KIRO Newsradio Commentaries

This week the school board of Seattle Public Schools voted to move forward with a plan that could lead to the closure of over ¼ of the district’s current elementary schools, and that means changes are coming to parents across the district. 

Washington state has unique laws when it comes to sports betting, allowing it, but only at casinos. Paul Holden used to scoff at this law, but now, after being able to bet without that restricition, he's changed his mind. 

As protests continue on college campuses, so does the constant media coverage.

In today’s commentary, Angela Poe Russell discusses why some of it is lacking.

Is the new era of politicians more or less authentic than their counterparts? Dave Ross uses South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as an example

So many of us think we are too smart to be scammed. But what if you get scammed by no fault of your own…and everything you own is at risk?

Recently, Walmart announced that they will be closing all 51 healthcare and telehealth facilities across multiple states. This after promises to expand these community enriching programs just a year ago.  They cite not being able to operate these facilities at a profit. Walmart, one of the most profitable corporations on earth, owned by the wealthiest family in America, can’t afford to take a loss to provide affordable health care options for their customers, or their employees

A surprising number of people checked out the grand opening of the new "2" light rail line. And while that brings promise, are the areas around the line ready for the change the line might bring? 

App companies have figured out how to offload the costs of maintenance, insurance, and the ever-variable and rising cost of gas, onto the employee. Which is smart business. But also puts more burden on the workers to maintain the equipment needed to do the job. Big tech develops and maintain the app and provide customer service, but the actual work gets done by those on the ground - the people PayUp was intended to help.

Dave Ross reflects on the protests he experienced during his time at Cornell and the impacts they had on his college experience and how he views the protests happening on today's college campuses. 

It’s the event where journalists, who usually report on the White House, instead wine-and-dine with the president, political leaders, lobbyists and a who’s who of D.C. power. There’s a comedian, the president cracks jokes and it’s all live on CNN — what’s not to love?

Well, everything

Recently, Jack Stine had a major philosophic shift in my personal life that has resulted in me being a happier and joyful person. 

It’s the $100,000 question.

Why is enrollment declining at Seattle Public Schools?

It received a grant of that amount to investigate the matter.

But in today’s commentary brought to you by WAFed bank - Angela Poe Russell offers some answers - free of charge.

A pastor friend of mine has a personal policy that whenever a street beggar asks him for money, he gives them whatever he has in his pocket.

He says sometimes it painful when he pulls out a couple of $20 dollar bills – but he gives it away – asking no questions on how it will be used.                                                                                                                               

I’m not that generous – some might even say - I’m not that compassionate.

I want to be a good steward of my hard earn money.  So when someone approaches me – I ask them questions – what do you need the money for? If you need a meal, I’ll take you to that McDonald’s over there.   When this has happened – nobody has taken me up on my offer.

So when King County dug into its pocket and pulled out $2 million dollars last week to help house dozens of asylum seekers and refugees in Tukwila – I took pause.

It’s the latest instalment in the saga of the Riverton United Methodist Church that open its grounds last year to asylum seekers from Venezuela –  at first the church didn’t reject anybody – but word got out – others started camping on their grounds – it got overwhelming.

Supporters begged elected officials for help – to solve a problem of their making.

The City of Seattle had already stepped in with 100’s of thousands of dollars for hotel rooms – Now the County is handing out $2 million more.

I’m not heartless person – and people truly seeking a better life need help – but I expect elected officials to be good stewards of our hard-earned tax dollars – and ask questions before digging deep into our collective pocket and hand out millions. 

Maybe their being compassionate – just like my pastor friend. 

But when it comes to our money – elected official’s ‘compassion’ needs to held accountable – how that money is being used – and being used wisely.  Their track record is not that great.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Dave Ross shares his thoughts on being in the path of totality duirng his recent vacation 

Spike O'Neil loves art, but thinks the plans to convert an old Bed Bath and Beyond to an art space, isn't the right move. 

O.J. Simpson death reminds the U.S. of its persistent judicial problem. Angela Poe Russell says. 

“I gave a stranger on the internet money for bras” is a phrase which will usually illicit a series of uncomfortable questions. ‘Was it an onlyfans girl?’ ‘Was it for naked pictures?’ ‘why are you paying people for naked pictures?’ would all be acceptable first reactions to that statement. But Jack gave a stranger on the internet money for nothing in return.

"It has been eight years and two days since our son Tommy died," Travis Mayfield said on Friday, April 12, 2024. He was 2 1/2 years old when he passed away. 

Life on the road seems par for the course rather than anomalous for these aging rock stars who continue to tour late in their lives. 

Spring Break is a time for trips for many, but that isn't always case for some families. This year, Greg Tomlin and his family decided that instead of dealing with the hustle and bustle of traveling, it was time for a staycation, and that can be just as good, if not better. 

48-thousand paper hearts of every color fluttered through the air inside the Idaho State Capitol rotunda this week. Travis Mayfield tells us why this was a a response to hate 

Spike O'Neil reminds us to hang in there, the sunny skies are almost here to stay! 

Florida's governor and the legislature have been on a roll lately with several controversial legislative actions. However, one of them is worth replicating.

Sometimes, it's okay to just do something by yourself. Science even backs it up!