Join 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.
What’s Your Plan for Emergencies? Plus, How To Be a Good Library Card Holder
Today on the podcast, we’re revisiting some recent conversations we’ve had about the city that matter now, like how to be prepared and where to go in case of an emergency. First of all, with the primary election this week asking us to vote on an increased library levy, we revisit a conversation with Tom Fay of The Seattle Public Library about the challenges of digital holds and e-books for the library, how to be a good library card holder, and the most important question: is listening to an audiobook the same as reading? Then, Jane speaks with Cindy Barker of the Seattle Emergency Hub Network, who are doing a practice run for supporting neighbors during earthquakes on August 15. Cindy talks about how the movement got started, what to do in case of emergency, and how to start your own local emergency hub if your neighborhood doesn’t have one. Finally, Jane speaks with Hannah Krieg of the Burner and creative producer Liam Billingham about what is in their emergency go bag, and who they want on their team in case of a zombie apocalypse. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 5th episode: Seattle Restored Capitol Hill Block Party 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.
Should Seattle’s Police Chief Live Here Full Time? Plus, Spokane Fire Resources and a New Ballard Light Rail Timeline
Today on the show, host Jane C. Hu is joined by contributors Hannah Krieg and Guy Oron to discuss the fires currently burning in Spokane. With more than 700 structures burned and more than 60,000 people evacuated, these fires are the most destructive in Washington history. Jane checks in on Hannah’s family who live in the city and shares ways to support fire evacuees including: the H.O.M.E. Stars Here Fund and the Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund. Then we break down former Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes’ resignation, as well as his interim replacement Andre Sayles and Jane asks about residency expectations for a major city’s police chief given the often transient nature of the job. Finally, Jane, Hannah and Guy discuss the new timeline for the Ballard light rail as well as the derailment over the weekend. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 4th episode: Seattle Restored Capitol Hill Block Party 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.
Our Essential Rules for Living in Seattle. Plus, The Stranger’s Guide to Supreme Court Judges
Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by Nathalie Graham of The Stranger to talk us through their choices for Supreme Court Judges in Tuesday’s Primary Election (Have you voted yet?). Nathalie tells Jane what they look for in order to decide their endorsement. Then, Jane is joined by Seattle veteran Sam J.Leeds and Seattle newbie Liam Billingham to talk about our essential rules of living in Seattle, partially inspired by prince of social media Ben Keenan’s own list. They talk rain vs. Rain, umbrellas, lawns, driving, jaywalking, and fashion. Sam also reveals they have a grass allergy. Poor Sam! Learn more about the sponsors of this August 3rd episode: Seattle Restored Capitol Hill Block Party 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.
How Do We Talk About Local Gun Violence? Plus, the Fight for the Empty IMAX
Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is joined by contributors Marcus Harrison Green and Chase Hutchinson to discuss how our city is processing and mourning the deaths of three people killed in the shooting that took place at Seattle Center on Sunday evening. Chase shares his perspective on the tragic events as someone who was at Seattle Center when the shots rang out. Marcus digs into his writing about how gun violence in our city is treated differently depending on where it takes place. And the three reflect on what the conversations about gun violence, confusion with police chief Shon Barnes being fired or resigning, and policy say about our city as a whole. Then, Jane asks Chase about the future of our state’s only IMAX theater in light of the Seattle Film Commission calling on the Space Needle Corporation to reconsider its decision not to show commercial movies there. Plus, we give our weekend recommendations. And for our City Cast Seattle neighbors, a bonus segment about two “historic” American Girl dolls who hail from 90s 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.
Your Guide to August 2026 in Seattle
Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu brings on producers Ashley, Liam, and Sam to talk about all the things to do this August: Sam talks berries, Ashley brings her hobbies and sports knowledge, and Liam…well, Liam talks about indoor activities. We discuss outdoor concerts, baseball, clandestine zucchini drops, parks, Perseids, and more. It’s all here! Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Capitol Hill Block Party is a 3-day music festival in the heart of Capitol Hill happening August 7-9. The line-up includes MUNA, Disco Lines, Weg Leg, and many more. Tickets on sale now at capitolhillblockparty.com 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.
Should WA Start a Public Bank? Plus, a New RapidRide Bus and Base Jumping off the Space Needle
Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu gives a short update on new information about the Seattle Center shooting Sunday night, including a second community vigil taking place at 6:30 pm tonight at the International Fountain at Seattle Center. Then Jane is joined by contributor Brett Hamil and journalist Andy Engelson to discuss what Andy learned from talking with the CEO of the Bank of North Dakota, the only public state bank in our country. Andy explains the basics of how a public bank would work and the recent Washington directive to create a public bank work group, which will put together a report on creating a public bank in our state. Then Jane, Brett and Andy break down a medley of recent headlines related to wildfires, immigration and a new RapidRide bus line. And finally, the three discuss the two men who base jumped off the Space Needle last week as well as the surprising history of base jumps off the Seattle landmark. 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.
