Close
MyNorthwest
News
Opinion
Sports
Tools
Connect
Highlights - Seattle’s Morning News w/ Charlie Harger & Manda Factor Cover Image

Highlights - Seattle’s Morning News w/ Charlie Harger & Manda Factor

Charlie Harger and Manda Factor give you the day’s most important news stories every weekday. Along with Chris Sullivan on traffic and KIRO 7 TV’s Nick Allard, it’s everything you need to get your day started right. 
August 22, 2025

Auburn Valley Humane Society now over capacity following 82-dog rescue

The Auburn Valley Humane Society is now over capacity after being overwhelmed with 82 new dogs. "How did this happen?" KIRO host Manda Factor asked. "Where did they come from?"   (08:51)
 Listen
August 8, 2025

'What can we do to reduce spending?' Seattle council member weighs in on primary election, Seattle's mounting budget woes

Based on initial primary election returns, Washington voters may be swinging the pendulum once again toward more progressive leadership and policies. For example, first-time candi...   (08:26)
 Listen
August 5, 2025

Gun violence down 25% in South County, thanks to ‘two-prong approach’

The King County Prosecutor’s Office has released its Shots Fired report for the first quarter of 2025, and the trends are promising.   (07:52)
 Listen
July 11, 2025

Former Sounders keeper Kasey Keller reunites with high school classmate-turned-KIRO host ahead of Seafair honor

Former Sounders keeper Kasey Keller, the 2011 Keeper of the Year, made a surprise appearance on "Seattle's Morning News" on KIRO Newsradio ahead of his Seafair duties to shock an old high school classmate, KIRO host Manda Factor.   (03:51)
 Listen
July 9, 2025

WA Rep. rips Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’: A 'reverse Robin Hood' for the rich

President Donald Trump signed his “Big Beautiful Bill” into law over the Fourth of July weekend, but not without plenty of criticism and pushback, including from U.S. ...   (11:23)
 Listen
July 8, 2025

Churches, houses of worship can now endorse political candidates, IRS rules

Churches and other houses of worship can now officially endorse political candidates to their congregations, the IRS revealed Monday. New York Times investigative reporter David F...   (07:57)
 Listen
July 7, 2025

Gee Scott: 'You're a jerk' if you set off fireworks after the Fourth of July

Fireworks tend to go rogue during the Fourth of July holiday, with holiday-themed pyrotechnics continuing throughout the night for days on end—a common frustration for those...   (05:33)
 Listen
July 3, 2025

Walsh: 'The big, beautiful bill' will 'refocus Medicaid dollars'

Washington state representative Jim Walsh joined "Seattle's Morning News" just before the House sent the bill to the president's desk to explain why this "big, beautiful bill" is necessary.   (10:21)
 Listen
July 2, 2025

Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-D) on Trump's tax bill

House Republicans are working to secure votes for President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" after it passed in the Senate, The Associated Press (AP) reported Tuesday. The bil...   (08:49)
 Listen
June 30, 2025

SMN- James Huffman Canlis

James Huffman, the new executive chef at Canlis in Seattle, discussed his journey from high school to culinary school, influenced by his Filipino wife and his early experiences at Purple Wine Bar and Cafe Juanita.    (09:29)
 Listen
June 25, 2025

Seattle Mayor Harrell campaigns for reelection

It's not lost on Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell that the city still has a lot of work ahead of it in order to achieve its major goals, but the progress Seattle has made in four short...   (09:42)
 Listen
June 17, 2025

Gee Scott on income needed to live comfortably in WA

A single adult needs to make $109,658 to live comfortably in Washington, according to SmartAsset's 2025 study. Washington was ranked the fifth most expensive state to live in the ...   (06:10)
 Listen
June 13, 2025

Ursula on corporations pulling out of Seattle Pride

Several corporations have pulled their funding from Seattle Pride this year, The Seattle Times reported Monday. Event organizers told the media outlet that big companies may fear ...   (04:56)
 Listen
June 13, 2025

Wrestling legend Bryan Danielson talks hometown start, Seahawks, and how to talk smack

Bryan Danielson, known as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time under the stage name Daniel Bryan, is headlining an All Elite Wrestling (AEW) event at the accesso...   (10:07)
 Listen
June 11, 2025

Mayoral candidate Dr. Clinton Bliss ready to leave doctor's office for city office

The August primary for the election of Seattle mayor is fast approaching, and one candidate, a medical doctor with zero prior political experience, believes he's just what the cit...   (09:20)
 Listen
June 9, 2025

Gee Scott on 'juice jacking'

