varostreamJoin Jane C. Hu and the City Cast Seattle team every weekday morning as we explore the most interesting stories about our city. It’s an informative daily podcast for all Seattleites, whether you're a local or new to town. We’ll keep you company while you’re walking the dog around Green Lake, riding the bus through SLU, or stuck in traffic on the West Seattle Bridge. City Cast is like eavesdropping on an illuminating conversation at your neighborhood coffee shop. But there’s no Seattle Freeze here; everyone’s welcome to join in. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at seattle.citycast.fm.
Episodes
Rapid Ride or Route 7, Why Ballard Light Rail Feels Doomed, and Remembering Tom Skerritt
King County Metro wants to replace Route 7 with a Rapid Ride called the R Line. This change has created a lot of controversy because it would eliminate up to 36 bus stops. Contributor Ryan Packer from The Urbanist and Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero from the South Seattle Emerald join Liam to discuss. Then, where does the optimism for Ballard Light Rail come from? That’s what Executive Producer Ashley Smith wants to know. New-ish Ballardian, Contributor Chase Hutchinson also weighs in. Finally, all the details about Laika’s new film Wildwood, and Tom Skerritt’s best performances. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 29th episode: Seattle Restaurant Week Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
39:21Could a Labor Organizer Replace a 20-Year Incumbent State Senator?
The most progressive district in Washington could get an extra nudge to the left if Hannah Sabio-Howell replaces a 20-year incumbent in the State Senate. In today’s interview, we discuss what makes District 43 unique, the story behind Sabio-Howell’s “on your left” campaign slogan, and how her team hopes to “move the center of gravity of the Democratic Party” in Washington and beyond. Then, we’re joined by City Cast Seattle contributors Guy Oron and Brett Hamil for a Midweek Medley and our brand-new Only in Seattle segment. Together, we unpack the Vehicle Resident Assistance Program and Seafor, followed by our favorite Seattle inventions and hopes for the future. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 28th episode: Seattle Restaurant Week Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
31:18Who Is Brian Heywood? Plus, a Philosopher’s Approach to AI Limits
Today on the podcast, interim host Liam Billingham is joined by guests Anna Griffin, Pacific Northwest bureau chief for The New York Times, and Joe Mizrahi, D4 School Board Member-At-Large, to dig into the three initiatives on the Washington ballot this election season and the Redmond-based millionaire bankrolling them. The three discuss Anna’s profile of millionaire Brian Heywood to better understand his strategy with these initiatives, why he’s spent $11 million on 20 conservative policy proposals since 2022, and what it means for our state if these initiatives pass. Then, Liam is joined by philosopher and ethicist Rob Trumbull to discuss his piece for GeekWire on the philosopher’s approach to setting AI limits. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 27th episode: Seattle Restaurant Week Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
37:04Candidates Kelabe Tewolde and Jaelynn Scott on Representing Seattle’s Most Diverse District
Today on the podcast, interim host Liam Billingham is joined by Kelabe Tewolde and Jaelynn Scott, candidates for House Position 1 and 2 in Seattle’s 37th District, to discuss the uniqueness of the 37th, why they want to represent it, and what are the biggest issues facing the area. They discuss how education can be a way to reduce crime, bringing down the cost of childcare and housing, how to protect their residents from ICE, and why they decided not to run against each other for the same seat. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 26th episode: Town Hall Seattle Grand Central Bakery Seattle Restaurant Week Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
34:37Why Housing Stability Is the Foundation of a Fair Economy
City Cast Partner Studios presents Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, a five-part series on what a fair economy looks like in King County, told through the people building it. Celeste Levy, Communications Coordinator at the Statewide Poverty Action Network, and Danielle Palmer Friedman, Communications Lead at the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, join Jane C. Hu on this episode of Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy to talk about why housing stability and a basic income floor are the foundation everything else is built on. They dig into what the Poverty Action Network is hearing directly from people across the state right now, how the Coalition’s Health Through Housing program is actually getting people stably housed, and where their two different corners of this work — economic security and homelessness policy — actually overlap. To get involved, head to homelessinfo.org.
