Bedste Bellwethers Network-podcasts (2024)

1
Mayor Harrell looks to payroll expense tax to fix $250 million budget gap 16:57

7h ago16:57

16:57

This budget cycle, the city is bracing for what could be a contentious debate over how to fund essential services and set priorities for the coming year. With an estimated $251 million dollar budget shortfall looming, how it will address that gap has become a pressing concern. Early last week, Mayor Bruce Harrell unveiled his office’s plan to tackl…

1
'Seattle Eats with Tan Vinh' is bringing you the tastiest tidbits of the PNW 18:52

9h ago18:52

18:52

It's time to set aside that uninspired sandwich, or soggy work-from-home salad. You’ll probably also want to cancel any lunch plans you have you have this week, because a new podcast from KUOW and The Seattle Times may convince you to try something new. Seattle Eats with Tan Vinh is helping listeners find the best bites in Seattle — and beyond. Sou…

1
IAM 751 President Jon Holden gives a strike update 13:02

10h ago13:02

13:02

The Boeing machinists’ strike is in its third week. On Friday, the company and the union were back at the negotiating table. This came after Boeing made another offer earlier in the week, its “Improved Best and Final” one. It was quickly rejected. There were criticisms that it didn’t go far enough. Also, that the company had disrespected the negoti…

1
From SeaTac to the public library, high-profile hacks are plaguing the region. Why? 15:10

4d ago15:10

15:10

It’s been a tough few months for many local IT departments. Last week, hackers posted a handful of files stolen from SeaTac airport on the dark web. A ransomware gang is attempting to sell a trove of stolen Port of Seattle data for 6 million dollars in Bitcoin – after the Port refused to pay up. The cyber-attack a little over a month ago snarled tr…

1
The legacy of capital punishment in Washington 15:31

5d ago15:31

15:31

Washington state has officially closed the chamber where executions took place, marking the end of capital punishment here in the state. The journey to decommission this chamber involved a lot of moving parts across all branches of government. First, Governor Jay Inslee put a moratorium on executions in 2014, then the state Supreme Court declared t…

1
ChatGPT: a useful study buddy, or cheating machine? Educators at the UW are trying to figure that out 12:09

5d ago12:09

12:09

Classes at the University of Washington are back in full-swing. And as students try to find their classes, and figure out what to avoid at the dining hall – the university’s administration and faculty are trying to figure out their own conundrum: How to address artificial intelligence– chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini. For some students and teacher…

1
Hear it again: Ethical mushroom foraging 9:47

5d ago9:47

9:47

As we step into fall, and back into the rain... we thought we'd revisit a segment from last year about MUSHROOMS... Mushroom foraging is a very popular pastime here in the Pacific Northwest. Our rainy climate helps a wide variety of the fungi thrive, as well as the community that collects them. After all, who doesn’t love a good mushroom? Producer …

1
New study finds pandemic lockdowns prematurely aged teenage brains 14:57

6d ago14:57

14:57

Everyone is a current, former, or future teenager. You probably know this period of life is an especially difficult time for kids. Throw in a deadly pandemic and the subsequent disruption of school and social life? It got a lot more complicated. And new research suggests COVID-19 lockdowns may have had lasting consequences for adolescent minds. In …

1
Amid harmful lies about Haitian immigrants, members of the diaspora vow to tell their own story 15:04

6d ago15:04

15:04

They’re repeated over and over in debates, speeches and media appearances during this presidential campaign: harmful lies about Haitian immigrants. Springfield, Ohio has been at the center of the fabrications. Former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance have falsely asserted that Haitian immigrants are eating people’s pets. Despite …

1
Seattle Public Schools pauses closure meetings 6:26

6d ago6:26

6:26

Seattle Public Schools leadership is taking a minute to think. Earlier this month, the district released plans to potentially close almost two dozen elementary schools to shore up a budget gap. Unsurprisingly: many parents were not thrilled with the idea. Hundreds packed a school board meeting demanding the district reconsider. Now, Superintendent …

1
Microsoft details increased Russian interference in the presidential election 13:38

7d ago13:38

13:38

There are just a handful of weeks until the election, reports about outside interference from countries like Iran, China, and Russia are still popping up. Recently, Microsoft shared new findings about Russian efforts to interfere with the US presidential election, with a focus on the Harris-Walz campaign. This follows the tech giant’s announcement …

1
How the director of 'All We Carry' went behind the headlines of the refugee crisis 21:28

7d ago21:28

21:28

As candidates prepare to make their final pitch to voters ahead of the 2024 election, former president Donald Trump is once again using lies and hateful rhetoric about immigrants to fuel his pitch to voters. Trump has doubled down on falsehoods about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, and claimed at a rally on Saturday that migrants are “atta…

