Podcasts about Seattle City Council

Dionne Foster on her run for Position 9 on Seattle City Council // Katrina Guischard with her parenting feature: Parents using AI to monitor their kids' online behavior // The Rick Rizzs Show: The Mariners on a hot streak, Ichiro being honored at Saturday's game // Charlie Harger Commentary on Washington's potential federal fallout // Gee Scott with his takeaways from last night's Seahawks pre-season opener // Councilmember Bob Kettle on the latest discussions in Seattle City Council // Paul Holden with a weekend planner

Guest - Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson - Council approves Council President Nelson’s bill dedicating anticipated public safety tax revenue to recovery services // Waves reach Hawaii, California after 8.8-magnitude Russia quake // Tsunami advisory for Washington coast canceled // 3 reasons why the Pacific Ocean tsunami fizzled before reaching WA // ‘I was stunned’: Pierce County executive calls out sheriff’s sobriety test comment

The Seattle City Council confirmed 14 members to the Renters’ Commission on Tuesday, following a controversial delay after Councilmembers Rob Saka and Sara Nelson failed to show up for a previous vote on Commission appointments. Their absence forced an unusual cancellation of the vote because the housing committee didn’t reach quorum. Some people think this was influenced by an email former councilmember Cathy Moore sent, urging her former colleagues to delay the vote. In this episode of Soundside, we catch up with Councilmember Mark Solomon, who was appointed to Seattle’s District 2 seat after Tammy Morales left the position in January. He's also serving as vice chair of the Housing and Human Services Committee... and is one of the people Moore tried to email before that first vote. Guest: Mark Solomon, Seattle City Councilmember appointed to represent District 2. Related stories: Seattle City Council members stymie appointments to renters commission | The Seattle Times Nelson, Saka Boycott Housing Committee, Blocking Seattle Renters Commission Appointments » The Urbanist Seattle council keeps renter’s commission without landlords | 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.

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

Debora Juarez appointed to Seattle City Council, WA immigration arrests are targeting people with no criminal history, and Comcast hit Seattle customers with improper late fees, according to city audit. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Ruby de Luna. 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.

Something interesting happened – or rather, didn’t happen – last week at a Seattle City Council committee meeting. There was supposed to be a vote on member appointments to the Seattle Renters’ Commission. That commission has seats for 15 members but currently only has five. The vote didn’t happen. That’s because Council President Sara Nelson and Councilmember Rob Saka failed to attend, leaving the committee shy of its three-member quorum. That sparked a lot of outrage, including from Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, who had this to say: “This isn’t a committee meeting any more. This is just a community meeting. It is council members’ chartered responsibility to be at these meetings. This is literally our job, so I find it deeply frustrating that people took time to leave their jobs in the middle of the day, yet not every member of the committee could show up to do theirs.” Many people have criticized the council members’ absence – and some are asking whether political motivations were involved. Soundside sat down with Seattle Times reporter David Kroman, and Seattle Renters' Commission Interim Co-Chair Kate Rubin to discuss. GUESTS: David Kroman - Seattle Times City Hall Reporter Kate Rubin - Interim Co-Chair, Seattle Renters' Commission RELATED LINKS: Seattle City Council members stymie appointments to renters commission Housing & Human Services community discussion Seattle Renters' Commission 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.