27:49Seattle Surveillance Explained, Funding Survivor Support Systems, and Rob Saka's Public Restroom 180
Today on the podcast, interim host Liam Billingham is joined by the Urbanist’s Amy Sundberg and activist Maria Abando to help Seattle understand the difference between CCTV, ALPR, SDOT, and private cameras like Ring. They also get into why Seattle residents should be concerned about the scope of surveillance in the city. Then Liam is joined by regular contributors Erica C. Barnett of PubliCola and Lex Vaughn of the Needling to talk about District 8’s Seattle Stands With Survivors, Every Step campaign, how it hopes to get funded, and what we need to see change here in the city, especially as UW is being sued by a student who was sexually assaulted. Finally, the pair talk about Wednesday’s budget meetings, Erica’s hilarious skeets related to it, and somehow end up talking about pizza. Maybe it’s because Seattle’s A.K. Pizza just got some national recognition. But, also, who doesn’t love pizza? This episode mentions sexual assault, so please take care when listening. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 16th episode: Seattle Restaurant Week Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
37:28Washington’s Aging Ferry Fleet, How the Millionaires Tax Fight Is Spilling Into Legislative Races, and Ranking PNW Horror Movies
Between an aging fleet and the recent sickout drawing attention to pay disparities, the Washington State Ferry system runs on a razor's edge. Fill-in host Liam Billingham asks contributors Hannah Krieg and Chase Hutchinson what’s happened since 119 ferry workers requested sick leave on the same day, and if the state is taking our ferry system seriously enough. Then, Hannah breaks down her reporting on the big business money flooding into a tight 48th District legislative race, and Chase shares his recommendations for this weekend’s Seattle Trans Underground Film Festival. Plus, just in time for Halloween, Liam and Chase are joined by guest Brian Keiper to rank the scariest movies set in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 15th episode: Seattle Restaurant Week Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
34:34VRAP Controversy, Unsettling Grocery Store Experiences, and Jimothy at Costco
Next week, City Council will vote on a proposed $5 million assistance program for vehicle residents. Why is this legislation drawing criticism from groups like the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness? We sat down with Dee Williams, a former vehicle resident, to understand the pushback. Then, contributor Brett Hamil joins Liam and Ashley to discuss a right-wing influencer’s attempts to “expose” EBT customers at a local seafood store, Fred Meyer’s inventory robot, and updates on some of our favorite critters. Will you let your dog play with the newly-released Jimothy chew toy from Costco, or will you keep him for yourself? Learn more about the sponsors of this October 14th episode: Seattle Restaurant Week Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
38:31Real Power, Real Dignity: Closing Out a Fair Economy
Ana Gaeta, Communications Manager at the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, and Deric Gruen, Lab Leader at People's Economy Lab, join City Cast Seattle Host Jane C. Hu on this final episode of Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy to talk about what real dignity and real power look like for workers in King County. They dig into what happens when the Workforce Development Council hands people cash with no strings attached, how a group of renters in Brighton bought their own apartment building instead of getting pushed out, and the agency — the ability to choose your work, have a say in it, and share in what it produces — that ties both of their work together. To get involved, head to peopleseconomylab.org or seakingwdc.org. City Cast Partner Studios presents Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, a five-part series on what a fair economy looks like in King County, told through the people building it.
25:18Kenji López-Alt Goes Casual in Seattle and American Girl Goes Grunge
Today on the podcast, we revisit a conversation Jane had earlier this year with celebrity chef, author, and Seattleite Kenji López-Alt. They talk about Seattle’s food scene, Kenji’s version of a girl dinner, what to feed picky kids, and lots more. Then Jane, creative producer Sam, and executive producer Ashley review two so-called “historic” American Girl dolls who hail from Seattle… in 1999. If you enjoy the last segment, there are lots more like it: sign up to get weekly bonus segments for City Cast Seattle neighbors (and ad-free listening). Learn more about the sponsors of this October 13th episode: Seattle Restaurant Week Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
31:52Seattle’s Weird Flyers, Blood Testing Sample Concerns, and Jane Says Goodbye
Today, Jane C. Hu hosts her last episode of City Cast Seattle (unless we can drag her back). She speaks with Madison Jones of Seattle Gay News about the concerning news that the Seattle LGBTQ+ Center has been ordered to send HIV/STI blood samples to a facility in Texas as part of a cost-saving measure, according to the Washington Department of Health. Madison explains why giving data to a state like Texas is concerning for transgender and queer people in general. Next, Jane is joined by Liam and Sam to talk about Seattle’s weird, analog flyers. This leads into a final segment where Sam and Liam interview Jane on what she’s discovered about Seattle doing this podcast, what she plans to do next, and what she hopes for the future of the show. If you’re a neighbor, you then get to hear about Sam, Jane, and Liam’s perfect days in the city. Join now to listen. Thanks Jane. 🙂 Learn more about the sponsors of this October 9th episode: Grand Central Bakery SIFF Film Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
31:13Are Small Businesses and Affordable Housing at Odds? Plus, a New Vaccine That Prevents Overdose, and Zoe Kahn’s Sandwich Fest
