KNKX Public Radio
@knkx.org
Your connection to jazz, blues, and NPR news! Seattle & Tacoma’s NPR station. Listen online at https://www.KNKX.org or on your radio at 88.5FM!
The state Supreme Court on Thursday invalidated a ballot measure approved by voters in 2024 that sought to slow Washington’s shift from natural gas toward technology like electric heat pumps.
From our partners at the Washington State Standard.
From our partners at the Washington State Standard.
WA high court tosses natural gas measure approved by voters
Justices, in a 6-3 decision, found Initiative 2066 unconstitutional because it dealt with multiple unrelated subjects.
www.knkx.org
September 17, 2026 at 6:35 PM
The state Supreme Court on Thursday invalidated a ballot measure approved by voters in 2024 that sought to slow Washington’s shift from natural gas toward technology like electric heat pumps.
From our partners at the Washington State Standard.
From our partners at the Washington State Standard.
Political and economic leaders say Puget Sound is losing its competitive edge. The Partnership for a Competitive Puget Sound wants to help it compete for jobs and business.
New partnership launches strategy to help Puget Sound's struggling economy
Political and economic leaders say Puget Sound is losing its competitive edge. The Partnership for a Competitive Puget Sound wants to help it compete for jobs and business.
www.knkx.org
September 17, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Political and economic leaders say Puget Sound is losing its competitive edge. The Partnership for a Competitive Puget Sound wants to help it compete for jobs and business.
Seattle joins a small but growing number of American cities — including Oakland, Berkeley and Portland — that have adopted legal protections for polyamorous people.
Seattle makes polyamory, pansexuality and asexuality protected classes
The Seattle City Council voted on Tuesday to adopt civil rights protections for people who are polyamorous or in other nontraditional relationships.
www.knkx.org
September 16, 2026 at 11:26 PM
Seattle joins a small but growing number of American cities — including Oakland, Berkeley and Portland — that have adopted legal protections for polyamorous people.
The new union represents tenants at three buildings near Wright Park that are being sold. Those tenants fear eviction and want to ensure the sale doesn't make living conditions worse.
More Tacoma tenants form a union, join growing movement
On Saturday, underneath a painted banner strung across the porch of Hillcrest Apartments in Tacoma, tenants announced the formation of the Wright Park Tenant Union.
www.knkx.org
September 16, 2026 at 7:29 PM
The new union represents tenants at three buildings near Wright Park that are being sold. Those tenants fear eviction and want to ensure the sale doesn't make living conditions worse.
Kroger, the grocery giant that owns QFC, Fred Meyer and other stores, plans to close another Fred Meyer in Tacoma. This one is in the James Center shopping area near Tacoma Community College and off a busy thoroughfare with a well-used bus line.
From our partners at Northwest Public Broadcasting
From our partners at Northwest Public Broadcasting
Another Fred Meyer is closing in Tacoma
Kroger, the grocery giant that owns QFC, Fred Meyer and other grocery stores around the country, is planning to close another Fred Meyer in Tacoma. The store sits in the James Center shopping area right across from Tacoma Community College off a busy thoroughfare with a well-used bus line.
www.knkx.org
September 16, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Kroger, the grocery giant that owns QFC, Fred Meyer and other stores, plans to close another Fred Meyer in Tacoma. This one is in the James Center shopping area near Tacoma Community College and off a busy thoroughfare with a well-used bus line.
From our partners at Northwest Public Broadcasting
From our partners at Northwest Public Broadcasting
Democrats are looking to scoop up more legislative seats this November in Battle Ground and other chunks of Southwestern Washington as they edge toward a supermajority in Olympia — a shift that would give them broad power to pass legislation or redraw the state’s voting maps.
A bitter battle is brewing in one of Washington state’s last swing districts
Democrats want to scoop up more legislative seats in Battle Ground and other chunks of Southwestern Washington as they edge toward a supermajority in Olympia.
www.knkx.org
September 15, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Democrats are looking to scoop up more legislative seats this November in Battle Ground and other chunks of Southwestern Washington as they edge toward a supermajority in Olympia — a shift that would give them broad power to pass legislation or redraw the state’s voting maps.
📅 Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year in the U.S. from September 15 - October 15 to celebrate the achievements, histories, traditions, and cultural diversity of Hispanic and Latino Americans. See what events are happening in your area! vist.ly/5ijep
KNKX honors Hispanic Heritage Month 2026
KNKX honors and celebrates the important achievements and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
www.knkx.org
September 15, 2026 at 5:18 PM
📅 Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year in the U.S. from September 15 - October 15 to celebrate the achievements, histories, traditions, and cultural diversity of Hispanic and Latino Americans. See what events are happening in your area! vist.ly/5ijep
University of Washington researchers plan to take a vaccine for fentanyl into human trials.
