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KIRO Newsradio Commentaries

Your favorite KIRO Newsradio hosts deliver bite-sized commentary on the people and events making news in your world.
December 18, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Politicians' public safety promises falling flat in Seattle

Call me naïve, but I still believe the government should work for everyone, whether you're rich or poor, young or old. Your color or your class shouldn’t mean different...   (03:23)
December 11, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Seattle physician exposes algorithms in healthcare

When you go to the doctor, the expectation is they will use their experience, the latest research and their wisdom to offer you the best path forward for your health. But what hap...   (03:42)
December 3, 2024

Harger: Seattle plagued by spreading graffiti along I-5 corridor

The graffiti problem along Seattle’s Interstate 5 (I-5) corridor is getting worse, and it’s hard to miss.    (03:08)
December 2, 2024

'Dont' cut a cent:' Dave Ross on why the national debt never gets under control

Donald Trump's new treasury secretary is considered a fiscal hawk who will cut whatever it takes to get the national debt under control -- a debt that now exceeds $36 trillion. Bu...   (02:22)
November 25, 2024

Ross: Voters weren’t just voting for change, they were voting for a hormone

The internet continues to analyze the election, but look at this – a CBS News poll shows close to 60% of Americans, including some Democrats, approve of how Trump ...   (02:49)
November 21, 2024

Markovich: Opinion vs. facts and the ever-blurring line within journalism

Accountability is expensive -- now more than ever -- especially in this new media age where opinion is far cheaper to produce and digging up the facts. This past election showed t...   (02:39)
November 21, 2024

Matt Markovich: Accountability is expensive

Matt Markovich looks at the changing trends in media consumption and news sources and the costs associated with it    (02:39)
November 20, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s 'good idea' is actually pretty disturbing

Don’t get me wrong, I love a great headline, and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s challenge/threat to Republicans is significant political theater. Sadly, it's ...   (03:42)
November 19, 2024

Charlie Harger: Cut some slack for Seattle weather forecasters

It’s hard to communicate uncertainty, especially when the weather has a mind of its own. That’s why Charlie feels for Seattle meteorologists right now. They’re t...   (03:22)
November 18, 2024

Michael Goldenkranz: Benefactors need to reshape incentives for young lawyers

Listner Michael Goldenkranz has an idea to help serve those who are underepresented in the court of law and those going throgh the process of becoming a lawyer.    (03:38)
November 14, 2024

Matt Markovich: The Harris campaign and the biggest case of political ‘astroturfing’ yet

The postmortem on the Harris campaign is underway, and here’s a number that stands out. According to The Washington Examiner, nearly $4 million went to a firm call...   (02:27)
November 13, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Trump fills his team with dedicated loyalists

As President Elect Trump begins filling his cabinet roles, it becomes clear a theme is emerging.  Loyalty - the very thing that likely hurt Kamala Harris.   (03:36)
November 12, 2024

Charlie Harger: The top issue for voters this election

Exit polls show the top issue for voters this cycle was the economy. President Biden’s pointed out that America has the best economy in the world, comparatively speaking. An...   (03:14)
November 11, 2024

Dave Ross: What sports can teach us about the election results

Dave Ross takes a look at the election results through the lens of sports, and confirms, you can still be friends with someone who voted differently than you.    (03:20)
November 8, 2024

Rantz: Kamala Harris wasn’t the only one to lose. Left-wing did too but did it learn a lesson?

Kamala Harris wasn’t the only loser on election night, Left-wing media outlets suffered a stinging defeat.   (03:37)
November 7, 2024

'As goes King County, so goes the state:' WA turns into deeper blue state after 2024 election

Governor Jay Inslee -- the state's most powerful Democrat -- proudly proclaimed yesterday that all statewide offices are now held by Democrats. He claimed the last time that happe...   (03:30)
November 6, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Amazon’s “disgruntled” employees might have a point on hybrid work

Angela Poe Russell considers some of the impacts of Amazon workers return to the office, and wonders if we are missing the point when it comes to hybrid work   (03:19)
November 5, 2024

Charlie Harger: As Election Day falls on a divided nation — can we try to find peace?