A team of UW researchers is developing vaccines that could prevent opioid overdoses by blocking the drug from reaching the brain. Host Jane C. Hu sits down with researcher Marco Pravetoni to discuss a future where anyone at risk of being exposed to opioids could simply take a yearly shot. Then, Jane is joined by Kika Westoff, co-owner of new local deli Friends of Carmela, and local sandwich queen Zoe Kahn to dig into what it actually takes to keep a small business alive in Seattle right now. They break down the cost of labor, ingredients, and rent and discuss the tensions between building new affordable housing and meeting the needs of neighborhood small businesses. To apply as a vendor at Zoe’s sandwich festival, click here. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 8th episode: Grand Central Bakery SIFF Film Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
36:13What Does a Seattle Monopoly Edition Look Like? Plus, Walking 48 Miles to End Immigrant Detention
Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by Stan Shikuma, co-chair of Tsuru for Solidarity’s leadership council, organizer, and a descendant of Poston and Tule Lake Concentration Camps, to discuss their upcoming Free Families Pilgrimage, a 48-mile walk across Puget Sound calling for an end to family and child detention. Then, Jane is joined (for the last time 😞) by contributors Brett Hamil and Chase Hutchinson to discuss the recent AI protests across Washington state, the upcoming Oscar-qualifying festival at The Tasveer Film Center (and what exactly Oscar-qualifying means), and what the Paramount Warner Brothers Discovery means for Seattle. Speaking of capitalism, Seattle is getting its very own edition of Seattle. What spots should be on the board? Also, do we even want this? Brett, Chase, and Jan discuss. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 7th episode: Grand Central Bakery Town Hall Seattle SIFF Film Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
33:28The Ave’s Car-Free Pilot, Ferry Engineers Call In Sick for Better Pay, and Paid Parking Expands
After the Pike Place Market pilot, a new car-free experiment will be taking place on University Ave. Host Jane C. Hu talks to urbanist organizer L. Harrison Jerome about what they hope to accomplish by shutting down the street to cars. Then, Jane is joined by contributors Hannah Krieg and Ryan Packer to discuss the Washington State Ferry engineers' ask for better pay by coordinating a mass call out sick. Hannah and Ryan also discuss UW employees and students pushing back on proposed changes to the Student Code of Conduct, asking for protections for trans workers and limits on AI use. Finally, they get into the opening of the new Pinehurst light rail station along with some political intrigue, and the potential expansion of paid parking in Upper Queen Anne and West Seattle’s Alaska Junction. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 6th episode: Grand Central Bakery Town Hall Seattle SIFF Film Water Lantern Festival Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
43:12Your E-Scooter Hot Takes, Best PSLs in Seattle, and Liam's First Seattle-versary
Where can you find the best pumpkin spice lattes in Seattle? Heather Phan Nguyen went all-in on a PSL rankings project, so we brought her on the podcast to talk with host Jane C. Hu and Executive Producer Ashley Smith about what inspired this undertaking, what really makes a good PSL, and favorite local spots. Then, Creative Producers Liam Billingham and Sam J. Leeds hop on the mic to celebrate Liam's first Seattle-versary and test him on his local knowledge. Finally, we dig into the mailbag and share listener feedback on e-scooters, Seattle karaoke, and more. We also mention our last mailbag episode, and this episode with Brett Hamil about public safety. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 5th episode: Grand Central Bakery Town Hall Seattle SIFF Film Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
40:22Surveillance in Seattle, Budget Drama, Plus Policies For Pop-ups
Today on the podcast, Jane gets an insider perspective on how difficult it is to navigate the city’s regulatory system for local businesses from Vince Vu, founder of Anh Oi, a Vietnamese bakeshop. Then Erica C Barnett, founder of PubliCola and host of the Seattle Nice podcast, and Sam J Leeds, creative producer, join Jane to unpack a series of reports on Seattle’s surveillance systems and get the lowdown on how the budget has been going over with City Council. (Hint: poorly!) Plus, if you are a City Cast Seattle neighbor, Jane, Sam, and Executive Producer Ashley Smith have some opinions on controversial new pizzas coming to the Emerald City. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
37:31Could More Art Activations Make the City Safer? Plus, Seattle Real Estate Trends and Karaoke Recs
Is it really a buyer’s market in Seattle? Host Jane C. Hu talks with real estate broker Posey Gruener and Daryl Fairweather, Redfin’s chief economist, about the state of the city’s real estate market, neighborhood trends, and what’s behind the changes in home prices. Then, artist and activist Julie Chang Schulman and journalist and critic Chase Hutchinson join Jane to get into the open letter that Julie and others sent to Mayor Katie Wilson and the city council, which proposed 2027 budget investments in public art and cultural activations, and the public safety ramifications of this. Finally, Jane, Chase, and Creative Producer Sam J. Leeds talk about their weekend recommendations, from a new film at Northwest Film Forum and other movie events, to the Styled by the Streets: Black Women in Hip-Hop Fashion exhibit at MoPOP. Plus, where to go for karaoke in Seattle. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
38:20Your Guide to October 2026 in Seattle
Fall is here, with Halloween right around the corner, and we’ve got Seattle-specific costume ideas for you (Jimothy is just the beginning)! In this episode, you’ll hear the best places to go leaf peeping, how to celebrate National Book Month, and our favorite autumn traditions. And if you love Liam’s horror movie recs, don’t miss his guide to Seattle’s best movie theaters! Finally, here's how to host a Trick-or-Streets celebration on your block. For even more tips on how to make the most of October in Seattle, check out our newsletter. City Cast Seattle's guide to October is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Seattle Restaurant Week, and other sponsors like Communities of Opportunity. City Cast Seattle is also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Seattle. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle
36:23Is Seattle’s Coffee Scene Missing Anything? Plus, a New Indie Rock Podcast and the Valley of the Gnomes
