Best Council of the District of Columbia Podcasts (2024)

1
Data centers put WA clean energy goals in jeopardy 20:52

7m ago20:52

20:52

Across vast stretches of rural Washington, large boxy warehouses have popped up between fields of potatoes. They contain the humming infrastructure that the tech industry and users rely on to store documents in the cloud, access streaming videos, or perform internet searches. It’s easy to see why companies put data centers in this part of the state…

1
Community of Point Roberts divided as tourists are slow to return 15:25

6m ago15:25

15:25

Summer is in full swing with clogged hiking trails, packed ferries, and the smells of backyard barbeques. But while many of you might be visiting tourist towns in the Cascades or near a Puget Sound Island, one Washington tourist town has been struggling: Point Roberts, our favorite local exclave. It’s a peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides…

1
Breaking down Washington's 2024 primary election 23:30

7m ago23:30

23:30

Yesterday, thousands of Washingtonians dug through the pile of mail sitting on their hallway table. They found their primary ballot - maybe even their voter pamphlet - and took time to vote. Congratulations to all who did. Wear that new “I voted” sticker with pride. Because there were a lot of important things to consider in this year’s primary ele…

1
What to know about Covid and the Summer Surge 12:15

14m ago12:15

12:15

Have your friends been canceling on you because they’re sick? Coworkers on prolonged absence because your entire team came down with a bug? Feeling a sniffle yourself lately? This summer, The CDC says more than a dozen states across the US are seeing “very high” spikes in COVID cases. But now that we’re a few years past the pandemic, what’s the res…

1
Better, Faster, Farther and the revolutionary impact of women runners 28:24

14m ago28:24

28:24

It’s track and field week at the Paris Olympics. Yesterday, the women’s 800 wrapped up with Keeley Hodgkinson of Great Britain taking the top spot. As exciting as an Olympics track event always is, it didn’t compare with nearly 100 years ago, when women were first allowed to run this race. Then, it was a media frenzy. And not because of the pure aw…

1
Seattle Synchro's small but mighty part in this year's Olympic games 8:45

10m ago8:45

8:45

The Paris 2024 Olympics are in full swing. Tomorrow (Wednesday the 7th) is the final day of competition for the artistic swim teams - better known to many by the sport’s old name: synchronized swimming. This is the first time in 16 years that the American team has qualified for the Olympics. And, two members of that team come from right here, in Se…

1
Voter Turnout and YOU! Elections Officials share their thoughts on the Primary 13:56

2h ago13:56

13:56

It’s primary election day. Over a million Washingtonians have already turned in their ballots. If you’re not one of those early voters, you’re not alone. About 80% of registered voters have opted to wait until the last few hours, if they’re voting at all. Perhaps it’s procrastination; perhaps you plumb forgot. Maybe you just really prefer casting a…

1
Nearly 99% of WA ballots are accepted, what's going on with the 1% that aren't? 14:54

19m ago14:54

14:54

When I say the one percent, what do you think of? Is it the ultrawealthy? A phrase coined during the Occupy Movement? Is it the second wateriest form of milk on the market? This story is about a different group of one percenters, it’s primary election season, after all, and we’re talking about voters who have their ballots rejected in Washington. O…

1
As wildfires burst through, ranchers fight to protect their herds and homes 15:30

21m ago15:30

15:30

Fueled by dry weather and high temperatures, wildfires across the Northwest have now burned more than 1 million acres. On Friday, Governor Jay Inslee declared a statewide emergency to unlock more firefighting resources. As of now, those dozens of fires across Washington and Oregon have put thousands of people under evacuation notice. But for cattle…

1
Seattle City Council's SOAP and SODA Zones, explained 15:32

23h ago15:32

15:32

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison and Councilmember Cathy Moore say they have a plan to give the city a new tool to help fight drug trafficking and prostitution. Last Thursday they introduced a pair of ordinances that would create a number of “safe zones” in the city -- typically called Stay out of Drug Areas (or SODA) and Stay Out of Areas of Pros…

1
Brianne Nadeau Talks 17th and U Street Redevelopment 43:23

1h ago43:23

43:23

In our latest #HearingTheCouncil interview, Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau talks about the much-discussed redevelopment at the 17th/U intersection. A compromise rezoning--less than what was initially proposed, but more than critics hoped for--recently received its first approval. We talk impacts on affordable housing, the police and fire dep…

1
The Race for District 3: Leslie Lewallen 24:25

27m ago24:25

24:25

We’re headed back to Washington’s 3rd Congressional District – which includes the southwest corner of the state, from Long Beach to Mount Adams, and from Yelm down to Vancouver. It’s expected once again to be the site of one of the closest House races in the country – the Cook political report rates it as one of only 22 “tossup” contests in 2024. D…