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

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

The Seattle City Council recently approved a $2 million dollar loan for the city’s social housing developer. That’s a public development authority that will manage publicly financed housing in the city. It can serve people who make up to 120% of the area median income. Voters overwhelmingly supported the creation of the social housing developer in 2023. They also approved a funding plan for the developer in February that pays for it by putting in place a new tax on companies with high income earners. Next year, the social housing developer is anticipated to receive an estimated $50 million dollars from that tax. In the meantime, Mayor Bruce Harrell requested the $2 million dollar loan, saying the money would go towards keeping the organization running and potentially acquiring new property this year. As of now, the developer doesn’t own any. In its early stages, the developer has been dogged by concerns that it hasn’t proven it can get this money out the door and into housing and questions about whether it’s serving the city’s greatest need by using public money to provide housing for people making more than the median income for the area. Guest: Roberto Jimenez, CEO of Seattle’s Social Housing Developer Links: KUOW: Why someone earning over $100,000 could qualify for Seattle’s affordable housing Seattle Times: Seattle’s social housing developer struggles with ‘growing pains’ Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week… DoorDash imposed a second fee increase in two years in response to legislation from the Seattle City Council. TSA scrapped a 20-year-old law that requires people to take off their shoes at airport security. And did anyone see that salmon fly through the air and land in the seats at T-Mobile Park? Too Beautiful to Live Co-Host Andrew Walsh and KUOW Director of Community Engagement Zaki Hamid are here to break down the week. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patty Murray introduces a bill to let Antifa dox ICE agents. The Seattle City Council wants to clamp down on graffiti. // Big Local: A gift-wrapped toe was found at Dash Point State Park. A heroic teen saved an 11-year-old child from drowning in Silver Lake. // You Pick the Topic: A fellow radio host says that Jason’s dog isn’t very cute.

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

From new statewide legislation freezing rent hikes at up to 10 percent for most tenants, to the Seattle City Council banning the use of algorithmic rent fixing, there's a lot of news to keep in mind if you’re a renter or a landlord. And summer is moving season – prompting lots of questions about the rights for renters regarding repairs, fees and beyond. We review some frequently asked questions for renters in Seattle. Guest Teo Popescu, design, graphics, and data editor at KUOW Related links What are your rights as a Seattle renter? Here are the basics Note: KUOW's explainer serves as an overview of the most frequently asked questions about renter rights in Seattle. For a complete guide, review the Seattle renters handbook and the Seattle renters resource page, visit nonprofits like the Tenants Union, or call the Renting in Seattle helpline at: 206-684-5700. 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.

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

The Seattle City Council just banned landlords from using software that uses an algorithm to set rent prices. They say it amounts to unfair collusion and rent-fixing. But will banning the software really lower the cost of renting in Seattle? Seattle Times real estate reporter Heidi Groover breaks it down. 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 Center Square) – Seattle expects to have an upcoming city council vacancy filled by July 28 as council members prepare for more budget challenges this fall. Earlier this month, Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore announced that she was resigning from her position as the District 5 representative, citing health and personal reasons, which she considered “over the past several months.” Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_e225cdce-8234-4fb5-9b6c-be65b9308517.html https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_e38cbf7f-801d-4f73-a429-08f5676582bf.html

5pm: Top Stories Recap/Updates // Seattle City Council approves new SPD tracking device // Seattle's affordable housing industry is in crisis // Amazon announces company-wide workforce reduction as it embraces AI // Law enforcement is using psychics to help locate Decker // Richard Sherman charged with DUI // Letters

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

This episode is a little different — and honestly, one of the most meaningful conversations I've had on the podcast. It all started when someone threw a rock through the window of my husband's pediatric dental office in Green Lake. That incident led me down an unexpected path of navigating city programs, talking to local leaders, and eventually, sitting across from Sara Nelson, President of the Seattle City Council. Sara joined me in my home studio for a candid, unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to lead in this city — and why she's running for a second term. We covered a lot: the realities of public safety, support for small businesses, addiction treatment, housing, and the power (and limits) of what City Council can actually do. She didn't dodge a single question, and nothing was edited out. What you'll hear is an open, honest exchange between two people who care deeply about Seattle and want to see it thrive. In this episode: The Back to Business Fund and how it directly impacted my family What Seattle City Council members can and can't control Sara's approach to public safety, housing, and addiction treatment What it's like to lead with integrity under constant public scrutiny Her biggest wins — and what she wants to accomplish next term   A quote that stuck with me was: “I ran to fix the city — and I'm not done.” If you live in Seattle, I hope this episode helps you feel more informed and connected to the people shaping our future. And I hope it reminds you that your voice matters — not just on social media, but at the polls.   Connect with Sara Nelson: Website: https://www.saraforcitycouncil.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraforcitycouncil   You can find me on Instagram @rightinfrontofmyface or send me a note at rightinfrontofmyface@gmail.com.   If this conversation hit home for you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. It really does help more people find these stories. And as always, don't forget to look around—you never know what's happening right in front of your face.   Thank you to my sponsors Cassie and Jeremy Johnson with Windermere Real Estate: https://johnsonandwalker.com/