2004 was the year indie rock exploded on the music scene — at least, that’s according to a new podcast that launched last week. Host Jane C. Hu and Creative Producer Liam Billingham talk with Melissa Locker, executive producer of “2004: The Year Indie Rock Broke” and founder of Nevermind Media, about what was happening musically in the early aughts, and what that looked like in the Pacific Northwest. Then, to celebrate National Coffee Day, contributor Hannah Krieg joins Jane and Liam to chat about Seattle's coffee history, what the city is doing well, and what's missing in the coffee scene. And finally, Seattle Times employees picketing, Sound Transit’s new Pinehurst station opening tomorrow, and a little bit of whimsy in the form of the Valley of the Gnomes and “Are you my doppelganger?” flyers. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
37:10Our Global Fashion Influence, What Bees Teach Us About Social Isolation, and the Original Gayborhood
The Washington Department of Corrections has used solitary confinement for decades, often in violation of UN rules. Could a neuroscience researcher studying bumblebees change that? Host Jane C. Hu talks with journalist Carolyn Bick about UW neuroscience researcher Micaela Romero's findings and what they reveal about solitary confinement’s psychological impact. Then, Seattle journalist Jonathan Zwickel and CHUM News co-founder Meron Menghistab dig into Pioneer Square's varied and queer history and its recent resurgence as a fashion destination. To round things out, Jane talks with New Affection designer Siobhan Teahan and writer Andrew Matson about Seattle's globally influential style. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
39:50Mayor Wilson’s Budget Explained, Seattle’s Neon Sign Past and Present, and Boeing’s Grunge Influence
Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by two first-timers to City Cast Seattle, Amy Sundberg, reporter at The Urbanist, and Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, business reporter at The Seattle Times. First, Amy, Megan, and Jane break down what’s in Katie Wilson’s budget for 2027, including questions about the lack of revenue options and the increase in the police budget. Then, Megan talks about the history and craft of Seattle’s neon signs, why they could go away, and why Seattle is a neon sign town. After Megan and Amy head back to their newsrooms, Jane is joined by UW Professor and Imperialist Realism author Daniel Bessner, who is writing about the connections between grunge music and Boeing in his series Empire of Grunge. Daniel and Jane connect the history of Boeing to what’s happening in Seattle right now. That’s all for this week! Unless you’re a City Cast Neighbor, in which case you can hear Liam, Jane, and Ashley talk about adult hobbies and why Seattle is a good place to learn to do new things! Like… Gaelic football? New Ashley fact just dropped. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 25th episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
35:44U District's Movie Theater Revival, Elvis at the Space Needle, and a Popsicle Party
Host Jane C. Hu talks with Shane Wahlund and Michael Anderson, co-hosts of Collide-O-Scope, about how Seattle’s image on film has shifted over time and what they’ve learned from years of sorting through vintage video, found footage, and decades of film. The duo discuss their show “Once Upon a Time in Seattle,” from decades of car chases to Elvis sightings, and a surprisingly gritty Pike Place Market. Then, contributor Chase Hutchinson and creative producer Sam J. Leeds join to celebrate some genuinely good news: the Grand Illusion Cinema is coming back to the U District! Plus, Jane, Sam, and Chase share recommendations for weekend plans. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 24th episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
33:53Twihards Help Quileute Tribe, Archie McPhee Owner Changes Course, and AI Enters Civics
Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by contributor Brett Hamil and creative producer Liam Billingham, both non-robots. Jane runs down the Archie McPhee saga, and then Liam, Brett, and Jane discuss owner Mark Pahlow’s apology, as well as discuss what responsibility consumers have in knowing what their money is supporting. Then the trio discuss former Councilmember Sarah Nelson’s new initiative, CivicTide, which uses AI to track city council legislation and “solve for the hassle of civic engagement.” They discuss the challenges of civic engagement, ways to improve how our city reports information, and why the ‘neutral’ style of AI isn’t really neutral. Finally, Jane is joined by journalist Lyric Aquino to discuss how Twilight fans are helping to support the Quileute tribe, who inspired details for the hit films and now must move their village out of a tsunami zone. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 23rd episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
37:49Seattle Expands Civil Rights, a Dynamic Pricing Ban Has Safeway Making Threats, and Amtrak Trains Get a Glow-Up
City Council and Mayor Wilson have been busy: a landmark ordinance protecting polyamorous people and diverse family structures just passed unanimously, a new city budget drops today, and grocery stores are threatening to cancel loyalty programs over a potential dynamic pricing ban. Host Jane C. Hu sits down with guest Andy Engelson, founder of Cascadia Journal, and contributor Ryan Packer to break it all down. Plus, fall is here, and new Amtrak trains are coming, so Jane and our two self-described train nerds discuss the launch of the new Airo trains and other exciting fall activities. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Learn more about the sponsors of this September 22nd episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
32:05Why Starting a Publishing House is Punk. Plus, E-Scooter Safety and Listener Mailbag
Today on the podcast, it’s all about books! Jane is joined by Diana Le, writer and publisher at Girl Noise Press, and Katie Lee Ellison, author and founder of Nonfiction for No Reason, to talk about starting your own local publishing house, the realities of the book industry right now, and what they are reading or looking forward to this fall. Katie’s profile of Diana and Girl Noise Press will be available in CHUM in October. Then, City Cast Seattle’s Head Honcho/Executive Producer Ashley Smith and old man/Creative Producer Liam Billingham join to do a Monday mailbag. Topics discussed: The magnificence of Saars Super Saver Foods, the dangers of e-scooters, and feedback on a recent episode with District 5 City Council Candidates Nilu Jenks and Julie Kang. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 21st episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
