Which stories are going to be dominating your newsfeed in 2024? KUOW reporters sound off

When it comes to documenting the news stories that shape a year, 2024 is going to be jam-packed: there's the upcoming state legislative session, the Paris summer Olympics, and a presidential election.

Soundside reached out to reporters and editors here at KUOW, and asked them to share their predictions for what will dominate our newsfeeds, along with any resolutions they're making for 2024.

What can you expect?

Elections, elections, elections

Lawmakers in Olympia are facing a condensed legislative session, says state government reporter Jeanie Lindsay. As soon as the session wraps up, Lindsay is turning to election coverage.

Washingtonians will cast their ballots to decide their representatives for the U.S. House and Senate, the governor's race, and local ballot measures.

But the race that'll be on everyone's' minds is November's presidential election.

It's too soon to tell who will clinch the Republican Party's nomination, but one candidate will continue to dominate news coverage of their life on and off the campaign trail, says KUOW editor Christy George.

"The trials the campaign and the utterances of Donald .J Trump will suck up all the news oxygen in 2024," George predicts. "But coming off the hottest year on Earth in recorded history, we should be focused on climate change here in the Northwest, across the country, and the planet."

Addressing deep-rooted issues

King County saw a record-breaking number of fatal fentanyl overdoses in 2023. When it comes to the year ahead, government and law enforcement reporter Amy Radil is looking forward to covering new attempts to help people experiencing drug overdoses.

For growth and development reporter Joshua McNichols, the "big story" of 2024 will continue to be the high cost of housing in our region.

"There's some new efforts people are making in the state and local level to bring those costs down," McNichols said. "The City of Seattle has its big comprehensive plan update that it's supposed to publish this year."

Hear more stories KUOW reporters, editors, and hosts will be keeping an eye on in 2024 by clicking the play button at the top of the story.