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

Trump has imposed a travel ban on 12 countries that the administration deems dangerous. Ninth Circuit Court effectively outlawed women's only spas owned by religious people. The United States Supreme Court is hearing a case regarding the legality of mail-in ballots that are received after Election Day. // LongForm: GUEST: King County Assessor and candidate for King County Executive John Wilson responds to the allegations against him and the calls for him to resign. // Quick Hit: The Seattle City Council is considering establishing digital kiosks downtown.  

There’s been another shake up on the city council. First-time council member Cathy Moore says she’s resigning. It's the third vacancy in two years on the council. Publicola Editor and Publisher Erica Barnett is here to give us some insight into what the heck is going on at City Hall. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Cathy Moore is stepping down from the Seattle City Council. She announced the decision yesterday afternoon, citing health and personal reasons. Moore has been in office for a year and a half, and leaves district 5 - which includes Greenwood, North Gate and Lake City - down an elected representative. Why has Moore decided to step down after such a short tenure, and what does it mean for Seattle’s city council? Guest: David Kroman, city hall reporter for the Seattle Times Related stories: Councilmember Moore to step down - Seattle City Council Blog Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore is stepping down - Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After less than 18 months in office, Councilmember Cathy Moore, representing District 5 (North Seattle), announced she will be resigning her position effective July 7. Swinging into immediate action, Erica and Sandeep (David is away, gamboling and gallivanting in distant parts) weigh in on this emergency episode of the podcast with their red hot takes on this surprise bombshell announcement. While Moore ascribes her decision to step down to personal and medical reasons, speculation is rampant that Moore's dissatisfaction with the job and unhappiness with the harsh criticism the Council sometimes faces also played a central role in her decision. Rest assured, we fully indulge this speculation, while offering our takes on Moore's legacy and assessing where she sat on the Council's ideological spectrum. Given the timing of Moore's decision, her seat will not be up for election until 2026, so we close with what early names we're hearing bruited about for who the Council might appoint to replace Moore until then. Our editor is Quinn Waller.  Thanks to Uncle Ike's pot shop for sponsoring this week's episode! If you want to advertise please contact us at realseattlenice@gmail.comSend us a text! Note that we can only respond directly to emails realseattlenice@gmail.comHEARTH Protection: Do not let fear make your world smaller. Support the showYour support on Patreon helps pay for editing, production, live events and the unique, hard-hitting local journalism and commentary you hear weekly on Seattle Nice.Send us a text! Note that we can only respond directly to emails realseattlenice@gmail.comHEARTH Protection: Do not let fear make your world smaller. Support the showYour support on Patreon helps pay for editing, production, live events and the unique, hard-hitting local journalism and commentary you hear weekly on Seattle Nice.

Seattle City Council member Cathy Moore steps down, Microsoft lays off more Washington workers, and 2024 vehicle fatalities in Washington are down. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(The Center Square) – More than 500 Christians gathered outside Seattle City Hall Tuesday evening to protest what they say are the anti-faith policies of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Seattle City Council, just days after 23 people were arrested when counter-protesters interrupted a rally Saturday focused on protecting children from transgender ideologies. All of the arrests on Saturday were among counter protesters who also injured Seattle Police.

Eddie Lin, running for Seattle City Council in District 2, shares his stance on housing affordability, public safety, transportation, and more while emphasizing his government experience and commitment to community-driven solutions. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Eddie Lin at @linforseattle.