37:26Is Seattle Overly Reliant on Big Tech Money? Plus, a Novel You’ll Finish in a Day
With all the headlines in the last few weeks, it’s hard to parse what is happening with AI – the bot swarms, the threats to humanity (?!) and the new report saying the city is overly dependent on tech money. Host Jane C. Hu talks with Todd Bishop, GeekWire's editor and co-founder, and Alex Halverson, tech reporter at The Seattle Times, to parse through the noise and understand what’s really going on. Then, Stesha Brandon, literature and humanities program manager at The Seattle Public Library, and producer Sam J Leeds join to talk about this year's Seattle Reads pick — a program that invites all of Seattle to read the same book and then gather to discuss it. This year it’s a fiction novel that’s a coming-of-age story about Deaf culture, bodily autonomy, and education. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 18th episode: Grand Central Bakery Washington State Fair Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
34:58What’s Your Absurd Seattle Documentary Idea? Plus, Local Sightings at NWFF
Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by Camille Hermida-Fuentes, co-director of the Local Sightings Film Festival at Northwest Film Forum, which starts this weekend and features local films made by local filmmakers. Camille and regular contributor Chase Hutchinson (who else, really?) discuss what they are most excited to see, and how Northwest Film Forum is trying to make movie-making accessible to all Seattleites. Then Jane and Chase are joined by resident film guy and producer Liam Billingham to discuss the fact that we’re living in a golden age of absurd documentaries, and how that connects to the city we all call home. The trio then discuss ideas for their own Absurdist Seattle documentaries. What’s yours? Finally, they talk about some local art exhibitions and shows they all want to see, including a film at Tasveer, an exhibition about a famous Black theater in Seattle, and an inconvenience store. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 16th episode: Washington State Fair Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
34:07What It Takes to Raise a Kid in King County Right Now
City Cast Partner Studios presents Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, a five-part series on what a fair economy looks like in King County, told through the people building it. In this episode of Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, Jane speaks with Tristen Hall, co-lead of the King County Early Learning Coalition, and Carlina Brown-Banks, executive director of Voice2Power Lab and a member of the Be3 Coalition, about why early learning and K-12 education aren't nearly as separate as Washington's funding system treats them. They get into why coalition work can do what no single organization can on its own, the legislative win last year that protected educational rights for students experiencing homelessness after hundreds of people emailed the Senate, and why childcare in Washington eats up something like a third of a family's paycheck. They also talk about what changes when you actually trust that parents already know what their kids need. To get involved, sign up for Be3 Coalition updates through Building Changes or connect with the King County Early Learning Coalition at brightspark.org/kcelc.
24:15Recess Shrinking, Macklemore Dropped, and WA's Trees Are Under Attack. Plus, Mayor Wilson's Gun Violence Plan
A beautiful but deadly beetle has arrived in Washington for the first time, and host Jane C. Hu talks with Daria Gosztyla, an urban and community forestry planner with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, about what the emerald ash borer could mean for Seattle's trees, salmon habitat, and urban ecosystems. But first, Brett Hamil returns to the contributor’s side of the mic along with Eula Scott Bynoe to dig into Seattle Public Schools' new staff contract and recess length, Mayor Wilson's gun violence reduction plan, Macklemore getting dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour for saying "Free Palestine," and the “Seattle Avengers” crashing city council to take on surveillance cameras. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 15th episode: Grand Central Bakery Washington State Fair Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
40:55Can We Eat Lettuce Again? Plus, Where To Get a Pumpkin Spice Latte
Jane’s back from vacation! And she needs to know what’s going on, so contributors Lex Vaughn and Hannah Krieg join to update her on all she missed: Civil rights protections for polyamorous people, grocery pricing protections, Seattle Public School and AI, and more! Next, they cover some national news that has local relevance (Are you registered to vote?) like the end of the current Cyclospora outbreak, bad news from the EPA, and the new foldable iPhone. Finally, Jane asks Lex and Hannah what the people in their life are discussing! They cover cars driving where they shouldn’t, where to get (spicy) pumpkin spice lattes, and a cool new Latin culture festival that happened over the weekend. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 15th episode: Grand Central Bakery Washington State Fair Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
31:17What Does Public Safety Really Mean? Plus, Community Garden Origin Stories and Goodbye to Spot Saver
For Brett Hamil’s last day as fill-in host, contributor Guy Oron and producer Sam J Leeds join to dig into the real numbers behind Seattle's public safety conversation and why traffic fatalities might deserve as much alarm as gun violence. Then, Sam unearths the surprisingly sweet origin story of Seattle's P-Patch community gardens, from a Boeing-bust-era neighbor's idea to 91 gardens donating 41,000 pounds of food a year. Plus, a new city ordinance aims to protect homeowners from predatory real estate solicitations, and SEA's Spot Saver program is on its way out. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 14th episode: Clipper Vacations Washington State Fair Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
32:36SPS Budget Realities and Students Using AI. Plus, Do Bite of Seattle Texts Vindicate Mayor Wilson?
