Soundside

The Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire is the largest ren faire in the state. It will bring out fairies, pirates, knights in shining armor, and more for five weeks, starting in mid-July, near the Skykomish River outside of Monroe. It has a whole lot of fans including one of our colleagues at KUOW,  Vicky VanHout. She says Ren Faires are all about dressing up in medieval garb, dancing to medieval themed music, archery, and axe throwing. A celebration of cosplay and history together! But, not everyone is happy with the state of the faire. They say something’s amiss, and it’s not the pirates hitting the grog too hard or Mistress Tiddlywinks’ donkey breaking into the cabbage patch…  The Village of Merriwick, AKA the fictional home of the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire, is at the center of a new investigative report in the summer edition of Seattle Met. The story details a series of allegations about management’s treatment of volunteer staff and questions about their financial priorities, as well as bigger questions about changes that some argue are sacrificing the “soul” of the Faire.  We reached out to both Washington Renaissance Arts & Education Society and Wandering in Time Productions for their response to Nathalie’s story. They declined an interview, but they did send us a statement: "Wandering in Time Productions is a Pacific Northwest institution, employing nearly 120 full-time, part-time, and contract staff. Its partnership with the Washington Renaissance Arts & Education Society has WITP providing essential services to help produce a high-quality, immersive event each year. In 2024, WITP assumed responsibility for guild and entertainer payments and transitioned to a more equitable contractor model, reinforcing its commitment to fairness and sustainability. WITP, in partnership with the WRAES, puts its heart and soul into bringing an extraordinary production to life each summer. Putting on a high-quality event that welcomes approximately 10,000 visitors daily takes time, effort and significant financial resources. Like many businesses across Washington, the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire has felt the impact of rising production costs. As a result, we have had to make difficult decisions, including increases to ticket prices and a more selective vendor invitation process to ensure the Faire’s continued success. We have also adopted policies, such as quiet hours, meant to ensure that the greatest number of our guests and participants are as comfortable as possible. WITP is also aware that, in past years, a small number of vendors, staff and entertainers have acted in ways that do not reflect the values of our community. When concerns were brought to our attention, WITP responded quickly and decisively based on available information. WITP remains committed to creating a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for all. WITP and WRAES look forward to welcoming all our guests this summer, especially those who have attended for generations, to create magical and memorable experiences together. Our focus remains on creating a safe, inclusive and memorable experience for the many guests, vendors, entertainers and staff who make the Faire possible each year." GUEST: Nathalie Graham - staff writer at The Stranger and freelancer with Seattle Met RELATED LINK: Fear and Loathing at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire 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.

The Trump Administration’s efforts to deport more unauthorized immigrants have led to protests in major cities across the United States. Evidence of stepped-up immigration enforcement can also be seen at the U.S.-Canada border. But it’s not always drawing protests or media attention. A family of six at the Blaine border crossing was detained earlier this year. The family, originally from southwestern Africa, was held by Customs and Border Protection in a windowless cell, with a toilet, for more than three weeks – with no news stories and few people aware of their situation.  The ACLU is now involved in the case. Guest: Troy Brynelson, reporter for Oregon Public Broadcasting Related Links: ‘Like a jail cell’: Family of six detained at Washington state border facility for more than three weeks 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.

For a long time, if you wanted to know what the future looked like for Washington’s climate policies, you just had to look at California.   The Golden State put a carbon auction in place in 2012. 10 years later, state lawmakers here set up our own cap and trade system. California passed legally binding emissions goals in 2006. Washington did that about a decade later. And let’s talk car sales: California passed a law that will ban the sale of most gasoline powered vehicles by 2035. Washington passed a similar law a few years ago. But now, California’s law has come under the crosshairs of the federal government and that may hamper both states’ ability to meet ambitious goals to decarbonize. Guest: Conrad Swanson, climate reporter for the Seattle Times Related Links:  Seattle Times: Did Congress just revoke WA’s gas car ban?  Stateline: Major legal brawl may decide what types of cars Americans can buy Cal Matters: US Senate blocks California’s electric car mandate in historic vote    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.