Well, here we are — it’s Election Day. In just a few hours, we’ll start to get a sense of the winners and losers. Sooner or later, we’ll know who the next ...   (03:20)
November 4, 2024

Dave Ross: Election Day and Decision Day are two seperate things

Tomorrow is Election Day – that’s what the calendar says. But there are two problems with the term "Election Day." No. 1, we now have many election days, because peopl...   (03:26)
November 1, 2024

Mayfield: A Timely Reminder From the Parents of a Nobel Prize Recipient

I am a dad. That means I worry almost constantly about our kids. This week, I met two lovely people who made me worry a tiny bit less about how I am doing as a parent. You may hav...   (03:59)
October 31, 2024

Matt Markovich: Why are initiatives so confusing?

Matt Marovich commentary    (02:44)
October 30, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Election anxiety is real, here’s how to navigate all the political chaos

This time next week, we should have some sense of where the election is going. Instead of polls, we will be looking at the ballots counted thus far. With it being so close to elec...   (03:40)
October 29, 2024

Harger: Attacks on ballot boxes threaten democracy

Over the summer, the Department of Homeland Security issued a warning that was both alarming and, unfortunately, necessary. Election agencies across the nation were cautioned abou...   (03:17)
October 28, 2024

Dave Ross: How I learned to stop worrying and love negative political ads

Love those ads. People say they hate negative political ads, but the reality is conflict is the soul of drama, and negative ads work. They can make you hate anything.   (03:19)
October 24, 2024

Matt Markovich on the 'Dark Money' in politics

Matt Markovich on the 'Dark Money' in politics    (02:36)
October 23, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: We have a 'weird' relationship with Russell Wilson

Angela Poe Russell: We have a 'weird' relationship with Russell Wilson   (02:50)
October 22, 2024

Harger: Demonization of opponents is dangerous for Democracy

In just two weeks, we’ll start seeing the first wave of election results roll in, giving us a pretty good idea of who our next group of elected leaders will be. It’s a...   (03:48)
October 21, 2024

An alternative version of January 6

Dave Ross commentary    (02:40)
October 17, 2024

Matt Markovich: Are RINOs actually libertarians?

KIRO's Matt Markovich asks the question - is a RINO - (republican in name only) a libertarian without knowing it.    (02:29)
October 16, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Helping lonely people doesn't take much effort

Angela Poe Russell: Helping lonely people doesn't take much effort   (03:35)
October 15, 2024

Charlie Harger: Three weeks until Election Day and 2016’s lessons still matter

With Election Day rapidly approaching, the pace in newsrooms across the country is shifting into high gear. That sure is the case in the KIRO Newsradio/MyNorthwest newsroom. In ju...   (03:25)
October 14, 2024

From the audience: One final chance for a Harris v. Trump debate

This commentary is from KIRO Newsradio listener Scott Scowcroft regarding his proposal to get the presidential candidates and their policies on full display one final time. I gues...   (02:56)
October 11, 2024

Travis Mayfield: City Leaders Want You On Camera, Not Themselves

Seattle’s double standard: Adding surveillance cameras while cutting public transparency.    (03:28)
October 10, 2024

Patti Payne: How Geek Squad saved my computer tech meltdown

I have used my computer for years, and Microsoft and Outlook have never failed me, at least not to any horribly scary extent. And I rely on the computer for my broadcast work, for...   (05:27)
October 9, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: You’re right, hurricane impacts are getting worse according to scientists

As Hurricane Milton barrels through Florida, many can’t help but wonder if storms like these will become more regular.   In today’s commentary brought to ...   (03:34)
October 8, 2024

Charlie Harger: WA a mere ‘ATM’ for politicians visiting during gridlock

Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz visits Washington today and unfortunately, that means traffic    (03:25)
October 7, 2024

Dave Ross: Denial is still in style when it comes to election results

IS the mainstream media playing a gotcha game when asking who won the 2020 Presidential Election?    (02:35)
October 4, 2024

Travis Mayfield: Teaching kids about hypocrisy was way too easy this week

It’s been a rough week to be a parent. I mean every week as a parent is a rough week in some way. But this week leaders across the spectrum made it just a little tougher ensuring our kids know right from wrong and good from bad.   (03:33)
October 3, 2024

