Hacks & Wonks
In a competitive race between two Democrats, Melissa Demyan, a labor organizer, is challenging 20-year incumbent Larry Springer for a 45th district state house seat. We talk with Melissa about her priorities, how she differs from Rep. Larry Springer, and her vision for the 45thth legislative district. Transcript and resources: Follow us on Twitter/X at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher at and find Melissa Demyan at . VOTE by Tuesday 11/5! Then !
info_outline Poll Shows Mixed Outlook for Washington State Initiatives, Democratic Advantage in Statewide RacesHacks & Wonks
Andrew Villeneuve of the Northwest Progressive Institute discusses how their new poll shows Democrats leading in most statewide races, voters are likely to reject three of four initiatives on the November ballot, and a close race in Washington’s 3rd congressional district. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Twitter/X at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at and find Andrew Villeneuve and the Northwest Progressive Institute at and https://www.nwprogressive.org/
info_outline Five North King County Cities Launch Collaborative Crisis Response Program (Re-Air)Hacks & Wonks
On this Tuesday topical show re-air, Crystal learns about north King County’s innovative new Regional Crisis Response (RCR) Agency with its inaugural Executive Director Brook Buettner and Kenmore Mayor Nigel Herbig. Following national guidelines and best practices for behavioral health crisis care, a five-city consortium established RCR in 2023 as part of a vision to provide their region with the recommended continuum of behavioral health care - which includes someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go. Executive Director Buettner and Mayor Herbig share how the program grew out...
info_outline Shoreline Mayor Highlights City's Progress on Housing, Development, and Public SafetyHacks & Wonks
In a recent interview, Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts outlines the city's approaches to housing, development, and public safety, emphasizing how the newly opened light rail stations are reshaping the community north of Seattle. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Twitter/X at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at and find Mayor Chris Roberts at .
info_outline Week in Review: October 18, 2024 - with Shauna SowersbyHacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Shauna Sowersby discuss: 📊 Cascade PBS/Elway polls 🗳️ Ballots arriving in mailboxes 💸 Capital gains tax repeal costly for schools 🏳️🌈 Tacoma rainbow crosswalk ⚖️ Pierce County jury pay pilot 😵 Yakima County coroner As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter/X at and find today’s co-host, Shauna Sowersby, at .
info_outline Washington State Faces Controversial Initiatives on November BallotHacks & Wonks
Four statewide initiatives backed by a California hedge fund manager are stirring up controversy as Washington voters prepare to cast their ballots this November. The measures, which would repeal several recently passed laws, are being met with strong opposition from groups who argue they would benefit wealthy people and corporations at the expense of working families and crucial public services. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Twitter/X at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at and find more about the Defend Washington campaign at .
info_outline Week in Review: October 11, 2024 - with Ron DavisHacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Ron Davis discuss: 🌲 Public Lands candidate takes stance on I-2117 🤩 Overlook Walk opens to widespread acclaim 🏫 School closure update 🏘️ Suarez out of touch on housing 📸 Seattle police bonuses and surveillance approved 📊 Tacoma’s refreshing budget approach 🌀 Hurricane-caused IV fluid shortage 🕵️ Inspectors given access to Tacoma ICE facility As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter/X at and find today’s co-host, Ron Davis at on both Twitter and...
info_outline Ryan Mello Outlines Comprehensive Vision for Pierce County's FutureHacks & Wonks
Pierce County Executive candidate Ryan Mello outlines his comprehensive vision for the county and pledges active leadership that emphasizes public safety reforms, affordable housing, environmental conservation, and economic development. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Twitter/X at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at and find Ryan Mello at .
info_outline Week in Review: October 4, 2024 - with Scott GreenstoneHacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Scott Greenstone discuss: 🚔 Tacoma police chief admin leave mystery 🏫 Revised school closure plan 😨 Weird Serrano video & AG debate 🗣️ Woo/Rinck debate 💲 Seattle budget scrutiny + Saka ♥️🐴 📺 Seattle Channel in jeopardy As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter/X at and find today’s co-host, Scott Greenstone at or on Instagram and Threads at .
info_outline Building Democratic Momentum in Washington State with Shasti ConradHacks & Wonks
Shasti Conrad, Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party, discusses the role of the State Party in volunteer and candidate support, turning out the Democratic base, maintaining unity within a diverse party, and the transition to Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Twitter/X at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, at and find Shasti Conrad at . Resources “” by Danny Westneat from The Seattle Times
info_outlineOn 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:
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New Candidates Running for Seattle City Council
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Everyday Gun Violence
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Seattle Dual-Dispatch Pilot is Underutilized
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Ferguson’s Police Centric Plan
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Deaths at Tacoma ICE Facility, SCORE and KC Jails
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Problematic Gravel Yard Gains AG’s Attention
As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com.
Follow us on Twitter at @HacksWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Naomi Ishisaka at @naomiishisaka.
About the Guest
Naomi Ishisaka is the Assistant Managing Editor for Diversity and Inclusion and the Social Justice Columnist for The Seattle Times. She is a journalist and photographer who focuses on racial equity and social justice.
Resources
“Tanya Woo faces these candidates in bid to keep her Seattle City Council seat” by Katie Campbell from KUOW
“Alexis Mercedes Rinck Launches Progressive Challenge to Tanya Woo” by Hannah Krieg from The Stranger
“Outraged by police violence? Everyday gun violence is outrageous, too” by Naomi Ishisaka from The Seattle Times
“Coming about! What it means that Bob Ferguson just tacked right on cops” by Danny Westneat from The Seattle Times
“Seattle’s Dual Dispatch Program Is Underutilized” by Ashley Nerbovig from The Stranger
“Activists monitor Tacoma ICE facility 24/7 after detainee death” by Lilly Ana Fowler from KNKX Public Radio
“Immigrant rights groups outside Northwest ICE Processing Center face intimidation” by Brian Hayes from The News Tribune
“Woman’s Malnutrition Death Raises Questions About Medical Care Standards at South King County Jail” by Andrew Engelson from PubliCola
“Man dies at hospital after medical emergency at King County Jail” by Vonnai Phair from The Seattle Times
“WA’s AG, health officials raise questions about gravel yard by school” by Daniel Beekman from The Seattle Times
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