Seattle’s Morning News w/ Charlie Harger & Manda Factor Cover Image

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. 
January 9, 2026

The UW Quarterback Drama

Brock Huard on the UW quarterback drama and the Seahawks // Gee Scott on Wild Card Weekend // Roberto Dondisch on President Trump's movements in Venezuela // Paul Holden with a weekend planner   (30:55)
January 8, 2026

The ICE Shooting in Minnesota

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Good news for those driving on I-5 in DuPont // Luke Duecy with a Tech Talk: Cyber experts warn of AI use by data hackers // Charlie Commentary o...   (35:34)
January 7, 2026

The Upcoming Legislative Session

Jeff McCausland on US crusade for oil in Venezuela and potentially Greenland // Rob McKenna on the trial of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro // Charlie Commentary on lies surrounding th...   (37:39)
January 6, 2026

The Trial of Maduro

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Gearing up for the Month(s) of Hell on I-5 // David Fahrenthold on the arrest of Nicolas Maduro and the cuts made by DOGE in 2025 // Leland Vitte...   (34:41)
January 5, 2026

The Capturing of Nicolas Maduro

Jessica Kartalija on the court appearance of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro // "Crime and Punishment" — a weekly crime report from Casey McNerthney // Jeff McCausland o...   (41:23)
January 2, 2026

Kicking Off 2026

Natalie Brand on President Trump's health and pulling National Guard troops from US cities-LIVE // Charlie Commentary on what he hopes to see lawmakers tackle in the new legislati...   (36:12)
December 31, 2025

Our last show of the year

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Resolutions he hopes drivers take in 2026-LIVE  // Retired Lt. General Richard Newton on US drone strikes in Venezuela and threats against I...   (39:27)
December 23, 2025

The Holiday Plans

Scott Sistek predicts what weather will look like on Christmas Day // Chris Sullivan Chokepoint: The ugly of 2025 // The Pentatonix musician feature // Charlie Commentary: An update on the boy in the tent // SMN crew chats about holiday plans   (32:04)
December 22, 2025

The Latest Epstein Files Release

Crime and Punishment with Casey McNethney // CBS’s Olivia Rinaldi on the latest Epstein files release // CBS MoneyWatch analyst Jill Schlesinger on holiday saving // Charlie...   (36:44)
December 19, 2025

The Amazing Seahawks Game

Seahawks highlights // Katrina Guischard with her weekly parenting segment: what to do when you kid overreacts // Nancy Cordes on President Trump's busy week // Charlie Commentary...   (44:39)
December 18, 2025

The Boy in the Tent

Charlie Harger exclusive report, "The Boy in the Tent": a story of fentanyl devastation impacting one young child in Seattle // Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Looking at some o...   (36:56)
December 17, 2025

The Epstein Files Deadline

Scott Sistek on the winter storms and what to expect in the year's end // Xavier Walton on what to expect from travel next week // Jeff McCausland on the latest US moves in the wa...   (34:46)
December 16, 2025

The Latest US Boat Strikes in the Carribean

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Looking at some of the good transportation stories from 2025 // David Fahrenthold on the health care bill being voted on and President Biden's Pr...   (28:51)
December 15, 2025

The Republican Led Health Care Proposal

"Crime and Punishment" — a weekly crime report from the King County Prosecutor's Office // Frank Sumrall on the legacy of Rob Reiner // Charlie Commentary on Seattle's ...   (29:55)
December 12, 2025

The Next Atmospheric River

Rabbi Sadya Davidoff on the celebration of Hanukkah in Seattle // Paul Holden with a weekend planner // Meteorologist Max Tsaparis on what to expect next from the atmospheric rive...   (30:05)
December 11, 2025

The Potential Expansion of Executive Power

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Looking at the potential future of tolling in the state // Luke Duecy with a Tech Talk: AI technology is being tested at SEA Airport // Rob McKen...   (29:56)
December 9, 2025

The Charitable Foundation of Elon Musk

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Looking at the light rail expansion east from Bellevue to Seattle // Corwin Haeck in Lewis County on flood warnings there // James Lynch with a s...   (40:23)
December 8, 2025

The Economic Sentiment

Jill Schlesinger on how Americans feel about the economy // Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" // KIRO Newsradio Holiday Magic // Meteorologist Scott Sistek on the atmos...   (40:02)
December 5, 2025

The Atmospheric River Approaching Seattle

Meteorologist Scott Sistek on the “Godzilla” atmospheric river approaching Seattle // Katrina Guischard on why more children are ghosting their parents // Chris Sulliv...   (32:35)
December 4, 2025