Patti Payne: Voting as therapy

Can voting act as a source of therapy for folks with a bleek outlook on life?   (03:03)
October 2, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Shopping malls taking a stand against unruly teens

Shopping malls are increasingly becoming a hot spot for violence.  You’ll recall there was a shooting in southcenter mall parking lot last friday and young teenager wa...   (03:16)
October 1, 2024

Charlie Harger: As violent crime drops nationally, Washington takes a wrong turn

Violent crime is down across the nation. It’s a rare bit of good news these days. But here in Washington, it seems we’re not getting the memo. Instead, we’r...   (03:33)
September 30, 2024

Dave Ross: The Gas Station Takeover

Dave Ross is hopeful that those who are taking over gas stations to protest gas prices take over his next    (03:02)
September 27, 2024

Mayfield: Dear Gonzaga, It’s Time To Join the Pac-12

Admittedly, I am not a huge sports fan, but I am a fan of being a fan. I like excitement, fun and school spirit. I enjoy a game when I go. I root for the home team. I ride the wav...   (03:45)
September 26, 2024

Patti Payne: Remembering the man behind the job

Patti Payne looks back on the life of Dan Evans    (03:47)
September 25, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Three Portuguese practices Americans should adopt now

While The United States is known for being a world superpower, perhaps we still have a lot to learn. In today’s commentary brought to you by WaFed bank, Angela Poe Russell s...   (03:33)
September 24, 2024

Charlie Harger: The important role of SPD's Public Affairs Office

In today's commentary, Charlie Harger describes the important role SPD's Public Affairs Office serves and how important it is to get the information to the public    (03:22)
September 23, 2024

Dave Ross: Enough of the broken muffler noise from motorcycles

We get it – we know your muffler’s broken!     (03:01)
September 20, 2024

Travis Mayfield: The Feds Need a Better Plan For Shipping Radioactive Waste Out of Hanford

Nuclear waste at Hanford has been a disaster waiting to happen for generations.   (03:06)
September 19, 2024

Patti Payne: The incredible success of Pictionary creator, WA native Rob Angel

Patti Payne tells us the story of Rob Angel and the power of Pictionary   (03:53)
September 18, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Our inaction allowed Sean Combs' alleged abuse to continue

While I blame him for his alleged actions, I’m also reserving some anger for something else that stood out while reading the indictment -- the people who knew about his beha...   (03:37)
September 17, 2024

Charlie Harger: Let's rebrand our congestion as a feature

Charlie Harger has a bold idea for how to handle the traffic in Seattle    (03:13)
September 16, 2024

Ross: With claims that Haitian migrants eat pets, fact-checking remains vital to debates

Over the weekend, after some fact-checking, the news shows did a deep analysis into why J.D. Vance and Donald Trump would spread a rumor about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, O...   (01:32)
September 13, 2024

Travis Mayfield: Boeing, You Need To Start Making This Right

It’s so simple. Treat people well and they will treat you well in return.   (03:06)
September 12, 2024

Dave Ross: The rollout of the Climate Commitment Act was flawed, now it can be voted out

We all want to save the Earth, but none of us wants to pay for it. And in November, we’ll get a chance to say so — by repealing the Climate Commitment Act, better...   (03:17)
September 11, 2024

Patti Payne: Everybody has a riveting life story

We all have our own stories to tell, here's one from Patti Payne.    (04:10)
September 10, 2024

Harger: There's no sugercoating it, Auburn is overrun with gang violence

It’s getting harder to deny what’s happening in Auburn. Less than a week ago, I reported on the growing wave of shootings and stabbings in the city, the kind of violen...   (03:29)
September 9, 2024

Feliks Banel: It's no surprise, but I love live and local radio

Feliks Banel discusses the important role radio still plays in his life    (03:59)
September 6, 2024

Travis Mayfield: Set Aside Today’s Trifles and Join Me at the Beach?!