What To Know About the Seattle Center Shooting, SEPA Updates, and Good News When We Need It
Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is joined by contributors Hannah Krieg and Ryan Packer to discuss the shooting that occurred Sunday night at Bite of Seattle at Seattle Center. They talk about what we know, the other shootings that occurred in Seattle over the weekend, but overall their love for the city and how these events are not unique to Seattle. Then they discuss legislation put forward by Eddie Lin that would raise the bar for what qualifies as a valid appeal to legislation that has an environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (or SEPA). Ryan explains how appeals could continue to slow the city’s growth plans, like Mayor Wilson’s Taller, Denser, Faster. Finally, the trio discusses good news, from sea animals to those on land. Also: have we reached peak Jimothy? 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.
The Free School Meals Saga Explained and Why Instagram DMs Aren’t Secure
Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu, contributor Adam Willems, and educator and parent Jesse Hagopian explain the twisting saga of Seattle’s plan to feed all public school students. They break down the city council’s amendment delaying universal free school meals and then introducing a plan to bring them back this fall less than 24 hours later. Adam explains what the millionaires tax has to do with all of this and how a less-than-rosy relationship between the mayor’s office and city council might factor in as well. And Jesse explains why universal school meals ensure everyone’s needs are met. Then, Thorin Klosowski, senior security and privacy activist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, stops by to answer all the digital security questions you've been too embarrassed to ask. 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.
Did Big Oil Kill a Washington Woman? Plus, the Male Shopper Instacart Problem
Today on the podcast, Jane C. Hu is joined by journalists Naomi Ishisaka and Marcus Harrison Green to discuss the news that the first-ever U.S. lawsuit holding Big Oil accountable for a death will go to trial and that it involves the death of a woman during the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome. Then Jane, Naomi and Marcus talk about Naomi’s recent viral piece about male Instacart shoppers and what it says about labor. Finally, the trio talk about what they’re doing this weekend. But if you’re a City Cast Seattle neighbor, that’s not all, because executive producer Ashley Smith joins Sean over at City Cast Twin Cities to discuss Jimothy and whether he’s as cool as their 2018 MPR raccoon. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24th episode: Seattle Theatre Group 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.
Will Seattle Say Yes to Taxes for Transit? Plus, SIFF Walkout, and Public Toilets Dethroned
Seattle's City Council unanimously passed the Seattle Transit Measure this week, sending a sales tax increase to November's ballot that would mean more frequent buses and 22,000 free transit passes for low-income households. Host Jane C. Hu is joined by contributors Ryan Packer and Chase Hutchinson to discuss what actually changed through two dozen proposed amendments, and what happens if voters say no. Then Chase explains where SIFF Cinema Workers Union negotiations stand after last week's walkout during a sold-out 70mm Odyssey screening. And finally, Ryan breaks down why two of Pioneer Square's public Throne bathrooms are being relocated. We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this 23rd episode: Seattle Theatre Group 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.
Your Guide to the Primary. Plus: What’s Sunshine Guilt?
Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is joined by contributor Brett Hamil and creative producer Sam J. Leeds to talk all about the most consequential races (If you need more info on races and your district, there’s a website for that). Jane, Brett, and Sam break down all the drama and backstories with these races, and why they matter. Finally, they do a midweek medley about Kalshi, A/C and renters, and if they are suffering from sunshine guilt. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22nd episode: Seattle Theatre Group 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.
Cold War Summer at SIFF, Cyclospora Outbreak, and the Team’s Screen Time Revealed
Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu and producer Liam Billingham speak with guest Carson Renkamp, development and membership manager at SIFF, to discuss his new series Cold War Summer. Carson explains his love of classic spy movies, the unique opportunity to see several of them on 35mm, and what we might gain from revisiting films from the Cold War era in U.S. history. Then Jane digs into the largest cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history, what it reveals about gutted federal health monitoring, and why Seattle so far has avoided disaster. She and Liam are joined by contributor Hannah Krieg, to also discuss wildfire smoke headed toward Seattle and how to protect your health. Plus the three discuss a local experiment asking people to ditch their smartphones for a month and its relationship to the U.S.’s cratering literacy levels. Also! We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this 21st episode: Seattle Theatre Group 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.
El Niño For Dummies, What’s Replacing Starbucks, and Jimothy Takes Over
Today on the podcast, Washington State Climatologist Guillaume Mauger returns to explain what El Niño is and why it matters. Then Jane is joined by two coffee snobs: The Needling’s Lex Vaughn and City Cast Executive Producer Ashley Smith to talk about what can fill the empty Starbucks’ around town, and how it isn’t what it used to be. Finally, the trio talk about Seattle’s favorite son: Jimothy. Who is he? Where did he come from? And why is he so special to us? Learn more about the sponsors of this 20th episode: Seattle Theatre Group 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.