From our partners at @opb.org
From our partners at @opb.org
Northwest researchers develop vaccines to prevent opioid overdose and support addiction recovery
University of Washington researchers plan to take a vaccine for fentanyl into human trials.
www.knkx.org
September 14, 2026 at 6:35 PM
University of Washington researchers plan to take a vaccine for fentanyl into human trials.
From our partners at @opb.org
From our partners at @opb.org
It can be hard for people who are dealing with younger-onset dementia to find programs or services that are not designed for seniors.
The Memory Hub’s SOAR program takes people under 65 with dementia on guided hikes around the Puget Sound region to help them enjoy nature and find community.
The Memory Hub’s SOAR program takes people under 65 with dementia on guided hikes around the Puget Sound region to help them enjoy nature and find community.
Seattle hiking group gets younger people with dementia outdoors
The Memory Hub’s SOAR program takes people under 65 with dementia on guided hikes around the Puget Sound region to help them enjoy nature and find community.
www.knkx.org
September 12, 2026 at 5:19 PM
It can be hard for people who are dealing with younger-onset dementia to find programs or services that are not designed for seniors.
The Memory Hub’s SOAR program takes people under 65 with dementia on guided hikes around the Puget Sound region to help them enjoy nature and find community.
The Memory Hub’s SOAR program takes people under 65 with dementia on guided hikes around the Puget Sound region to help them enjoy nature and find community.
The state schools chief says Washington is backsliding on its commitment to provide ample funding for basic education for its 1 million students. More from @washingtonstatestandard.com
Reykdal seeks $2B infusion for WA public schools in next budget
The state schools chief says Washington is backsliding on its commitment to provide ample funding for basic education for its 1 million students.
www.knkx.org
September 11, 2026 at 7:46 PM
The state schools chief says Washington is backsliding on its commitment to provide ample funding for basic education for its 1 million students. More from @washingtonstatestandard.com
The City of Olympia will allow people experiencing homelessness to apply for a permit to live in their vehicle.
September 11, 2026 at 6:02 PM
The City of Olympia will allow people experiencing homelessness to apply for a permit to live in their vehicle.
Drummer Barrett Martin is best-known for his years with grunge-era rock bands like Screaming Trees, but jazz has also been a major part of his musical life. Martin first fell in love with #jazz in front of his family's player piano, which churned out ragtime, big band, and show tunes.
September 11, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Drummer Barrett Martin is best-known for his years with grunge-era rock bands like Screaming Trees, but jazz has also been a major part of his musical life. Martin first fell in love with #jazz in front of his family's player piano, which churned out ragtime, big band, and show tunes.
Pianist Paul Cornish shares his journey from Houston prodigy to a Blue Note debut and his evolving vision for jazz.
September 11, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Pianist Paul Cornish shares his journey from Houston prodigy to a Blue Note debut and his evolving vision for jazz.
Over the course of 90 episodes the video series "Seattle: A History in Short Stories" delves into the people, mistakes, successes and movements that have made the city what it is.
Seattle history comes to life in new series of video shorts
"Seattle: A History in Short Stories" tells the city's history over the course of 90 episodes, from Chief Seattle and George Tsutakawa to public transportation and Namu.
www.knkx.org
September 10, 2026 at 10:27 PM
Over the course of 90 episodes the video series "Seattle: A History in Short Stories" delves into the people, mistakes, successes and movements that have made the city what it is.
Gov. Bob Ferguson's new executive order, signed last week, is part of the state's efforts to respond to federal changes to Medicaid, which are rolling out in the coming months. The state estimates around 200,000 people will lose their insurance because of these changes by the end of 2027.
WA officials rush to help thousands keep health plans as Medicaid cuts loom
Washington state leaders are trying to help about 200,000 people retain their health insurance as federal changes to Medicaid are rolled out in the coming months.
www.knkx.org
September 10, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Gov. Bob Ferguson's new executive order, signed last week, is part of the state's efforts to respond to federal changes to Medicaid, which are rolling out in the coming months. The state estimates around 200,000 people will lose their insurance because of these changes by the end of 2027.
With a rich, dextrous and soulful voice, singer Michael Mayo is a quickly rising jazz performer and prominent mentor of emerging #jazz vocalists.
📷|Jim Levitt
📷|Jim Levitt
September 10, 2026 at 5:02 PM
With a rich, dextrous and soulful voice, singer Michael Mayo is a quickly rising jazz performer and prominent mentor of emerging #jazz vocalists.
📷|Jim Levitt
📷|Jim Levitt
Jazz pianist Christian Sands explores his growth from child prodigy to Grammy-nominated bandleader as well as his connection to the legacy of pianist Errol Garner. Subscribe and listen to Studio Session Shorts, stories and insights from leading jazz and blues artists today.
September 9, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Jazz pianist Christian Sands explores his growth from child prodigy to Grammy-nominated bandleader as well as his connection to the legacy of pianist Errol Garner. Subscribe and listen to Studio Session Shorts, stories and insights from leading jazz and blues artists today.
The changes that Washington state is challenging would clear the way for more oil drilling and mining in habitats where endangered species live and slash other protections.