1
Amid mergers and layoffs, how is Seattle's theater scene doing? 38:04

5d ago38:04

38:04

There has been an onslaught of news in Seattle’s theater community. Earlier this year, Seattle Rep announced it was laying off the majority of its artistic staff. The non-profit theater’s subscription base is half of what it was before the pandemic. And that isn’t the only change in the theater world: The 5TH Avenue Theatre is shutting down its new…

1
WA race for head of public schools is heating up 12:34

5d ago12:34

12:34

August is right around the corner and that means schools are getting ready for the academic year. While kids are hanging onto a few more weeks of summer, voters are getting ready to determine who will oversee Washington’s public schools. The incumbent, Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, is facing some challengers in the primary on …

1
Phil Mendelson Talks Budget Battles Behind the Scenes 42:50

2h ago42:50

42:50

In a July 1 interview, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson talks about this year's quirky budget process: the mayor's blown budget deadline, the stumbling block created by the Chief Financial Officer but ultimately resolved by the Council, and how even the Attorney General got involved this time around. Plus, the elaborate interplay between these four …

1
Tumbleweeds, a Northwest nuisance, are taking home decor by storm 14:29

37m ago14:29

14:29

The scene opens on a dusty street. Weathered wooden buildings with false fronts line either side of the street, as two gunslingers line up at high noon. A lone tumbleweed drifts across the street… which, actually, is the problem we’re here to discuss today. Tumbleweeds, also known as Russian thistle, are an invasive plant here in the United States.…

1
The Columbia River is FULL of Shad! 14:23

1h ago14:23

14:23

For generations, native Chinook salmon have made their spring migration up the Columbia River… But over the past few decades, as their population has dwindled, salmon have been overtaken by a non-native species of fish hailing from the East Coast - THE SHAD. Shad runs now number in the millions, while just about 700 thousand native Chinook make the…

1
"Harris needs to listen to us" - an uncommitted delegate gets ready for the Democratic Convention 18:08

1h ago18:08

18:08

The U.S. presidential race has undergone a big transformation. But has anything changed for Democrats who voted "uncommitted" in Washington state's presidential primary? As the party prepares to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris in a virtual role call vote, an uncommitted delegate says Harris needs to show more separation from President Biden o…

1
As companies run out of training data, regulators want more guardrails for AI 26:16

3d ago26:16

26:16

Each year we can count on the reliable passing of the seasons: the leaves falling in Autumn, winter blooming into spring, and if you’re following tech, the reliable attempt – yet again – at a federal data privacy bill in the U.S. Congress. Back in April, two Washington legislators – Democrat Senator Maria Cantwell and Republican Representative Cath…

1
New city legislation takes aim at street racing 19:52

16m ago19:52

19:52

In a move aimed at curbing street racing, the Seattle City Council recently approved stricter penalties for people who participate in, or are spectators of, the activity. A blog post by the city specifically noted a street racing event from July of last year as an influence on the legislation. Three people were wounded and one was killed during the…

1
The Race for Governor: Semi Bird 27:56

27m ago27:56

27:56

There are 28 candidates running for Governor in the August 6th Primary. So, if you’re a Washington voter and feeling a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone. On Soundside we’re keeping it simple. This week we’re interviewing the top 4 candidates in terms of polling and fundraising. So far, we’ve spoken with Dave Reichert, Bob Ferguson, and Mark Mull…

1
The Race for Governor: Bob Ferguson 18:23

7m ago18:23

18:23

All this week we're talking to the top polling candidates running for governor in Washington state. Voters, when you finally crack that August 6th primary ballot envelope open, you will see there are 28 people vying for governor of the Evergreen State, that's a lot so we're talking to the four men who lead the pack in fundraising and polling, and n…

1
The Race for Governor: Mark Mullet 28:03

14d ago28:03

28:03

For the first time in 12 years, there is no incumbent running for Governor in the state. And since Gov. Jay Inslee decided he would not seek a fourth term in office, dozens of candidates have thrown their hat in the ring to replace him. This week I’m talking to the four men who lead the pack in fundraising and polling. Next on the list, Democratic …

1
Is Kamala Harris a lock for the Democratic nomination? 12:09

10m ago12:09

12:09

Vice President Kamala Harris is quickly gaining momentum as a potential successor for President Joe Biden in November. But there’s still one major event that will define this year’s Democratic campaign: The Democratic National Convention. The convention will take place from August 19-22 in Chicago. President Biden, who clinched his primary victorie…

1
As Harris steps forward, WA congresswoman says racist and sexist tropes won't hold her back 14:50

9m ago14:50

14:50

The political landscape is shifting rapidly this week. Just days after President Biden announced he would not seek re-election, the Democratic party is getting in line behind the Vice President. According to an Associated Press survey, Vice President Kamala Harris has earned enough delegate support to become the Democratic nominee for President. An…

