Catharine Smith
Verified
As seen in:
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA),
HuffPost,
The Guardian,
Yahoo Singapore,
Yahoo,
Grist,
Le HuffPost,
Oregon Public Broadcasting,
HuffPost Brasil,
KNKX-FM (Tacoma, WA)
Covers:
Politics, policing, climate change, environmental justice, plastic waste, public health, housing, jazz, technology culture, business.
Now: editor @KUOW/@NPR in Seattle. Old bylines @GuardianUS, @pulitzercenter, @WNYC, @columbiajourn, @HuffPost. Email Catharine@kuow.org
Articles by Catharine Smith
Seattle's city attorney rolls out the latest approach to crime: 'Connection Court'
Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans is rolling out a new sentencing alternative she’s calling Connection Court. The program bears some similarities to community court, which was shut down by Evans’ predecessor, Ann Davison. Like the community court before it, Connection Court is for people who commit low-level, nonviolent misdemeanor offenses. It allows defendants to connect with services like addiction treatment or peer support instead of prosecution.
The future of CARE in Seattle: What unarmed response looks like
Even though Chief Amy Barden is the head of Seattle’s police alternative — the Community Assisted Response & Engagement department, or CARE — she’s not a prison abolitionist. “ I am not a believer that we don't need jails and prisons,” Barden said.
Anti-tax candidate in close second for King County assessor position
Published August 7, 2026 at 8:22 AM PDT The race for King County assessor is still too close to call after three days of counting. On Thursday, while first-place Rob Foxcurran looked poised to advance to the general election, the battle for second place was within half a percentage point. Anti-tax candidate and brewery owner Dominique Scarimbolo was just 1,213 votes ahead of Chris Roberts, the former mayor of Shoreline.
Seattle Police Chief Barnes has resigned; mayor makes it official after hours of silence
Seattle police chief Shon Barnes speaks to the crowd at a vigil honoring the 3 people who were shot and killed during Bite of Seattle the previous day, on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Seattle Center. After hours of radio silence Thursday, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced that Police Chief Shon Barnes would step down.
Fired or resigned? Seattle Police Chief Barnes supporters rally amid reports he's been ousted
Supporters of Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes rallied at City Hall Thursday morning, as word spreadthat Mayor Katie Wilson gave him a choice: resign or be fired. The move comes amid fallout over the city’s handling of a deadly mass shooting at a festival earlier this week. “We have had a problem with law enforcement for a very long time in the city of Seattle,” said Sheley Secrest, president of the regional NAACP, covering Washington, Alaska, and Oregon.
Seattle Police Chief Barnes defends travel schedule as shooting investigation intensifies
KUOW | By Amy Radil, Published July 29, 2026 at 7:45 PM PDT Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes’s travel schedule became a source of controversy this week. The chief was out of town Sunday, when a deadly mass shooting took place during a crowded festival at Seattle Center. He returned to town the following day and became defensive with members of the media who raised questions about how much time he spends outside the city. On Wednesday, Barnes agreed to an interview with KUOW to discuss his travel.
What to watch in Washington state's 2026 primary election
Washington state’s primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 4, and most voters have received ballots in the mail already. This year doesn’t feature a presidential race, though there are some federal contests to consider: All of Washington's U.S. House seats are up for election. Voters will also decide a historic number of state Supreme Court races, along with a dizzying number of seats in the Legislature. Some county and city positions are on the ballot, too.
What SCOTUS' trans athletes ruling means for WA
The Supreme Court says states like Idaho can ban trans girls from sports. But what does that mean for our state and the initiative we will vote on in November? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.
Is Seattle killing big biz?
The discourse has gotten really heated about progressive politics versus business growth. But is this overblown? We talk to a former tax-the-rich Democrat who now reps Seattle's business community: Joe Nguyen. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson.
Where is Governor Bob Ferguson?
Since Governor Ferguson took office in 2025, he’s done few media availabilities or sitdowns with podcasts like the one you’re listening to. He’s also overhauled how the state government communicates with the public. What does that mean for people trying to understand what’s going on in Olympia? Read Melissa Santos' reporting at Axios Seattle here. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.
King CountyAssessor John Arthur Wilson faces new calls to resign amid stalking scandal
County Assessor John Arthur Wilson John Arthur Wilson for County Executive For the second time in less than a year, the King County Council is calling on embattled County Assessor John Arthur Wilson to step down. RELATED: 'Stormy' relationship or stalking? King County assessor faces resignation calls over restraining order Wilson, whom the Council cannot remove from office, oversees the department responsible for appraising property values in the county.
Brian Heywood on taking the millionaire's tax to court
The so-called millionaires tax has been signed into law, but the fight over it is barely beginning. Now, it moves to the courts -- and potentially onto your ballot. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson.
KUOW - Sonic Politics
The Seattle SuperSonics are closer than ever to coming home. And this comeback could have bring surprising benefits for elected officials. Plus, we recap the political machinations behind the loss of the Sonics 18 years ago. Guest Jordan Ritter Conn, senior staff writer for The Ringer, host of "" Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics/.
Listener mailbag: Iran redux
We’re coming to you with a bonus dose of Sound Politics because we got some feedback about our last episode that we want to talk about and chew over a bit. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.
Front Page: Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny brings Puerto Rico to Santa Clara, and what's with all the AI ads?
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Why you can trust KUOW Libby Denkmann Host, Soundside Libby Denkmann joined KUOW in December 2021 as the host of the midday show Soundside.
Seattle's City Attorney on ICE, drug prosecutions, and working through a case backlog
Seattle’s new city attorney, Erika Evans has been on the job for a little over 3 weeks – one of several newly elected officials moving the city in a more progressive direction. We’re discuss a range of topics - from drug laws and diversion, to federal immigration enforcement in the city. And a quick reminder about the city attorney’s duties: They enforce Seattle’s laws, prosecute misdemeanor crimes and defend the city in court.
How do you measure a year in Trump?
|
One year into President Trump's second term, we check in with Washington state’s biggest Trump supporter (or at least, the biggest one in our Congressional delegation) Rep. Michael Baumgartner of Spokane. We also talk with the biggest Trump adversary in the state, Attorney General Nick Brown, who sued the administration 50 times in the last year. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.
By Libby Denkmann Verified, Scott Greenstone Verified, Hans Anderson Verified, Catharine Smith Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
Incoming: a state income tax showdown with Ferguson onboard
|
Democrats think that this is the year when voters and the courts will side with them on an income tax. Axios' Melissa Santos and the Washington Observer's Paul Queary join us to talk about why. They'll also break down what they're watching during this year's state legislative session. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.
By Scott Greenstone Verified, Libby Denkmann Verified, Catharine Smith Verified, Hans Anderson Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
Policing rain city
For weeks, pundits wondered whether incoming Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson would fire the city's police chief. We now know she won’t, but we still have questions about how a democratic socialist who used to support "defund" the police will run the police department. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.
Katie Wilson is likely Seattle's next mayor after latest vote count
Seattleites have been closely watching election results for nearly a week since polls closed. That’s because the city’s mayoral candidates were in a tight race. Longtime Seattle politician and current Mayor Bruce Harrell is trying to win a second term. His challenger is Katie Wilson, a Democratic socialist who has never held elected office before. Last night’s vote tally gave more clarity about who is likely to lead the city next year.
Katie Wilson poised to be Seattle's first Millennial mayor
Published November 12, 2025 at 12:54 PM PST Katie Wilson looks poised to become Seattle’s next mayor. Incumbent Bruce Harrell, 67, slipped further behind Wilson as fresh ballot counts were released Wednesday. Wilson, who identifies as a democratic socialist, was ahead by 1,976 votes. Her lead of 0.71 percentage points puts the race outside the margin for a recount. Wilson, 43, would be Seattle’s first Millennial mayor.