WA sues to prevent federal changes that would undercut Endangered Species Act
Washington state is challenging federal changes that would clear the way for more oil drilling and mining in habitats where endangered species live and slash other protections.
www.knkx.org
September 9, 2026 at 9:27 PM
The changes that Washington state is challenging would clear the way for more oil drilling and mining in habitats where endangered species live and slash other protections.
Join KNKX in celebrating our 10th Anniversary in Victoria B.C.! Enjoy an evening with Astrocolor at The Coda on September 12, featuring an exclusive studio session with Abe Beeson, followed by a full Astrocolor set. VIP tickets still available! vist.ly/5huqp
KNKX 10th Anniversary in Victoria featuring Astrocolor
KNKX presents An Evening with Astrocolor plus a special studio session recording at The Coda in Victoria, B.C. on September 12.
www.knkx.org
September 9, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Join KNKX in celebrating our 10th Anniversary in Victoria B.C.! Enjoy an evening with Astrocolor at The Coda on September 12, featuring an exclusive studio session with Abe Beeson, followed by a full Astrocolor set. VIP tickets still available! vist.ly/5huqp
Seattle hip-hop artists paid homage to the city in their work. A new zine explores some of the places central to the city's first decade of hip-hop.
From Emerald Street Boys to Sir Mix-A-Lot, walk Seattle's hip-hop history
Seattle hip-hop artists paid homage to the city in their work. A new walking map explores some of the places central to the city's first decade of hip-hop.
www.knkx.org
September 8, 2026 at 11:27 PM
Seattle hip-hop artists paid homage to the city in their work. A new zine explores some of the places central to the city's first decade of hip-hop.
From prescribed burns to mutual aid, state officials have worked to improve their response to increasingly intense wildfires.
Washington has had a record-breaking year for wildfires, and it's not over
Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove and state forester George Geissler reflected on lessons so far from one of the most intense wildfire years on record.
www.knkx.org
September 8, 2026 at 5:18 PM
From prescribed burns to mutual aid, state officials have worked to improve their response to increasingly intense wildfires.
Entering his senior year at Tacoma’s School of the Arts, Dom Hernandez is diving into new musical opportunities. Sharing an hour of his favorite jazz as the KNKX School of Jazz guest DJ, Hernandez turned to his love of Japanese musicians, Frank Sinatra, and Herbie Hancock. Learn more:
School of Jazz guest DJ for September: Dom Hernandez
Starting his senior year at Tacoma's School of the Arts, trombonist Dom Hernandez shares his favorite jazz with KNKX.
www.knkx.org
September 7, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Entering his senior year at Tacoma’s School of the Arts, Dom Hernandez is diving into new musical opportunities. Sharing an hour of his favorite jazz as the KNKX School of Jazz guest DJ, Hernandez turned to his love of Japanese musicians, Frank Sinatra, and Herbie Hancock. Learn more:
Drummer Barrett Martin is best-known for his years with grunge-era rock bands like Screaming Trees, but jazz has also been a major part of his musical life. Martin first fell in love with jazz in front of his family's player piano, which churned out ragtime, big band, and show tunes. Learn more:
Screaming Trees' Barrett Martin blends Seattle grunge with world jazz
Rock and jazz drummer Barrett Martin traces his musical evolution from his family's player piano to grunge rock to jazz and global rhythms.
www.knkx.org
September 6, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Drummer Barrett Martin is best-known for his years with grunge-era rock bands like Screaming Trees, but jazz has also been a major part of his musical life. Martin first fell in love with jazz in front of his family's player piano, which churned out ragtime, big band, and show tunes. Learn more:
After delivering a romping four-song set in the KNKX studios, blues guitarist John Primer said he feels like he was born to play the blues. After studying recordings of Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters and other early stars, he developed his own distinctive sound. Listen to it here:
John Primer brings his Chicago blues sound to KNKX
John Primer helped define the electric blues sound in Chicago, and performed an intimate live set at the KNKX studios.
www.knkx.org
September 5, 2026 at 3:29 PM
After delivering a romping four-song set in the KNKX studios, blues guitarist John Primer said he feels like he was born to play the blues. After studying recordings of Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters and other early stars, he developed his own distinctive sound. Listen to it here:
Guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli had several opportunities to learn from legendary vocalist Tony Bennett over the years, and eventually the two became friends. Their relationship led Pizzarelli to release a new tribute album to the late singer. Learn more:
Musician John Pizzarelli celebrates legacy of vocalist Tony Bennett
Sharing songs and stories in the KNKX studios, jazz musician John Pizzarelli reflects on the influential relationship he had with the legendary vocalist Tony Bennett.
www.knkx.org
September 4, 2026 at 7:26 PM
Guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli had several opportunities to learn from legendary vocalist Tony Bennett over the years, and eventually the two became friends. Their relationship led Pizzarelli to release a new tribute album to the late singer. Learn more: