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Federal judge sides with WA over Trump's vote-by-mail order, bargaining begins between Seattle Public Schools and teachers union, and The Walrus and the Carpenter and unionized staff reach a tentative agreement to end strike. 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.
Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy begin with the sad news that their friend and conservative commentator Martha Zoller died Monday after wrapping up her radio show last week. On today's episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, they reflect on Zoller's legacy before turning to the special legislative session at the state Capitol. They break down how a session that began with voting-system deadlines and redistricting drama shifted into a fight over property tax relief, sales taxes and Democratic leverage. They also explain the proposed delay to Georgia's QR-code voting ban, the push for hand recounts and the changing power dynamics among Republican leaders. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein hosts alongside Patricia Murphy for a listener-driven look at a turbulent week in Georgia politics. They discuss Rick Jackson's costly victory in the Republican runoff for governor, Brian Kemp's late endorsement of Burt Jones and what it says about Kemp's influence inside the GOP. Greg and Patricia also examine the stalled push for a redistricting special session, MARTA funding and safety concerns, and the lingering lawsuits between Jackson and Jones allies. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein hosts alongside Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy for a special episode recorded as lawmakers returned to the Capitol after Georgia's primary runoffs. They break down the abrupt decision by Republican legislative leaders to shelve redistricting during the special session, despite pressure from Gov. Brian Kemp and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to move forward. The episode also looks at what the move says about Kemp's diminished influence after a bruising runoff night, the awkward dynamics inside the Capitol and the new Republican ticket taking shape for November. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein hosts a special edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast with Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy after Georgia's primary runoff elections delivered two major Republican verdicts. Rick Jackson defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the GOP race for governor despite late support from Donald Trump and Brian Kemp, while Mike Collins beat Derek Dooley in the Senate runoff after Trump backed Collins and Kemp helped build Dooley's campaign. The episode looks at what the results say about Kemp's political machine, Trump's uneven influence, Republican unity and the general election fights ahead against Keisha Lance Bottoms and Jon Ossoff. Greg, Tia and Patricia also break down key down-ballot races and the uncertain future of redistricting in a special legislative session. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein, alongside Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell, takes on both sides of the Republican runoff as Georgia heads to the polls. The conversation centers on Brian Kemp's surprise endorsement of Bert Jones in the governor's race, a Sunday night move that caught even veteran operatives off guard, and what it means for Kemp's own political future if his picks don't deliver. Trump's 1 a.m. Truth Social endorsement of Mike Collins in the Senate race rounds out a 48-hour stretch that scrambled both contests heading into Election Day. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein is joined by Patricia Murphy and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin to dig into the collision of events bearing down on the city: the World Cup, a redistricting special session, and growing organizing around voting rights. Franklin weighs in on the Supreme Court's Voting Rights Act ruling, what it could mean for Georgia's congressional map, and Keisha Lance Bottoms' path in the governor's race. Then, with Tia Mitchell, Greg sits down with MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher to take on the surge in violent incidents on the transit system just as hundreds of thousands of World Cup visitors are about to arrive. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay will give the state of the County today. Patricia Murphy sat down with him last Saturday for a live interview at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival. There, she asked him about some of the issues facing King County and how he plans to address them. 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.
Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy dig into Jon Ossoff's on-the-record pushback against 2028 presidential speculation, including what Patricia heard directly from the senator and why both of them think the chatter says as much about the Democratic Party's search for a leader as it does about Ossoff himself. They also size up the Republican Senate runoff, now days away, with Buddy Carter's 25 percent of the primary vote still up for grabs and both Mike Collins and Derek Dooley working to lock in his supporters before June 16th. The governor's race gets attention too, as Rick Jackson looks to consolidate Chris Carr's voters while navigating the volatility of invoking Brad Raffensperger's name with Trump still on the sidelines. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PLUS: Donald pisses off Knicks' fans; where's the proof from the FBI / Fulton seizure & MARTA's naysayers seem unaware of the authority's efforts to address homelessnessThe Atlanta Journal Constitution's Patricia Murphy - perhaps as a response to national media fawning over Jon Ossoff as a potential 2028 contender - brought the wet blanket to that notion. Okay fine; but it's hard to argue that his being on a potential 2028 ticket wouldn't make it a better ticket.- - - - Donald Trump showing up for the New York Knicks' NBA Finals game earlier this week was clearly another "Make a Wish" presidency stop: more about him and less about the tens of thousands there or the hundreds of thousands who hoped to attend watch parties around the venue. Fans there let him know they were pissed, but the nationally syndicated morning show "The Breakfast Club" also weighed in on Stephen A. Smith's disdain for Trump's presence. - - - - The AJC reports on the FBI seizure of Fulton County 2020 boxes of ballots: that it's "investigation fails to deliver, so far." Ya don't say.- - - - The thing about "big city" issues is (I've said this many times) that Republicans never offer actionable solutions, but like "Statler & Waldorf," the old snipes in "The Muppet Show" balcony, have snide comments and no contribution. Most right wing MARTA grousers are likely unaware MARTA's actually long teamed up with an Atlanta homeless advocacy organization (gift link) to assist the unhoused who show up in their stations and on their trains.
Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy dig into the redistricting fight ahead of Georgia's special session, set to begin June 17th. AJC reporter Tamar Hallerman walks through which congressional and state legislative districts are most at risk, why the Supreme Court's Voting Rights Act ruling gives Republicans new legal cover, and what tools Democrats have left to challenge new maps in court. State Rep. Saira Draper joins to size up what Democrats can realistically do in the minority, names specific vulnerable Republicans she is watching, and argues that Governor Kemp's decision to redistrict before November puts several members of his own party in a difficult position. Both guests address the session's second major item: the state's looming voting machine deadline, and what a delay would mean for November. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PLUS: "everyone" wants Senator Jon Ossoff to run for President.I pulled up a recent video done by the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Ernie Suggs, doing a small tour of MARTA train usage weaving in MARTA's troubled (from the start) history for some context.What frustrates me most about MARTA's issues - and the issues flowing into its stations and trains from the major city it serves - is that Republicans who have almost no footing in the metro area, and particularly not the city itself, show no interest in addressing systemic issues by offering long term solutions. Instead, they lean on "dog whistle" tropes knowing their suburban, exurban and rural voters have backed-in preconceptions about "inner city" violence and "urban" decay.There's nothing new under the sun with this sort of pandering to a mostly white voting block but what doesn't get said enough - in my opinion - is that a) "white flight" led to a lot of usb) at the state level, Republicans take a "hands off" approach to a region of the state they can't gain footing in because they don't see the electoral benefit (gee, wonder why?) whichc) makes them just as (if not more) responsible, in absentia, as any local authorities or elected leaders actually *trying* to effect positive change.Atlanta police chief Darin Schierbaum opines "you can't arrest your way to a safe city" in an op/ed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. He's right; but that's all Republicans ever offer as "solutions" to crime: bigger police presence as a (temporary) deterrent but never solution(s) to the longer term and system issues that are at the root of crime: a lack of opportunity. - - - -The New York Times' Michelle Goldberg opines that "everyone" wants Georgia's US Senator Jon Ossoff to run for President. Hey, I"m a fan, myself; I've whispered about him being a 2028 dark horse in episodes past, too, but I'm skimming over her op/ed to chew on the notion a bit. The AJC's Patricia Murphy, meanwhile, has a different take: "sorry liberals; Jon Ossoff isn't running for President."- - - - Whew, that 'Meet The Press' sit down was a headscratcher, no? Why's the President holed up in a metal sided building in rural Wisconsin in the midst of severe weather to do a network TV interview, anyway? Oh, and also he's a petulant man-baby who his base entrusts to negotiate with the likes of Iran, China's Xi and Russia's Putin, but is too easily rattled by Kirsten Welker pressing him on unfounded election conspiracies. But the story that caught my attention over the weekend? That the Pentagon has ratcheted up its concerns that Israel is spying on us. The Hegseth-led "Department of War" raised its threat assessment level to the highest level on our ally - Israel - spying on us. - - - -Back to Trump on 'Meet The Press,' and my calling out political media for their two-toned portrayal of monthly jobs numbers from one presidency to the next. Trump is taking victory laps over jobs numbers from May that - under Biden - would've been less feted by national media. Meanwhile, farm bankruptcies are up, affordability is nearing crisis mode for many Americans (Trumps loves inflation, he said) and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins - quizzed by Rep. Eric Sorensen - couldn't be bothered.
