Monday, May 21, 2012

World's Fair Raises Profile Of Seattle Music Scene

2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. It was dubbed Century 21 and the theme was the Space Age. But the exposition brought cultural amusements of all kinds, from art to theater to opera. Big name musical acts came from around the world to perform and their presence raised the profile of local musicians as well.

In the first of a four–part series produced in collaboration with Jack Straw Productions and KUOW, Harriet Baskas looks at the role music played in Seattle's Space Age World's Fair.

Friday, May 18, 2012

University Of Washington Awards Honorary Degrees

Most people know the story of Japanese internment in America at the beginning of the Second World War, but few people know how it affected hundreds of students at the University of Washington.

As part of our series on the 150th anniversary of the UW, KUOW's Meghan Walker tells us how the university, years later, honored those students.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Spy Satellites Used In Search For Tsunami Debris

Another piece of confirmed tsunami debris, part of a restaurant sign, has washed ashore in Alaska. But marine scientists can't say how much other Japanese disaster debris is trailing behind. This problem surfaced at a US Senate hearing Thursday. Researchers are now getting some access to spy satellite imagery. More »

Friday, May 18, 2012

Washington Supreme Court Hears Challenge To Liquor Privatization

Washington state has auctioned off its liquor stores and private retailers are set to take over the sale of spirits June 1. But Thursday the state Supreme Court heard arguments in a lawsuit aimed at putting a halt to the changeover. More »

Friday, May 18, 2012

Oregon Bans American-Indian Sports Mascots In Schools

Native American–themed sports mascots will no longer be allowed in Oregon public schools. That's the decision Thursday by the state Board of Education. The vote was 5 to 1. More »

Friday, May 18, 2012

LaTanya Clemmons Gets Early Release

The sister of Lakewood police killer Maurice Clemmons is being released from prison early. LaTanya Clemmons was convicted in 2010 of assisting her brother's getaway driver. KUOW's Patricia Murphy reports. More »

Friday, May 18, 2012

Washington's First Congressional District Wins For Most Confusing Ballot

Friday marks the deadline for candidate filings in Washington state, and it seems clear that the First Congressional District will take the spotlight this fall. Redistricting, plus the governor's race, has formed a perfect storm of ballot complexity. Meanwhile a proposed truce among Democrats has failed, leading to even more names on the ballot. More »

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Program Helps Women In Prison Become Entrepreneurs

Life in prison is regimented, controlled, so for some inmates, the thought of returning to life on the outside can be daunting. There are many volunteer programs in Washington state prisons that can help ease that transition. They provide opportunities for offenders to improve their education and well–being before release.

At Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor, one program goes further. It offers graduates the opportunity to apply for business microloans. KUOW's Patricia Murphy reports.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Seattle Files Response To DOJ On Police

Seattle officials say they have submitted their response to the US Department of Justice regarding police reform. It comes after several days of rancorous accusations from both sides about the possible cost and scope of federal oversight. But community groups say only an independent monitor can restore their trust in the police department. More »

Thursday, May 17, 2012

CDC Lowers Lead-Poisoning Threshold

KUOW has been investigating lead pollution in Washington state. Lead has been known for centuries to be a powerful poison. Even small concentrations can lower children's IQs and cause permanent brain damage.

Now the federal government says children's brains are even more sensitive to lead than previously thought. KUOW's John Ryan reports.