Wilson’s lead increases in Seattle mayoral race, leaving Harrell further behind
Published November 11, 2025 at 1:25 PM PST Katie Wilson held onto her lead a week into ballot counting in Seattle’s mayoral race. Wilson was 1,346 votes ahead of incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell after Tuesday’s ballot drop. She'd been up 91 votes the day before. About 1,400 ballots remain to be counted, according to Halei Waktins, communications director at King County’s election department. The race is still within the margin for a recount.
Katie Wilson pulls ahead of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell – by 91 votes
Published November 10, 2025 at 1:20 PM PST Ninety-one votes. Seattle mayoral candidate Katie Wilson is now ahead in this nail-biter of an election count. Incumbent Bruce Harrell had been ahead on Election Day by just over 7 points, his lead dramatically reduced by Friday night. By Monday, Katie Wilson had 49.83% of the vote; Bruce Harrell 49.79%. Wilson’s campaign said it was “elated” by the results.
'It's a coin flip.' Experts say Seattle mayor’s race still too close to call
Published November 7, 2025 at 2:51 PM PST Don’t count her out just yet. Activist Katie Wilson continues to gain on incumbent Bruce Harrell in the closely watched race for Seattle mayor. As of Friday’s ballot count, Wilson was just 4,300 votes behind Harrell, narrowing his early lead. With about 45,000 ballots left to tally, independent analysts weren’t ready to call the race. “It’s a coin flip,” said Ben Anderstone, a political consultant who didn’t work with either campaign.
The last Seattle mayor to get reelected tells us how he did it
As voters head to the polls amid a contentious mayoral race in Seattle, we’re looking to the past to try to answer a lingering question. It’s hard to win reelection as a Seattle mayor. The last time it happened was nearly two decades ago. Why has it been so long? We're going directly to the source for more: Democrat Greg Nickels was mayor of Seattle for two terms, between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2009. He served on the King County Council for 14 years prior to his election.
The weird rule that shapes Seattle school board races
We got a listener question, and we had to answer it. Rich wrote in to say: “I have a question regarding School Board elections. I was surprised when filling out my ballot to be voting for school board directors from across the district rather than just for the director that represents my area of the district. I think neighboring Highline School District (that’s in South King County) does the same. I’m not sure why I never noticed it before, but is this common in other Washington school districts?
Send this to a procrastinator voter
|
There's a local election in less than a week. Maybe you've been procrastinating with your ballot. You're not alone. Half the people who voted last year will sit this election out. Well, we're here to help. We’ve got a procrastinator’s guide to why you should care about this year’s election. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
By Libby Denkmann Verified, Scott Greenstone Verified, Catharine Smith Verified, Sarah Leibovitz Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
KUOW's 2025 voter guide for Western Washington ballots
Ballots in Washington state’s general election are due by Nov. 4. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the hottest races we’re watching. Most are in the Seattle area, with a few notables elsewhere in Western Washington. We also highlight a couple ballot measures to keep an eye on.
On the Ballot: Alexis Mercedes Rinck - Seattle City Council Position 8
November’s general election could bring a group of new faces to Seattle City Government. Today we’re diving into the race for City Council’s Position 8 seat. That’s a city-wide post, representing ALL of Seattle, as opposed to just one geographic district. The incumbent in this race is Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck. She won the seat after a special election last year. Now, Rinck is widely seen as the most progressive voice on the council.
Former state senator accused of rape rejected in bid to join KUOW board
Published September 4, 2025 at 2:31 PM PDT KUOW’s board of directors Thursday rejected the nomination of former state Sen. Joe Fain to the radio station’s governing body. His nomination generated controversy with listeners and staff because Fain was accused of rape by a Seattle city employee in 2018 and was the subject of a KUOW investigation into the allegation. A rising star in the state Republican party at the time, Fain denied the allegations. He lost his second reelection bid that November.
Letter(s) of the law(s): WA and DC trade angry notes
|
The Trump Justice Department is threatening to withhold funds or even prosecute local officials who enforce Washington’s sanctuary policies. But can they? We’ll hear how state leadership is responding as Trump triesto consolidate even more power. Plus, we'll talk about the impact of federal immigration policy on communities in Washington. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
By Scott Greenstone Verified, Libby Denkmann Verified, Catharine Smith Verified, Hans Anderson Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
Protest is in the air. Plus, Rep. Smith punches left AND right.
