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!
Thicker bags have proliferated in the wake of the statewide ban on thin plastic bags in 2020. Now, some cities are asking lawmakers to close a loophole.
A new push to ban plastic bags could be in store for Washington
Thicker bags have proliferated in the wake of the statewide ban on thin plastic bags took effect in 2021. Now, some cities are asking lawmakers to close a loophole.
www.knkx.org
January 17, 2026 at 12:38 AM
Thicker bags have proliferated in the wake of the statewide ban on thin plastic bags in 2020. Now, some cities are asking lawmakers to close a loophole.
Last October, KNKX’s Justus Sanchez talked with longtime Seattle resident and musician Brian Kirk. Kirk shared about his notable jazz musician father, touring the world with the Pointer Sisters and Jimmy Scott, and starting the jazz program at Seattle Central College. Learn more:
Percussionist Brian Kirk reflects on a life devoted to music
Percussionist, composer and bandleader Brian Kirk studied classical percussion and toured with the Pointer Sisters and singer Jimmy Scott, before founding the jazz program at Seattle Central College.
www.knkx.org
January 16, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Last October, KNKX’s Justus Sanchez talked with longtime Seattle resident and musician Brian Kirk. Kirk shared about his notable jazz musician father, touring the world with the Pointer Sisters and Jimmy Scott, and starting the jazz program at Seattle Central College. Learn more:
During its first summer, Seattle's new Waterfront Park drew 2.4 million unique visitors.
According to foot traffic data, just over 60% of visitors were from the state of Washington. About a quarter live in the city of Seattle.
Did you visit the new waterfront park in its inaugural year?
According to foot traffic data, just over 60% of visitors were from the state of Washington. About a quarter live in the city of Seattle.
Did you visit the new waterfront park in its inaugural year?
January 16, 2026 at 6:16 PM
During its first summer, Seattle's new Waterfront Park drew 2.4 million unique visitors.
According to foot traffic data, just over 60% of visitors were from the state of Washington. About a quarter live in the city of Seattle.
Did you visit the new waterfront park in its inaugural year?
According to foot traffic data, just over 60% of visitors were from the state of Washington. About a quarter live in the city of Seattle.
Did you visit the new waterfront park in its inaugural year?
Vocalist Rebecca Kilgore is known for her performance and preservation of 1930s and 1940s-era jazz, as well as her long-time collaboration with the witty musician-composer Dave Frishberg, who penned vocal jazz standards “I’m Hip” and “Peel Me A Grape." Follow the link to learn more:
Rebecca Kilgore, devoted singer of swing standards, dies at 76
Rebecca Kilgore championed 1930s and 1940s vocal jazz and collaborated extensively with songwriter Dave Frishberg, who wrote classics like "I'm Hip," and "Peel Me A Grape."
www.knkx.org
January 16, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Vocalist Rebecca Kilgore is known for her performance and preservation of 1930s and 1940s-era jazz, as well as her long-time collaboration with the witty musician-composer Dave Frishberg, who penned vocal jazz standards “I’m Hip” and “Peel Me A Grape." Follow the link to learn more:
Washington state doesn't have an income tax. But now, Democrats in the state Legislature want to revisit the tax code, and are pursuing a tax on individuals who bring in more than $1 million a year.
Washington state Democrats float 'millionaires' tax'
Democrats in the Washington state Legislature want to revisit the state’s tax code, and are pursuing a tax on individuals who bring in more than $1 million a year.
www.knkx.org
January 15, 2026 at 11:44 PM
Washington state doesn't have an income tax. But now, Democrats in the state Legislature want to revisit the tax code, and are pursuing a tax on individuals who bring in more than $1 million a year.
KNKX honors and celebrates the important legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his invaluable achievements for justice, equality, education, and service. This year, the federal holiday is observed on Monday, January 19. See what events are happening this weekend! 📅
KNKX honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026
KNKX honors and celebrates the important legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, the federal holiday is observed on Monday, January 19.
www.knkx.org
January 15, 2026 at 4:56 PM
KNKX honors and celebrates the important legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his invaluable achievements for justice, equality, education, and service. This year, the federal holiday is observed on Monday, January 19. See what events are happening this weekend! 📅
State officials have corrected their report to reflect that the benefits of Washington’s flagship climate law are a tiny fraction of their original estimate.
Data entry error 'significantly inflated' impact of Climate Commitment Act
The error means that spending under Washington’s flagship carbon policy is far less effective than previously thought, according to state officials.
www.knkx.org
January 14, 2026 at 8:47 PM
State officials have corrected their report to reflect that the benefits of Washington’s flagship climate law are a tiny fraction of their original estimate.