Betting on Wildfires, Denny Blaine Verdict Is In, and Exchanging Books in Ballard
On today’s episode, host Jane C. Hu talks with science journalist Kylie Mohr about the prediction markets allowing people to bet on natural disasters, including wildfires. As this hot, dry summer continues, Kylie explains the risks involved in betting on fires that can be human-made as well as who is profiting from these bets. Then Jane is joined by contributors Guy Oron and Marcus Harrison Green to break down the verdict that arrived this week in the Denny Blaine park trial. Guy explains what the judge’s ruling means for park-goers and neighbors, and Marcus asks why this particular park got so much attention. Finally, all three get into weekend plans ranging from World Cup finals to book exchanges. And if you’re a City Cast Neighbor, stick around for a bonus segment about a legal battle between megacorporation Nestle and a local Seattle cold brew company. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 17th episode: Seattle Theatre Group pFriem Beer 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.
What Do We Do About Aurora? It’s Complicated
Today on the podcast, we dig into the issues surrounding Aurora Avenue. Aurora has a long and complicated history, and more recently, local residents’ relationship to one northern section of the road has only gotten more so: the section of the road between 85th and 105th streets experiences frequent gunfire, which some believe is rooted in sex trafficking. Earlier this summer, neighbors, dissatisfied with the city's response, took matters into their own hands and placed makeshift barriers blocking through traffic on their streets. We wanted to hear from some of those neighbors directly, so host Jane C. Hu and producer Sam J. Leeds talk with a community advocate who led a walk of Aurora for local community members and lawmakers, a sex worker impacted by the city’s policing efforts, and a resident reimagining the future of Aurora. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 16th episode: Seattle Theatre Group 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.
How a Civic Assembly Changed Minds on AI. Plus, the WA Lawsuits Over Schools and Housing
A civic assembly of 29 Snohomish County residents just spent three weekends wrestling with one of the thorniest questions in local government: how should officials use AI and should they use it at all? Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu talks with KNKX reporter Nate Sanford and assembly participant Dhruv Raithatha about what it's actually like to build consensus with strangers. Then contributors Brett Hamil and Chase Hutchinson join for a midweek medley covering Washington's growing list of federal lawsuits, the Seahawks' new billionaire owners, the Seattle Public Library levy fight, and a new film shooting in the city next month. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode: Seattle Theatre Group And a reminder that we would ALSO love to hear from you in our annual City Cast listener survey: citycast.fm/survey 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.
Are You Paying Rental Junk Fees? Plus, Expanded Transit and Time Capsules
Today on City Cast Seattle, Jane C. Hu is joined by regular contributors Hannah Krieg and Ryan Packer to discuss the news that Mayor Katie Wilson is targeting rental junk fees and what a renter should pay and what they shouldn’t. Then they talk about another of the Mayor’s plans: an increase on sales tax towards transit measures, which would up the 2020 figure of .15% to .3%, raising $138 million a year for transit. The trio discuss what kind of advantages expanded service could offer, especially late nights and weekends. Finally, in honor of the country’s 250th birthday, Jane tells Ryan and Hannah what items Washington lawmakers put into the Semiquincentennial time capsule, which won’t be opened until 2276. Suffice it to say, Ryan and Hannah have opinions. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 14th episode: Seattle Theatre Group pFriem Beer 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.
With August Primaries Approaching: How Do Democracy Vouchers Work? Plus, How To Make Friends In Seattle
Today on the show, host Jane C. Hu sits down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about Democracy Vouchers. With August primaries coming up, it felt like a good time to refocus on one of Seattle’s most iconic political innovations. For the last decade, Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers to every voter to donate to the candidate of their choice in municipal elections. For the August primary this applies to residents of District 5. Jane and David discuss how these Democracy Vouchers work, how many people are participating, and what the impact on local elections has been. Plus, is the “Seattle Freeze” a real thing? Learn more about the sponsor of this July 13th episode: Seattle Theatre Group 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.
June Sets Record for Zero Homicides, Pro Tips for Ballard Seafood Fest, and a "Life Skills" Class for WA High Schools
Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is joined by contributors Marcus Harrison Green and Chase Hutchinson. The trio talk about the Seattle Police Department declaring last month to be “homicide free” for the first time in decades. Then they get into how Washington’s superintendent has proposed a mandatory “life skills” class for high school seniors and what they wish we’d all learned before graduating. Plus, updates from Harbor Island Studios, our weekend recommendations, and for our City Cast Seattle Neighbors, a crash course in the beauty of cyberdecks. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 10th episode: pFriem Beer 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.
Anti-ICE Protest Convictions, FBI Phone Data Grabs, and Is Spokane Beating Seattle on Urbanism?
Today, on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu speaks with two reporters about the federal conspiracy charges brought against three protestors in Spokane, what conspiracy charges actually mean in practice, and what it signals for protesters everywhere. Erin Sellers, a staff reporter at RANGE Media, takes us through the story from the anti-ICE protests last summer to the nine indictments and the three protestors who ultimately were found guilty in June. Then Schuyler Mitchell, assistant editor at Mother Jones, explains how the FBI in Seattle secretly extracted data from the phones of at least a dozen of the protesters and what this means for data privacy going forward. Finally, producer Sam J. Leeds joins Jane and Erin to discuss the similarities and differences between Seattle and Spokane and what the two cities can learn from each other. 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.