Checking your flight time on your cell phone and notice your battery’s low? Don’t use the airport chargers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warned. Ge...   (05:38)
 Listen
June 9, 2025

Ringleader charged in string of burglaries targeting Seattle athletes, including Julio Rodriguez, Richard Sherman

Casey McNerthney joins Seattle's Morning News to discuss a Seattle man who was charged late last week as the ringleader for a string of burglaries that targeted prominent Seattle ...   (08:57)
 Listen
June 6, 2025

Seattle mayoral candidate Ry Armstrong

The race for Seattle mayor is heating up, with nine candidates filing for the August primary. Ry Armstrong, a longtime advocate for the queer community and co-executive director f...   (09:26)
 Listen
June 6, 2025

Seattle’s young adult exodus: Millennials, Gen Z leaving the city in post-COVID trend

Census data revealed that Seattle's young-adult population has declined since the start of the pandemic, bucking the trend that the Puget Sound is a thriving hub for Gen Z, latter...   (06:32)
 Listen
June 3, 2025

Seattle mayoral candidate Joe Mallahan

Joe Mallahan, former vice president of business development at T-Mobile, is once again running to become mayor of Seattle. Mallahan made his case for the upcoming election on "Sea...   (12:03)
 Listen
May 21, 2025

Gee Scott on Seattle rent rates

Gee Scott, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show" on KIRO Newsradio, broke down a recent Zillow study that labeled Seattle as a city requiring roughly $90,000 to comforta...   (05:31)
 Listen
May 16, 2025

'Writing is on the wall': Talk of NBA expanding into Seattle heats up

NBA commissioner Adam Silver expects discussion about expansion to be one of the central topics when the league’s owners meet this summer. That means hot spots for basketbal...   (06:10)
 Listen
May 14, 2025

WA delays electric ferry plan, 3 diesel boats to return

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is expanding its fleet next month, adding vessels to several key routes ahead of what’s expected to be a busy summer season on Puget Sound.   (02:59)
 Listen
May 14, 2025

WA delays electric ferry plan, 3 diesel boats to return

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is expanding its fleet next month, adding vessels to several key routes ahead of what’s expected to be a busy summer season on Puget Sound.   (02:59)
 Listen
May 9, 2025

Barry’s Back! Seattle stoked for Manilow’s last local show

Barry Manilow has announced his final concert in Seattle. The pop superstar will be performing at the Climate Pledge Arena on July 12.   (05:53)
 Listen
May 7, 2025

The I-5 Commuters

Learn about the folks trying to make our drive on I-5 just a little bit better    (15:42)
 Listen
May 1, 2025

Senator Marko Liias

Senator Marko Liias   (10:55)
 Listen
April 30, 2025

House Republican Deputy Leader Chris Corry

House Republican Deputy Leader Chris Corry   (09:08)
 Listen
April 29, 2025

Majority Leader Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon

Majority Leader, Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon   (14:22)
 Listen
April 24, 2025

Art Dahlen

Art Dahlen isn't one to mince words. And as the founder of Kent-based Battlefield Addiction, he’s grown tired of watching well-meaning policies inadvertently fuel a crisis h...   (09:41)
 Listen
April 24, 2025

Herb Weisbaum

The Trump administration has been aggressively reducing the federal government's role in the lives of citizens in many ways, including weakening several consumer protection agenci...   (05:19)
 Listen
April 23, 2025

WA Rep. Walsh: Gov. Ferguson won’t sign $12B budget plan—but it could become law anyway

Despite less than a week remaining for the Washington State Legislature, Governor Bob Ferguson is still not embracing the $12 billion package presented to balance the state's...   (09:43)
 Listen
April 23, 2025

Representative Mari Leavitt on the BEAM Act

Washington State Representative Mari Leavitt on speeding in the state and her sponsorship of the BEAM Act.   (08:33)
 Listen
April 21, 2025

SMN talks Seattle's homelessness approach

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the number of tents in Seattle has been reduced by nearly 80% since 2022, The Seattle Times reported Monday. The media outlet stated in the p...   (06:39)
 Listen
April 18, 2025

Leland Vittert on CDC study on autism

According to a nationwide survey conducted in 2022 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in 31 children studied had been diagnosed with autism—a significant inc...   (06:24)
 Listen
April 17, 2025

Randy Pepple's thoughts on the legislature

Randy Pepple's thoughts on the legislature   (09:48)
 Listen
April 16, 2025

Darren Reeves, Union Gospel Mission

Details about the Union Gospel Mission's distriution of Easter baskets    (10:16)
 Listen
April 10, 2025

