Nine Alaska Seismic Stations Face Funding Cut, Slowing West Coast Tsunami Alerts

Published 2025-12-05T20:25:05-0500 Cached 2025-12-05T21:59:16-0500

John Ryan John Ryan

Key Facts

• NOAA terminated funding for nine Alaskan seismic stations in September 2024 – The agency cut annual contracts that had supported monitoring stations across the Aleutian Islands, western Alaska, Valdez, and Southeast Alaska, leaving a critical gap in earthquake and tsunami detection. The stations were expected to go dark in November, but the University of Alaska secured temporary funding to keep them operational through January. [1]
• Stations provide essential data for West Coast tsunami warnings – Washington State officials say real‑time seismic readings from these sites enable the National Weather Service to issue alerts within five minutes of an earthquake, giving coastal residents time to evacuate. Without them, warning accuracy and speed could be reduced, potentially shortening evacuation windows. [1]
• Historical 1964 Alaska earthquake triggered a deadly tsunami – A magnitude‑9.2 quake off Anchorage produced waves that reached Washington, Oregon, and California, killing 115 people in Alaska and 11 in California, and causing widespread damage. The event illustrates the importance of rapid detection and warning systems. [1]
• University of Alaska temporarily funded stations until January 2025 – After NOAA stopped funding, the university applied for and received emergency support to keep the nine stations online until the end of the year, preventing an immediate loss of monitoring capability. [1]
• NOAA’s decision cited lack of funding, not technical issues – NOAA spokesperson Erica Grow Cei stated that the agency continues to support tsunami operations through other mechanisms, but did not provide an interview. The Alaska Earthquake Center’s director attributes the cut to broader federal budget disruptions. [1]
• Potential delay in tsunami alerts could be minutes – Experts estimate that without the Aleutian stations, seismic waves would reach distant stations later, adding minutes to the already short window for issuing warnings, which could be critical for coastal communities. [1]

Who Said What

• Carrie Garrison‑Laney (University of Washington coastal hazards specialist) – “The Alaska‑Aleutian subduction zone is very active…much more likely to generate a tsunami that will head towards Washington’s coast than any other part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.” [1]
• Maximilian Dixon (Washington State emergency‑management hazards supervisor) – “Losing nine seismic monitoring stations can provide a really big geographic gap…you could have quite a bit of delay.” [1]
• Harold Tobin (Washington State seismologist) – “Washington would not be blind to tsunamis from Alaska…eventually it would get sorted out and even‑further‑away seismometers will eventually detect that event.” [1]
• Michael West (Alaska State seismologist, Alaska Earthquake Center) – “The federal funds stopped arriving, without explanation, in 2024…I was never, ever informed.” He believes the defunding stems from federal agency chaos. [1]
• Erica Grow Cei (NOAA spokesperson) – “The National Weather Service continues to use many mechanisms to ensure the collection of seismic data across the state of Alaska.” [1]

Some Context

• Aleutian Islands – A chain of volcanic islands on Alaska’s western edge that form a major source of tsunamis.
• National Weather Service (NWS) – Federal agency that issues weather and tsunami warnings.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Federal agency that funds seismic stations and supports NWS operations.
• Alaska Earthquake Center – Research center that operates seismic stations and monitors earthquakes in Alaska.
• Tsunami warning center – Facility that processes seismic data to issue tsunami alerts.

Links

• [1] This article

Girmay Zahilay Sworn In as King County’s Youngest Executive

Published 2025-11-25T20:51:57-0500 Cached 2025-11-26T04:04:10-0500

Scott Greenstone Scott Greenstone

Key Facts

• Sworn in as youngest King County executive – Girmay Zahilay was sworn in on Nov 25, 2025, becoming the 10th and youngest executive; the ceremony took place at a New Holly community center and his 1.5‑year‑old daughter was present. [1]
• Early inauguration due to vacancy – Zahilay assumed office immediately after election results were certified, filling the vacancy left by former Executive Dow Constantine’s departure earlier that year. [1]
• Shorter term ending 2028 – He will serve until 2028, after which county elections will shift to even years, giving him a term shorter than his peers elected this month. [1]
• Executive staff reorganization announced – About 70 of the 147 executive staff are eligible to apply for new positions in December; those who do not secure a role will lose their jobs on Jan 2, while the rest may remain. [1][2]
• First day designated “regional day of service” – Zahilay called his first full day a service day to support food banks facing record demand amid rising food prices. [1]
• Community engagement during oath – He invited students from Franklin High and Rainier Beach schools to speak before the oath, emphasizing community participation. [1]

