Seattle Now

Ijeoma Oluo, a prominent author and activist focused on racial justice, discusses her latest book, Be a Revolution. She shares insights on balancing activism with personal life and advocates for recognizing privilege in allyship. Oluo connects environmental justice with racial issues, emphasizing the importance of collective creativity as resistance. She also explores the significance of small acts of care as forms of activism and urges listeners to embrace uncertainty while actively pursuing liberation.

Anne Dornfeld, a reporter for KUOW News, uncovers alarming methane hazards at Rainier Beach High School, revealing safety oversights in its recent construction. Lauren Gallup discusses groundbreaking opportunity-based juvenile probation in Pierce County, highlighting community engagement that reduces recidivism. Meanwhile, sports writer Danny O'Neill dives into the dramatic transfer saga of UW quarterback DeMond Williams Jr., exploring the implications for the team's future and the pressures influencing his decision to stay.

This week, local health officials report a rise in flu hospitalizations and clarify its severity compared to last year. An alarming measles outbreak is confirmed in Snohomish County, prompting health guidance. There's a significant proposed budget boost for Hanford Nuclear Site cleanup, while construction resumes for Amazon's Bellevue office. Sadly, the Varsity Theater in the University District shuts its doors for good, highlighting rising operational costs. Plus, excitement builds as Seahawks fans prepare for the playoffs!

Vivian McCall, News Editor at The Stranger, and Jas Keimig, an arts and culture writer, are here to unpack the latest happenings in Seattle. They discuss the closure of the Varsity Theater and its impact on local cinema, celebrate Scarecrow Video's successful fundraiser, and delve into the major construction on I-5 that will reshape commutes for two years. The conversation also covers Sound Transit’s switch to vinyl seats and what transit improvements locals really desire. Get ready for an insightful dive into the city’s current affairs!

Mayor Wilson has paused the removal of a homeless encampment in Ballard to explore shelter options. UW is now mandating civil rights training after an investigation into antisemitism. Meanwhile, lawmakers are pushing for privacy of their addresses amidst public records debates. A controversial coal plant in Centralia faces resistance against a federal order for its restart. Plus, Seattle is seeing changes with a new bus lane for Route 8 and the Sounders and Reign slated to play in Spokane during the World Cup.

In this discussion, Henry Huang, the directing attorney at the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, dives into essential rights when encountering ICE. He explores the rise in ICE operations and their troubling shift towards deportations. Key topics include legal requirements for arrests, the implications of racial profiling, and what individuals can do during traffic stops. Huang emphasizes the importance of knowing your rights, advising people to stay silent and not flee in encounters. He also encourages bystanders to film and share evidence while stressing the need for accountability in the face of federal authority.

Four school districts in Washington are under federal investigation over their policies for trans athletes, while Governor Ferguson proposes cutting climate spending to address budget issues. The Seattle Ethics Commission fines Mayor Katie Wilson for not reporting an in-kind contribution. A report reveals safety measures were overlooked in the rebuilding of Rainier Beach High School. Meanwhile, teens are reported to spend over an hour daily on smartphones at school, mostly for social media. All this drama unfolds as the Seahawks gear up for a playoff game!

Join Seattle Times business reporter Lauren Rosenblatt, who specializes in airport developments, as she dives into the crucial upgrades happening at Sea-Tac Airport. Lauren highlights the challenges of overcrowding, from long TSA lines to cramped facilities, and shares details about the ambitious Sustainable Airport Master Plan. Discover plans for a second terminal, the incredible Sea Concourse renovation, and how these developments intersect with the upcoming World Cup. Plus, explore community concerns about noise and pollution amid this expansion!

Governor Ferguson highlights economic plans, including a proposed millionaire's tax. Lawmakers are discussing regulations for emotionally interactive AI companions to protect the youth. In a shake-up, Redfin's CEO steps down after a major acquisition. Seattle is set to honor Bruce Lee with a new stamp, while the Varsity Theater faces closure after 80 years. Additionally, the restoration of Marvin Oliver's totem poles is on the horizon, reflecting Seattle's rich cultural heritage.

Join Paul Queary, editor and publisher of The Washington Observer, as he dives into the complexities of the new legislative session in Olympia. He discusses the pressing $2 billion budget shortfall and the push for a millionaire's income tax to tackle income inequality in Washington. Queary also touches on the historical Culleton ruling impacting tax legislation and examines innovative proposals like the corporation payroll tax and housing conversion plans. It's an insightful look at how lawmakers aim to reshape the state's financial landscape.