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

(The Center Square) – More than 500 Christians gathered outside Seattle City Hall Tuesday evening to protest what they say are the anti-faith policies of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Seattle City Council, just days after 23 people were arrested when counter-protesters interrupted a rally Saturday focused on protecting children from transgender ideologies. All of the arrests on Saturday were among counter protesters who also injured Seattle Police. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Read more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_c172babb-f003-479d-82e2-6e269033211d.html

A Seattle City Council committee advanced legislation last week that will eliminate a requirement that council members abstain from voting on legislation that presents a financial conflict of interest. Under the new, lower standard, the council will merely have to disclose any financial conflicts before voting—allowing council members, for the first time since the 1980s, to vote in their own financial interest.Sandeep thinks disclosing a conflict of interest before voting should be enough; Erica's with the haters who want more constraints on the council's ability to vote in their own self-interest.The legislation is moving forward quickly and will probably take effect just before the council votes on the elimination of several anti-eviction laws passed by the previous council, which might not pass if everyone on the council who's a landlord has to refrain from voting to repeal these laws. In related news, Kshama Sawant and her group Workers Strike Back are showing up to disrupt council meetings, antagonizing the council over the upcoming vote on the anti-eviction laws. David and Sandeep are fascinated by internal squabbling among Seattle's local socialists, while Erica argues that Sawant's latest "movement" is mostly bluster—and reminds everyone that Sawant worked tirelessly on Jill Stein's "Defeat Harris" campaign last year. Also this week: Tent City 4 gets a temporary reprieve after a last-minute effort to keep the self-managed encampment from moving to the former Lake City Community Center. And we discuss Dan Strauss' effort to require all clubs and other "loud music venues" to sell earplugs. David calls it a "modest public health campaign" but Sandeep says it's a nanny state intrusion into our god-given right to destroy our hearing.Our editor is Quinn Waller. Send us a text! Note that we can only respond directly to emails realseattlenice@gmail.comHEARTH Protection: Do not let fear make your world smaller. Thanks to Uncle Ike's pot shop for sponsoring this week's episode! If you want to advertise please contact us at realseattlenice@gmail.comSupport the showYour support on Patreon helps pay for editing, production, live events and the unique, hard-hitting local journalism and commentary you hear weekly on Seattle Nice.

It's a patrons-first episode of your favorite coffee break political podcast! Former Councilmember Kshama Sawant is back in City Hall fighting a proposed ethics code revision that she believes could impact many of her legislative efforts with renter's rights. But the Council believes they're pursuing an overdue and necessary rules change. Plus, Governor Bob Ferguson has approved a hard-fought $78B budget that Republicans say includes the largest tax increases in state history. Host Brian Callanan of the Seattle Channel joins independent journalist Hannah Krieg of "The Burner" to cover these stories and more on a special patrons-first program. If you'd like to get content like this first, and support the podcast, become a patron on Patreon!

Jamie Fackler, running for Seattle City Council in District 2, shares his stance on housing affordability, public safety, transportation, and more while emphasizing his opposition to corporate influence in local politics. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find more about Jamie Fackler at https://www.jamieforseattle.com/.  

This week… The Seattle City Council is considering putting 8-foot tall kiosks, equipped with cameras and advertising, downtown before the World Cup. Historically queer nude beach Denny Blaine Park is back in the news after SPD told some beachgoers that being nude is not legal in Seattle - newsflash, it is. And if you wanna keep your OG Seattleite card, maybe don’t change your phone number… You may not be able to get a 206 area code much longer. Stranger Queer Culture and Politics Reporter Vivian McCall and author and blogger Geraldine DeRuiter are here to break down the week. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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.

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

Federal cuts to AmeriCorps are reaching Seattle food banks, the Seattle City Council is considering making it easier for council members to vote when they have a conflict of interest, and the city is launching a free shuttle to take people around the new and improved waterfront. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Ruby de Luna. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

The Seattle City Council is cracking down on problematic after hours establishments. WSDOT is implementing speed cameras near work zones. The Tacoma News Tribune has a dumb story about whether or not police departments in Pierce County are ‘diverse’ enough. CBS’s Gayle King played the sexism card when addressing criticism over her space ride. // LongForm: GUEST: Scott St. Clair’s son, a USAF veteran, was taken hostage in Venezuela. He says Sen. Patty Murray is ignoring his pleas for help but is confident in the Trump administration. // Quick Hit: President Trump cut off federal funds to Harvard. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) says he will go down to El Salvador to get Kilmar Abrego Garcia back if he has to.