1
Raised with Christ - Week 2 - "Christ is Superior - Shared Savior" 41:06

9d ago41:06

41:06

Week 2, Colossians 1:15-23, Nathan Chapman - Lead PastorAf Bellwether Church

1
Initiative 2066: Why proponents say you should vote 'Yes' 23:30

11d ago23:30

23:30

This election season we’re taking a dive into the big races and big initiatives on your ballot this November. This week we’re taking a look at Initiative 2066 – the "Natural Gas Policies Measure." For a quick refresher, this initiative aims to keep natural gas as a consumer option as building codes, state policies, and utility companies begin a piv…

1
Seattle City Council approves 'loitering' penalties for prostitution and drug zones 24:51

12d ago24:51

24:51

New criminal penalties for drug and prostitution-related crimes within some of Seattle's busiest areas are on the way. In an 8 to 1 decision, the Seattle City Council voted in favor of two ordinances on Tuesday, one creates “Stay Out Of Drug Area” zones – or “SODA” zones – in six areas of the city. A Seattle municipal court judge can now order peop…

1
Initiative 2066: Why opponents say you should vote 'No' 20:56

12d ago20:56

20:56

This election season we’re bringing you conversations on all of the statewide initiatives on this November’s ballot -- and this year, many of those initiatives have something to do with Washington’s ambitious goals to completely transition off of fossil fuels. Last week we heard about Initiative 2117, which would repeal a key part of Washington’s C…

1
What can we learn from one man's experience with SODA? 29:17

13d ago29:17

29:17

The Seattle City Council is preparing to take a final vote today on a pair of new laws that city attorney Ann Davison and some city council members say could help the city fight drug trafficking and prostitution. The SODA ordinance – stands for “Stay Out of Drug Areas.” It would create a new gross misdemeanor, punishable up to 364 days in jail, and…

1
Human created noise hinders resident orcas' ability to hunt 13:13

13d ago13:13

13:13

As humans have built skyscrapers, factories and highways around the Puget Sound, our environment has become much noisier, and not just terrestrially. Underwater, humans (and our large cargo ships) have a large sonic impact, too. New research suggests that cacophony is hurting the survival of some of the original inhabitants of the Salish Sea: South…

1
How one complaint is changing accessibility at Washington state parks 9:11

13d ago9:11

9:11

Washington state parks need to be more accessible to people with disabilities. That’s the conclusion from a U.S. Department of Justice investigation – which prompted a deal announced earlier this month to bring state parks into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Guests: Laurel Demkovich, Washington State Standard reporter Syren Na…

1
The number of striking workers skyrocketed in 2023, what does that mean for Boeing machinists? 24:28

14d ago24:28

24:28

33,000 Boeing factory workers walked off the job Friday, demanding higher wages and for the company to restore pensions. Most are based here in the Pacific Northwest. The overall labor landscape in the U.S. has changed significantly since the last machinists strike 2008 – nationally, union membership remains at historically low levels, but work sto…

1
Hear It Again: Author Elise Hu on her new book and K-Beauty critique, 'Flawless' 22:08

14d ago22:08

22:08

K-beauty is not a niche market. Built around dewy skin with no visible pores, big eyes, a thin body, it’s the “ideal” for pop stars, celebrities, and regular people across the world. The industry, built on Korean skincare and makeup products, is the result of “hallyu” — exporting of South Korean pop culture that the government has helped sponsor si…

1
Celebrating "El Grito" through the Music of Mexico 4:30

14d ago4:30

4:30

Today is Mexican Independence Day, and we’ve got a bit of a musical treat to take us out. Yesterday, Orquesta Northwest put on a concert at Town Hall Seattle, celebrating “El Grito” -- the day that father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called for Mexicans to rise and fight for freedom. The concert was part of the Mexam NW Festival, which features dozens…

1
Raised with Christ - Week 1 - "Prayers for The Church - A Shared Redemption" 43:37

16d ago43:37

43:37

Week 1, Colossians 1:1-14, Nathan Chapman - Lead PastorAf Bellwether Church

1
Why it's so hard to find an in-network therapist 21:43

18d ago21:43

21:43

If you’ve ever tried to find a therapist who takes your insurance and failed -- you're not alone. Many in-network providers are bailing on insurance companies, and it’s affecting access to care. A new investigation from ProPublica surveyed over 500 therapists nationwide – compiling their answers in a new investigation called “Why I left the network…

