Matt Markovich

Matt Markovich brings 30+ years worth of reporting experience to KIRO Newsradio. He was originally brought to Seattle by KIRO-TV in 1991. After three years, he moved over to KOMO-TV and was there until the fall of 2021. After that, he did some fill-in talk show work here at KIRO-FM before moving over to FOX 13 as their political reporter. He’s a winner of 14 Northwest Emmy Awards. Matt began his broadcast career at KMET-FM in Los Angeles as a surf reporter while was going to college at UC Santa Barbara (his hometown) and making Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax. If you know what it is, you know why Matt was hired as a surf reporter. KMET brought him on full-time as a 19 year old radio producer/reporter at one of the largest rock ‘n roll stations in the country. He later finished up college at San Diego State University. He races Hobie Catamarans competitively, loves to ski, now ‘surfs’ the world wide web and shares travel secrets. He’s been married to his wife Carlissa for 26 years, has a son Josh, 23 and daughter Jessie 21 plus two labs Mekah and Georgia.

Capping the chaos: Washington rent stabilization bill moves forward

In one of its first acts of the 2025 legislative session on Monday, Washington State House Democrats have resurrected an attempt at rent stabilization.

4 days ago

State Senate bill with new gun-free zones in parks, where kids are present moves ahead

Washington lawmakers revised a gun-free-zones bill that would have prohibited firearms and weapons in most locations where kids are present.

8 days ago

New bill proposes state taxpayers fund health insurance for student athletes

Star collegiate athletes like starting quarterbacks and lesser known players, like third stringers on a school's softball team, could see state taxpayers pay for their health insurance.

9 days ago

From outlawed to mainstream: Washington cannabis workers push for union rights

Once upon a time, cultivating cannabis could land you behind bars. Fast forward to today and it's a bona fide career path in Washington.

10 days ago

‘The times call for action:’ Ferguson pledges reforms amid challenges from Trump, budget deficit

Bob Ferguson, the newly sworn-in governor of Washington, delivered an ambitious inaugural address on Wednesday emphasizing immediate action to address the state's challenges.

10 days ago

Text, ‘No thanks!’ New state bill aims to tackle intrusive mobile messages, calls

Washington lawmakers held a hearing on Wednesday in an attempt to shield residents from the relentless barrage of unwanted spam phone calls and text messages.

10 days ago

Sober roads ahead: Washington lawmakers renew push to lower BAC limit to 0.05

In a renewed effort to combat impaired driving, lawmakers are trying once again to lower the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05.

11 days ago

Inslee’s final State of the State Address: A call for equity and resistance

Governor Jay Inslee issued his final State of the State address Tuesday to a joint session of the Washington Legislature.

11 days ago

Washington’s wild animal bill: A big step toward ending traveling animal acts

Big changes could be coming to Washington's circuses and traveling shows. Senate Bill 5065, which got its first hearing on Tuesday, takes aim at the use of wild animals in traveling entertainment.

11 days ago

‘Perception’ and ‘bias’ can be factors in proposed state hate crime bill

Several House Democrats are sponsoring an expansion of Washington's hate crimes laws to include a perpetrator's perception of the victim's characteristics, regardless of the victim's actual attributes.

12 days ago

Fierce justice for furry friends: Proposal would toughen laws on animal cruelty and fighting

Washington lawmakers held a hearing Monday on a bill that would expand the punishment of people involving animal cruelty and illegal fighting contests.

12 days ago

Washington lawmakers take aim at fashion industry polluters on first day of session

State lawmakers are taking aim at the fashion and shoe business during the first day of the 105-day legislative session.

12 days ago

The Washington budget mystery: How big is the state’s deficit really?

Washington faces a budget deficit, but is it really $12 billion as Bob Ferguson states? Democrats and Republicans can't agree on the number.

12 days ago

Washington faces transportation funding crisis but road usage charge still iffy proposition

With Washington facing a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall, legislative leaders stress the importance of expanding and maintaining the state's existing roadways. However, the question of where the necessary funding will come from in the long run remains unresolved.

15 days ago

Democratic Governor-elect Ferguson proposes bold spending cuts, echoing what Republicans have wanted

Governor-elect Bob Ferguson revealed plans to ask all state agencies to reduce their projected spending by 6%, as Washington faces a projected $12 billion budget shortfall over the next four years.

16 days ago

Seattle mayor calls for major SPD reforms after Adrian Diaz harassment claims probe

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has called for major SPD changes after a probe into allegations of gender discrimination and sexual harassment.

22 days ago

Sticker shock on the slopes: How smaller ski resorts offer some of the best deals

The 2024–2025 ski season has ushered in unprecedented lift ticket prices across major U.S. resorts, with some daily rates surpassing $300.

25 days ago

Court protects Boeing Field ICE flights; observers fear Trump administration will add more

Inside planes are individuals detained by ICE. These individuals are part of a secretive network of ICE flights known as ICE Air.