Soundside

Hours before the United States launched strikes on Iran, there was another big story at the Pentagon:  The Department of Defense designated Anthropic, the U.S.-based AI company, a supply chain risk. This was shortly after President Trump ordered all federal agencies to stop using Anthropic technology. The announcement came as DoD and the AI company failed to reach a deal on how Anthropic technology could be used in classified networks. The sticking points in contract negotiations? Two use cases: Mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. Anthropic had a $200 million contract with the Pentagon – and its Claude AI model was reportedly used in the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.  Out of the shambles of the Anthropic negotiation.The Pentagon quickly announced a deal with its rival, Open AI. The contract dispute points to the increasing role of AI in the military and what safeguards may exist for its use both domestically and in war.  Guest: Bill Howe, associate professor at the University of Washington’s Information School. He runs UW’s Responsibility in AI Systems and Experiences center Relevant Links: NYT: How Talks Between Anthropic and the Defense Dept. Fell Apart WSJ: What’s Really at Stake in the Fight Between Anthropic and the PentagonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a major reshuffling of leadership happening at one of the videogame industry’s top companies.  After 38 years at Microsoft, Phil Spencer is stepping away from his role as CEO of Microsoft Gaming.  His was an incredibly long tenure, and it’s leaving many to wonder what it means for XBox, Microsoft Gaming, and gamers alike. GUEST: Todd Bishop - Co-Founder of Geekwire LINKS: Xbox chief Phil Spencer retiring after 38 years at Microsoft; Asha Sharma named new gaming CEO Who is Asha Sharma? A closer look at Microsoft’s surprise pick to lead the Xbox business Analysis: The best thing that the new Xbox CEO can do is ... nothing 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.

Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward. Guest: Paul Queary - Editor and Publisher at The Washington Observer 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.

WNBA fans, mark your calendars for March 10th. That's a key deadline that could determine when the teams actually hit the court. If the league and players can’t shake hands on a new collective bargaining agreement, or CBA, by next Tuesday, the 2026 season could be delayed. The Seattle Storm's Nneka Ogwumike is president of the WNBA players' union, and she's led the union as labor negotiations have progressed for over a year. The two sides are months past their original deadline for a deal.   We talk about the key issues driving bargaining with a reporter covering the league.  GuestSabreena Merchant, staff writer, The Athletic Related LinksWNBA’s new CBA offer boosts pay, fast-tracks max deals for stars like Caitlin Clark, AP source says - The Associated PressKelsey Plum sees WNBA's offer as a 'win,' but CBA talks continue - ESPN What a March CBA deal would mean for WNBA free agency, expansion and the draft - The AthleticThank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotesSoundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much of your technology - your phone, your kid’s ipad, your electric car… wouldn’t function without computer chips. They’re basically tiny pieces of silicon semiconductor wafers that drive our tech-focused economy. And their supply chain is highly centralized. Most chips come from just one country, Taiwan. And Taiwan is in a very delicate geopolitical position. China has claimed sovereignty over the island democracy since the founding of the PRC, in 1949.  If China ever decided to exert its claims using military force – that could put chip production in danger. Potentially leading to the largest economic downfall since the Great Depression.  According to documents obtained by the New York Times, it’s an issue tech companies here in the US have known about for years, and have largely tried to ignore. Guest: Tripp Mickle, Silicon Valley reporter for the New York Times Related stories: The Looming Taiwan Chip Disaster That Silicon Valley Has Long Ignored - NYT Nvidia’s Quarterly Profit Hits $43 Billion on Strong A.I. Chip Sales - NYT 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.

Bill Gates has been under scrutiny since the Justice Department released files that put his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein on display.  ….. But these files also show that Epstein’s connections within the company Gates co-founded, Microsoft, were more widespread than previously known.  Epstein built relationships with several of Microsoft’s top executives. He traded gifts and advice with them, and even invited some to his island.  And, through these big players, Epstein also got access to the inner workings of the company.  Guests:  Karen Weise, a technology correspondent for The New York Times who’s based in Seattle  Related links: How Jeffrey Epstein Ingratiated Himself With Top Microsoft Executives - The New York Times Records show deeper ties between Epstein, ex-Microsoft exec Myhrvold | The 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.