With school (almost not) back in session, Brett is joined by Seattle Times Reporter Claire Bryan to discuss the school year that almost wasn’t, whether or not SPS is really broke, and with other cities severely limiting AI or outright restricting AI, what is Seattle Public Schools’ plan? Joining Claire and Brett is PubliCola’s Erica C. Barnett, who also breaks down her story about the botched communications that occurred in the hours after the Bite of Seattle shooting, and how recently released Teams messages and texts shed light on delays by SPD. Finally, Brett is joined by producers Ashley and Liam to discuss his pet theory: sassy squirrel season is upon us. You can’t possibly miss that, but it’s only available to neighbors, so join now. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 11th episode: Clipper Vacations Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
34:20Dr. Doom Crashes City Council, Cybercabs Start Test Driving, and the UW Parking Garage Skaters Love
Brett Hamil is back as guest host to explain why a supervillain showed up to give public comment at a Seattle City Council meeting and other recent political theater in the city. He’s joined by contributors Hannah Krieg and Ryan Packer to break down Dr. Doom’s surveillance camera stunt, why the Route 8 bus is now outpacing all but the fastest pedestrians (sprinters), and which Washington cities are out-progressing Seattle on transit. Plus, when did Tesla start test-driving autonomous cabs on Seattle streets? Then, Skate Park Advisory Committee member Tobias Coughlin-Bogue joins to discuss the new Rainier Beach skate park and trace the underground lore of Seattle's skateboarding scene from Red Square to Westlake. Take Mayor Wilson’s police chief survey here. If you enjoyed this interview with Colleen Clayton the Director of Homeowner Services of Habitat for Humanity, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 10th episode: Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
42:36Bumbershoot Success, Belltown Shootings, and Public Safety in Seattle. Plus, Late Night Eats
Today on the podcast, Brett Hamil (and his soothing NPR voice) joins as guest host to discuss all the news from over the long weekend. First off, they discuss the good news that Bumbershoot went off without a hitch, but Belltown faced 3 shootings in just 24 hours. What does that say about public safety in Seattle? Then, the trio move on to a midweek medley about the Seattle Times’ complicated AI position, Beehive Espresso workers getting overdue pay, and the longest strike in Washington history at Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square. Finally, they celebrate the good news that Beth’s Cafe is once again open 24 hours and what they would order if any of them had the energy to go out at 2 am. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 9th episode: Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
35:47Could the Fremont Troll Get Built Today? Plus, the Argument for More Light at Green Lake
Today on the podcast, we’re revisiting a conversation from earlier this year about one of Seattle’s most iconic works of art: the Fremont Troll. Steve Badanes, who designed and built the troll, gives Jane and Sam the whole story on how it came to be. He also talks about the state of public art in Seattle, and its past and future. But first, we revisit a conversation that seems to come up in Seattle fairly regularly: Does Green Lake need more light? Jan, Sam, and Liam debate. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 8th episode: Clipper Vacations Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
35:42Bumbershoot's Stacked Lineup, Massage Ordinances Explained, and the Punk Band That Literally Lit the Stage on Fire
Today on the podcast, Bumbershoot is back! Executive Producer Ashley Smith – who is filling in for Jane – and producer Sam J. Leeds are joined by music journalist Martin Douglas to dig into the festival's history, its wildest moments (a literal flaming pond, Method Man's weed compliments), and the must-see acts. Ashley and Sam also speak with Marybeth Berney about Federal Way’s new massage ordinance and its role in a statewide push to crack down on massage parlors. Marybeth, former president of the Washington State Massage Therapy Association, breaks down what the changes mean for licensed massage therapists and the workers caught in the middle. Plus, for our neighbors, we’ll be talking about ferry boat etiquette in our bonus segment – including what ferry behavior is actually a misdemeanor. Want to tune in? Become a neighbor! Learn more about the sponsors of this September 4th episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
33:12How Can Washington Protect Its Forests, Water, and Citizens?