Sometimes you just need to look outside, take a deep breathe and head to the beach   (03:34)
September 5, 2024

Patti Payne: The 17 lessons leaders have taught me, regardless of industry

I’ve been thinking a lot about leadership lately. I know leadership is not just spewing empty political talk and platitudes on both sides of the aisle. I wish for people in ...   (03:33)
September 4, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Solving the homeless crisis will make us all a little uncomfortable

Before the Supreme Court ruling in June, many West Coast cities faced legal landmines if they forced homeless people off the streets without offering an alternative. But with the ...   (03:47)
September 3, 2024

Charlie Harger: It's Time We All Do The Puyallup

The annual Harger family trip to the Washington State Fair has Charlie Harger feeling reflective    (03:24)
August 29, 2024

Patti Payne: An Ode to the Weather

A poetic salute to the forecasters from Patti Payne    (03:18)
August 28, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Will the real J.D. Vance please stand up

There are times when J.D. Vance says one thing, then does another.   (03:39)
August 27, 2024

Charlie Harger: Social media is about to become a political battlefield with looming election

This is it. The last week before things start to ramp up and get even more uncomfortable.   (03:30)
August 26, 2024

Dave Ross: Censorship

Dave Ross discusses censorship of RFK, Jr.'s views on vaccines.   (03:44)
August 23, 2024

Travis Mayfield: Get your updated COVID-19 booster, and make it a habit

A new COVID-19 booster was just approved by the FDA Thursday for everyone six months of age and older. But despite mountains of evidence that the vaccines save lives, many of you ...   (03:56)
August 22, 2024

Patti Payne: Word Salad

Are there some words that just drive you nuts?    (03:29)
August 21, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: The industry that's losing jobs we all should be fighting to keep

With all the excitement and attention surrounding the Democratic National convention, one very important story seemed to fly under the radar.  In today’s commentary bro...   (03:44)
August 20, 2024

Charlie Harger: I'm not a quitter, but it's time to quit on the Southlake Union Street Car

KIRO News Radio's Charlie Harger reacts to the damaged street car and the shockingly low ridership of it. He doesn't like to give up, but it might be time to for the Southlake Union Street Car   (03:34)
August 19, 2024

Dave Ross: Controlling the message

With the Democratic National Convention starting this week, it will be inportant for democrats to get their message out, but with protests planned and fierce campagin rhetoric, will it be heard?    (03:13)
August 16, 2024

Nicole Brodeur: The Swift Lift for Harris

In today's guest commentary, Nicole Brodeur explores the phenomenom that is known as "The Swift Lift" and how it may help the Harris campagin    (04:00)
August 15, 2024

Patti Payne: A night of generosity

PAtti Payne recently went to an event that reminded her just how giving folks can be   (03:42)
August 14, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: The Olympic moment that spoke volumes about America

The Olympics may have ended, but there was one moment that really stuck with Angela Poe Russell. She tells us about that in today's commentary   (03:29)
August 13, 2024

Jim Walsh: The importance of transparency

Jim Walsh, chairman of the Washington State Republican Party, discusses the importance of transparency in the political process.    (03:17)
August 12, 2024

Dave Ross: Political rallies’ crowd size, who’s faking it and who’s complaining about it

We are back to talking about crowd sizes and Dave Ross asks... why?    (03:43)
August 9, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: The transportation problem impacting half our state

It’s so often in life that we don’t always think about an issue until it impacts us. And that’s thecase for the topic in today’s commentary   (02:59)
August 8, 2024

Patti Payne: Pinky's out for those that flaunt traffic laws

This morning's traffic problem in Everett is a reminder that driving can be dangerous even when everyone is following the rules.  All the more reason crack down on the people...   (03:41)
August 7, 2024

Dave Ross: The turnout race

It's the day after election day -- and all the focus is on which candidates won and which candidates lost.   But Dave Ross would like to gin up a little excitement for a different race.     (03:08)
August 6, 2024

Charlie Harger: Kamala Harris needs to start answering some press questions

KIRO News Radio's Charlie Harger admits Kamala Harris was put into a unique situation, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't be prepared to face the press    (03:42)
August 2, 2024

Travis Mayfield: Get Out Of Your Bubble, You Might Be Surprised at Who You Meet

Sometimes you gotta get out there and do something new, you never know where life might take you. Travis Mayfield discusses that and more in today's commentary    (04:28)
August 1, 2024

Patti Payne: What politicians can learn from Olympic athletes

Patti Payne has been following the Olympics and has some takeaways for our politicians   (03:42)
July 31, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: Who’s responsible for ending political mudslinging?