There are many people who would describe themselves as resisting fascism.  But, for a small group, “antifa” is more than just a label.  In his new book, journalist Christopher Mathias reports that for self-identified members of antifa, the bulk of their work actually involves infiltrating right-wing extremist groups. Often, this takes the form of intelligence gathering online. In some cases it means disguising themselves for in-person operations: becoming members, showing up, getting peoples’ real names and plans. One man did just that in the Seattle area. Mathias tells his story in a new book.  Guest Christopher Mathias, journalist covering antifa and the far right, author, "To Catch A Fascist: The Fight to Expose the Radical Right"Related Link What’s behind the White House’s anti-antifa order - Soundside, KUOWWhite nationalists claimed WA man doxxed them. How a judge responded - Tacoma News Tribune Antifa used to unmask neo-Nazis, now it’s exposing ICE: ‘Predators don’t get anonymity’ - The GuardianThank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotesSoundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local Iranian community members gathered at a vigil Sunday afternoon at Seattle City Hall to share art, music, dance and healing conversation. The stated purpose of the event was to memorialize those who lost their lives during the Islamic Republic’s deadly crackdown on protesters in January, which had a death toll estimated in the tens of thousands. With the U.S. and Israel striking Iran over the weekend, the event also provided a place to process the beginning of war. The event was organized by the Seattle Isfahan Sister City Advocacy group. ALSO: analysis of the widening conflict in the Middle East with Reşat Kasaba, professor at the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies. RELATED LINKS: Iran Hits Back Across the Mideast, Targeting U.S. Bases and Allies Hegseth insists the Iran conflict is 'not Iraq' and is 'not endless' What to Know About the Widening Fallout From the Bombing of Iran Push from Saudis, Israel helped move Trump to attack Iran  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 Sound Transit system is updating, maybe you've heard. After three new light rail stations opened up south of Seattle in December, the light rail is set to start running across Lake Washington about a month from now. But budget issues may complicate plans for the future lines. We'll get into that and much more. Guest: Dow Constantine, CEO of Sound Transit Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the FINAL Thursday of February, and MARCH starts this weekend.  Two of our Soundside producers are celebrating their birthdays this weekend, (Happy Birthday Maleeha Syed and Gabi Healy!!) Women’s hockey is BACK at Climate Pledge Arena, AND it’s the final days of Black History Month, so let’s go out & do some stuff!! Here’s Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows to get us caught up on all that’s happening! LINKS: Mad Science: A night of Improv and Laughter Seattle Torrent vs Toronto Scepters Kraken vs Canucks Sea Slug Animation Festival 2026 Poulsbo Blues & Jazz Festival Tacoma Beer Week Events Free Rose Pruning Demonstration - Woodland Park Zoo Doughboys - Seattle Theatre Group 4th Annual Black Makers & Creatives Art Exhibit Iranian Vigil & Solidarity Art Exhibition 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.

These days people are using AI chatbots for everything.  These chatbots have a wealth of information at their metaphorical fingertips. But the accuracy of the information that they offer us is, well, questionable. But it makes sense why some people turn to AI for medical advice. They’re usually free, which gives them an upper hand when healthcare in the United States is so expensive.  They’re also easy to access, so people can get their questions answered immediately, instead of waiting for an opening at their doctor’s office.  And they’re trained to be empathic, which is especially appealing to patients who don’t feel valued in medical settings.  In this "Ask a Doctor" segment, we explore the world of health advice and chatbots with two medical professionals.  Guests:  Angad Singh is a family medicine physician. He's also an Associate Chief Clinical Information Officer and Clinical Associate Professor at UW Medicine. Danielle Bitterman is an assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Lead for Data Science and AI at Mass General Brigham. Related links: A.I. Chatbots Are Changing How Patients Get Medical Advice - The New York Times How to Use ChatGPT for Health Advice | Right as Rain Health Advice From A.I. Chatbots Is Frequently Wrong, Study Shows - The New York 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.

Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward. Guest: Jane C Hu - journalist and host of City Cast Seattle Related stories:  City Council weighs in on mayor’s pick for Seattle’s highest-paid job - Seattle Times Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026: What it takes to rent your home on Airbnb - Seattle Times Why ‘No Right Turn on Red’ Signs Are Multiplying. Plus, Seattle’s Best Places To Cry and Criminal Drones - City Cast Seattle Murals by henry bring joy to Seattle, but it took decades to get there - 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.

In 1999, student journalists at Garfield High School heard a rumor. It was about a beloved teacher named Tom Hudson.  He taught biology. He ran a popular outdoors program. And, according to the rumor, he sexually abused students.  The journalists broke the news of these allegations for their school newspaper…. And chaos unfolded.  The reporters faced pressure to step down from the paper. Their schoolmates turned on them. Their teacher was placed on leave.  And, just a few months after everything blew up, Mr. Hudson died by suicide.   “Adults in the Room” is a new series from KUOW that explores the questions that went unanswered 27 years ago: Did Mr. Hudson really abuse these students? Or did these young journalists act irresponsibly, at the expense of a teacher’s life?  Guests:  Isolde Raftery is a managing editor at KUOW. She's also the host of “Adults in the Room" and  one of the student journalists who broke the news on these allegations at Garfield.  Related links:  KUOW - Focus: Adults in the Room KUOW - Two Seattle girls learn a secret at their high school. Their lives change forever KUOW - In 'Adults in the Room,' a KUOW investigative journalist re-reports the story that's haunted her for nearly three decades 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.

