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.

Hey, good morning. I'm Patricia Murphy. It's Thursday. This is Seattle now. Another round of job cuts at Microsoft this week. Company will lay off 9,000 workers 830 here in Washington State. Seattle Times reporter Alex Halverson is here to explain what might be going on at Microsoft and what it means for the future.

But first, let's get you caught up.

Washington State has launched a new hotline for reporting hate crimes and bias incidents

in King, Clark, and Spokane counties.

State Attorney General Nick Brown says the

non-emergency hotline will help people find local support services that are culturally sensitive

and victim-centered. Since 2018, Washington is among the top five states in the country when it

comes to the number of reported hate crimes, according to the FBI. The hotline is a pilot program for now and will be offered statewide beginning in 2027.

This fall, voters will decide whether to renew a property tax levy to pay for emergency medical

services in King County.

The King County Council voted to put the six-year levy on the November

ballot this week. The levy would raise more than $1.4 billion to pay for EMS services

that respond to 911 calls. If passed, it'll cost the median homeowner a little more than

$200 a year. And if you're thinking about taking a dip in the lake as we approach the July 4th holiday,

plan to check your beach first. Several beaches in the Seattle area remain closed to swimming due to

high bacteria levels and also toxic algae. They include the West Beach of Green Lake, Pritchard

...