The AI Bubble

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Sully feels dumb about changes to the DOL's tab renewal system // Luke Duecy with a Tech Talk: Popping the AI Bubble // Scott MacFarlane on the a...   (26:01)
December 3, 2025

The Direction of Seattle Under Katie Wilson

Meteorologist Scott Sistek with an extended forecast for December // Nancy Cordes on President Trump's verbal attacks of reporters and Democratic lawmakers // Rob McKenna on Costc...   (40:29)
December 2, 2025

US Boat Strikes Continue in the Caribbean

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Looking at the light rail expansion south to Federal Way-LIVE // Response from Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus to Charlie Harger's report on Aubur...   (40:18)
December 1, 2025

New Details on the Green River Killer

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — The life and crimes of Gary Ridgeway, the Green River Killer //  Jeff McCausland on the meeting in Moscow to garner peace...   (39:19)
November 26, 2025

The Thanksgiving Forecast

Meteorologist Scott Sistek from the Emerald City Weather Blog on the Thanksgiving forecast // King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion on King County’s most recent Shot...   (34:42)
November 25, 2025

The Ukraine War Peace Deal

Chris Sullivan Chokepoint — 405 express lanes closure // NewsNation’s Leland Vittert on President Trump's opportunity to confront Zohran Mamdani // Charlie commentary ...   (33:02)
November 24, 2025

The Meeting Between Trump and Mamdani

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — our weekly check in at the King County Prosecutor's Office // Nancy Cordes on the unprecedented meeting between President Trum...   (27:39)
November 21, 2025

The War Between Russia and Ukraine

Katrina Guischard with her weekly parenting segment: should grandparents be more present in their grandchildren's life? // Jeff McCausland on the US plan to end the war between Ru...   (30:49)
November 20, 2025

The Crumbling Federal Case Against James Comey

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Stoplights are coming to the junction between I-405 and SR 522 // Luke Duecy with a Tech Talk: A deeper look into the robbery at the Louvre last ...   (30:36)
November 19, 2025

The Release of the Epstein Files

Rob McKenna on President Trump's failed defamation lawsuit against CNN // Xavier Walton on the blocking of Texas Republicans' attempts at a new Congressional map // Ed O'Keefe on ...   (36:39)
November 18, 2025

The Affordability Debate in the US

David Fahrenthold on the vote on the Epstein Files and backlash for Tucker Carlson interviewing "white nationalist" Nick Fuentes // Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Construc...   (39:34)
November 17, 2025

The Falling Out of Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — Local crime report // Ted Buehner with an extended forecast leading into Thanksgiving week // Jill Schlesinger with some year ...   (31:10)
November 14, 2025

The End of the Government Shutdown

Leland Vittert on the end to the government shutdown and the Jeffrey Epstein emails trove // Katrina Guischard with her parenting feature: What new data says about parents having ...   (37:33)
November 13, 2025

The Impending Victory of Katie Wilson

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Work about to begin to widen lanes on SR9 into Snohomish // Luke Duecy with a Tech Talk: Looking at how the Seattle Police Department are address...   (33:32)
November 12, 2025

The Lasting Impact on Airports due to the Government Shutdown

Meteorologist Scott Sistek on the extended forecast for Washington // Loyola Law Professor Laurie Levenson on a Supreme Court decision on SNAP benefits-LIVE // Rob McKenna on...   (34:37)
November 11, 2025

The Possible End to the Government Shutdown

Tom Dempsey on the Senate vote to end the government shutdown-LIVE // Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Looking at the slow down, pull over law-LIVE // Charlie Commentary on out o...   (39:29)
November 10, 2025

A Possible New Era in Seattle

Ed O'Keefe on the Senate vote to end the government shutdown-LIVE // Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — Local crime report // Charlie Commentary on a possib...   (30:29)
November 7, 2025

The Elections Across the US

Leland Vittert on elections across the US this week // Katrina Guischard with her weekly parenting segment: When grandparents go rouge while babysitting // James Shackleford on wh...   (39:18)
November 6, 2025

The Changing Internet Landscape

Jimmy Wales on founding Wikipedia and the changing internet landscape // Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Rules of the road when there is standing water and flooding and an odd r...   (33:52)
November 5, 2025

The General Election Victories for Progressives

Natalie Brand on city and state races across the nation // Scott Sistek on atmospheric rivers and November rain // Democratic Strategist Cathy Allen on victories for Progress...   (41:38)
November 4, 2025

The Seattle Mayoral Race

Luke Duecy with a Tech Talk: Why SPD is reconsidering allowing officers to us AI // Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Winter tire season has arrived on the mountain passes // Dave...   (35:51)
November 3, 2025

