Government

Today marks the start of the Washington State Legislature’s 2013 regular session. Lawmakers have their sights set on education as a top priority — they'll be looking at both funding and measuring student success. They’ll also be working with a new governor, Jay Inslee, and a new balance of power in the state Senate. Publicola's Josh Feit joins us with a preview.

Correction: An earlier version of the story stated that buildings cannot be nominated for landmark status if they are too small. The story has been corrected to say that while small buildings can be nominated, they do not automatically trigger a landmark review.

South Lake Union in Seattle was once home to timber mills, commercial laundries, warehouses, even a factory making Ford Model Ts. It’s now being targeted for major new development, with the city’s mayor proposing raising building heights dramatically in the low-rise district. But historic preservationists say the plan does not adequately address the area's unique history and they worry it will result in the obliteration of many of the old buildings that provide the city’s connection with the past.  

Teachers at Garfield High School in Seattle say they have voted overwhelmingly to refuse to administer a district-wide standardized test. A statement from Garfield teachers called the test a waste of time and money.

What do presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have in common? They were each re-elected to a second term. That may seem like the norm, but it isn’t — we haven’t seen so many reelections in a row since the 1800s. What does it mean for a person considering a presidential run in 2016? University of Washington professor David Domke joins us.

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn announced Wednesday that he will seek a second term. At his press conference McGinn was flanked by leaders of nonprofits that advocate for immigrants and minorities. They said McGinn has been there for them in his first term as a champion of human services and public safety.

Mayor Mike McGinn has a press conference at 12:30 p.m. If he announces a run for a second term would you want him reelected? Ross Reynolds talks to KUOW listeners about how the mayor has done so far and if they would want him back.

Former Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, former Astronaut Mark Kelly, are launching a new gun control group.  Their specific proposals to combat gun violence include comprehensive background checks for private sales and stricter controls on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. 

What do you think? Is gun control the answer?  Ross Reynolds talks with UCLA law professor Adam Winkler, Second Amendment Foundation spokesman Dave Workman, and Washington Cease Fire executive director Beth Flynn about the latest push for further gun control.

When Barack Obama became president he announced a ban on torture and an end to the CIA’s secret prison network.  But how exactly is the Obama administration handling terrorism suspects detained abroad?  And what’s the difference from the Bush administration?

Ross Reynolds talks with American University law professor, Stephen Vladeck, about how the two administrations compare when it comes to the issue of rendition.

Seattle and King County officials today announced the city’s first gun buyback program in 20 years. The goal is to reduce gun violence, both intentional and accidental.

On Sunday nights, you can find Graham Pruss under the Ballard Bridge, serving up a hot meal. A recent menu included ham and potato soup, locally baked bread and apple cobbler. He calls this weekly dinner a bridge to connect with people who live in their cars. They’re often referred to as car campers or mobile homeless, but Pruss prefers the term, vehicle residents.

Pruss is one of many homeless advocates who’s pushed Seattle to provide more services to this group of people. In response, last year the city launched the “safe parking” program, which opens up church lots where people can park and connect to housing services. The pilot program is modestly increasing this year, in a step toward what advocates hope will be a citywide expansion.