Hotel workers near Lumen Field could go on strike, Mayor Wilson is no longer boycotting Starbucks, and Seattle delays its plan to reduce pickleball courts. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. And make sure to join us this Saturday for a live taping of Seattle Now where Patricia Murphy will interview King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival. Get tickets here. Use promo code SEATTLENOW to access a 20% discount. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mayor Wilson agrees to turn on surveillance cameras near stadiums, King County prosecutor wants to increase penalties for buying sex, and there's huge demand for Seattle's first social housing building. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. And make sure to join us this Saturday for a live taping of Seattle Now where Patricia Murphy will interview King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival. Get tickets here. Use promo code SEATTLENOW to access a 20% discount. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week… Thousands of Seattle residents are lining up to volunteer during the World Cup. An iconic local karaoke spot is re-opening its doors. And why does Lumen Field just say "Field" right now? Simply Seattle’s Danny Ball and Asian Verified founder Michael Wong are here to break down the week. And make sure to join us this Saturday for a live taping of Seattle Now where Patricia Murphy will interview King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival. Get tickets here. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded last week, it affected NASA’s space aspirations, and private companies like Amazon. The New York Times’ Karen Weise will tell us about the fallout from the Kent-based company’s launchpad disaster. Read Karen’s reporting here. And make sure to join us this Saturday for a live taping of Seattle Now where Patricia Murphy will interview King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival. Get tickets here. Use promo code SEATTLENOW to access a 20% discount. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Seattle’s social housing test will soon become a reality. The city’s voter-approved Social Housing Developer is working to fill an apartment near Pike Place Market with mixed income tenants. The deadline to apply for a spot in the housing lottery is this Friday. Seattle Times real estate reporter Heidi Groover is here to fill us in. And make sure to join us this Saturday for a live taping of Seattle Now where Patricia Murphy will interview King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival. Get tickets here. Use promo code SEATTLENOW to access a 20% discount. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Seattle one step closer to emergency ban on large data centers, 1,400 kids will get free tickets to the World Cup, and two veteran Seattle police officers are suing the department. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. And make sure to join us this Saturday for a live taping of Seattle Now where Patricia Murphy will interview King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival. Get tickets here. Use promo code SEATTLENOW to access a 20% discount. 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.
Patricia Murphy is joined by Riley Bunch to break down what stood out from Georgia's latest primary runoff debates and what the performances could mean ahead of the June 16 election. They discuss Lt. Gov. Burt Jones' solo appearance at a debate after rival Rick Jackson skipped the event, Jones' efforts to align himself with Gov. Brian Kemp, and his answers on abortion, redistricting and the aftermath of the 2020 election. Then Patricia highlights key moments from several down-ballot runoff debates, including a heated Democratic lieutenant governor clash between Josh McLaurin and Nabilah Islam Parkes and a substantive Republican showdown between John F. Kennedy and Greg Dolezal. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Roads in Seattle and in Washington state can be dangerous places - for pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers. After peaking in 2023, traffic fatalities around the state are slowly trending down. We’ll hear from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission about why, and where the state can go from here. And make sure to join us this Saturday for a live taping of Seattle Now where Patricia Murphy will interview King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival. Get tickets here. Use promo code SEATTLENOW to access a 20% discount. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Trump administration has removed ocean observation stations from waters off the WA coast, Mayor Wilson asks voters to renew the Seattle Transit Measure, and the Allen Institute makes major investments to treat brain diseases. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. And make sure to join us this Saturday for a live taping of Seattle Now where Patricia Murphy will interview King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival. Get tickets here. Use promo code SEATTLENOW to access a 20% discount. 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.
Patricia Murphy and AJC Election Reporter Riley Bunch discuss the recent Republican Georgia US Senate debate and the first joint rally between Democrats Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More news in the aftermath of last week's deadly implosion in Longview, Skagit County has moved to keep new data centers out, and Gonzaga University is getting ready to have Egypt's World Cup team train on their campus. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. And make sure to join us this Saturday for a live taping of Seattle Now where Patricia Murphy will interview King County Executive Girmay Zahilay at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival. Get tickets here. Use promo code SEATTLENOW to access a 20% discount. 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.