If it hadn't been for trailblazing musician Dorothy Ashby, Brandee Younger may not have become the leading jazz harpist she is today. In a 2023 visit to KNKX, Younger highlighted Ashby's influence, and why she left classical music for jazz. Follow the link for more:
Harpist Brandee Younger tributes jazz trailblazer Dorothy Ashby
Leading harpist in jazz today, Brandee Younger, is carrying on trailblazer Dorothy Ashby's legacy as she ushers the tradition of jazz harp forward.
www.knkx.org
January 13, 2026 at 6:43 PM
If it hadn't been for trailblazing musician Dorothy Ashby, Brandee Younger may not have become the leading jazz harpist she is today. In a 2023 visit to KNKX, Younger highlighted Ashby's influence, and why she left classical music for jazz. Follow the link for more:
The new court documents released today give the first detailed glimpse into the Jan. 8 shooting, which captured national attention for being the second shooting by federal immigration enforcement officers in as many days.
From our partners at @opb.org
From our partners at @opb.org
Man shot by Border Patrol in Portland released from hospital, charged with assaulting federal officer
The two people shot in Portland last week by U.S. Border Patrol face criminal charges, court filings released Monday show. Both have been released from the hospital and into federal custody.
www.knkx.org
January 12, 2026 at 11:35 PM
The new court documents released today give the first detailed glimpse into the Jan. 8 shooting, which captured national attention for being the second shooting by federal immigration enforcement officers in as many days.
From our partners at @opb.org
From our partners at @opb.org
The National Center for Atmospheric Research lends support to climate research projects all over the world. In December, the Trump administration announced its intent to close the center, citing “climate alarmism.”
UW scientists decry plans to dismantle national climate center
The Trump administration announced in December that it intends to break up the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.
www.knkx.org
January 12, 2026 at 8:55 PM
The National Center for Atmospheric Research lends support to climate research projects all over the world. In December, the Trump administration announced its intent to close the center, citing “climate alarmism.”
It runs, it rolls, and now it’s award-worthy 🚐🏆 This groovy 1977 VW Campmobile was donated to KNKX in 2025 and has been named a finalist for the Car Talk Golden Wrench Awards! Visit www.cartalk.com/car-donation to learn more and help give KNKX a third win! Voting is now open. #Goldenwrenchaward
January 12, 2026 at 6:32 PM
It runs, it rolls, and now it’s award-worthy 🚐🏆 This groovy 1977 VW Campmobile was donated to KNKX in 2025 and has been named a finalist for the Car Talk Golden Wrench Awards! Visit www.cartalk.com/car-donation to learn more and help give KNKX a third win! Voting is now open. #Goldenwrenchaward
Social media's newest jazz influencer is Dearly Blossom, a fluffy, pink jazz singing puppet. Since her debut on Instagram last February, she’s amassed more than 100,000 followers. Recently, she sat down with KNKX's Alexa Peters for her first-ever interview. Check it out here:
Meet the jazz singing cherry blossom taking social media by storm
From scat singing to jazz history tidbits, Dearly Blossom's social media content has earned the doe-eyed diva thousands of loyal followers.
www.knkx.org
January 12, 2026 at 6:14 PM
Social media's newest jazz influencer is Dearly Blossom, a fluffy, pink jazz singing puppet. Since her debut on Instagram last February, she’s amassed more than 100,000 followers. Recently, she sat down with KNKX's Alexa Peters for her first-ever interview. Check it out here:
The eight-piece Lynnwood, WA-based band Cytrus, is
undeniably funky, a little psychedelic, and influenced by jazz. During a conversation with KNKX's Abe Beeson, Cytrus talked about their multi-faceted sound, their new record, and how they formed. Tap the link for more:
undeniably funky, a little psychedelic, and influenced by jazz. During a conversation with KNKX's Abe Beeson, Cytrus talked about their multi-faceted sound, their new record, and how they formed. Tap the link for more:
Cytrus brings jazz philosophy to their funk rock fusion
Cytrus, a Lynnwood-based fusion group, blends funk, rock, psychedelia and the language of jazz.
www.knkx.org
January 9, 2026 at 9:46 PM
The eight-piece Lynnwood, WA-based band Cytrus, is
undeniably funky, a little psychedelic, and influenced by jazz. During a conversation with KNKX's Abe Beeson, Cytrus talked about their multi-faceted sound, their new record, and how they formed. Tap the link for more:
undeniably funky, a little psychedelic, and influenced by jazz. During a conversation with KNKX's Abe Beeson, Cytrus talked about their multi-faceted sound, their new record, and how they formed. Tap the link for more:
KNKX was lucky enough to have the late, great Roy Hargrove in our studios twice during his career. During those visits, the trumpeter and composer shared his inspirations — performing with jazz greats, listening to live jazz in clubs, and, believe it or not, a particular piano in Seattle. Read more:
Trumpeter Roy Hargrove's special Seattle connection
During two visits to the KNKX studios, the late Roy Hargrove shared his influences, a humbling bandstand moment, and an uncanny relationship he had with a Seattle piano.
