one of the ways she breaks form in the book. It’s called “SEARCHES: Selfhood in the Digital Age.” Guests: Vauhini Vara, author Related Links: Elliott Bay Book Company | Events 45368 Vauhini Vara 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.

Soundside
Congressman Adam Smith on the latest Signal chat scandal out of the Pentagon

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 13:58


The Pentagon is roiling over yet another Signal group chat. No, not that one with the Trump Administration national security team that accidentally included an editor at the Atlantic. This is… another Signal group chat scandal. The New York Times reports that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared operational details for a March 15th U.S. strike on the Houthis in Yemen with a group of 13 people. They allegedly included his personal lawyer, brother, and wife. This comes while Hegseth’s team is dealing with staffing turmoil: Three staffers were recently fired over allegations they leaked to the press. Another former senior staffer wrote in Politico that there is a “full-blown meltdown at the Pentagon.” GUEST: Adam Smith represents Washington’s 9th congressional district. It includes parts of Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Kent and Federal Way. He’s also the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. RELATED LINKS: Hegseth Said to Have Shared Attack Details in Second Signal Chat Pete Hegseth Faces Heat After New Signal Chat Emerges and Claim of Pentagon ‘Chaos’ Former Top Pentagon Spokesperson Details ‘Month From Hell’ Inside the Agency The White House is looking to replace Pete Hegseth as defense secretary - NPR 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.

Soundside
What's at stake in the birthright citizenship Supreme Court case

Soundside

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 21:19


The Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments over an executive order ending birthright citizenship. President Trump signed that order in his first days in office. A federal judge in Seattle temporarily blocked the Trump administration from enforcing the order nationwide. And two other legal challenges – in federal courts in Massachusetts and Maryland – also prompted injunctions. Now the Supreme Court will decide whether a 125 year old constitutional right to citizenship for people born in the United States to non-citizen parents is guaranteed. Guest: Luis Cortes Romero, immigration lawyer and partner at Novo Legal Relevant Links: SCOTUS Blog: Justices will hear arguments on Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship NYT: Supreme Court to Hear Arguments on Trump Plan to End Birthright Citizenship 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.

Brave Little State
Some people leave Vermont. Does Vermont ever really leave them?

Brave Little State

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 24:20


What does it mean to be a Vermonter if you've left the Green Mountain State? Reporter Myra Flynn brings us on a sonic journey across the globe from Los Angeles to the Dominican Republic, to Jamaica. There are love stories, tales of taking chances and conversations about what it means to call somewhere home. Thanks to question-asker Jesse Wingate of Virginia – formerly of North Troy, Vermont – for the great question. For photos and an episode transcript, head to our website.This episode was reported by Myra Flynn. It was edited and produced by Josh Crane, Sabine Poux and Burgess Brown. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Digital support from Sophie Stephens. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.