The New Tax Deduction Options

King County Executive Candidates on Sound Transit development // Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment"// Jill Schlesinger on new tax deduction options in 2026 // Charlie Co...   (29:34)
October 31, 2025

The Race for King County Executive

Girmay Zahilay on his candidacy for King County Executive // Katrina Guischard with her weekly parenting feature: the hidden cost of convenience for kids growing up // Claudia Bal...   (34:01)
October 30, 2025

The Meeting With Xi Jingping

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Tolling on 167, two weeks in // Libbey Dean on President Trump's trip through Asia and meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping // Charlie Commenta...   (26:27)
October 29, 2025

The Race for Seattle City Attorney

Former federal prosecutor Erica Evans is running for Seattle City Attorney // CBS correspondent Natalie Brand on the government shutdown // Rob McKenna on Texas Attorney General K...   (29:00)
October 28, 2025

The Americans Losing SNAP Benefits

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Outlining rules and regulations for big rig drivers // David Fahrenthold on President Trump's health and Americans losing SNAP benefits // Art Da...   (34:11)
October 27, 2025

The Investigations into NBA Players and Coaches

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — Local crime report // Jill Schlesinger on why Social Security Benefits will be going up in 2026 // Charlie Commentary examinin...   (28:27)
October 24, 2025

The Replacement of Jobs with Robots

Karen Weise on Amazon's plans to replace roughly 500 thousand jobs with robots // Katrina Guischard with a parenting feature: explaining what "6-7" means // Cast members from the ...   (51:51)
October 23, 2025

The Child Predator in Auburn

Charlie Harger reveals a shocking exclusive report on Auburn community leaders allowing a child predator into community roles // Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Getting ready fo...   (29:03)
October 22, 2025

The Deployment of Troops in Portland

Jeff McCausland on the latest conflict between Russia and Ukraine // Scott MacFarlane on the arrest of a January 6th rioter who has threatened to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem...   (40:07)
October 21, 2025

The Legacy of Cable News

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Tips for when you get in an accident on the highway // David Fahrenthold on the government shutdown and "No Kings" protests // Wayne Lynch on the...   (31:48)
October 20, 2025

The ALCS Game Seven

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — Local crime report // Linda Gradstein in Jerusalem with a report on the delicate ceasefire in Gaza // Jill Schlesinger on the ...   (27:08)
October 17, 2025

The Most Reputable Online Sites for Customers

Katrina Guischard with her parenting segment: how to raise boys // Charlie Harger Commentary on how he makes a PB&J sandwich // Gee Scott on why Charlie is doing PB&J wron...   (24:06)
October 16, 2025

The Blockage of Federal Worker Firings

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Avalanche control technology on the Cascades takes a step up // Ryan Bass on Chat GPT being used by military professionals // The Rick Rizzs Show...   (40:47)
October 15, 2025

The Impact of the Government Shutdown

Rob McKenna on the Supreme Court rejecting an appeal on Alex Jones' libel case // Nikole Killion on the impact of the government shutdown // Charlie Harger Commentary on SPD's cra...   (33:56)
October 14, 2025

The Investigation of George Soros

David Fahrenthold on the investigation of Democratic Megadonor George Soros // Brian Evans with a personal finance report from Madrona Financial Services // Chris Sullivan with a ...   (34:22)
October 13, 2025

The Ceasefire in Gaza

"Crime and Punishment" — our weekly check in with Casey McNerthney from the King County Prosecutor's Office // Jeff McCausland on the ceasefire in Gaza // Jill Schlesinger o...   (39:41)
October 10, 2025

The ALDS Game Five

Leland Vittert on a ceasefire deal in Gaza and government shutdown // Katrina Guischard with her weekly parenting segment: the struggles of raising siblings // The Rick Rizzs Show...   (35:51)
October 9, 2025

The City's Stance on National Guard Troops

Robert Berger on the agreement on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas // Tom Dempsey with the latest on the government shutdown // Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Revive I-5 wi...   (28:23)
October 8, 2025

The "Insurrection Act" and Trump's Intentions

Nancy Cordes with the latest on the government shutdown // Linda Gradstein on 2 years since the Hamas attack and a potential ceasefire // Rob McKenna on the "Insurrection Act" and...   (32:07)
October 7, 2025

The Possibility of Guard Troops in Seattle

David Fahrenthold on the government shutdown // Brian Evans with a personal finance report at Madrona Financial Services // Scott MacFarlane on the legal clash over deployment of ...   (35:52)
October 6, 2025