www.knkx.org
January 9, 2026 at 5:29 PM
KNKX was lucky enough to have the late, great Roy Hargrove in our studios twice during his career. During those visits, the trumpeter and composer shared his inspirations — performing with jazz greats, listening to live jazz in clubs, and, believe it or not, a particular piano in Seattle. Read more:
Anders Ibsen was sworn in as Tacoma's new mayor Tuesday night. Ibsen is a former deputy mayor and a former City Council member.
He says he will focus on delivering measurable results, strengthening city services and improving day-to-day conditions for Tacoma residents.
He says he will focus on delivering measurable results, strengthening city services and improving day-to-day conditions for Tacoma residents.
January 8, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Anders Ibsen was sworn in as Tacoma's new mayor Tuesday night. Ibsen is a former deputy mayor and a former City Council member.
He says he will focus on delivering measurable results, strengthening city services and improving day-to-day conditions for Tacoma residents.
He says he will focus on delivering measurable results, strengthening city services and improving day-to-day conditions for Tacoma residents.
The Kraken @seattlekraken.com beat the Boston Bruins Tues 7-4 for their 4th straight win.
🏒 Rookie forward Berkly Catton scored his very first—and second—NHL goals. Forward Kaapo Kakko also scored 2 goals.
🏒 The Kraken play at home Thurs at 7 p.m. against Minnesota Wild
📸: AP/Lindsey Wasson
🏒 Rookie forward Berkly Catton scored his very first—and second—NHL goals. Forward Kaapo Kakko also scored 2 goals.
🏒 The Kraken play at home Thurs at 7 p.m. against Minnesota Wild
📸: AP/Lindsey Wasson
January 7, 2026 at 8:44 PM
The Kraken @seattlekraken.com beat the Boston Bruins Tues 7-4 for their 4th straight win.
🏒 Rookie forward Berkly Catton scored his very first—and second—NHL goals. Forward Kaapo Kakko also scored 2 goals.
🏒 The Kraken play at home Thurs at 7 p.m. against Minnesota Wild
📸: AP/Lindsey Wasson
🏒 Rookie forward Berkly Catton scored his very first—and second—NHL goals. Forward Kaapo Kakko also scored 2 goals.
🏒 The Kraken play at home Thurs at 7 p.m. against Minnesota Wild
📸: AP/Lindsey Wasson
Vikram Jagannathan, our first KNKX School of
Jazz guest DJ for 2026, is a senior at Interlake High
School in Bellevue. Jagannathan recently shared a few of
his favorite jazz tracks, including from legend Wayne
Shorter and younger European sax players Baptiste
Herbin and Shai Golan.
Jazz guest DJ for 2026, is a senior at Interlake High
School in Bellevue. Jagannathan recently shared a few of
his favorite jazz tracks, including from legend Wayne
Shorter and younger European sax players Baptiste
Herbin and Shai Golan.
School of Jazz guest DJ for January: Vikram Jagannathan
Saxophonist and senior at Interlake High School jazz band Vikram Jagannathan shares his favorite jazz with KNKX listeners.
www.knkx.org
January 7, 2026 at 12:49 AM
Vikram Jagannathan, our first KNKX School of
Jazz guest DJ for 2026, is a senior at Interlake High
School in Bellevue. Jagannathan recently shared a few of
his favorite jazz tracks, including from legend Wayne
Shorter and younger European sax players Baptiste
Herbin and Shai Golan.
Jazz guest DJ for 2026, is a senior at Interlake High
School in Bellevue. Jagannathan recently shared a few of
his favorite jazz tracks, including from legend Wayne
Shorter and younger European sax players Baptiste
Herbin and Shai Golan.
A new coalition of Washington state and federal wildlife officials and tribes, supported by the nonprofit Long Live the Kings, is wrapping up a year-long effort to learn more about predation on salmon and trout in Puget Sound.
Renewed effort to protect endangered salmon from seals, sea lions
Washington state and federal wildlife officials, tribes and a nonprofit are using new tools in an intensive research project to investigate how harbor seals impact endangered salmon.
www.knkx.org
January 6, 2026 at 10:15 PM
A new coalition of Washington state and federal wildlife officials and tribes, supported by the nonprofit Long Live the Kings, is wrapping up a year-long effort to learn more about predation on salmon and trout in Puget Sound.