King County Executive Shannon Braddock

It's a temporary role but a big one for interim King County Executive Shannon Braddock. She joins SMN to discuss her plans and ideas for the role    (11:20)
 Listen
April 10, 2025

Nick Brown on his first 3 months as AG

Washington has a new attorney general for the first time in 12 years in Nick Brown, and it's been a chaotic start to his tenure as the state continues to battle against many of th...   (11:11)
 Listen
April 7, 2025

Owner of Integrity Roofing and Construction talks immigration with Jake and Spike

On Monday, the owner of Integrity Roofing and Construction, Tanner Tennyson, joined the Jake and Spike show to talk about challenges regarding immigration enforcement and employer responsibilities.   (13:04)
 Listen
April 7, 2025

'The market doesn't understand': Former Trump Chief of Staff breaks down tariffs

Mick Mulvaney, former White House Chief of Staff, joined Seattle's Morning News (SMN) Monday to discuss the impact of Trump's tariffs on the stock market.   (10:13)
 Listen
April 7, 2025

Manda Factor joins Charlie Harger as new co-host of ‘Seattle’s Morning News’ on KIRO Newsradio

During her debut on Monday, Amanda and Charlie took the time to discuss their long-standing connections in the Seattle radio industry. A seasoned radio journalist, Amanda shared h...   (05:47)
 Listen
April 3, 2025

Former AG Rob McKenna on Trump administration deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members

The Trump administration deported more alleged Venezuelan and MS-13 gang members to El Salvador last weekend, the U.S. State Department confirmed on Monday, citing the Alien Enemi...   (06:45)
 Listen
April 1, 2025

Rep. Chipalo Street discusses budget proposals and working across the aisle

Rep. Chipalo Street discusses budget proposals and working across the aisle    (15:16)
 Listen
April 1, 2025

Democratic Senator June Robinson on WA budget proposal

The Washington Senate approved a $78.5 billion operating budget plan that targets the state's wealthiest residents and biggest employers in order to protect essential services. Cr...   (07:47)
 Listen
March 31, 2025

Senator June Robinson

Senator Juen Robinson gives us an update on the state budget propsoal from democrats in Olympia    (17:43)
 Listen
March 28, 2025

Amanda Knox

Amanda Knox has lived through one of the most talked about battles in recent memory. She was falsely accused of murder in Italy and was finally cleared years later. Knox joined "S...   (06:42)
 Listen
March 24, 2025

Gee Scott on pharmacy deserts

Pharmacy deserts are cropping up across Washington. According to the Washington State Pharmacy Association, between January 2023 and March 2024, 81 pharmacies closed statewide. Ge...   (07:26)
 Listen
March 20, 2025

Rob McKenna says Trump should not have ignored a federal judge

Rob McKenna says Trump should not have ignored a federal judge   (05:23)
 Listen
March 19, 2025

City Council President Sara Nelson on proposed Stadium District housing

City Council President Sara Nelson on proposed Stadium District housing   (09:29)
 Listen
March 18, 2025

Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self -- Parents Bill of Right

Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self joins the show to discuss Hosue Bill 1296, which modifies what is known as the Parents Bill of Rights.    (23:22)
 Listen
March 14, 2025

Gee Scott compares Sam Darnold's future to Matt Hasselbeck's success in Seattle

During his introductory presser, newly signed quarterback Sam Darnold talked about his love for the 12s, shared his excitement working with Klint Kubiak again, and opened up about...   (06:33)
 Listen
March 14, 2025

ConsumerMan Herb Weisbaum on how to save money on prescriptions

With the average American spending more than $1,400 on prescription medications a year, lots of people look to cut corners in order to help budget themselves -- with dangerous and...   (05:57)
 Listen
March 11, 2025

Gee on Sam Darnold bringing new era to Seattle football

The top quarterback in free agency is off the board after Sam Darnold agreed to a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, ushering in a new era of football ...   (06:40)
 Listen
March 11, 2025

Congressional Correspondent Tom Dempsey on School Choice

Congressional Correspondent Tom Dempsey on School Choice    (04:50)
 Listen
March 11, 2025

NewsNation Xavier Walton on potential tariff jump

President Donald Trump is raising the tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, according to a post from the president on Truth Social, claiming it's a response to O...   (05:32)
 Listen
March 10, 2025

Gee Scott: 'I love everything' about Geno Smith, DK Metcalf trades

Gee Scott praises the Geno Smith and DK Metcalf trades, arguing the team is set up for future success.    (05:54)
 Listen
March 6, 2025

Rep. Drew Stokesbary: New relationship with a new administration

Rep. Drew Stokesbary joins Seattle's Morning News to discuss the bills and the budget in the state legislature as well as the differences between working with Govenor Inslee and Govenor Ferguson    (17:07)
 Listen
March 5, 2025

Gee Scott on Trump's address to congress: 'Accept your punishment'

President Trump delivered the longest address to Congress since 1964 on Tuesday night. His speech blended policy proposals and personal gripes with ambitious promises for America's future.   (06:06)
 Listen
February 28, 2025

Are all these earthquakes a precursor to "the big one?"

