Politics

Seattle Now

Seattle Now: Talking across the political divide

The political divide in America is getting wider, and bridging it is becoming more fraught. That goes for national politics but also for debates closer to home, like policy around homelessness and the criminal justice system here in Seattle.

Week In Review

Week in Review: Politics, viruses, and corporate giants

Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with freelance journalist Jane C. Hu, political analyst and contributing columnist Joni Balter, and former publisher of Washington State Wire DJ Wilson.

Soundside

'We cannot wait for a global solution' - King County Executive talks homelessness, the environment, and more

If you live or do business in King County, you're probably curious about local policy decisions and how your government is running things. We asked for your questions for King County Executive Dow Constantine.... and you delivered.

KUOW Newsroom

Activists, environment, and midterms: President Biden in Seattle

President Joe Biden is visiting Seattle for Earth Day.

Washington lawmakers of color announce departures, one calls the work environment ‘toxic’

In recent years, Washington’s Legislature has grown more diverse. And majority Democrats have emphasized diversity and equity as core values. But now three members of color, out of nearly 30, are stepping down from the Legislature after serving just one full term. One of them describes the legislative work environment as toxic.

Soundside

President Biden's coming to town — but are Seattleites excited?

President Biden will be celebrating Earth Day with Governor Inslee and other local Democratic officials. He won a record 75% of the vote in King County during the 2020 election. But today he faces the lowest national approval ratings of his presidency. Soundside guest Sandeep Kaushik says that's due to overpromising during his campaign. Can he make up for those promises now?

KUOW Newsroom

Washington wants drivers to plug into clean cars by 2030

Democratic-led states on the West Coast are setting ambitious timelines to phase out sales of gasoline-powered cars and light trucks. The Washington Legislature just approved a goal that all new cars sold in the state beginning with model year 2030 be electric. Oregon and California have 2035 as their target. Some of these dates are aspirational, but one has teeth.

Soundside

'This moment is kind of a glow up for nuclear weapons' and Washington is playing a major role

With more than 1100 warheads deployed on submarines based out of Naval Base Kitsap; Washington State has the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world, exceeded only by Russia and the rest of the United States. How worried should we be?

KUOW Newsroom

Why are these 23 WA state lawmakers choosing not to seek re-election?

Twenty-three Washington state lawmakers have decided not to run for re-election this year. What’s the deal?