Week in Review: April 26, 2024 - with Robert Cruickshank
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Chair of Sierra Club Seattle, long time communications and political strategist, Robert Cruickshank! They discuss: Republican Divisions Threaten Party's Chances in Governor's Race Corporate-Backed Super PAC Boosts Conservative Democrat's Campaign Seattle Councilmember Seeks to Roll Back Gig Worker Protections Mayor's Office Cuts Anti-Displacement Proposals from Growth Plan New Light Rail Line Set to Open on Eastside Business Group Launches Campaign to Relocate Light Rail Station Seattle Children's Hospital Refuses to Share Patient...
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Nick Brown Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Attorney General Race
Hacks & Wonks
Nick Brown joins Hacks & Wonks for an in-depth interview to discuss his campaign for Attorney General and plans to address WA’s most pressing issues. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Twitter/X at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter/X at and find Nick Brown at . Resources
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Week in Review: April 19, 2024 - with Ashley Nerbovig
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by staff writer at The Stranger covering policing, incarceration and courts, Ashley Nerbovig! They discuss: GOP Candidate Dave Reichert's Anti-LGBTQ Views Boeing Faces Scrutiny Over Safety Issues and Alleged Cover-Up Tacoma to Implement ShotSpotter Despite Concerns Local Guaranteed Basic Income Pilots Show Promising Results Seattle Police Officer's Troubling Past Revealed As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Twitter at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at and find today’s co-host, Ashley...
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Denver's STAR Program Offers Promising Alternative Response to Mental Health and Substance Use Crises
Hacks & Wonks
On this topical show, Crystal welcomes Evan Thompkins, STAR Program Specialist with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, and Stephanie Van Jacobs, Program Manager at WellPower! The STAR program offers a promising alternative response to mental health and substance use crises, providing individuals with the support and resources they need while reducing the burden on traditional police response. With strong community support and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Denver residents, the STAR program is poised to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those...
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Week in Review: April 12, 2024 - with Guy Oron
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Staff Reporter for Real Change and creator of the Gossip Guy newsletter, Guy Oron! They discuss: Washington's Ban on High-Capacity Magazines Ruled Unconstitutional Three New GOP Initiatives Boeing Whistleblower Raises Safety Concerns Seattle City Councilmembers Call for Improvements to Comprehensive Plan Transportation Levy Faces Scrutiny Alternative Response Plans Hindered by Police Union Agreement As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Twitter at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at ...
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State Legislative Session Falls Short on Housing As Seattle Comprehensive Plan Process Ramps Up
Hacks & Wonks
On this topical show, Crystal Fincher and Executive Director of The Urbanist, Rian Watt, dig into how housing policy shapes the future vision for our communities, why the recent legislative session didn’t live up to its “Year of Housing 2.0” billing, and how the Seattle Comprehensive plan falls short and can be improved. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Twitter at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at and find Rian Watt at . Resources “” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist “” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist...
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Week in Review: April 5, 2024 - with Erica Barnett
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Seattle political reporter, editor of PubliCola, and co-host of the Seattle Nice podcast, Erica Barnett! They discuss: Seattle Police Contract Raises Budget Concerns, Accountability Questions Thurston Sheriff's Hiring of Officer Involved in Manny Ellis' Killing Illuminates Broader Accountability Issues Burien Countersues King County Over Encampment Sweeps Unhoused Asylum Seekers at Garfield As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Twitter at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at and find...
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Week in Review: March 29, 2024 - with Naomi Ishisaka
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Assistant Managing Editor for Diversity and Inclusion and the Social Justice Columnist for The Seattle Times, Naomi Ishisaka! They discuss: New Candidates Running for Seattle City Council Everyday Gun Violence Seattle Dual-Dispatch Pilot is Underutilized Ferguson’s Police Centric Plan Deaths at Tacoma ICE Facility, SCORE and KC Jails Problematic Gravel Yard Gains AG’s Attention As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Twitter at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at and find...