1
The Race for Governor: Dave Reichert 23:25

19h ago23:25

23:25

For the first time in 12 years, the Governor’s race in Washington is wide open, with no incumbent running. Three-term Governor Jay Inslee is stepping aside, and there are four clear frontrunners to replace him. This week we’ll hear from the men vying to replace Governor Inslee, and first up is Dave Reichert. Reichert formerly served as King County …

1
Polls are everywhere. But which ones can you trust? 13:56

17m ago13:56

13:56

Public opinion polling. It’s never been more consequential for the direction of our democracy – or more scrutinized. For weeks, journalists, pundits and politicians have debated the available data on the outcomes of a head-to-head rematch between President Joe Biden and former-President Donald Trump. Those numbers had appeared increasingly troublin…

1
Can Kamala Harris engage American voters this November? 10:27

12m ago10:27

10:27

On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced he would not be running for re-election, and would instead endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. A lot of the news coverage in the last twenty four hours has focused on how party officials from both sides of the aisle are considering the President’s decision to step down from race. But those aren’t the peopl…

1
As President Biden leaves the race, WA State party chairs weigh in 27:51

1d ago27:51

27:51

Vice President Kamala Harris is headed to visit campaign staff in Wilmington, Delaware this afternoon. This of course, comes as she works to consolidate Democratic support for her abbreviated campaign for the party’s presidential nomination. It once seemed beyond the realm of possibility that President Biden would leave the campaign stage. For week…

1
How are Washington Republicans showing up at the RNC in Milwaukee? 19:27

20m ago19:27

19:27

Last night in Milwaukee, Ohio senator J.D. Vance accepted the Republican nomination for Vice President of the United States and took his place as former President Donald Trump’s running mate. Vance’s first convention speech possibly - maybe - upstaged the cameo earlier in the night from Babydog, a rotund bulldog owned by West Virginia Governor Jim …

1
The Race for District 3: Marie Gluesenkamp Perez 25:38

19d ago25:38

25:38

Washington’s 3rd Congressional District covers the southwest corner of the state, from Long Beach to Mount Adams, and from Yelm down to Vancouver. It’s also the home of one of the most fiercely contested congressional seats in the entire country. In 2022, Republican challenger Joe Kent defeated incumbent Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler in the …

1
Hear it Again: Exploring Seward Park with naturalist Ed Dominguez 5:35

36m ago5:35

5:35

To round out today's show, we're going to meet someone who spends nearly all of his time proudly showing off our little corner of the Pacific Northwest. As the lead naturalist for the Seward Park Audubon Center, Ed Domiguez teaches park visitors about local birds, and animals, along with plants and everything in between. Soundside producer Jason Bu…

1
King County launches 100 day effort to confront gun violence 16:35

5d ago16:35

16:35

King County is in the midst of a coordinated effort to confront gun violence. Late last week, the county announced a 100-day initiative to combat shootings in the area. Gun violence is a national issue, and it’s the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States, surpassing traffic collisions in 2020, and last month U.S. Surgeon…

1
Anonymous letter says police watchdogs ignored complaints against former police chief 10:41

12d ago10:41

10:41

A few months ago, Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz was demoted following numerous HR complaints – and legal filings – during his time at the helm of the SPD. Those complaints include claims of discriminatory behavior by Diaz toward women and people of color. There were also rumors of a relationship with an employee. Diaz has denied those allegation…

1
WA state suspends intake for convicted juveniles 14:05

32m ago14:05

14:05

Where do you put juvenile offenders when correctional facilities won’t take them? That’s the question many county judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials are facing after Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families closed both of the state’s youth correctional facilities to new inmates until further notice. To explain what’s …

1
Should Joe go - or no? Congressman Adam Smith weighs in 19:16

18m ago19:16

19:16

Last night - President Biden sat down with NBC’s Lester Holt, and answered a question on everyone’s mind: will the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump change the election? His answer: "I don't know. And you don't know either." He’s right - we don’t know how last weekend’s attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump…

1
The Race for District 3: Joe Kent 26:44

2d ago26:44

26:44

Washington’s 3rd Congressional District covers the southwest corner of the state, from Long Beach to Mount Adams, and from Yelm down to Vancouver. It’s also the home of one of the most fiercely contested congressional seats in the entire country. In 2022, Republican challenger Joe Kent defeated incumbent Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler in the …

1
How do we lower the political temperature in a divided nation? 52:55

9m ago52:55

52:55

The FBI is still searching for a motive in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Republican and Democratic leaders have urged Americans to turn down the temperature of rhetoric that demonizes and dehumanizes political opposition to try to take the edge off the anger and division that’s …