Just this week in the presidential race, we’ve witnessed a lot of name calling. Words like ding dong, weird, bum  just to name a few.   Here’s the qu...   (03:02)
July 30, 2024

Charlie Harger: Once again, Gen X is left out of current political landscape

The OVERKLOOKED generation demands its day in the spotlights says Charlie Harger   (03:40)
July 29, 2024

Dave Ross: How AI’s heavy-energy usage kills any climate progress

The marquee feature in Sunday’s Seattle Times documented the enormous power requirements of the data centers in this state being used by Artificial Intelligence se...   (02:55)
July 26, 2024

Ted Buehner: Curious about the voting process? See it in action for yourself!

Ted Buehner recently visited the Snohomish Co Elections office in their new facility where they encourage people to visit and learn more about the elections process as the primary gets underway   (03:21)
July 25, 2024

Spike O'Neil: When did DEI become an implied synonym for unqualified?

Spike O'Neil feels like he need to say something about the growing vilification of D. E. I. or Diversity, equity and inclusion.    (02:56)
July 24, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: The problem plaguing American culture — “it’s all about me” disease

In today’s commentary brought to you by Wa-Fed Bank - It’s the #1 problem plaguing American culture right now - at least according to Angela Poe Russell who pinpointed the issue in an unexpected place.     (03:34)
July 23, 2024

Charlie Harger: Keep the spotlight on Aurora Ave

Charlie Harger explains the importance of covering the stories of Aurora Ave in Seattle    (03:32)
July 22, 2024

Dave Ross: Biden is out of the presidential race, just as Farenthold predicted. What can he predict next?

Dave thought weekends were supposed to be for relaxing, then he got the news about Biden dropping out of the race    (03:09)
July 19, 2024

Travis Mayfield: One Simple Trick To Ensure Your Vote Actually Counts

Travis Mayfield has a helpful reminder ahead of election season in today's commentary.    (03:49)
July 17, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: The unlikely scapegoat in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump

After the shooting of Former President Trump and attendees at his rally, there was onediscussion, Angela Poe Russell just didn’t see coming. Here she is with today’s commentarybrought to you by WaFed Bank.    (03:16)
July 16, 2024

Charlie Harger: A call for bipartisanship

Even in the buisness of news, sometimes you disagree with people in your circles. Charlie Harger explores this in today's commentary.        (03:30)
July 15, 2024

Dave Ross: Motive of Trump shooter not important, how he got an AR-15 is

Will learning the motive of the man who opened fire on former President Donald Trump lead to any change?    (02:45)
July 12, 2024

Travis Mayfield: Devin, Tom, Karen and Jessica…I Will Never Forget You

This week marks 23 years since a massive wildfire burning north of Winthrop Washington killed four firefighters.   (04:42)
July 11, 2024

Charlie Harger: Slow down!

KIRO News Radio's Charlie Harger has had enough with some of the drivers he sees on the road.    (03:35)
July 10, 2024

Angela Poe Russell: The lesson we all can learn from President Biden

Many psychologists argue there are 5 great fears we all share.  In today’s commentary brought to you by WaFed Bank,  why one in particular might be what’s...   (03:26)
July 9, 2024

Scott Scowcroft: A bold move for Biden

Another KIRO News Radio Listener reached out and wanted to share his bold move for President Biden    (03:16)
July 8, 2024

Michael Goldenkranz: To everything there is a season

A long time listener sent Dave Ross an email about the state of the democratic party, so Dave said, turn it into the commentary.    (03:35)
July 5, 2024

Dave Ross song: She looks like a woman to me

It happened again last month – a commuter was caught in the carpool lane with a very lifelike dummy – although not quite lifelike enough to fool the police.  And ...   (02:56)