The Record: Wednesday, December 20, 2017

A GPS-guided safety system called positive train control was in the works for Amtrak's new, faster Seattle-to-Portland line, but it wasn't up and running when the line opened on Monday. We talk with Seattle Times reporter Mike Lindblom about the "very aggressive schedule" that may have pushed service to begin before all available safety measures were in place.

The Republican tax plan passed Congress today with no Democratic votes in either chamber. Accountant and UW lecturer Gary Grimstad joins us to explain how the new tax bill will impact Washington state taxpayers.

How would your life be different if you gave up air travel? KUOW's Ashley Ahearn joins us to look at the environmental impact of flying and how living so far apart changes lives and relationships.

And Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer tells us about British Columbia's new grizzly bear hunting ban.

Listen to the full show above or check out a list of our stories.