Who Said What

• Girmay Zahilay – “People did not elect me to be executive, to have all the same structures and all the same priorities as Executive Constantine or Executive Braddock… I want my executive office to reflect that set of priorities. Right now it does not, and so you will see a restructure.” [1]
• Girmay Zahilay – “I’m asking everyone across King County to have boots on the ground and participate. Right now, food banks around King County are experiencing record demand.” [1]

Some Context

• King County Executive – The chief executive officer of King County, Washington, responsible for overseeing county operations and implementing policy.
• Dow Constantine – Former King County executive who left office earlier in 2025, creating the vacancy that Zahilay filled.
• Franklin High – A public high school in New Holly, Washington, whose students were invited to speak at the oath ceremony.
• Rainier Beach – A Seattle neighborhood whose schools participated in the ceremony.
• PubliCola – A local news outlet that reported on Zahilay’s proposed staff reorganization.

Links

• [1] This article
• [2] news site PubliCola (publicola.com)

Katie Wilson accepts mayoral win in Seattle

Published 2025-11-13T19:58:30-0500 Cached 2025-11-26T04:12:06-0500

Dyer Oxley Amy Radil Dyer Oxley Amy Radil

Key Facts

• Mayor-elect Katie Wilson accepts victory – On Thursday afternoon, Wilson formally accepted her win as Seattle mayor, following incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell’s concession earlier that day. The announcement was made to a crowd at the Seattle Labor Temple [1].
• Acknowledgement of supporters – Wilson credited volunteers, social‑media campaigns, and house parties for the campaign’s success, saying “No one saw us coming” and noting the effort was needed against “the most expensive attack campaign in Seattle election history” [1].
• Transition planning underway – She began assembling a transition team on Wednesday morning while vote counts continued to favor her, leading by 1,976 votes (0.7 %) over Harrell at that time [3][4].
• Policy priorities outlined – Wilson listed goals such as universal childcare, affordable housing, expanded mass transit, safe public spaces, and a robust economy with living‑wage jobs, emphasizing that these aims should benefit all residents [1].
• Coalition‑building message – She urged voters who opposed her to join her effort, stating “I am a coalition builder” and that the city’s challenges can only be tackled together [1].
• Campaign context – Wilson noted that while her campaign faced heavy attack spending, her platform was supported by the majority of Seattle voters, as shown by the strong performances of other progressive candidates that year [1].

Who Said What

• Katie Wilson – “I am delighted, beyond delighted, to be your next mayor.” She also said, “No one saw us coming,” and emphasized coalition building and her policy agenda.
• Bruce Harrell – Conceded the race to Wilson earlier that day (no direct quote in the article).

Some Context

• Seattle Labor Temple – A historic venue in downtown Seattle that hosts civic events and rallies.
• Transition team – A group of appointed officials and staff who prepare the incoming mayor’s office for taking over responsibilities.
• Affordable housing – Housing that is priced within reach of low‑ and moderate‑income residents, a key issue in Seattle’s real‑estate market.
• Mass transit – Public transportation systems such as buses and light rail that serve the city’s commuters.
• Social housing – Housing provided by the government or non‑profit organizations to ensure residents have safe, affordable homes.

Links

• [1] This article
• [2] Bruce Harrell conceded (KUOW)
• [3] began planning a transition team Wednesday (KUOW)
• [4] Wilson was ahead of Harrell (KUOW)

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell Concedes to Katie Wilson

Published 2025-11-13T15:14:29-0500 Cached 2025-11-26T04:12:37-0500

Amy Radil Amy Radil

Key Facts

• Harrell concedes Seattle mayor race – On Thursday, Bruce Harrell announced he was conceding the mayoral contest to challenger Katie Wilson after final vote counts showed Wilson ahead by less than 1%[1].
• Transition support pledged – Harrell said his team would assist with the transition and that he would remain involved in city affairs, though he had not decided on a future role[1].
• Affordability stance highlighted – Harrell warned that no single mayor can lower housing prices alone and emphasized the need for economic development to protect jobs in Seattle[1].
• Campaign finance disparity – Harrell’s campaign spent more than three times the independent expenditures of Wilson, largely from business and real‑estate interests, while Wilson relied on progressive donors[1].
• Police reforms under Harrell – His term saw a drop in crime, the firing of Police Chief Adrian Diaz, the appointment of former Sheriff Sue Rahr, and the hiring of Chief Shon Barnes, as well as the launch of the CARE crisis‑response department[1].
• Wilson’s housing and revenue plans – Wilson pledged to build 4,000 emergency housing units, including 1,000 tiny homes, and to seek new progressive revenue to offset federal cuts, drawing comparisons to New York mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani[1].

