On the latest episode of sound politics, the vast majority of Americans say that money in politics is a threat to democracy.

Seattle came up with a novel solution.

Give everyone money to donate to candidates.

Now, is that working?

We'll talk about it ahead of the August 5th primary when voters will decide if the democracy voucher program

should stick around. That's on the latest sound politics, wherever you get your podcasts.

Good afternoon from the KUOW Newsroom. This is Seattle now.

I'm Paige Browning. As we look towards an end to the heat wave tonight, here are today's top stories.

It's Thursday, July 17th.

Starting with major news, close to home for us.

The U.S. House is expected to vote tonight or tomorrow to take back funding from local public radio stations like KUOW.

How are local members of Congress voting?

Scott Greenstone has those details.

Republican Michael Baumgartner of Spokane told KUOW last month he and his family listened to NPR.

I like listening to NPR in a world, 20% budget deficits, and we have to look at where we can save some money.

Spokane Public Radio gets about 10% of its funding from the Federal Corporation for public broadcasting, which Baumgartner's

spokesperson said he'll vote to defund. CPB funding makes up about 5% of KOWW's budget as well.

Democrats on the west side of the state say the money that goes to stations like Spokane's

is critical. They're sometimes the only ones covering local communities whose newspapers

have disappeared. Scott Greenstone, KOWW News. This news may have changed by the time you hear

this. Check kUOW.org slash funding for the latest news and more information about how to support

KUOW. Speaking of cuts, queer youth who call the 988 crisis hotline no longer have the option of a counselor who specializes in their care.

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