1
Breaking down the Seattle Public Schools closure options 8:37

18d ago8:37

8:37

For months, parents, students, and faculty at Seattle schools have been nervously awaiting news about potential elementary closures throughout the district. Back in May, Seattle Public Schools announced it would need to close roughly 20 schools, citing a $105 million budget shortfall… Now, the wait to know FOR SURE about the fate of Seattle schools…

1
The man behind three WA initiatives says the state legislature has gone too far, will voters agree? 51:57

19d ago51:57

51:57

You won’t see Brian Heywood’s name on your ballot this November but you will see his impact. Heywood is a Redmond based hedge fund manager who spent millions of dollars of his own money to fund citizen’s initiatives against the state’s cap and invest system, capital gains tax, and long term care insurance program. His PAC, Let’s Go Washington, also…

1
Boeing machinists face decision to ratify or strike after latest union contract 8:11

20d ago8:11

8:11

To ratify, or to strike: those are the options in front of 33,000 Boeing workers this week. On Monday, machinists at Boeing sites across the West Coast woke up to news that union leadership had reached a tentative contract agreement with the company. The last contract was ratified 16 years ago -- in 2008. However, not everyone is excited about the …

1
Shopping for Nordstrom: Nordstrom family enters bid to buy back the company 8:37

20d ago8:37

8:37

Last March, it was reported that the Nordstrom family was interested in once again taking their storied retail company private. There hadn’t been much word until last week, when we finally heard a price proposal – $23 a share. Another bid by the Nordstrom family was rejected six years ago. So - why try again now? And what is the future of this icon…

1
Proponents of I-2117 make the case for dismantling WA's cap and invest system 33:31

20d ago33:31

33:31

This November, Washington voters will be asked to weigh in on complicated policies like a capital gains tax and a long-term care fund. Maybe the most complex one is the future of the Climate Commitment Act, an initiative on the November ballot seeks to repeal the key part of this 2021 law: the “cap-and-invest” system. It’s essentially an auction fo…

1
I-2117 puts WA's cap and invest system on the ballot, defenders of the system make their case 26:01

21d ago26:01

26:01

This November, Washington voters will be asked to weigh in on complicated policies like a capital gains tax and a long-term care fund. Maybe the most complex one is the future of the Climate Commitment Act, an initiative on the November ballot seeks to repeal the key part of this 2021 law: the “cap-and-invest” system. It’s essentially an auction fo…

1
New study examines increasing suicide rates in Asian American youth 19:08

21d ago19:08

19:08

This week (September 8th to 14th) is National Suicide Prevention Week. Deaths by suicide in young people have risen by more than 60% in recent decades. And in 2022, it was the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-14. Behind that tragic statistic is a lot of nuance, though. For example: Alaska Natives, American Indians, and White youth a…

1
Vision Sunday - "Love One Another" 41:33

23d ago41:33

41:33

Stand Alone Message - John 15:12-17, Nathan Chapman - Lead PastorAf Bellwether Church

1
Asahel Curtis' photography continues to suprise archivists nearly a century later 10:37

25d ago10:37

10:37

At the turn of the 20th century, Asahel Curtis was a prolific photographer who traveled throughout Washington. His work captured the state as it underwent big changes, owing to rapid industrialization. For decades, a massive collection of Asahel’s glass plate negatives has been held at the Washington State Historical Society in Tacoma. The plates, …

1
"The importance of giving folks their flowers" - Black & Loud Fest highlights Black performers across the PNW 20:10

25d ago20:10

20:10

If someone asked you to name three Rock musicians that are Black, could you? Some people might be able to, but in general there aren’t a lot of them. This is despite the fact that the genre traces its roots back to Black blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues artists in the United States. The rock music industry and academic scholarship of the genre i…

1
Burien faces new challange to homelessness policy, this time on religious grounds 15:45

26d ago15:45

15:45

There’s a new wrinkle in the debate over homelessness policy in the city of Burien. Last September, Burien passed a controversial ordinance banning camping in much of the city, Meanwhile, a local church decided to step in and offer its property as a temporary encampment for the homeless. Burien requested that the church, the Oasis Home Church, get …

1
PFAs in Spokane's well water? Maybe recall a County Commissioner 14:28

26d ago14:28

14:28

Spokane County Commissioner Al French is facing a recall effort over his handling of disclosures of contaminated groundwater in the West Plains. The “Clean Water Accountability Coalition” is sounding the alarm about PFAS—sometimes called 'forever chemicals’—in well water. And let's not forget to mention that French is also running for re-election t…