Have you heard of the Roadless Rule? Today on the podcast, Jane speaks with UW Professor Julian Olden about the news that the Trump administration has formally proposed its removal, and why it could lead to more fires and affect our drinking water (and beer!). Then we revisit two conversations about how the current administration’s policies are affecting Washington. The first is a chat from April between Jane and contributors Guy Oron and Andy Engleson about the dismantling of the Forest Service and what it means for our hiking trails. Finally, we spoke with Teresa Mosqueda back in January about ways that local and state governments can protect their residents from ICE and other federal encroachment. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 3rd episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
40:41District 5’s Top Issues According to Both Candidates
Come November, Seattleites living in District 5 will vote on a new city council member who will fill the seat vacated by Cathy Moore last year and temporarily filled by Debora Juarez. In the August primary, candidates Nilu Jenks and Julie Kang advanced to the general with 54% and 33% of the vote, respectively. On today’s episode, both candidates join us on the show to talk through the top issues facing their district and the city council. And finally, the City Cast Seattle team, Host, Jane C. Hu, Executive Producer, Ashley Smith, and Creative Producer, Liam Billingham get together to dissect the conversation between the two candidates. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Clipper Vacations Habitat for Humanity Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
38:16Your Guide to September 2026 in Seattle
Today on the show, host Jane C. Hu is joined by Executive Producer Ashley Smith and Creative Producer Liam Billingham to discuss the homestretch of Summer, and what they’re looking forward to most in September. Jane and Liam are looking forward to more cooking during apple season, while Ashley stays indoors with local jewelry maker Rebekah J. Designs. Plus, the Bumbershoot Music and Arts festival is coming up-- and take it from Ashley, the lineup is “stacked!” Then, save some money by going to the Seattle Kraken preseason games before the end of the month. And finally, “Seattle Keeps winning with its film programming,” Liam wants you to check out the North West Film Forums Local Sighting Film Festival, SIFF’s Open Road series, and this appropriately mind-blowing series from The Beacon. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: North West Film Forums Local Sighting Film Festival Seattle Restored Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
34:40Rick Steves on Buying the Edmonds Theater and Giving Away His Fortune. Plus, Fire Survivor Advice for Seattle
According to Rick Steves: “ There's no better way to start getting, putting your money to good use than right now. Shrouds have no pockets.” He tells host Jane C. Hu in today’s episode why he bought the historic Edmonds Theater in his hometown, challenges millionaires to give away more of their money “what are you afraid of?” and explains the value in investing in local communities. Jane and contributor Chase Hutchinson also ask for his travel tips in the Seattle area and his future plans for the theater he now owns. Then, Jane is joined by Eaton Fire survivor and writer iO Wright, who helped create a resource guide for fire survivors after he lost his home more than a year ago. iO speaks with Jane and Spokane’s RANGE Media fellow Yong-Yu Huang about advice for rebuilding in Spokane, where to find reliable information, and how Seattleites should prepare for fire. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 31st episode: Habitat for Humanity Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
44:53Will the Meta Settlement Actually Change Anything? Plus, SPD's Restrictions on CARE
Seattle's CARE team was supposed to be the city's answer to unarmed crisis response — but a new Inspector General report reveals it's still being strangled by police union restrictions. Host Jane C. Hu digs into the findings with contributors Guy Oron and Brett Hamil. Then they discuss Meta's multi-billion dollar settlement and what it might actually mean for kids online. Finally, they tell you what they are up to this weekend. If you’re a member, stay tuned for a chat about Brett’s experience in Boston, and which city has worse traffic. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 28th episode: Habitat for Humanity Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
29:27Boeing Field's Deportation Surge, Unemployment Hoops for Striking Workers, and Mourning Dolly Parton
King County recently announced it had hired a flight monitoring and outreach coordinator after advocacy groups had been calling for the county to better monitor ICE’s deportation flights. Today on the show, host Jane C. Hu is joined by guest Josefina Mora-Cheung, director of organizing with La Resistencia, a grassroots organization led by immigrants and people of color who have been oppressed by the immigration enforcement system, to discuss this new role. The two also get into the monitoring La Resistencia has been organizing with volunteers since 2023, the increasing responsibilities for the new county role, and the huge uptick in deportation flights since monitoring began. Then, Jane is joined by contributor Chase Hutchinson and producer Sam J. Leeds to break down a recent change to unemployment benefits for striking workers, to reflect on the life and legacy of the beloved Dolly Parton, and to learn more about a new music festival in Pioneer Square. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 27th episode: Habitat for Humanity Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
38:52Is Downtown Seattle Really Bouncing Back?
In July, downtown Seattle saw the most visitors it's had in years. Does that mean downtown is finally bouncing back? Today, Host Jane C. Hu is joined by Jon Scholes of the Downtown Seattle Association to talk about what’s going on downtown: Pike Place’s pedestrianization, the CCTV camera pilot and expansion, and why our office vacancy rate is so high. Plus, Jon talks about what it’s like raising kids downtown, and his hopes for the future. Then Jane is joined by Creative Producer Liam Billingham and Executive Producer Ashley Smith to talk about the latest news in our midweek medley. Finally, Ashley talks about our members' event art walk happening this weekend, which you can join if you become a neighbor! Learn more about the sponsors of this August 26th episode: Habitat for Humanity Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
38:36Mayor Wilson Gives Vision Zero a Deadline. Plus, Will the Millionaires Tax Get Repealed?
