KIRO Newsradio Analyst

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.

Waving goodbye: Washington lawmakers want to redesign state flag for a new era

Three Democratic representatives have introduced a bill to establish a committee overseeing the redesign of the Washington state flag.
2 years ago

WA Supreme Court rules against Seattle police officers seeking anonymity in Jan. 6 records case

The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled Thursday against a group of Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers.
2 years ago

State advances bill to expand voter registration services on a party-line vote

In a move aimed at broadening voter participation, the Washington State Senate has passed Senate Bill 5077 (SB 5077).
2 years ago

WA bill letting homeless sue cities for not allowing camping, lying in parks is still alive

A controversial bill that gives homeless individuals the right to sue a city for enforcing its camping and "sit and lie" laws continues to make its way through the Washington State legislature.
2 years ago

Scanning for safety: Clerks pushing WA bill to end chaos at the self-checkout line

As self-checkout stations continue to proliferate across grocery stores in Washington, concerns have sparked a need for new legislation.
2 years ago

WA Democrats debating ‘tax the rich’ property plan as alternative to cap increase

Pedersen said lawmakers are exploring a plan to create a tax exemption for primary homes while placing a heavier burden on luxury properties and wealthy investors.
2 years ago

Democratic proposal would raise state minimum wage to $25/hour by 2032

If passed, Senate Bill 5578 would set Washington’s minimum wage on a path to $25 per hour by 2032.
2 years ago

Reducing traffic stops: Bill proposes warnings by mail, targeted enforcement for safer roads

Democrats have tried to pass a revised traffic safety bill for five years and they are trying again this legislative session.
2 years ago

Democratic state lawmakers push back against Trump’s deportation policies with new clemency bill

As President Trump continues his push to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records, Washington State Democrats have passed a bill in the Senate that could help some avoid removal.
2 years ago

Legislation to lower school bond approval threshold stalls on eve of important elections

With six school bonds set for a public vote on Tuesday, efforts to reduce the voter approval requirement for school district bonds in Washington have stalled.
2 years ago

A fart tax? State lawmaker suggests sports fans pay up for methane emissions

A Republican lawmaker made an unusual suggestion during a public hearing Thursday on a bill that could lead to a fart tax on cows.
2 years ago

Justice vs. safety: Washington lawmakers clash over sentencing reform bill

A bill advanced in Olympia that may lead to a floor vote on one of the most significant law and justice bills of this session. It involves sentencing reform.
2 years ago

Washington bill takes aim at corporate homebuyers, tries to level playing field for families

In a move to preserve homeownership opportunities and combat escalating housing prices, a new bill — Senate Bill 5496 — has been introduced in Washington.
2 years ago

Washington lawmakers push to slash parking requirements, paving way for new housing

A major shift could be coming to Washington's zoning laws and it all revolves around parking.
2 years ago

WA Senate Democrats propose stricter regulations for ballot measure initiatives

Washington Senate Democrats have introduced legislation to tighten regulations on the state's processes for initiatives and referendums.
2 years ago

Democratic lawmakers vow to ‘Trump-proof’ LGBTQ+ rights and DEI protections in WA

Washington Democratic legislative leaders made it clear on Tuesday that they intend to "Trump-proof" the state from federal interference.
2 years ago

Parental rights showdown: WA lawmakers accuse one another of lying about student privacy

Democrats and Republicans in Washington traded verbal fireworks Tuesday over House Bill 1296, a measure about parental rights.
2 years ago

Reforming juvenile justice: A path to rehabilitation or a public safety gamble?

Washington's Senate Bill 5296 is igniting intense debate over the future of the state’s juvenile justice system and rehabilitation.
2 years ago

Nurses, doctors push back on new bill: Will behavioral health crisis get pass for assaults?

A new bill making its way through the Washington State Legislature is igniting debate among healthcare workers, particularly nurses and doctors.
2 years ago

Washington House committee advances controversial firearm bills amid heated debate

These proposals address firearm purchase permits, ammunition sales restrictions and measures to curb firearm theft from vehicles.
2 years ago

Speed demons on a leash: Bill would require limiter device for reckless drivers

Washington is taking a bold step toward tackling reckless drivers and speeding with a new bill that could change how high-risk drivers get back on the road.
2 years ago

New bill allows volunteer opportunities at schools for parents with criminal records

House Bill 1189 is working to give parents and guardians with criminal records a shot at helping out in schools.
2 years ago

Caught in the net: Washington lawmakers push to reduce penalties for online sting operations

Washington lawmakers are considering a controversial new bill that could change the way the state treats people caught in internet sting operations.
2 years ago

Washington lawmakers push to keep ‘vehicular homes’ safe from tow yard

A new bill making its way through the Washington State Legislature aims to help people who live in their vehicles avoid losing them to impoundment.
2 years ago