Former Federal Prosecutor Erika Evans Launches Bid for Seattle City Attorney
Hacks & Wonks
In an extensive interview with Crystal Fincher of Hacks & Wonks, Seattle City Attorney candidate Erika Evans outlines why she is challenging incumbent Ann Davison with a platform centered on community-based solutions, addressing root causes of crime, and protecting civil rights. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find more about Erika Evans at .
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Week in Review: May 2, 2025 - with Robert Cruickshank
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: 📊 Breakdown of Legislature's state budget 🧐 Ferguson’s first four months 🤔 Mallahan can? What's up with Seattle mayor race 🚔 SPD hiring up but few women + another lawsuit alleging racism As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, Robert Cruickshank, on Bluesky at .
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Reform-Minded O'Sullivan Sets Sights on City Attorney Position
Hacks & Wonks
In a wide-ranging interview on the Hacks & Wonks podcast, Seattle City Attorney candidate Rory O'Sullivan outlines his vision for transformative change in an office he believes has gone in the "wrong direction" under current City Attorney Ann Davison. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Rory O’Sullivan at .
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Week in Review: April 25, 2025 - with Donna Blankinship
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Donna Blankinship discuss: 💔 State Senator Bill Ramos 🗳️ April ballot results 💵 Seattle Democracy Vouchers 📚 Seattle Education Levy expanded 🧑⚖️ Spokane homeless initiative struck down 📈 Sharp increase in homelessness As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at . Find today’s co-host, Donna Blankinship on Substack at and Bluesky at .
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Public Defender Nathan Rouse Brings Frontline Experience to Seattle City Attorney Race
Hacks & Wonks
In a comprehensive interview with Crystal Fincher of Hacks & Wonks, Seattle City Attorney candidate Nathan Rouse outlines his vision for reforming the office through the lens of his public defender experience, criticizing incumbent Republican Ann Davison's approach while proposing alternative solutions focused on addressing root causes of crime. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find Nathan Rouse at .
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Week in Review: April 18, 2025 - with Ryan Packer
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Ryan Packer discuss: 😟 Poll: people are plugged in/worried 🫰 No wealth tax = everyone else pays 🛣️ Transpo budget overview 🤷 Workers’ comp upgrade debacle 🪪 KC AFIS levy pros & cons 🚸 Tacoma Streets Initiative II As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, Ryan Packer at .
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As Federal Rights Rollbacks and Cuts Hit Home, Seattle Council Forms Crisis Response Committee - with Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and Amy Sundberg
Hacks & Wonks
In response to sweeping policy changes at the federal level, Seattle City Council has established a Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes to track and respond to threats to federal funding, executive orders, and civil rights rollbacks affecting the city. The committee, chaired by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, aims to address the local fallout from the Trump administration's second term. In this episode of "Hacks & Wonks" hosted by Crystal Fincher, Councilmember Rinck and journalist Amy Sundberg, who covers public safety and local policy for The Urbanist,...
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Week in Review: April 11, 2025 - with Lex Vaughn
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Lex Vaughn discuss: 🪧 Thousands protest Trump admin 🧑🎓 WA student visas revoked 🐀 Union head blasts “Ratfink” Ferguson 🤞 Progress on rent stabilization 👀 Fingerprint levy on April ballot 💥 Seattle City Council tensions As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, Lex Vaughn on Bluesky at and at .
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Week in Review: April 4, 2025 - with Erica Barnett
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss: 🙅♂️ Ferguson against wealth tax ⚖️ WA joins lawsuit on public health funding cuts 👩💼 Braddock appointed acting KC Exec 💸 Moore skips public bidding process for $1M 🤷♂️ Saka denounces “defund” As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, Erica Barnett, on Bluesky at and on .
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Week in Review: March 28, 2025 - with Shauna Sowersby
Hacks & Wonks
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Shauna Sowersby discuss: 🌟 Frank Chopp’s legacy 💰 Senate & House budget proposals 📜 Parents’ Bill of Rights initiative 🧯 Natural gas initiative ruled unconstitutional 🚈 Dow Constantine nominated for Sound Transit CEO As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Follow us on Bluesky at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at and find today’s co-host, Shauna Sowersby at .
info_outlineOn this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss:
🧮 Seattle budget and amendments
🙅 County rejects Rivera’s proposal for sobering center
👨⚖️ Sal Mungia wins open Supreme Court seat
🗳️ Reichert concedes
⚔️ How WA electeds will take on Trump admin
As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com.
Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Erica Barnett, on Bluesky at @ericacbarnett and on PubliCola.com.