Stability appears to have returned in Mexico after days of violence. On Sunday a Mexican military raid killed cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, more commonly known as El Mencho.  In response, members of his Jalisco New Generation Cartel created havoc throughout the nation - lighting cars and buildings on fire, ransacking businesses, and setting up blockades along major roadways throughout the country. According to authorities at least 62 people have died since Sunday - including cartel members, security officers, and civilians.  Flights to and from Seatac to various airports in Mexico were cancelled, as the US government recommended that all US citizens and residents shelter in place. Guest: Vanessa Freije is an Associate Professor of International Studies, and she’s the chair of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Washington. She's currently based in Mexico City. Related stories: Mexico Is Caught Between Trump and the Cartels - NYT What to Know About the Cartels Operating in Mexico - NYT 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.

Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward. Guest:  Seattle Times reporter Jim Brunner Related stories: T.S.A. Says PreCheck Will Remain Operational at Airports - NYT Sen. Cantwell, WA elections officials slam Trump-backed voter ID bill - Seattle Times In Washington State, Democrats Consider Breaking a Taboo: Taxing the Rich - NYT 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.

Every month at the Washington State Penitentiary, a group of incarcerated journalists meets up to pick a theme for their news magazine. The paper is called Top of the Mountain. It details the goings on in the prison as well as recipes for the food you can buy at the commissary, advice from long time residents, and interviews with the formerly incarcerated. Top of The Mountain started after three people committed suicide in the unit. The goal was to be a way to form connection. It has grown into a labor of love.  We spoke with the founder of Top of The Mountain and a reporter there about the paper and what it means to the prison community Guests: Jennifer Jaylee, founder of Top of the Mountain Jeffrey McKee, writer for Top of the Mountain Relevant Links: Prison Journalism Project: My Job at a Washington State Prison Newsmagazine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bruce Lee wasn’t born an icon. First, he was a baby, born in San Francisco and then a kid in Hong Kong who followed his father into acting. And it wasn’t a straight line from child star to groundbreaking Hollywood action star who broke stereotypes about Asian Americans. Lee’s adult life in America started when he moved to Seattle, still a teenager –  where he studied at the University of Washington, washed dishes at a restaurant, and eventually opened his own gung fu schools. He also met his wife, Linda, once a martial arts student. His five years in Seattle were formative for Lee both in terms of learning about America, but also about himself and honing his cross-cultural philosophy. That’s the subject of a new play at Seattle Children’s Theater called Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story, it runs through March 22nd.  Guest: Shannon Lee, founder and chair of the Bruce Lee Foundation and author of Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee Relevant Links: Seattle Children's Theater page Bruce Lee Foundation website Seattle Times: Seattle Children’s Theatre Bruce Lee play fights on after Kennedy Center canceling  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many federal immigration officers are reportedly in the process of packing up and leaving the Twin Cities. Border Czar Tom Homan said Sunday that Operation Metro Surge is drawing down.  The months-long campaign led to intense protest. Two American citizens were shot and killed by immigration enforcement officers during the operation. Local prosecutors have been trying to investigate those shootings but they say they have been rebuffed by the federal government. Earlier this week, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said it was denied access to evidence by the FBI meanwhile, Hennepin County prosecutors in Minneapolis are crowdsourcing evidence from people who videotaped one of the shootings.  Like local officials everywhere, King County is navigating a shifting relationship with the federal government and the possibility that an immigration enforcement surge could happen here. Guests: Leesa Manion, King County Prosecuting Attorney Gary Ernsdorff, Supervising Attorney at the Special Operations Unit Relevant Links: KCPAO: Manion Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting King County from Unlawful Deployment of ICESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursdays... What a concept! Let’s get out of the house this weekend & do some fun stuff! “What fun stuff?” you may ask… and with that answer is Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows! LINKS: Northwest Flower & Garden Festival Seattle Home & Garden Show Wintergrass Festival Black History Month Soirée 2026 - Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Lunar New Year Family Festival | Seattle Art Museum Cupid's Undie Run at The Dock in Fremont Cardi B - Climate Pledge Arena 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.

Fighting wildland fires is dangerous enough. The smoke exposure, changing conditions and mental health risks can be daunting, for even experienced firefighters.    But federal wildland firefighters across the country were also wearing pants containing potentially dangerous PFAS chemicals, according to reporting this month from ProPublica.  Officials at the U.S. Forest Service knew about that risk for years, before it became public knowledge.  In Washington, fire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer and just last year, western Washington experienced its largest fire in a generation. Reporter Abe Streep covered all of this for ProPublica, and he talked with KUOW's Paige Browning. Related Links Firefighters Wore Gear Containing “Forever Chemicals.” The Forest Service Knew and Stayed Silent for Years. “It Feels Impossible to Stay”: The U.S. Needs Wildland Firefighters More Than Ever, but the Federal Government Is Losing Them 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.