Contributors Ryan Packer from The Urbanist and Hannah Krieg of The Burner join Jane C. Hu to discuss Mayor Wilson’s executive order directing Seattle’s Department of Transportation to speed up its work towards Vision Zero: eliminating traffic-related deaths. Despite the Washington legislature passing the Millionaires Tax earlier this year, folks will be voting on whether to repeal it in November. The trio get into that issue as well. Plus, they share some good news, like the Seattle Animal Shelter is having a fundraiser contest where you get to vote on cute pet photos! What’s better than that? Learn more about the sponsors of this August 25th episode: Habitat for Humanity Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
34:49How To Help Unsheltered Families, What Patients Actually Want From Abortion Care, and How the Local News Sausage Gets Made
Dominique Alex, CEO of Mary’s Place, joins Jane C. Hu to discuss the King County Regional Homelessness Authority’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count, which showed not only an increase in unsheltered homelessness in our region but, in particular, an increase in unsheltered families and children. Then journalists Megan Burbank and Adam Willems from CHUM News reveal what a new abortion study found that could inform what future policies look like in Washington state. Plus, an honest chat about how local media decides what to cover – and the role we all play in elevating stories into relevancy. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 24th episode: Habitat for Humanity Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
39:36What’s Really Going On at the ICE Detention Center? Plus, Fighting for Police Accountability in Federal Way
The push for greater police accountability is ramping up after two incidents involving Federal Way police that resulted in the death of one Black man and the serious injury of another. Sonia Joseph, board chair of the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, joins Jane C. Hu and contributor Marcus Harrison Green to talk about what happened to these two men, what legislation the coalition is advocating for, and the broader police accountability conversation. Then, Cascadia Journal’s Andy Engelson weighs in on what’s going on with the people detained by ICE at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, and what he saw there at a vigil over the weekend. They also talked about what groups like La Resistencia and Tsuru for Solidarity are doing, and the news that King County has hired someone to monitor immigration transfer and deportation flights at Boeing Field. Finally, Marcus, Jane, and Andy discuss weekend plans including Nonfiction for No Reason, the 98118 Fest, and a tomato party. Plus, if you’re a Neighbor, stick around for Jane and producers Ashley Smith and Lizzie Goldsmith matching up Taylor Swift albums with Seattle neighborhoods. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 21st episode: Seattle Restored Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
33:56Who’s Really Behind Candlelight Concerts, a New Boeing Whistleblower Documentary, and the Mariners Worst Loss… Ever?!
Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is joined by contributor Chase Hutchinson and the Seattle Times magazine’s arts and culture writer Gemma Wilson to discuss those ads you might have been served for a variety of “candlelight” concerts around Seattle and who is actually behind them. Gemma went down a real journalistic rabbit hole to find out. Then, Jane and Chase are joined by contributor Lex Vaughn to discuss a new documentary that digs into the tumultuous recent history of Boeing and its whistleblowers, as well as the latest on SIFF’s union negotiations, and the worst loss in Mariners history. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 20th episode: Seattle Restored Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
38:05Seattle Has Good Bagels, Actually. Here’s Where To Get Them
Seattle is continuing to prove it’s a good bagel town. Case in point: our bagel correspondent Sean Keeley announced in his newsletter, It's a Shanda, that Seattle’s very own Hey Bagel, winner of Best Bagel at Bagel Fest West back in April, will be heading to Bagel Fest in New York City this November, along with Sean himself, who will no doubt provide all the carb-fueled updates we crave. With all this bagel news, we decided to revisit our conversation with Sean and Zoe Kahn (aka Zoe in Seattle) from late last year about the best bagels in Seattle, how to celebrate food online, and other food spots they recommend. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 19th episode: Seattle Restored Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
30:52Hiring a New Police Chief, a New Permit System for RVs, and the Return of Jane C. Hu
Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is back with the team, and producers Liam Billingham and Sam J. Leeds catch her up on the headlines she missed while she was away, including the latest in the Spokane arson arrest, the calls for Mayor Wilson to resign, and orcas in the Ballard locks! Then Jane and Sam are joined by PubliCola’s Erica C. Barnett to break down the latest on Councilmember Dan Strauss’ proposal for creating an RV point-in-time count and permit system as well as what’s going on at the Seattle Police Department since former Chief Shon Barnes resigned. We break down Erica’s interview with interim police chief Andre Sayles, other staffing change ups, and what recruiting a permanent lead for the department might look like. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Seattle Restored Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
38:13Where To Find Secret Public Spaces, Light Rail Delays Continue, and Listening to Seattle’s History
Today, on his final day of guest hosting (for now), Marcus Harrison Green is joined by Tony Williams to talk about History Link podcast Field Notes, and how learning about the past helps us appreciate and understand where our city came from and where it’s going. Then he is joined by Gossip Guy’s Guy Oron and Executive Producer Ashley to talk about…another light rail delay, this one for West Seattle until 2035. The trio break down what’s happening there and then, finally, talk about the little-known public spots located in private buildings or water access at the end of city streets. Hear what they have to say, and read more on our website! Learn more about the sponsors of this August 17th episode: Seattle Restored Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member and get our incredible pennant: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
33:02