1
How small acts of “dignity” can help vulnerable populations 20:04

26d ago20:04

20:04

One of the best coffee spots in Bellingham isn’t a cafe, at least according to some of the folks in the city’s unhoused population. Instead, it’s a casual coffee cart that pops-up twice a week, at a free lunch program, known as the Maple Alley Inn. While the coffee is decent, the main attraction is the person running the cart. 85 year-old Ursula De…

1
As light rail expands, suburbs plan for density 10:24

27d ago10:24

10:24

Riders packed trains on Friday to see four new stations on the One Line, which now stops in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, and Lynnwood. At the 148th Street Station, Shoreline celebrated the occasions with a marching band, speeches, and bubble machines. The suburb has been planning for this moment for years, that’s apparent when you step off the tra…

1
A look at the Seahawks before their home opener on Sunday 15:08

27d ago15:08

15:08

Being a sports fan in Washington State is akin to riding the Extreme Scream at the fair: big highs, and REAL SUDDEN LOWS. Yes, I’m looking at you, Seattle Mariners… With the Seahawks kicking off their regular season at home this weekend against the Denver Broncos, hope springs eternal! And it felt like a good time to check in on what’s been cooking…

1
King County Council is unanimous: keep the youth jail open 24:57

27d ago24:57

24:57

Members of the King County Council have moved to officially say the county’s youth jail should remain open. The council voted last week eight-to-zero in favor of a non-binding resolution to declare its support for keeping the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center in operation – with some improvements. The move comes just over four ye…

1
"Has God Really Won?" - Guest Speaker - Josh Brooks 33:10

30d ago33:10

33:10

Stand Alone Message, Matthew 11:2-11, Guest Speaker - Josh BrooksAf Bellwether Church

1
Why Washington is a bellwether for the presidential election 20:49

1M ago20:49

20:49

The Democratic party is riding the Good Vibes Express after its Chicago convention. And a look at polling averages gives them reason to celebrate: Since becoming the nominee, Vice President Harris has shaken up a relatively static presidential race: She’s now running slightly ahead of former President Trump nationwide. In swing states, she has pull…

1
WSU researchers are on a quest to digitize over 30,000 bees, butterflies and other pollinators 9:42

1M ago9:42

9:42

Washington State University's MT James Entomological Collection is the largest insect museum in the state, it holds around three million specimens. In 2022, state legislators allocated $50,000 for the collection to digitize pollinators, like bees, moths, flies, butterflies and other insects that carry pollen. Adding the 30,000 pollinators in WSU’s …

1
Christian Nationalism and its effect on Yakima city politics 20:09

1M ago20:09

20:09

Last year, the Yakima City Council made a landmark decision by passing a proclamation to designate the month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride month. Less than a year later, the council voted to reverse that decision. The move was celebrated by far right religious leaders like Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk and Sean Feucht, who took to X to applaud the dec…

1
Budget woes, cellphones, and safety: educators share their thoughts going into the new school year 29:43

1M ago29:43

29:43

For many Washington students, and parents, the school year is just about to start - if it hasn’t already. And they're not the only ones gearing up for the new year. Teachers and school staff are about to step into a new year with all sorts of new questions about how their respective school systems will be run. So, we wanted to check in with a panel…

1
It's time to do a vibe check on the state of remote work 25:53

1M ago25:53

25:53

Earlier this month, City of Seattle workers were told most of them will have to return to the office at least 3 days a week starting this fall. Meanwhile… a certain large tech and online retail company (named after a river in South America) has reportedly started a mulling the minimum number of hours employees must stay on site to count towards its…

1
Mia Zapata and The Gits are often defined by a tragic murder, drummer Steve Moriarty's book tells a different story about the band 17:48

1M ago17:48

17:48

In the early 90s, Seattle was at the center of a sonic revolution. Grunge, a homegrown sludgy rock sound, became a global commodity. At the same time, another sound was making its mark on Seattle. The Gits were a band on the precipice of national stardom, standing out with their punk sensibility and charismatic female vocalist, with music labels ci…

1
How Thurston County is aiming to bring homelessness to "functional zero" 23:41

1M ago23:41

23:41

Addressing homelessness is looking a little different in Thurston County these days. The county, which includes Olympia, just became the fifth community in the nation to collect data on every single adult experiencing homelessness. The county’s partner organization says that data includes the names and circumstances of each person counted. And the …

1
No, Seattle's most notorious brothel madam was not a Gilded Age Girl Boss 25:12

1M ago25:12

25:12

We know a few things about the woman known as Lou Graham, for sure: She was a brothel madam in Seattle at the turn of the century. And she’s immortalized in one of the city’s popular ghost tours. Maybe you’ve even felt her spiritual presence while passing through tunnels underneath Pioneer Square. Beyond that, facts are sparse. But plenty of legend…