Politics and Government

Theres a space battle brewing just under our noses (and above our heads). On one side are astronomers who use ground-based observatories to gather starlight from the depths of the universe. On the other are technologists, military planners and captains of industry who are rapidly cocooning our planet in ever growing swarms of starlight-spoiling satellites. Meredith Rawls, a research scientist of astronomy at the UW, is quoted.

Today the UW announced the results of a study looking at the potential influence artificial intelligence can have on our political decision making.Jillian Fisher, doctoral student of statistics and of computer science and engineering at the UW, is interviewed.

"It has happened before: an upset victory by a Democratic Socialist in an important primary election after an extraordinary grassroots campaign," writes James Gregory, professor of history at the UW.

Seattles population growth has brought its own frustrations for both new and longtime residents. Housing prices, traffic congestion and overall cost of living are among the growing pains. Sara Curran, director of the UW's Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology and professor of international studies, of sociology and of public policy and governance, is quoted.

The two-month patrol stopped supposedly suspicious individuals from crossing into California from other states. But its execution was uneven, and the initiative proved controversial. James Gregory, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Democrats are grappling with how to up their game on social media following an election cycle where they acknowledged they were trounced by Republicans on platforms like X, Instagram, and YouTube.Adrienne Russell, professor of communication and co-director of the UW Center for Journalism, Media and Democracy, is quoted.

Activists also say King County officials arent being transparent enough about the flights in and out of Boeing Field. Angelina Godoy, professor of law, societies, and justice and of international studies, as well as director of the Center for Human Rights at the UW, is quoted.

The billionaire isn't the first to decide he can do politics better than the parties. The public isn't so sure. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Four days before President Donald Trump ordered U.S. airstrikes of three Iranian nuclear sites, State Rep. Darya Farivar issued a notice about growing fear within Washingtons Iranian community. Her June 18 statement described families watching in anguish as loved ones faced violence abroadwords that would prove tragically prophetic when Operation Midnight Hammer struck Irans Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities on June 22. Aria Fani, assistant professor of Middle Eastern languages and culture, and Reat Kasaba, professor of international studies, are quoted.

Study abroad in Vietnam and Madrid. An internship with the State Department. International studies major Grace Kelly explored the world as a UW student.

"The new executive order allows political appointees to undermine research they oppose, paving the way for state-controlled science," co-writes Carl Bergstrom, professor of biology at the UW.

"Republicans in Washington have their sights once again on defunding public media," writes Matthew Powers, associate professor of communications at the UW.

Seattle sees thousands mobilize on May Day each year to advocate for immigrant and worker rights, echoing traditions starting from labor protests decades ago. James Gregory, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

Seemingly no international issue provokes as much heartbreak, consternation and demand for moral action for many right now as the fate of Palestinians and Israelis. And few academics have as much insight into the challenges and benefits of honest discussion and scholarship about that region as Liora Halperin, professor of history and international studies at the UW.

As researchers at American universities face an uncertain future, other countries are doing their best to lure scientists away.Is the US set to face a brain drain as top talent moves overseas or into other fields? Carl Bergstrom, professor of biology at the UW, is quoted.