The Legal Battle Getting National Guard Troops to Portland

"Crime and Punishment" — our weekly check in with Casey McNerthney from the King County Prosecutor's Office // Jill Schlesinger on "Shutdown-O-Nomics", navigating the govern...   (34:45)
October 3, 2025

The Massive Sports Weekend in Seattle

Leland Vittert on his book, "Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism" // Katrina Guischard with her parenting feature: Teachers pushing back aga...   (39:41)
October 2, 2025

The Busiest Weekend for Stadium District

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Preparing for the busiest weekend in years in the Stadium District // The Rick Rizzs Show: Preparing for the biggest Mariners weekend in years //...   (25:17)
October 1, 2025

The Government Shutdown

Nancy Cordes on the government shutdown // Jeff McCausland on changes to the standard of military training // Rob McKenna on Oregon's lawsuit against the Trump administration // C...   (37:09)
September 30, 2025

The Certainty of a Government Shutdown

David Fahrenthold on the certainty of a government shutdown // Brian Evans with Madrona Financial Services with a personal finance report // Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: A ro...   (31:15)
September 29, 2025

Luke Duecy Live outside ICE HQ in Portland amid National Guard Threat from Trump

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — a weekly crime report // Tom Dempsey on the looming government shutdown-LIVE // Jill Schlesinger on the changing hou...   (34:46)
September 26, 2025

Seattle's Sports Teams Surge

Gee Scott on the Mariners winning the AL West // Luke Duecy on Travis Decker confirmed dead // Erica Newman from Team Survivor Northwest on support for women with cancer...   (54:36)
September 25, 2025

The Imminent Government Shutdown

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: a new toll is coming to a very short passage on highway 509 // Alexander Bolton on an imminent government shutdown // The Rick Rizzs Show: Marine...   (32:45)
September 24, 2025

The Return of Jimmy Kimmel

Rob McKenna on the SCOTUS decision surrounding President Trump's firing the FTC Chair // Craig Fiegener on Jimmy Kimmel's return to late night TV // Charlie Harger Commentary on t...   (22:31)
September 23, 2025

The New Advisory on Tylenol and Autism

David Fahrenthold on the Trump administration's new advisory on Tylenol and autism, and sending the DOJ after his political adversaries // Natalie Brand on President Trump's addre...   (32:50)
September 22, 2025

The FTC's Lawsuit Against Amazon

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punshment" — a weekly crime report // Ryan Bass on the FTC's lawsuit against Amazon // Charlie Harger Commentary on sports bringing the city...   (25:18)
September 19, 2025

The Pulling of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Syracuse Professor of Pop Culture Robert Thompson on reaction to the pulling of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" //  Former FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer on the human remains f...   (56:01)
September 18, 2025

The Real ID Act

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Looking at the implementation of the Real ID Act // Cast members from Broadway's "Some Like It Hot" on its run at the Paramount in Seattle // The...   (28:20)
September 17, 2025

The Suspect in the Murder of Charlie Kirk

Denise Gosnell on navigating parenting with kids using artificial intelligence // Tom Dempsey on President Trump's trip in the UK // Scott MacFarlane on new details surrounding th...   (36:01)
September 16, 2025

The China/US Tik Tok Deal

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: new joints on I-90 are going to cause major backups between Seattle and Bellevue // Brian Evans with a personal financial report from Madrona Fin...   (35:34)
September 15, 2025

The Federal Reserve Meeting This Week

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — our weekly crime report from the King County Prosecutor's Office // Jill Schlesinger on what to expect from the Federal Reserv...   (33:05)
September 12, 2025

The Impact of Charlie Kirk's Murder

Leland Vittert on the impact of Charlie Kirk's murder // Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson on increased surveillance in the city, the budget deficit, and more on the agen...   (41:07)
September 11, 2025

The Manhunt for the Charlie Kirk Shooter

The Rick Rizzs Show: Mariners on a 5 game win streak...and Rick knows how to keep it going // Charlie Harger Commentary remembering where he was on September 11th, 2001 // Scott M...   (37:49)
September 10, 2025

The Revised Job Report

Natalie Brand on the revised job report // Rob McKenna on the Supreme Court decision allowing ICE agents to question anyone Hispanic in Los Angeles // Charlie Harger Commentary on...   (38:21)
September 9, 2025

The UFO/UAP Hearing in Congress

Joe Khalil on the UFO/UAP hearing taking place in Congress this morning // Brian Evans from Madrona Financial Services with a personal finance report // Chris Sullivan with a Chok...   (40:26)
September 8, 2025

The Crackdown on Venezuelan Drug Cartels

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — our weekly crime report from the King County Prosecutor's Office // Tom Dempsey on President Trump's crackdown on Venezuelan d...   (33:36)
September 5, 2025