The City of Bellingham is launching an independent investigation in response to public records uncovered by KNKX and @cascadepbs.org that show a city employee asking ChatGPT for help tipping the scales to ensure a preferred vendor would be awarded a large city contract last year.
Bellingham staffer asked ChatGPT to ‘exclude’ vendor from city contract
Public records uncovered by Cascade PBS and KNKX show a city employee asking ChatGPT for help tipping the scales to ensure a preferred vendor would be awarded a contract.
www.knkx.org
January 5, 2026 at 11:04 PM
The City of Bellingham is launching an independent investigation in response to public records uncovered by KNKX and @cascadepbs.org that show a city employee asking ChatGPT for help tipping the scales to ensure a preferred vendor would be awarded a large city contract last year.
The "Roy Hargrove: Live at KNKX" EP release event is happening this Wednesday (January 7) at The Triple Door! We will be having an exclusive commemorative t-shirt available with donation. Get your tickets: tickets.thetripledoor.net/eventperformances.asp?evt=2190 🎟️🎟️
January 5, 2026 at 8:26 PM
The "Roy Hargrove: Live at KNKX" EP release event is happening this Wednesday (January 7) at The Triple Door! We will be having an exclusive commemorative t-shirt available with donation. Get your tickets: tickets.thetripledoor.net/eventperformances.asp?evt=2190 🎟️🎟️
Lisa Qian, a former data scientist with LinkedIn and Airbnb, has been hired as Seattle’s first-ever artificial intelligence officer. Outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the creation of the new AI officer position as part of the rollout of Seattle’s ambitious “responsible AI plan.” Learn more:
Seattle hires its first-ever artificial intelligence officer
Lisa Qian, a former data scientist with LinkedIn and Airbnb, will be tasked with developing citywide AI strategy, educating employees and establishing ethical AI standards.
www.knkx.org
December 24, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Lisa Qian, a former data scientist with LinkedIn and Airbnb, has been hired as Seattle’s first-ever artificial intelligence officer. Outgoing Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the creation of the new AI officer position as part of the rollout of Seattle’s ambitious “responsible AI plan.” Learn more:
Tired of hearing the same holiday jazz playlist every December? NPR's Jazz Night in America mixed things up this year by tapping Don Was, president of Blue Note Records and Grammy-winning producer, to hand-pick an hour of Christmas jazz.
Have a Blue (Note) Christmas with Don Was
Don Was digs into the Blue Note Records vault for a different kind of Christmas playlist, bringing together rare cuts, classics and deep grooves from across the label's history.
www.knkx.org
December 24, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Tired of hearing the same holiday jazz playlist every December? NPR's Jazz Night in America mixed things up this year by tapping Don Was, president of Blue Note Records and Grammy-winning producer, to hand-pick an hour of Christmas jazz.
Happy Holidays from KNKX! Listen for holiday music in our regular programming, as well as special music features, including the annual Origin Records Holiday Special. Here's a detailed year-end programming schedule:
Celebrate the season with KNKX's holiday program schedule
Music is one of the most evocative parts of the holiday season. KNKX's holiday programming includes seasonal favorites and year-end reflections.
www.knkx.org
December 24, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Happy Holidays from KNKX! Listen for holiday music in our regular programming, as well as special music features, including the annual Origin Records Holiday Special. Here's a detailed year-end programming schedule:
New Orleans may not be the first thing you think of when you think of Christmas music, but many musicians in the Big Easy have deep roots in the church. Here's what a few of the city's favorite jazz, blues, and funk musicians had to say about the songs they love to listen to during the holidays.
New Orleans musicians share their favorite Christmas songs, from bounce to blues
Rosemary Westwood from member station WWNO asked a few of New Orlean's favorite musicians about the songs they like to listen to around Christmas.
www.knkx.org
December 24, 2025 at 12:55 AM
New Orleans may not be the first thing you think of when you think of Christmas music, but many musicians in the Big Easy have deep roots in the church. Here's what a few of the city's favorite jazz, blues, and funk musicians had to say about the songs they love to listen to during the holidays.
European chafer grubs are a treat for backyard critters. And as the grubs have spread, there have been more reports of animals such as crows and raccoons tearing up lawns to feast on them.
Crows tearing up lawns may be hunting invasive grubs
Over the past decade, invasive European chafer beetles have taken hold in Western Washington. Crows, racoons and other animals are tearing up lawns in search of the grubs.
www.knkx.org
December 23, 2025 at 10:46 PM
European chafer grubs are a treat for backyard critters. And as the grubs have spread, there have been more reports of animals such as crows and raccoons tearing up lawns to feast on them.