Who Said What

• Bruce Harrell – “I just spoke to mayor‑elect Katie Wilson to congratulate her on a hard‑fought victory… I’ll make sure Seattle is fine.” He also said he would stay involved but had not chosen a future role[1].
• Katie Wilson – Wilson’s campaign emphasized creating emergency housing and progressive revenue, and she praised Chief Shon Barnes for his work during the election[1].
• Wes Mills (Transit Riders Union) – Mills said the city should “go big” on renewing the Transportation Benefit District sales tax to fund expanded bus service[1].

Some Context

• Katie Wilson – Progressive candidate who won the 2025 Seattle mayoral election, known for her advocacy on affordable housing and public transit.
• Bruce Harrell – Incumbent mayor, former city council president, and longtime Seattle public servant.
• Democratic Socialists – Political ideology that emphasizes public ownership of key services and progressive taxation; both Wilson and New York mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani identify with it.
• Transportation Benefit District (TBD) – A local sales‑tax district that funds public transit projects in Seattle.
• CARE department – City unit of unarmed crisis responders that handles mental‑health and domestic‑violence incidents.

Links

• [1] This article
• [2] identify as democratic socialists (NPR)
• [3] He was forced to fire his first police chief, Adrian Diaz (KUOW)
• [4] scandal, (KUOW)
• [5] Harrell grew up in Seattle’s Central District (KUOW)

Katie Wilson Leads in Seattle Mayoral Race

Published 2025-11-12T19:28:12-0500 Cached 2025-11-26T04:13:24-0500

Catharine Smith Catharine Smith

Key Facts

• Wilson ahead by 1,976 votes – Fresh ballot counts released Wednesday show Wilson leading incumbent Bruce Harrell by 1,976 votes, a 0.71‑percentage‑point margin outside the recount threshold [1].
• First Millennial mayor possible – Wilson, 43, would become Seattle’s first mayor born in the 1980s if elected, a milestone noted by the campaign [1].
• Platform focuses on cost of living – Wilson’s platform criticizes the city’s high housing costs and accuses Harrell of insufficient progress on homelessness [1].
• Harrell plans public address – Harrell is scheduled to speak to the public at noon Thursday following the results, but has not yet conceded [1].
• Signature‑challenge ballots still pending – Both candidates can still add votes from ballots with signature issues that may be cured in the next couple of weeks, a process that typically involves younger voters who favor Wilson [1].
• Political endorsement from former mayor – Former mayor Greg Nickels endorsed Harrell but expressed willingness to support Wilson if elected, citing the need for effective city governance [2].

Who Said What

• Katie Wilson (candidate) – “I plan to take a day off with my family, perhaps a ferry trip to Bainbridge Island,” she told KUOW, indicating personal plans if elected [1].
• Bruce Harrell (incumbent) – “We now believe we’re in an insurmountable position,” his campaign said after the Wednesday results, while he remains un‑conceded [1].
• Greg Nickels (former mayor) – “I wish her success and if I can help her in some way I will,” Nickels wrote on Facebook, noting support for the city’s governance regardless of policy differences [2].
• Halei Watkins (King County election director) – “After today, our updates will be down to any late‑arriving on‑time ballots that arrive through the mail,” she explained the remaining counting process [1].
• Andrew Villeneuve (Northwest Progressive Institute) – “We think Wilson has it,” he said, highlighting younger voters’ preference for Wilson [1].

Some Context

• Millennial – A person born roughly between 1981 and 1996; Wilson would be the first mayor of Seattle from this generation [1].
• Democratic Socialist – A political ideology that advocates for democratic control of the economy and social ownership of key industries; Wilson identifies with this label [1].
• King County – The county encompassing Seattle, responsible for overseeing elections in the region [1].
• Northwest Progressive Institute – A left‑wing think tank that analyzes political trends in the Pacific Northwest; its founder Andrew Villeneuve provided polling insights [1].
• Greg Nickels – Former Seattle mayor (2010‑2014) who defeated incumbent Al Runte in 2005; he has publicly commented on the current race [2].

Links

• [1] This article
• [2] Nickels took to Facebook on Tuesday (facebook.com)

Seattle’s 2026 Budget: $9 B Spending Plan

Published 2025-11-26T11:13:53-0500 Cached 2025-11-26T13:56:53-0500

Key Facts

Council approves $9 B budget for 2026 – On Friday, the Seattle City Council voted to adopt Mayor Bruce Harrell’s proposed $9 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, setting the city’s spending priorities for the next term [1].
Mayor‑elect Katie Wilson inherits the plan – When Wilson takes office in January, she and the new City Council will inherit the funding allocations and policy choices made in this budget [1].
Council composition remains largely unchanged – Seven of the nine incumbent council members will stay in office, while two new members begin their terms, maintaining continuity in decision‑making [1].
Budget details are outlined in city documents – The full budget, including line‑item allocations and policy priorities, is available through the Seattle City Council Budget Office, which provides a breakdown of spending categories [2].
Harrell’s priorities reflected in the budget – The budget emphasizes areas such as public safety, affordable housing, and infrastructure, aligning with Harrell’s stated priorities during his tenure [1].
Approval process followed standard procedures – The budget passed after deliberation and public comment, following the city’s established budget‑setting process that involves multiple council committees and stakeholder input [1].

