Ask KUOW: What's a think tank, advisory vote, and an inquest?

Listeners sometimes have questions after a broadcast. KUOW's Ross Reynolds is here to answer them.

What are 'Think Tanks'? What are some of the largest, most influential? Who funds them and how do they impact local, regional and nation legislation? Submitted by Sharon

Sharon, here’s a definition of "Think Tank:"

Think tank, institute, corporation, or group organized for interdisciplinary research with the objective of providing advice on a diverse range of policy issues and products through the use of specialized knowledge and the activation of networks.

Here’s an article about most influential think tanks. When you have a general question like this, try using your favorite search engine. As with everything online be sure to check out the sources of information that pop up. This is a quick and easy way to get your own answer to questions.

Hey there, I love listening to KUOW every day! I'm looking at my mail in ballot, but I'm confused by a lot of what I see on it. What is an 'Advisory Vote'? What's an 'inquest'? I have absolutely no idea what Advisory Vote No. 34 is talking about and can't figure it out by searching online. Could you help walk through how to vote in King County for those of us who weren't PolySci majors in college? Thanks in advance! Submitted by Marie

Marie, yes, it’s not apparent. The advisory votes, as the name implies, have no force. They are remnant of a Tim Eyman initiative that was largely ruled unconstitutional. Think of them as a public opinion poll on measure that are already law.

Inquests are legal investigations into police use of force. You should have already received state voters guide which explains the measures and statewide candidates. There’s also a King County Voters Guide. It takes time to be an informed citizen!

Hello, I'm listening to a story by Vanessa Romo, about a deported Honduran teen. If this girl speaks English natively, doesn't speak Spanish well, the reporter is a native English speaker, and it's for a mostly English-speaking audience, why conduct the interview in Spanish? Submitted by Jason

Jason, KUOW is not privy to all editorial decisions made at the NPR. I’d suggest you use NPR’s contact form. Let me know what you find out.

What indigenous peoples lived in the area that is now Seattle? What were the culture and activities of the people? Submitted by Barbara

Barbara, a web search for "Native American tribes in Seattle" turned up this article. Search engines are very good for general questions like yours. Just be sure to consider the sources that pop up. The search engine algorithms turn up the most popular search items, not necessarily the best.