Harold Tobin, UW Seismologist    (05:39)
 Listen
February 28, 2025

Ted Buehner on NOAA layoffs

Hundreds of weather forecasters and other federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) employees on probationary status were fired Thursday, lawmakers and weathe...   (08:12)
 Listen
February 28, 2025

'His presence was perpetual:' A look at Hollywood icon Gene Hackman's impact on cinema

"How big of a deal was Gene Hackman in the movies, especially in the 70s?" Seattle's Morning News host Charlie Harger asked. "If we look at that period between through the 70s, th...   (07:11)
 Listen
February 25, 2025

John Scholes, Downtown Seattle Association

John Scholes, Downtown Seattle Association   (12:52)
 Listen
February 25, 2025

Gee Scott: Cars shouldn't be in Pike Place Market

Gee Scott: Cars shouldn't be in Pike Place Market   (05:27)
 Listen
February 24, 2025

Gee Scott on more Starbucks Layoffs

Gee Scott on more Starbucks Layoffs   (06:34)
 Listen
February 20, 2025

Gee Scott: Rent control will 'drive away the mom and pop landlords'

Gee Scott warns that rent control will come with some unintended consequences.    (06:41)
 Listen
February 17, 2025

Casey McNerthney, Director of Communications at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

Casey McNerthney, Director of Communications at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office   (08:44)
 Listen
February 17, 2025

Gee Scott on back to the office

Gee Scott on back to the office   (07:13)
 Listen
February 14, 2025

Gee Scott on YouTube TV

Even if YouTube TV maintains Paramount content, is it worth the high price? "Seattle's Morning News" host Charlie Harger and Gee Scott of "The Gee and Ursula Show," wondered if YouTube TV is as much of a bargain as it used to be.   (05:30)
 Listen
February 13, 2025

Gee Scott: 'Racial profiling will go on forever'

KIRO Newsradio Gee Scott on lax sentencing and racial profiling   (06:00)
 Listen
February 7, 2025

Gee Scott roasts Velveeta lovers

If you’re looking for a Super Bowl Party where the hosts are serving Velveeta, you won’t find it at Gee Scott’s house.   (06:09)
 Listen
February 7, 2025

Flowers for Valentine's Day

Flowers for Valentine's Day   (06:26)
 Listen
February 1, 2025

Unease and fear in the community as crime plagues Auburn

Auburn — a city once known for its relatively quiet suburban life — finds itself at the center of a violent struggle that has residents living in fear. The escalating ...   (07:13)
 Listen
February 1, 2025

How much graffiti is there along I-5 in Seattle? We counted.

Charlie Harger and Nate Connors counted the number of tags within Seattle's city limits along Interstate 5 (I-5). The numbers they saw were stunning.    (07:15)
 Listen
January 31, 2025

Jane talks to 'Seattle Morning News' about being homeless in Seattle

A woman who went by the name of Jane recently spoke to "Seattle's Morning News" about being homeless in the city of Seattle and in the Puget Sound region.    (07:06)
 Listen
January 31, 2025

Kaya talks to 'Seattle's Morning News' about being homeless in the Puget Sound

Kaya recently spoke to "Seattle's Morning News" about being homeless in the city of Seattle and in the Puget Sound region.    (06:57)
 Listen
January 30, 2025

Trump consoles crash victims before diving into political attacks on diversity initiatives

Gee Scott joins "Seattle's Morning News" to discuss President Donald Trump's comments on the fatal crash between an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter. Trump's comments ...   (06:34)
 Listen
January 30, 2025

John Nance, Aviation Analyst

Air crash in Washington, DC    (05:56)
 Listen
January 27, 2025

Cliff Mass

Cliff Mass, atmospheric sciences professor at the University of Washington, told "Seattle's Morning News" on KIRO Newsradio Monday there is a chance of snow in the region. However...   (05:02)
 Listen
January 20, 2025