It is a tense week in Seattle, and the country, as we prepare for a military parade in the capital this weekend on Trump’s birthday. In response, there are over 1,000 “No Kings” protests planned nationwide, including in Seattle, Olympia, and Tacoma. The ramp up in the tension is because of another thing Trump has done with the military: order them into L.A. to respond to protests there. Washington Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) has been voicing his opposition to the President's actions.
Who are the big political donors handing out treats this spooky season?
|
You’vebeen hearing plenty about the big names on your ballot, but there are many people influencing what shows up on that ballot whom you may have never heard of. Unions, tech entrepreneurs, oil companies and industry associations have given millions of dollars to candidates and campaigns. On this week’s Sound Politics, we look at who is spending big on the upcoming election, what they want, and which big donors are sitting this year out.
By Libby Denkmann Verified, Scott Greenstone Verified, Catharine Smith Verified, Hans Anderson Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
Death, taxes, and horseplay
Washington has a fraught relationship with taxes. And what that relationship looks like in the future is a big part of your ballot this November. In the latest episode of Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann break down two relatively new taxes that voters will decide whether to get rid of: the capital gains tax (which only the richest Washingtonians pay) and the Washington CARES tax (which most voters probably see on their paychecks).
Gas prices, climate change, and the biggest ballot initiative of the year
|
Do you know what's going to be on your ballot this November? Sound Politics is here to help. Today: Sound Politics host Libby Denkmann and special guest Jeanie Lindsay are diving deep into the wonky world of carbon auctions, gas prices, and climate change legislation as we explain Initiative 2117. If passed, it would end the state’s carbon auctions that are the key part of the Climate Commitment Act.
By Libby Denkmann Verified, Scott Greenstone Verified, Noel Gasca Verified, Catharine Smith Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
The debate you didn't hear about - governor smackdown!
|
Sound Politics is breaking down the big debate! You know it - the one that had you glued to your TV screen, the one all of your group chats were blowing up about, the one that culminated in a cat selfie on Instagram.
By Libby Denkmann Verified, Scott Greenstone Verified, Noel Gasca Verified, Catharine Smith Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
Can astronauts vote… for lands commissioner?
|
Sound Politics is talking elections on land... and in space this week. Up first: Scott and Libby start a little closer to home, and talk about one of the closest primary races in state history. It was a tight race to determine who would take second place in the fight for Washington State Land Commissioner.
By Libby Denkmann Verified, Scott Greenstone Verified, Noel Gasca Verified, Catharine Smith Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
Instead of going high, Democrats are going 'weird'
Sound Politics is getting a little weird this week: Scott is solo hosting, and the pod is taking a break from our regular episode format due to the upcoming holiday weekend. Scott and Libby will be back with your regular 'ol normie Sound Politics next week. In the meantime, Scott is bringing you a conversation that's all about weird.
Democrats are on a hope high in Chicago
|
Sound Politics is at the Democratic National Convention! Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone are breaking down highlights from the convention so far, and how the Washington state delegation is showing up - and showing out. And later, Libby will take listeners to Redmond for a kind of counter-programming for local conservatives: Summer Freedom Fest 2024.
By Libby Denkmann Verified, Scott Greenstone Verified, Noel Gasca Verified, Catharine Smith Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
Democrats are on a hope high in Chicago
|
Sound Politics is taking on the Democratic National Convention! Co-host Scott Greenstone joins Libby Denkmann to discuss highlights of the convention so far, and how the Washington delegation is showing up (and showing out.) And later - Libby will take listeners to Redmond for a kind of counter-programming for local conservatives: Summer Freedom Fest. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
By Libby Denkmann Verified, Scott Greenstone Verified, Noel Gasca Verified, Catharine Smith Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
Why our ballot's so big
Now that the dust has settled on August voting, it's time to take a quick cleansing breath, and turn our attention to the four voter initiatives slated for the November ballot. They’re coming from the right side of the aisle, they’ve got some big money, and feisty politicians backing them. Northwest News Network state government reporter Jeanie Lindsay joins the pod to talk through all the ballot initiatives voters will decide on in November.
