Seattle Now

A local man has been arrested in connection with a fertility clinic bombing, raising safety concerns. Canlis welcomes a new head chef who emphasizes local ingredients, while staff layoffs hit the Seattle International Film Festival. Washington state is launching a new initiative for police transparency. Additionally, a touching ceremony honors 406 King County residents who passed away without family to claim them. Meanwhile, political controversies are brewing around Assessor John Wilson, as new legal challenges to birthright citizenship emerge.

In this engaging discussion, Erica Barnett, Editor and Publisher of Publicola, shares her insights on the recent resignation of Seattle City Council member Cathy Moore. She explains the turmoil and challenges faced by newcomers in local politics. Erica highlights the evolving dynamics of council meetings, where public comment has shifted from chaotic to more subdued, and discusses the impact of public protests on governance. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of Seattle's political landscape and the challenges of representation.

Discover the tangled web of intrigue surrounding the former Seattle Police Chief's firing and a wrongful termination lawsuit. Learn about how a federal budget proposal may infringe on tribal rights. Delve into the rise of illegal tire dumping and innovative AI solutions for wildlife protection. Plus, explore the merger of art institutions and the fascinating future of the ancient pigment Egyptian blue. It's a whirlwind of current events shaping Seattle!

Shauna Sowersby, a Seattle Times political reporter specializing in state government, joins the discussion on a contentious federal lawsuit by Catholic leaders opposing a new law mandating clergy to report suspected child abuse. They delve into the clash between the confidentiality of confession and child protection laws, revealing differing opinions within the Catholic community. The conversation highlights the ethical dilemmas clergy face, as well as broader implications for First Amendment rights and the legal responsibilities to safeguard vulnerable children.

Seattle's political landscape is shifting with a city council member's resignation and campaign challenges focused on social reforms. Microsoft has announced more layoffs, impacting local employment. Meanwhile, Washington sees a positive drop in traffic fatalities despite persistent concerns over impaired driving. Changes in housing regulations are making headlines, with new rent caps and legal hurdles for tenants. The community buzzes with local events, including a university sports victory and the launch of new airline services.

Jayati Ramakrishnan, a mental health reporter from the Seattle Times, dives into the flaws of Washington's involuntary commitment system. She discusses the surprising agreement among critics about its ineffectiveness and the underutilization of recent reforms. Exploring the role of designated crisis responders, she highlights the challenges they face during assessments. The conversation also addresses civil liberties concerns, the need for improved funding, and the importance of community engagement for future reforms aimed at optimizing mental health support.

Seattle is tightening beach rules this summer with curfews and increased patrols to ensure safety at local parks. Meanwhile, Astoria, Oregon is buzzing with excitement for the 40th anniversary of 'The Goonies', drawing fans from far and wide. Local businesses are gearing up for the influx, but residents have mixed feelings about the tourism's impact on their community. The iconic Goonies house remains a focal point, with its new owner dedicated to preserving its legacy while balancing neighborhood concerns.

This roundup covers a petition to recall the Washington Governor over tax hikes amidst a political scandal involving a county executive. Catholic bishops challenge new child abuse reporting laws, stirring legal debates. A woman’s inspiring return to her community follows her release from immigration detention. Local news highlights include a woman’s deportation case, city council ethics talks, transportation updates due to bridge closures, and a quirky incident with beekeepers rescuing honeybees from an overturned truck.

Nathalie Graham, a lively reporter for The Stranger known for her Playdate column on Seattle's subcultures, joins Joe Veyera. They dive into the recent Mayday USA rally and its contentious counter-protests, sparking a discussion on free speech vs. community values. The pair also touches on summer safety measures with increased police presence at Seattle's beaches. And for some lighthearted fun, they explore Washington's new specialty license plates, featuring quirky themes like pickleball and Smokey Bear!

Former SPD Chief Adrian Diaz sues Seattle, King County assessor faces resignation calls over restraining order, and we remember Northwest bluesman Bill Engelhart. 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.