1
This week in politics: Who could be Washington's next Attorney General, and who's still ridin' for Biden? 39:46

1d ago39:46

39:46

Voters statewide have big choices coming their way: They’re getting their ballots for the August primary starting next week, and there are a lot of candidates to decide between. Over the last week, Soundside host Libby Denkmann has been interviewing the top candidates in the race for our state's next Attorney General. Now, KUOW politics reporter Sc…

1
The race for WA Attorney General: Nick Brown 23:05

20d ago23:05

23:05

Washington voters this year are contemplating a wide-open race to replace the state’s Attorney General. The Attorney General manages the state's largest public law firm, overseeing a staff of attorneys charged with representing public agencies and defending the rights of Washington residents, covering issues including consumer protection, civil rig…

1
Reading recomendations to get you through the summer 31:11

21d ago31:11

31:11

I can’t stop listening to the news, it’s stressing me out to the max, you say? I’m literally listening to the news right now, and may be developing an anxiety-induced twitch, you say? If that’s how you’re feeling right now, you may be in need of a little escape this summer. Perhaps a good book is in order? Well, if that’s the case you’re in luck be…

1
The race for WA Attorney General: Manka Dhingra 21:18

3d ago21:18

21:18

Washington voters this year are contemplating a wide-open race to replace the state’s Attorney General. The Attorney General manages the state's largest public law firm, overseeing a staff of attorneys charged with representing public agencies and defending the rights of Washington residents, covering issues including consumer protection, civil rig…

1
Concerts begin at Remlinger Farms, but community concerns linger 11:56

3d ago11:56

11:56

Remlinger Farms in Carnation, Washington, is a 350-acre working farm. It’s celebrated for its family-friendly attractions, including amusement parks, petting zoos, berry picking, pumpkins, hayrides. There’s an on-site cafe and brewery. And now it’s become the Seattle area's hottest new concert venue. Partnering with Seattle Theater Group, the farm …

1
We ask a dermatologist your burning questions about sunscreen 14:48

21d ago14:48

14:48

Like a lot of Washingtonians right now, we're doing our best to stay cool. Sometimes going outside is unavoidable, and in that case, it means doing everything you can to avoid sun damage. That means applying - and reapplying lots of sunscreen. But lately, some people on social media platforms like Tiktok, have been trying to convince their audience…

1
The race for WA Attorney General: Pete Serrano 23:15

4d ago23:15

23:15

Washington voters this year are contemplating a wide-open race to replace the state’s Attorney General. The Attorney General manages the state's largest public law firm, overseeing a staff of attorneys charged with representing public agencies and defending the rights of Washington residents, covering issues including consumer protection, civil rig…

1
A ban on proposed bans? Initiative attempts to halt WA's effort to move away from natural gas 9:31

20d ago9:31

9:31

Oh, voter. You are going to be asked to watch so many races in the coming months. There is, of course, the presidential race, which is sucking the air out of the room. There's also governor, attorney general, congressional seats, state house representatives, land’s commissioner, and, because you live in the great state of Washington, citizen’s init…

1
As city mulls $1.5 billion transportation levy, SDOT works through "Move Seattle" projects 14:46

22d ago14:46

14:46

Perhaps you’ve noticed a lot of construction on Seattle streets this year: new bike lanes along MLK, fresh pavement and bus shelters on Madison Street, and sidewalk replacements across the city. That’s because the Seattle Department of Transportation has money to spend. In 2015, voters passed a $930 million transportation levy called “Move Seattle.…

1
"From Here/From There" follows the first undocumented attorney to appear before the Supreme Court 38:23

28d ago38:23

38:23

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a policy President Obama enacted by executive order in 2012. It’s had a rocky legal journey, but when it was still accepting new applications, DACA was open to undocumented young people who graduated from high school or served in the military and were brought to the U.S. as children. The program h…

1
Producer picks: An architectural tour of Seattle 51:18

13d ago51:18

51:18

Soundside is revisiting a few of our favorite stories this holiday week, and today, we’re taking an architectural tour of Seattle. First stop, the backstory behind Capitol Hill’s iconic Volunteer Park Reservoir – which isn’t just a pretty pool, but an emergency stopgap. Then, the often-overlooked story of legendary architect Minoru Yamasaki as told…

1
Producer picks: tracing family lineage and searching for hermits 50:44

11d ago50:44

50:44

The Soundside team is on a break this week for the 4th of July holiday, so we’re revisiting some of our favorite segments of the year. First up, when Seattle writer and illustrator Tessa Hulls started drafting the story of her grandmother’s life, she wanted to take on the role of neutral narrator, but that didn't last long. We’ll hear about her gra…

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