Dr. Ralina Joseph

To commemorate MLK Day, "Seattle's Morning News" on KIRO Newsradio hosted Dr. Ralina Joseph Professor of Communication and adjunct Professor of American Ethnic Studies and Gender,...   (06:36)
 Listen
January 16, 2025

Charlie and Gee talk TikTok

Charlie and Gee discuss the potential TikTok ban.   (05:51)
 Listen
January 15, 2025

Seattle City Council member Maritza Rivera

Seattle City Council member Maritza Rivera, who represents Seattle's 4th District, expressed significant concerns about the "One Seattle" plan.   (10:16)
 Listen
January 14, 2025

Starbucks reversing open-door policy

If you want to hang out or use the restroom at Starbucks, you're going to have to buy something as a policy is being reversed.   (05:03)
 Listen
January 10, 2025

Consumer Man Herb Weisbaum discusses 'Junk Fees'

Consumer Man Herb Weisbaum discusses 'Junk Fees'   (08:11)
 Listen
January 9, 2025

Hongkui Zeng

Published in the journal "Nature," Hongqui Zeng’s research explores the cellular changes in the brain associated with aging and provides practical advice on how to mitigate ...   (07:41)
 Listen
January 9, 2025

Dave Ross reflects on President Jimmy Carter

"Carter was a complicated man in a complicated time in our nation's history, and I'd like to get a little perspective," "Seattle's Morning News" host Charlie Harger said. "So let'...   (05:20)
 Listen
January 9, 2025

Radio host Gregg Hersholt reflects on meeting Carter before and after his presidency 

Gregg Hersholt, a veteran morning radio news anchor in the Pacific Northwest, mentioned on "Seattle's Morning News" with host Charlie Harger that his first professional run-in wit...   (06:43)
 Listen
January 2, 2025

Former King County Sheriff John Urquhart

Former King County Sheriff John Urquhart joined "Seattle's Morning News" Thursday to discuss the New Orleans police chief and how the mass murder will impact the Seattle area.   (10:35)
 Listen
January 2, 2025

What will Seattle do in the wake of New Orleans attack?

Retired Assistant Chief of Homeland Security for Seattle PD Steve Hirjak   (08:41)
 Listen
December 19, 2024

KIRO Newsradio staff members say goodbye to Dave, Colleen

Chris Sullivan, Ursula Reutin and Gee Scott were among the KIRO Newsradio personalities to say their final goodbyes to Dave Ross and Colleen O'Brien during their final "Seattle's Morning News" segment on Thursday, Dec. 19.    (16:23)
 Listen
December 19, 2024

King County Executive Dow Constantine honors Dave Ross

Dow Constantine declared Dec. 19 "Dave Ross Day" in King County in a proclamation during "Seattle's Morning News" on Thursday.   (07:01)
 Listen
December 19, 2024

A Song 'For Dave Ross'

Nick Creasia pays tribute to Dave in a song to the tune of ABBA's 'Fernando'   (06:13)
 Listen
December 19, 2024

Gov. Inslee calls in to Dave and Colleen's final 'SMN'

The governor of Washington called in to Dave and Colleen's final "Seattle's Morning News" Thursday morning and had several lighthearted exchanges with the retiring Dave Ross.   (06:00)
 Listen
December 19, 2024

Rep. Adam Smith

Rep. Adam Smith    (05:07)
 Listen
December 19, 2024

Diane Duthweiler, former KIRO Newsradio Anchor and Editor

Diane Duthweiler, former KIRO Newsradio anchor and editor, wrote an article in The Eastlake News in tribute to the retiring Dave Ross.   (05:35)
 Listen
December 19, 2024

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell declares Dec. 19 'Dave Ross Day'

The mayor of Seattle came to the KIRO Newsradio studio on Thursday, Dec. 19 and presented a proclamation that made Dec. 19 "Dave Ross Day."    (07:42)
 Listen
December 19, 2024

Dave and Colleen's last first 'SMN' segment

Thursday, Dec. 19 marked the final show for Dave Ross and Colleen O'Brien. They started their last show by reminicing a little and looking ahead a little.   (07:48)
 Listen
December 18, 2024

Mayor Harrell on KIRO Newsradio

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell joined KIRO Newsradio Thursday to wish Dave Ross and Colleen O'Brien farewell. During the conversation, Harrell told KIRO Newsradio he hasn't seen any ...   (07:40)
 Listen
December 18, 2024

Harger shares memories of Colleen

Charlie Harger shares memories of Colleen O'Brien.   (05:22)
 Listen
December 18, 2024

Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson

Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson    (09:19)
 Listen