The Future of ICE Raids in Chicago

Sheriff Reichert interview with Manda // Katrina Friday parenting special feature // The Rick Rizz Show! // Charlie Harger Commentary - Are community colleges important? // N...   (42:42)
September 4, 2025

The Unknown Object Heading Toward the Sun

Lee Tilghman on being a health influencer on social media // Luke Duecy Tech Talk // Charlie Harger Commentary // CBS Scott MacFarlane on Trump's threats to deploy troops to ...   (34:25)
September 3, 2025

The Crime Crackdown From Trump

CBS correspondent Nikole Killion on the Epstein Files // News Nation Correspondent Mills Hayes on Trump's Crime Crackdown // Charlie Harger Commentary - Why are students fail...   (32:37)
September 2, 2025

The Potential Deployment of National Guards to More Cities

New York Times Reporter David Farenthold on the potential deployment of the National Guard to Chicago // SMN weekly financial update with Economist Brian Evans // CBS Co...   (28:23)
August 29, 2025

The Affordability Crisis in the US

Leland Vittert on the affordability crisis in the US, and where Republicans are falling short // Katrina Guischard on parenting teens and tweens in 2025 // The Rick Rizzs Show &md...   (50:16)
August 28, 2025

The Cold War-Era Experiments

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Some construction outside the KIRO Radio studios is revealing unexpected history of Eastlake // Luke Duecy with Tech Talk — Meta's user scr...   (31:05)
August 27, 2025

The Latest DC Crime Crackdown

Scott MacFarlane on the latest DC crime crackdown by federal troops // Robert Berger in Jerusalem on the war in Gaza // Taurean Small on the Democratic National Committee meeting ...   (26:46)
August 26, 2025

The Attempts to Oust the Federal Reserve Governor

David Fahrenthold on President Trump's plans to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago // Brian Evans with a personal finance report from Madrona Financial Services // Chris Sull...   (25:57)
August 25, 2025

The Next City Targeted With Federal Intervention

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — our weekly crime report from the King County Prosecutor's Office // Ed O'Keefe on Chicago as the next city President Trump wil...   (27:23)
August 22, 2025

The Online Misinformation on Raising Kids

Lee Asher on his animal sanctuary in Oregon and his love for adopting dogs // Katrina Megrath on the Auburn Valley Humane Society's need for help after intaking over 80 dogs this ...   (40:06)
August 21, 2025

The Impact of AI on Political Affiliation

Jillian Fisher on her UW research into how AI is impacting political affiliation // Luke Duecy with "Tech Talk" — a landmark lawsuit being filed against several social media...   (27:35)
August 20, 2025

The Texas Map Redistricting Vote

Jeff McCausland on the latest talks between US, Ukraine, and Russia // Scott MacFarlane on crime in D.C. over a week after federalization of the police in the city // Rob McKenna ...   (37:45)
August 19, 2025

The Push to End Mail-in Voting

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: Highlighting the construction season post-"Month of Hell" // Brian Evans from Madrona Financial Services with a personal finance report // Retire...   (38:12)
August 18, 2025

The Meeting Between Trump and Zelenskyy

Casey McNerthney with "Crime and Punishment" — our weekly crime report from the King County Prosecutor's Office // Jeff McCausland on the meeting between President Trump and...   (31:53)
August 15, 2025

Robert Sherman in Kyiv on Ukrainian perspective ahead of the summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin-LIVE

Luke Duecy on several retail crimes in West Seattle and Ballard-LIVE // Robert Sherman in Kyiv on Ukrainian perspective ahead of the summit between President Trump and Russia...   (34:35)
August 14, 2025

The Dangerous Prompts of Chat GPT

Chris Sullivan with a Chokepoint: The ship canal bridge closure is almost over...for right now // Luke Duecy and Katrina Guischard with a "Tech Talk": looking at how Chat GPT reac...   (27:43)
August 13, 2025

The Democratic Socialism Movement

Rob McKenna on the legal aspect of National Guard troops deployed in Washington D.C. // Robert Berger in Jerusalem on the latest violence in Gaza // Jared Ganz on the Democratic S...   (31:48)
August 12, 2025

The National Guard Deployed in D.C.

David Fahrenthold on the National Guard deployed in D.C. // Brian Evans with a personal finance report // Tom Dempsey on the National Guard deployed in D.C. // Chris Fox on the Te...   (27:44)
August 11, 2025

The Planned Meeting Between Trump and Putin

"Crime and Punishment" — crime report from Casey McNerthney at the King County Prosecutor's Office // Jeff McCausland on the planned meeting between President Trump and Vlad...   (22:53)