Greg Bluestein hosts with Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell for a listener-driven episode on Georgia's shifting political coalitions. They examine how Democratic and Republican bases have changed since 2020, why Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms are already campaigning in tandem, and how Black women voters continue to shape Democratic politics in Georgia. They also explain the fight over Georgia's election “bunker,” the debate over ranked choice voting, and whether Republican runoffs could help or hurt the party heading into November. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell examine the fast-moving alliance between Senator Jon Ossoff and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms as Georgia Democrats try to project unity ahead of 2026. They discuss why Ossoff sees political upside in aligning closely with Bottoms, how Republicans are already preparing attacks tied to her tenure as Atlanta mayor, and why Black women remain central to Democratic turnout strategy in Georgia. The episode also breaks down the escalating Republican runoff battles, including Rick Jackson's massive self-funded campaign for governor and the fallout surrounding Senate candidate Mike Collins after a top aide's inflammatory social media post triggered backlash across the GOP. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy sit down with state Sen. Elena Parent as she explains why she's stepping away from the Georgia Legislature after years as one of Senate Democrats' most prominent voices. Parent reflects on the realities of serving in the minority party, the growing demands of legislative life, and how the rise of Donald Trump reshaped debate under the Gold Dome. She also discusses the pressures both parties face from activist bases, the impact of gerrymandering and social media on modern politics, and why she still believes Democrats can compete for power in Georgia. Parent closes by naming several Georgia Democrats she sees as rising political talent to watch in the years ahead. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell answer listener questions about Georgia's post-primary landscape, including Keisha Lance Bottoms' sweeping Democratic win, the money gap between Republican and Democratic candidates, and legal questions around newly passed legislation. They also examine how self-funded candidates use personal loans and what those numbers signal in the governor's race. In segment two, Greg and Tia feature Q&A recorded live at the Politically Georgia happy hour at Manuel's Tavern with Patricia Murphy, including questions about judicial elections, political power and the AJC's coverage of Georgia's changing suburbs. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mayor Wilson's plan to expand tiny home villages approved by city council, DOJ launches investigation into WA's trans policies in prison, and traffic fatalities in WA continue to decline. 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.
Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell break down a dramatic primary night in Georgia, where several of the state's biggest races are now headed to high stakes runoffs. They examine Derek Dooley's surprise surge into the GOP Senate runoff against Mike Collins, the outsider message reshaping Republican politics, and why Gov. Brian Kemp remains such a powerful force in the race. The episode also dives into Keisha Lance Bottoms' dominant victory in the Democratic governor's primary, the bruising Republican governor's contest between Burt Jones and Rick Jackson, and what the results say about the direction of Georgia's electorate heading into November. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
King County to involve law enforcement in their probe of misused tax dollars, recent Starbucks job cuts are mostly Seattle-based, and we remember Juniper Blessing. 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.
On Georgia's high-stakes primary day, Greg Bluestein is joined by Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell to break down the races most likely to shape the state's political future. They examine whether billionaire candidate Rick Jackson can buy his way into a GOP governor runoff, whether former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms can avoid overtime in the Democratic race, and why Georgia's Supreme Court contests have become unexpectedly fierce political battlegrounds. Then Greg speaks with Steve Kornacki, chief data analyst for NBC News, about the turnout numbers, counties and warning signs he'll be watching as results roll in Tuesday night — and what Georgia's electorate could signal for national politics. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SPS to close one if its alternative high schools, Boeing ordered to pay nearly $50 million to family of crash victim, and you may be able to watch the World Cup from a "floating pitch" in Seattle. 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.
Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down Gov. Brian Kemp's final bill-signing deadline and why his latest decisions offered a clear window into how he wants to leave office. They unpack his sweeping income tax cut package, the $300 million in new spending he slashed from the budget, and what those cuts reveal about his long-term fiscal strategy as Georgia's next governor's race heats up. They also examine Kemp's decision to sign a controversial measure making certain metro Atlanta races nonpartisan, setting up a legal clash with Fani Willis and other Democratic prosecutors. Plus, they discuss a new transparency law targeting legislative misconduct settlements and why Georgia's new school cellphone restrictions could have broad support. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the increasingly volatile race for second place in Georgia's governor's contest, where Democrats are scrambling to emerge as the strongest alternative to Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republicans remain locked in an expensive fight over who can take on Burt Jones. They dig into Michael Thurmond's pitch to cut the state sales tax, why Jason Esteves may be gaining momentum, and why so many Democratic voters remain undecided just days before the primary. Then Greg and Patricia turn to the Democratic race for lieutenant governor, where Josh McLaurin, Nabilah Islam Parkes and Richard Wright are battling for a job that suddenly carries much higher stakes in Georgia politics. They also discuss why a Democratic win in either race could trigger a major power struggle under the Gold Dome. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy examine why Georgia's lieutenant governor race has become one of the most revealing contests of the 2026 cycle. They break down the Republican field, from insider-outsider candidates like Greg Dolezal to more establishment-aligned contenders such as John F. Kennedy. Then Greg and Patricia speak with Kennedy about tax relief, redistricting, voting machines and how he would handle one of the most powerful jobs under the Gold Dome. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Starbucks lays off more employees, efforts ramp up to stop Sound Transit from delaying stations in the south end, and Seattle hotels are seeing slow bookings for the World Cup. 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.
Greg Bluestein hosts alongside Patricia Murphy as they answer listener questions ahead of Georgia's May 19 primaries. They dig into early voting numbers, high undecided rates, Rick Jackson's massive spending and Keisha Lance Bottoms' answer on whether she would serve two terms. They also examine Fulton County's latest 2020 election fight, Republican pressure on Gov. Brian Kemp over redistricting and why Democrats are investing heavily in Georgia's judicial races. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Effort to repeal 'millionaires tax' is underway, Seattle Children's and Laurelhurst neighborhood agree to change helicopter landing policy, and thousands in WA have dropped their health coverage. 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.
Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the latest AJC poll of Georgia Democrats and why Keisha Lance Bottoms holds a commanding lead in the governor's race without locking up the nomination. They examine the scramble for second place between Michael Thurmond, Jason Esteves and Geoff Duncan, and what the large bloc of undecided voters could mean for a runoff. They also dig into what the poll reveals about Democratic voters' deep opposition to Donald Trump, rising economic anxiety and growing backlash to AI-driven data centers across Georgia. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein hosts with Patricia Murphy to dig into the AJC's new polling on Georgia's Republican races for governor and U.S. Senate. They size up Rick Jackson's close contest with Burt Jones, the large share of undecided voters and what the numbers suggest about Donald Trump's influence in the GOP primary. They also weigh Mike Collins' lead in the Senate race, Buddy Carter's attacks and Derek Dooley's challenge in turning Brian Kemp's support into broader momentum. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy answer listener questions with producer Shane Backler, starting with how competitive Democratic primaries could change the usual crossover voting patterns in Georgia. They also examine whether a recent Supreme Court ruling could trigger another round of redistricting, why Rick Jackson is already targeting Keisha Lance Bottoms, and what counted as a win in the latest Republican Senate debate. The episode also looks at DSA-backed candidates challenging Georgia Democrats, skepticism around prediction markets, and the race to replace the late Congressman David Scott. Shane shares remembrance tape from Marcye Scott and Calvin Smyre on David Scott's legacy and long ties to his district. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Legal challenges move quickly against WA's new requirements for elected sheriffs, Seattle opens its first warehouse for salvaged lumber, and the Mariners will retire Randy Johnson's number this weekend. 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.
Greg Bluestein hosts alongside Patricia Murphy as Georgia Supreme Court Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren discusses her reelection campaign and warns about partisan pressure on officially nonpartisan judicial races. Warren also talks about her recent breast cancer diagnosis, her work on the court and why she says Georgia's judiciary should not become another political branch of government. Then Tia Mitchell talks with Congressman Clay Fuller, Georgia's newest member of Congress, after his special election win to succeed Marjorie Taylor Greene. Fuller discusses his first days in Washington, his focus on rural North Georgia and the viral hotel air-conditioning video he says was meant as satire. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein hosts with Patricia Murphy for a look at two major Republican debates in the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series. They break down the sharp exchanges between Burt Jones and Rick Jackson in the governor's race, including attacks over immigration, campaign money and allegations tied to Jones' use of power. Greg and Patricia also examine the Republican U.S. Senate debate, where Buddy Carter and Mike Collins clashed over an ethics complaint while Derek Dooley tried to position himself as an outsider alternative. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Greg Bluestein sits down with Patricia Murphy and former state Sen. Jason Carter to examine how Georgia Democrats are thinking about the governor's race, Donald Trump's influence and the party's path beyond metro Atlanta. Carter explains why he is backing Jason Esteves, what he sees in the crowded Republican field and how Democrats could make gains in the Georgia House. Then Greg speaks with Dr. John Cowan, a Republican running for Georgia's 11th Congressional District, about his shift from Trump critic to Trump ally, his critique of Marjorie Taylor Greene's style of politics and his views on health care, tariffs and Iran. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pedestrian deaths increasing in Seattle, legal scholars call for stronger efforts to protect judges, and Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are separating. 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Greg Bluestein goes inside one of Georgia Democrats' biggest annual gatherings, the Carter-Lewis dinner, alongside Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell. They break down the message party leaders and candidates are trying to carry into 2026, from affordability and stability to tying Republicans to Donald Trump. They also examine where Democrats think they can compete, why down-ballot and rural races still matter, and how much of this strategy depends on strong candidates rather than just a favorable climate. The episode also looks at what Jon Ossoff, Andy Beshear and other prominent Democrats reveal about the party's broader argument in Georgia. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Seattle puts guardrails on surveillance data, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay issues order to build 500 new shelter units, and WA faces a pollution conundrum on the open water. 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.
Conservatives launch multiple challenges against income tax, another piece of Paul Allen's sports legacy is sold, and rocket hardware made in Redmond will be onboard the moon mission. 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.
The so called "Millionaire's Tax" is now law and opponents are ready to challenge it, the weekend's light rail opening saw big crowds, and the World Cup might bring less money to Seattle than originally predicted. 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.