Seattle Now

The so called "Millionaire's Tax" is now law and opponents are ready to challenge it, the weekend's light rail opening saw big crowds, and the World Cup might bring less money to Seattle than originally predicted. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travis Thonstad, a UW civil and environmental engineering professor who helped design and test the light rail trackbridge, explains the years-long effort. He discusses floating-bridge movements and why joining rigid rail to a moving deck was tricky. Hear about early prototypes, full-scale testing, clever flexible-track solutions, ballast adjustments during construction, and long-term sensor monitoring and a digital twin.

Today, we’re bringing you the best from the KUOW Newsroom… First, one of Seattle’s oldest businesses is also one of its biggest polluters. Next, policy shifts are creating a state of limbo for people who are following a legal process in the Pacific Northwest, including those who are nearly U.S. citizens. Next, many of the orcas captured and sent to marine theme parks in the 1960s and 70s came from the Pacific Northwest… An incident 50 years ago this month changed that.  And finally, the sun is finally setting late enough that you may WANT to be leaving your house more these days… And maybe appreciate some local art. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.  Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A legal fight over a prediction market and how state officials are responding. Rising diesel and fertilizer costs squeezing Pacific Northwest farmers and the supply-chain risks behind them. Tests of temporary safety barriers at Pike Place as big crowds return. A trio of mystery orcas reappears near downtown Seattle, drawing local attention.

Jacob Uitti, freelance journalist and co-author of The Sound of Seattle, offers cultural commentary. Eva Walker, KEXP early-show DJ and musician, brings a local music perspective. They riff on the realness of the Supersonics comeback. They relive a passenger who saved a Metro bus. They debate Lime scooters chirping and sidewalk enforcement.

A fast roundup of major Seattle headlines: a Supreme Court case that could change how mail ballots are counted, the city appealing a multimillion-dollar CHOP verdict, and another Walgreens closing in the Central District. Coverage also touches on UW protest cases, long-term care funding for legal noncitizens, and updates on local transit and arts leadership.

Vaughn Jones, Seattle sports reporter covering the Sonics' comeback, breaks down the NBA opening expansion bids and a 2028 timeline. He outlines potential ownership contenders and arena dynamics. He captures fan reactions, recalls why the team left in 2008, and explains how an expansion roster would form.

NBA expansion bidding opens for Las Vegas and Seattle, with timelines and memorabilia plans stirring local interest. Soccer teams ditch Ticketmaster to regain control of ticket sales. County moves curb immigration staging and pauses new detention centers. High-profile legal moves include charges against a county assessor and judges vetting a new U.S. attorney. Volunteers boost Washington’s bee species count.

Andrew Villeneuve, founder of the Northwest Progressive Institute and local commentator, reflects on Redmond’s rail past and future. He talks about tapping light rail for stadium and airport trips. He discusses what draws riders to Redmond like Marymoor Park and new mixed‑use development. He also covers reliability concerns and how the Cross Lake Connection will be tested on opening day.

Gov. Ferguson signs AI bills to protect minors, some WA public lands will close this year due to funding, and Cesar Chavez' name will be removed from a Seattle park. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.