Primary night hot takes: First queer Latina to Congress? Republicans grasp at gov's office
Supporters gather for a primary election night party for Bob Ferguson, the Democrat gubernatorial candidate for Washington state, on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Reuben’s Barrel House event space in Seattle. KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer The first votes were counted on Tuesday night for the Washington state primary – here are a few takes on what it could mean come November.
KUOW - Sound Politics
|
A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. Produced by KUOW in Seattle. There’s a lot to wade through when it comes to Washington State politics. The drama, the facts, the money, and the movers and shakers. In Sound Politics KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone go beyond the ballot to guide you through what’s happening in local politics, why it matters, and how you can use your vote to make a difference.
By Libby Denkmann Verified, Scott Greenstone Verified, Noel Gasca Verified, Catharine Smith Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
The Gotta-go-Joe to Pro-Joe meter: Washington state edition
Democratic politicians and political donors spoke up last week about whether they believe President Joe Biden should stay in the race. Here's where lawmakers and donors from Washington state stand. You-gotta-go Joe Rep. Adam Smith, District 9 (Seattle to Tacoma) Adam Smith was one of the first members of Congress to call for Biden to step down. Smith told NPR, “The concerns about his health are papering over our efforts to focus on Trump.
This week in politics: Who could be Washington's next Attorney General, and who's still ridin' for Biden?
|
Voters statewide have big choices coming their way: They’re getting their ballots for the August primary starting next week, and there are a lot of candidates to decide between. Over the last week, Soundside host Libby Denkmann has been interviewing the top candidates in the race for our state's next Attorney General. Now, KUOW politics reporter Scott Greenstone, and former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna are chiming in on the race so far.
By Libby Denkmann Verified, Scott Greenstone Verified, Catharine Smith Verified, Noel Gasca Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
Is it cool to be a Democrat? We hear from WA delegates
|
When it comes to Presidential elections, Washington state's electoral votes are about as blue as you can get. But there are still big stakes here when it comes to how national political conversations affect local races. A recent analysis from the Cook Political Report says that the 2024 Washington gubernatorial race is shaping up to be competitive, even though a Republican hasn't been governor since the 1985.
By Libby Denkmann Verified, Scott Greenstone Verified, Noel Gasca Verified, Catharine Smith Verified
|
KUOW-FM (Seattle, WA)
Verified
Washington voters begin campaign to save state's capital gains tax
Diana Llanes, owner and operator of Once Upon a Time Bilingual Childcare Center in Burien, plays with children outside on May 22, 2024 after the official launch of the campaign to defeat Initiative 2109. The initiative will appear on ballots in November and aims to repeal Washington's capital gains tax. The tax helps fund early learning and child care. KUOW It's been just over two years since Washington's capital gains tax went into effect, and already there's a ballot initiative to repeal it.
Seattle cops get big raises in new union contract
A badge on the arm of a Seattle police officer. Seattle Police Department / Facebook The Seattle City Council on Tuesday approved a long-awaited contract for rank-and-file police. The contract hikes wages 23% for members of the Seattle Police Officers Guild, making the city's cops some of the highest-paid in the region.
Chaos and division erupt at Washington Republican convention in Spokane
On Friday, the Washington State Republican Party’s convention in Spokane erupted with moments of booing, chanting obscenities, and people turning their backs to the party’s own candidates. Lorraine Blacklock, a precinct committee officer from King County, told the convention she’d never seen anything like this in her 30 years of involvement in the Republican Party. “Civility has kind of disappeared,” she said.
Chaos and division erupt at Washington Republican convention in Spokane
Washington State Republican Chairman Jim Walsh speaks to party delegates at the state GOP convention on April 19, 2024, during a raucous vote to allow consideration of gubernatorial candidate Semi Bird for the party's endorsement. Scott Greenstone On Friday, the Washington State Republican Party's convention in Spokane erupted with moments of booing, chanting, and people turning their backs on the party's own candidates.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Catharine
Contact Catharine, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack