KUOW believes a better future begins with an informed public. Here is a look at recent reporting from our newsroom and the impact it has had on our local community.
Reporting the local impact of the rollback of abortion rights
Investigating broken promises at the state’s largest charter school chain
Impact Public Schools, the largest charter school chain in Washington state, promised its students a world-class education. In a six-month KUOW investigation, dozens of parents and staff said the reality fell far short and that the charter chain was leaving students with disabilities and English language learners to languish. Following the first story’s publication, one Impact parent said to KUOW that she was relieved to know she and her child weren’t alone.
KUOW Photo / Megan Farmer
Revealing Seattle Police Department’s backlog of sexual assault cases
In a collaborative reporting project, KUOW and the Seattle Times revealed that the Seattle Police Department isn’t investigating most new adult sexual assault cases. Officials blame a staffing crisis, but advocates say it’s a matter of poorly placed priorities. Months after the article published, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed an executive order instructing the Seattle Police Department to conduct a review of its investigations bureau.
KUOW Photo / Amy Radil
Spotlighting local travel destinations doing “good”
KUOW’s “Travel for Good” series started with a question for our listeners: What are some local travel destinations that have a positive impact on our region? KUOW reporters then visited eight unique destinations recommended by listeners, from the largest seed collection in the Northwest to hiking trails accessible for people with disabilities. The series highlighted Washington's unique and fragile wonders and how everyone can learn more and contribute to conservation efforts.
KUOW Photo / Juan Pablo Chiquiza
Reporting on issues for people who are incarcerated
After more than a quarter of people incarcerated at Stafford Creek Corrections Center near Aberdeen tested positive for Covid-19 this spring, KUOW’s Eilis O’Neill reported that prison officials had given inmates with pre-existing conditions a choice: Go to solitary confinement, also known as “the hole,” or sign a waiver agreeing to hold prison officials harmless if they get Covid or long-haul Covid, or if they die. Eilis’ reporting shed light on the inadequacy of Covid-19 prevention measures for Washington’s incarcerated population.
KUOW Photo / Patricia Murphy
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Our work is community-driven. That means we are powered and shaped by people and stories across the Puget Sound region.
Conversations on the overdose crisis
KUOW’s stories on fentanyl and fatal overdoses have been some of our most read reporting this year, highlighting the need for trusted information on this community crisis. In early August, KUOW convened a conversation on fentanyl and overdoses in our community with a panel of local experts to answer questions from the public.
KUOW Photo / Juan Pablo Chiquiza
Return of local arts reporting
This summer, KUOW welcomed a new arts and culture reporter Mike Davis. Mike previously reported on news, politics, and sports for the South Seattle Emerald. “I want to introduce listeners to area artists, dig into who they are, and what inspires them to create,” Mike shared, adding, he'd like listeners to feel, "encouraged to go out and experience arts and cultural events that are happening in our region.” KUOW Photo / John O'Brien
This year, KUOW is celebrating 70 years since our first broadcast in 1952. As we look ahead, we want to know ... what do you hope the next 70 years of KUOW will look like?
Send us a note or voice memo at hello@kuow.org. We may feature your answer on the radio.