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King County's Community-Led Approach Showing Promise in Combating Gun Violence
Hacks & Wonks
King County is taking a comprehensive, community-focused approach that early data suggests is helping steer young people away from cycles of violence. In an interview with the Hacks & Wonks podcast, Eleuthera Lisch, director of the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, discussed the promising impacts of the county's community violence intervention initiatives. At the heart of the strategy are organizations like Regional Peacekeepers Collective and Rainier Beach Action Coalition - Restorative Solutions that employ street outreach workers and "violence interrupters" -...
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Week in Review: March 15, 2024 - with Robert Cruickshank
Hacks & Wonks
Hacks & Wonks Week in Review: Presidential Primary, Legislative Retirements, Police Recruitment in Seattle, Seattle Public Schools Board, and Burien Gets Sued Presidential Primary Takeaways In this week's presidential primary, Trump and Biden secured enough delegates to clinch their parties' nominations. While Trump's impact worries moderate Republicans in Washington like Dave Reichert, Biden faces pressure from the "uncommitted delegates" protest vote demanding an end to violence in Gaza. Washington Legislative Retirements Several longtime Democratic legislators, including...
info_outlineHacks & Wonks Week in Review: Presidential Primary, Legislative Retirements, Police Recruitment in Seattle, Seattle Public Schools Board, and Burien Gets Sued
Presidential Primary Takeaways
In this week's presidential primary, Trump and Biden secured enough delegates to clinch their parties' nominations. While Trump's impact worries moderate Republicans in Washington like Dave Reichert, Biden faces pressure from the "uncommitted delegates" protest vote demanding an end to violence in Gaza.
Washington Legislative Retirements
Several longtime Democratic legislators, including Frank Chopp and Karen Keiser, announced their retirements after the recent session. This exodus provides an opportunity for a new generation of more progressive leadership.
Police Recruitment in Seattle
The Seattle City Council discussed subsidizing housing and lowering standards to recruit more police officers amid a staffing shortage. However, mounting evidence and feedback from police suggest the culture within the department and lack of accountability are deterring recruits, not council rhetoric or compensation.
Seattle Public Schools Board Appointments
Seattle Public Schools is in the process of selecting two people to fill vacancies left by two departures from the Seattle Public Schools Board. Highlighting the diverse range of candidates, including labor leader Joe Mizrahi and Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's Sarah Clark, the segment explored the potential policy implications and the importance of educational governance in the city.
Sheriff Sues Burien Over Unconstitutional Anti-Camping Ordinance
Burien passed a stricter anti-camping law aimed at homeless individuals, which the King County Sheriff's Office refused to enforce as likely unconstitutional. In retaliation, Burien moved to defund the county's contracted police services, prompting criticism that it is escalating rather than solving homelessness.
As always, a full text transcript of the show is available below and at officialhacksandwonks.com.
Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Robert Cruickshank, at @cruickshank.
Resources
Tacoma City Councilmember Olgy Diaz Shares Strategies for Running for Office from Hacks & Wonks
“Trump and Biden win Washington's presidential primaries” by Melissa Santos from Axios
“How did Washington's 'uncommitted' voters do on presidential primary night?” by Katie Campbell from KUOW
Senate Democratic Caucus Status | Northwest Progressive Institute
“Shaun Scott Is Running for the State House” by Hannah Krieg from The Stranger
“Longtime Washington state senator is leaving, but not right away” by Jerry Cornfield from Washington State Standard
“Sam Hunt to retire from the Washington State Legislature after many decades of service” by Andrew Villeneuve from The Cascadia Advocate
“As Seattle police applicants lag, City Hall looks to bureaucracy” by David Kroman from The Seattle Times
“Higher salaries? Subsidized housing? What will it take for Seattle to recruit and retain more police?” by Casey Martin from KUOW
“Seattle School Board narrows candidate field for open seats” by Sami West from KUOW
“King County files complaint over Burien's anti-camping ordinance” by Jadenne Radoc Cabahug from Crosscut
“VIDEO: Sheriff files legal complaint against City of Burien regarding constitutionality of its expanded camping ban; City responds” by Scott Schaefer from The B-Town Blog
“Burien’s anti-camping ordinance is not an answer to homelessness” by The Seattle Times Editorial Board
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