When the University of Washington began searching for a new president back in 2015, they did what you might expect: They started a nationwide hunt, looking for the best fit to lead an institution known at the time, more for its research than for its classes. It turns out the answer was right at home. Ana Mari Cauce had been at the University of Washington since 1986, in various teaching and leadership roles, starting as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology. Cauce entered the office as the first openly gay, first Latina, and first woman to lead the largest University in the state. And during her time in the office, the UW has changed a lot. There was a global pandemic and move to online learning. Campus-wide Pro-Palestine protests brought national attention to the school as students clashed with university administrators. Key for sports fans, The Huskies left the PAC-12 conference, joining the Big 10. Add to that – in the last few months, defunding moves, international student visa cancellations and further threats from the federal government. Now, Cauce’s ten years at the helm of the University of Washington is coming to the end. What has she learned from her tenure? And what advice does she have for her successor as he prepares to take over? Guest: Ana Mari Cauce, President of the University of Washington Related Stories: Trump Has Targeted These Universities. Why? - New York Times UW president warns of budget crisis, potential layoffs - KUOW ED, HHS, and GSA Initiate Review of Anti-Semitic Activity at the University of Washington - HHS.gov What comes next for the pro-Palestine protesters at UW? - KUOW Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle is gearing up to host some big events this summer – from music festivals to early World Cup matches. The Sounders will host their first FIFA Club World Cup match on Sunday June 15 at Lumen Field. June is also Pride Month, with all kinds of LQBTQ+-focused celebrations planned throughout the city. It’s a time when law enforcement agencies are tasked with keeping people safe, and respecting free expression.  And that balance has gotten extra difficult in recent weeks here in Seattle, after duelling protests by queer demonstrators and their allies and fundamentalist Christian groups. So we wanted to invite the Seattle Police Department, and the city of Seattle on to talk about how they’re approaching public safety this summer.  And a note: this conversation was recorded on Friday, prior to this weekend’s protests in Los Angeles, and the mobilization of the National Guard. Guests: Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes Seattle Chief Public Safety Officer Natalie Walton-Anderson  Related stories: Cal Anderson protest: No charges (yet), Parks says nope to August, FBI threat, and ‘mostly silent’ vigil planned outside Seattle church - Capitol Hill Seattle Blog 8 more arrests at dueling protests, this time at Seattle City Hall - Seattle Times 14 indicted on charges of drug trafficking in Chinatown International District - 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.

ICE enforcement raids led to violent clashes between protestors and law enforcement in Los Angeles this weekend.  President Trump mobilized the National Guard in response. This was against the wishes of the state’s Governor, Gavin Newsom -- it’s the first time a President has done so since the 1960s.  Both Newsom and L.A. mayor Karen Bass have vocally criticized the move, with Newsom calling it an “unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.” Over 50 people were arrested this weekend. More protests are planned today.  It’s something we’re watching closely here in Seattle, a Democrat-led city in a heavily Blue state with its own history of showdowns with the Trump Administration.  Relevant Links: CalMatters: With troops and protests, Trump’s feud with California moves to the streets of LA CalMatters: Gavin Newsom asks Trump to withdraw troops from Los Angeles as protests intensify Guest: Nigel Duara, LA-based reporter for CalMatters   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.

President Trump deployed 2,000 California National Guard troops in Los Angeles this weekend. Protests had broken out in response to aggressive local immigration enforcement activity.  California’s attorney general now says the state will sue the president over this.  But here in Washington, is the state prepared for widespread protests or presidential mobilization of the national guard? We spoke with Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, a Democrat, on Monday morning about those questions.  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.

If you’re not up for driving all the way to Astoria Oregon for the Goonies, and would rather stick closer to home this weekend, never fear - we’ve got you covered! Here with almost every event, festival, and concert happening this weekend is Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows! LINKS: Steel Magic Northwest - "Here Comes the Sun" Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show - Tacoma Indigenous People Festival - Seattle Center Kent Nerd Party 2025 Duvall Days Festival SCOTTISH GATHERING - Blaine Maritime Gig Festival - Gig Harbor 2025 Anacortes Waterfront Festival Seattle Pride in the Park 2025 Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival Fiber Fusion Northwest - Monroe The Stranger's Burger Week 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.

Let’s talk foosball. You know, the table top game with the little soccer guys. Maybe you’re a hot shot at your local bar. You have a few tricks up your sleeve. And maybe they’ve even won you a couple beers over the years.  But we warn you: You are in an entirely different league from Spokane resident Lotus Leong-Chesbrough. She has won real money playing foosball. She’s been coy about saying how much, but it's at least in the six figures.  She’s also claimed two foosball world titles and, in 2018, was inducted into the Table Soccer Hall of Fame. Later this month she's headed to Spain for the World Cup. And she expects to win.  Guest:  Lotus Leong-Chesbrough Related Stories:  ‘The battle of the fittest on the table’: Two Spokane women to compete in foosball World Cup next month 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.     Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Vance was a Republican for 37 years. During that time he served as the chair for the Washington State Republican Party, a Metropolitan King County Councilmember and a state representative. But then Donald Trump descended down that golden escalator.  Vance left the GOP in 2017 as President Trump was reshaping the Party in his image. Since then Vance has considered himself in exile… flirting with independent candidates and openly supporting Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.  So it might come as a surprise that he is returning to the party and calling himself a Republican once again. This time, though, he’s part of a new group called Our Republican Legacy. They say they want to establish a big tent inside the Party to advance a more traditionally Republican agenda.  Guest: Chris Vance, a senior adviser for the group Our Republican Legacy Related Links: A rallying cry for a post-MAGA future from a Republican in exile Our Republican Legacy 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.