In response to sweeping policy changes at the federal level, Seattle City Council has established a Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes to track and respond to threats to federal funding, executive orders, and civil rights rollbacks affecting the city. The committee, chaired by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, aims to address the local fallout from the Trump administration's second term. In this episode of "Hacks & Wonks" hosted by Crystal Fincher, Councilmember Rinck and journalist Amy Sundberg, who covers public safety and local policy for The Urbanist, discuss the committee's purpose and the challenges Seattle faces. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii. Find Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck on Bluesky at @alexis4seattle and Amy Sundberg at @amysundberg.

Rob McKenna on the GOP's turn on judges injunctions-LIVE // Nate Connors on the implementation of speed cameras in certain work zones // Colby Hall on the feud between the Trump administration and Harvard University-LIVE // Scott MacFarlane on why President Trump is not helping return a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador-LIVE // Luke Duecy on tariff impact being felt in Seattle and Tacoma-LIVE // Heather Bosch on FEMA's denial of the state's request for disaster relief after November's Bomb Cyclone-LIVE // Matt Markovich with a legislative update-LIVE // Luke Duecy on Seattle City Council's after hours ordinance-LIVE // Gee Scott on new regulations on hookah lounges and other after-hours establishments in Seattle

This week… It’s tariff chaos. Seattle is doing its best to navigate an uncertain economy as an import/export city. The Seattle City Council has a lot on their plates, but the main course might be interpersonal beef. And for the first time in 13 years, Seattle is getting a new Trader Joe’s… You might want to take the bus instead of dealing with the parking lot. Local drag queen and film curator Chase Burns and KUOW Community Engagement Director Zaki Hamid are here to break down the week. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Lex Vaughn discuss:

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

It turns out the Anti-Musk, Tesla Takedown protests are organized, not grassroots. At long last, the Seattle City Council has officially disavowed the defund the police movement. A California-based Ponzi scheme has allegedly hit dozens of Pierce County residents. // Rescued astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams had some interesting comments on Trump, Elon Musk, and Boeing. // Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) roasted a dweeb reporter. We now have the identity of the woman who tried to steal a man’s MAGA hat on the NYC subway last week.

This week… The Seattle City Council approved more housing in the Stadium District. Capitol Hill Block Party is making some big changes, including making the whole event 21+. And freeway drivers had to say goodbye to Slothy, an 8-foot tall stuffed animal dangling from a tree near Bellingham. Author Jodi-Ann Burey and KEXP DJ Eva Walker are here to break down the week. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was an officer-involved-shooting in West Seattle. The Seattle City Council signed off a new plan to build workforce housing in SODO. An outreach team from a group called ‘We Deliver Care’ will begin operating in Seattle’s Little Saigon neighborhood. There’s a fake jewelry scam going around Arlington. // LongForm: GUEST:Deputies with the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) are sounding the alarm over a lack of staffing. Mike Mansanarez, the president of the King County Police Officers Guild, joined "The Jason Rantz Show" on KTTH on Tuesday -- breaking down the staffing numbers and speaking on law enforcement being used for a political agenda. // Quick Hit: DOGE is working to cut waste in Social Security.  

Steve Bannon pleaded guilty on Tuesday to defrauding donors to a private effort to build a wall on the U.S. southern border, ending a case the conservative strategist decried as a "political persecution." Bannon, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, pleaded guilty in state court in Manhattan to one count of scheme to defraud, a low-level felony. Spared from jail as part of a plea deal, he left court saying he "felt like a million bucks." In this conversation with Jimmy, Bannon insists the prosecution was politically motivated and his relatively light sentence proves how weak the case against him was. Plus segments on Donald Trump initiating negotiations to end the Ukraine War and an interview with former Seattle City Council member and Workers Strike Back founder Kshama Sawant. Also featuring Kurt Metzger and Stef Zamorano!