Who Said What

No direct quotations appear in the article; the report summarizes council actions and budget details without attributing statements to specific individuals.

Some Context

• Seattle City Council – The elected legislative body that governs Seattle, responsible for passing ordinances, approving the city budget, and overseeing municipal services.
• Mayor‑elect – The individual elected to become mayor but who has not yet taken office; in this case, Katie Wilson will assume the role in January 2026.
• Seattle City Council Budget Office – A city department that provides analysis, data, and guidance on budgetary matters, publishing detailed budget documents for public review.

Links

• [1] This article
• [2] Seattle City Council Budget Office (seattle.gov)
• [3] Teo Popescu (KUOW)
• [4] Teo Popescu (KUOW)
• [5] Liz Brazile (KUOW)
• [6] Lisa Wang (KUOW)
• [7] kuow.org/connect. (KUOW)

Democrats in Olympia Tackle Budget Gap Ahead of Tax Proposal Season

Published 2025-12-04T19:45:02-0500 Cached 2025-12-05T03:26:27-0500

Scott Greenstone Catharine Smith Hans Anderson Scott Greenstone Catharine Smith Hans Anderson

Key Facts

• Democrats focus on budget hole: In Olympia, Washington, Democratic lawmakers are working to close a large fiscal deficit as the state prepares for upcoming tax proposals, according to a KUOW report. [1]
• Seasonal timing of proposals: The effort occurs during the holiday season, a period when Washington legislators traditionally introduce new tax measures, as noted by the article. [1]
• Context of fiscal gap: The budget shortfall, described as a "giant budget hole," reflects a significant gap between projected revenues and expenditures for the state, prompting legislative action. [1]
• Source of information: The details come from a KUOW Sound Politics segment produced by Catharine Smith and Hans Anderson, hosted by Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann. [1]

Some Context

• Olympia – The capital city of Washington state, where the state legislature convenes.
• Budget hole – A fiscal deficit indicating that projected state revenues are insufficient to cover planned expenditures.
• KUOW – A Seattle‑based public radio station that is part of the NPR network and produces the Sound Politics podcast.
• Democrats – Members of the Democratic Party, the political group currently leading the legislative agenda in Washington.
• Tax proposals – Legislative measures that would alter state tax rates or structures, often introduced during the legislative session.

Links

• [1] This article
• [2] kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes (KUOW)

Trump Administration Negotiates Lower Prices for GLP‑1 Drugs Like Ozempic and Wegovy

Published 2025-12-04T17:45:02-0500 Cached 2025-12-04T18:36:50-0500

Libby Denkmann Maleeha Syed Libby Denkmann Maleeha Syed

Facts

• Negotiated price reductions: The Trump administration recently negotiated deals to lower the prices of GLP‑1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, aiming to make them more affordable for patients [1][2].
• Medicare copay cut: Under one of the agreements, Medicare beneficiaries could obtain GLP‑1 medications for a $50 copay, a significant reduction from previous costs [3].
• High demand for GLP‑1s: These drugs are widely used to treat diabetes and obesity, and demand has risen sharply in recent years [1].
• Increased accessibility: The lower prices are expected to improve access to GLP‑1 therapies for a broader segment of the U.S. population [2].
• Public‑health initiative: The pricing strategy is part of a broader effort to reduce drug costs and improve public health outcomes [2].
• Educational segment: The article is part of a KUOW “Ask a Doctor” podcast that features physicians answering listener questions about GLP‑1 drugs [1].

Some Context

• GLP‑1 (glucagon‑like peptide‑1): A hormone that stimulates insulin release and reduces appetite; GLP‑1 receptor agonists are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.
• Copay: The fixed amount a patient pays out of pocket for a prescription medication at the time of purchase.
• Medicare: A federal health‑insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, covering many prescription drugs.
• Trump administration: The U.S. federal executive branch under President Donald J. Trump, which negotiated the drug‑price deals referenced in the article.
• Price negotiation: The process by which a government or insurer seeks to lower the cost of pharmaceuticals through agreements with manufacturers.

Links

• [1] This article
• [2] some details still need to be ironed out (news.bloomberglaw.com)
• [3] $50 copay (NPR)
• [4] kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes (KUOW)