Host, Seattle's Morning News

Charlie Harger

Charlie Harger is the host of Seattle's Morning News on Xվ Newsradio 97.3 FM. A lifelong Xվ listener since 1981 (when he was six), Charlie began his radio journalism career in 1996 as the news director for Green River College's KGRG. After a few years in the tech industry, he returned to his true passion—news radio—in 2002 at another Seattle radio station, where he worked in every newsroom position there over 19 years. In 2021, Charlie fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining Xվ Newsradio as the station's News Director. Charlie's investigative reporting has gained international attention. He exposed critical safety concerns with Boeing's 737, 777, and 787 aircraft manufacturing. He conducted one of the only interviews ever granted by Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, leading to reopened investigations across the state into potential additional victims. His radio documentary on 9/11 eyewitness Tami Michaels contributed to her important testimony against attack plotters at Guantanamo Bay. He also broke the story of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray's resignation amid serious allegations. In 2015, Charlie was named Major Market “Radio Reporter of the Year” for the Western United States by the Associated Press Television Radio Association (APTRA). He has received multiple APTRA and Murrow Awards for investigative reporting, enterprise coverage, and documentaries, among others, and was nominated for an Emmy. Although Charlie takes the news seriously, he doesn't take himself too seriously. He's passionate about telling the stories of people in the community—especially those whose voices often go unheard. While committed to covering important issues, he also enjoys sharing fun and memorable stories that bring a smile or a laugh. Charlie, his wife, and their two active kids live in Auburn. He's lived in the south end for more than 25 years. They share their home with two wiener dogs and a rambunctious Great Dane. Find Charlie on X: @XվCharlie

In King County’s opioid crisis, is kindness killing people?

Explore how harm reduction strategies in King County impact the opioid crisis and the concept of Battlefield Addiction.
4 days ago

Democrat Ortiz-Self defends controversial parental rights bill

Democratic State Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self addressed controversy surrounding House Bill 1296 regarding a parental bill of rights.
1 month ago

‘We lived our lives on the air:’ Spike O’Neill remembers Seattle radio icon Bob Rivers

Bob Rivers, whose humor and voice defined Seattle mornings for more than two decades, has died after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 68.
2 months ago

Gary Ridgway mystery solved: Here’s why the Green River Killer was briefly moved to King County Jail

Here is the reason for Gary Ridgway's move to King County Jail and its effects on the Green River case investigation.
2 months ago

House Republican Leader highlights improved relations after Inslee’s exit

The atmosphere in Olympia feels different to Washington House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary of Auburn, who credits Democratic Washington Governor Bob Ferguson for creating what he describes as a more constructive working environment.
2 months ago

Downtown Seattle seeing signs of recovery, but challenges remain 

After years of struggling with rising crime, office vacancies, and economic uncertainty, downtown Seattle is showing signs of improvement.
2 months ago

‘A place where new stories begin:’ Faith-based groups offer help, recovery paths to homeless

Faith-based organizations in Seattle and the Puget Sound region conduct outreach, offering blankets and also a path to recovery to homeless people.
3 months ago

‘SMN:’ City Council member Rivera has concerns over Harrell’s One Seattle plan

Speaking to Xվ Newsradio, Seattle City Council member Maritza Rivera expressed concerns about Mayor Bruce Harrell's One Seattle plan.
3 months ago

After Vegas explosion, worrying trend among highly exposed veterans explained

The Las Vegas explosion has led to a conversation about the hidden struggles many military personnel face, particularly about brain injuries.
4 months ago

Keep your brain sharp: Simple lifestyle changes backed by Seattle research

A recent study from the Allen Institute in Seattle, led by scientist Hongkui Zeng, offers promising insights into how everyday choices can help preserve brain health as we age.
4 months ago

Footage of recent 4-hour Puyallup standoff with man wielding hammer released

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department released footage from a standoff in Puyallup that ended with the arrest of a man wielding a hammer.
4 months ago

King County cracks down on prolific graffiti vandals as small businesses, taxpayers suffer

In what officials described as the largest crackdown on graffiti vandalism in King County’s history, prosecutors have filed 34 felony cases against 17 defendants.
4 months ago

Biden pardons 3 Washington residents in biggest single-day act of clemency

A Seattle man and two others people in Washington were among the 39 people granted a pardon by President Joe Biden on Thursday.
5 months ago

Cliff Mass calls for overhaul in US weather prediction: ‘We should be better’

Prof. Cliff Mass of the University of Washington argues the U.S. is lagging behind other countries in weather prediction.
5 months ago

Harger: Seattle plagued by spreading graffiti along I-5 corridor

Graffiti along the Seattle I-5 corridor is getting worse. Like a bad fungal skin infection, its spreading everywhere along the freeway.
5 months ago

Unique vending machines offer holiday giving opportunities

The Light the World Giving Machines are back in Western Washington, offering a unique way for people to give back this holiday season.
5 months ago

Cliff Mass: Storm warning, expect gusts of 60-80 mph

The strongest storm in years is about to hit parts of Western Washington, according to University of Washington Atmospheric Sciences professor Cliff Mass.
5 months ago

Harger: Cut some slack for Seattle weather forecasters

Perhaps we should cut our weather folks some slack. They're doing their best to keep us informed with the limited information available.
5 months ago

Trump is heading back to the White House: We want to hear from you!

The votes are in, and voters are sending Donald Trump back to the White House for a second term. Now, it’s your turn to sound off.
6 months ago

Harger: As Election Day falls on a divided nation — can we try to find peace?

Perhaps it’s time to step out of our comfort zones and engage in meaningful conversations with those who hold different perspectives.
6 months ago

Harger: Attacks on ballot boxes threaten democracy

Election agencies across the nation were cautioned about emerging threats to destroy ballot drop boxes and it has come to pass.
6 months ago

Harger: Demonization of opponents is dangerous for Democracy

In just two weeks, we'll start seeing the first wave of election results roll in, giving us a pretty good idea of who our next group of elected leaders will be.
6 months ago

Harger: Three weeks until Election Day and 2016’s lessons still matter

With Election Day rapidly approaching, the pace in newsrooms across the country is shifting into high gear.
7 months ago

Citizen journalist Photog Steve recalls hunting down his latest stories

Photog Steve joined"Seattle's Morning News" to discuss three compelling stories he's been following this week.
7 months ago