Hacks & Wonks
Hacks & Wonks is a show hosted by political consultant Crystal Fincher, who talks with Policy Wonks and Political Hacks to gather insight into local politics and policy in Washington state through the lens of those doing the work, with behind-the-scenes perspectives on what's happening, why it's happening and what you can do about it.
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Week in Review: July 26, 2024 - with Shauna Sowersby
07/26/2024
Week in Review: July 26, 2024 - with Shauna Sowersby
On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Shauna Sowersby discuss: 🗳️ New statewide initiative qualifies 🔍 Gov candidates on transparency 📊 Polls, polls, polls 🤔 Crypto IE for Randall 👮 KC Jail resumes booking for drug use Downtown 💔 Remembering Matt Driscoll 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 .
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Senator Rebecca Saldaña Fights for Environmental Justice and Warns of Ballot Threats
07/23/2024
Senator Rebecca Saldaña Fights for Environmental Justice and Warns of Ballot Threats
Washington State Senator Rebecca Saldaña discusses her fight to advance environmental justice in WA and warns of ballot initiatives that could devastate our climate crisis response and other progress. 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 Senator Rebecca Saldaña at .
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Week in Review: July 19, 2024 - with Robert Cruickshank
07/19/2024
Week in Review: July 19, 2024 - with Robert Cruickshank
In this week-in-review: 🔥 Seattle cop fired ✅ Endorsement roundup in key races 📋 Polls for Governor & President 🗳️ Ballots are out w/ “I Voted” stickers 🤑 Realtor $ for Woo 🤖 AI bots for Woo on Reddit 🏘️ ADU construction boom 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, Robert Cruickshank at .
/episode/index/show/crystal/id/32217827
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Tariq Yusuf Discusses Key Issues in Seattle City Council Race
07/16/2024
Tariq Yusuf Discusses Key Issues in Seattle City Council Race
Seattle City Council candidate Tariq Yusuf joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss his policy priorities and vision for the city. 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 Tariq Yusuf at .
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Week in Review: July 12, 2024 - with Erica Barnett
07/12/2024
Week in Review: July 12, 2024 - with Erica Barnett
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: Washington Supreme Court Upholds Lacey RV Parking Ban Hilary Franz Campaign Controversy King County Leaders Launch 100 Days of Action Against Gun Violence Seattle PayUp Minimum Wage Repeal Legislation Stalls Seattle Audit on Reducing Overdoses and Drug-Related Crime Seattle Police Deputy Chief Controversy Seattle Transportation Levy Heads to November Ballot 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, Erica Barnett, at .
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Alexis Mercedes Rinck Discusses Key Issues in Seattle City Council Race
07/09/2024
Alexis Mercedes Rinck Discusses Key Issues in Seattle City Council Race
Seattle City Council candidate Alexis Mercedes Rinck joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss her policy priorities and vision for the city. 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 Alexis Mercedes Rinck at .
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Saunatina Sanchez Discusses Key Issues in Seattle City Council Position 8 Race
07/05/2024
Saunatina Sanchez Discusses Key Issues in Seattle City Council Position 8 Race
Seattle City Council candidate Saunatina Sanchez joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss her policy priorities and vision for the city. 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 Saunatina Sanchez at .
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Patrick DePoe Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Race
07/02/2024
Patrick DePoe Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Race
Patrick DePoe, a former elected member of the Makah Tribal Council, current Director of Tribal Relations for the Department of Natural Resources and candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands, outlined his vision for managing the state's natural resources while emphasizing his unique professional and lived experience. 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 Patrick DePoe at .
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Week in Review: June 28, 2024 - with Rian Watt
06/28/2024
Week in Review: June 28, 2024 - with Rian Watt
On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Senior Advisor at The Urbanist and Executive Director of The Economic Opportunity Institute, Rian Watt! They discuss: Washington State Democrats Pass Ceasefire Resolution Everett Herald Layoffs Spark Concerns Over Local News Coverage Seattle Social Housing Initiative Moves Forward Seattle Public Schools Faces Uncertainty Over School Closures Seattle City Council's Sidewalk Plan Falters Due to Funding Misunderstanding New Seattle City Council's Lack of Productivity Under Scrutiny As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at and find today’s co-host, Rian Watt at .
/episode/index/show/crystal/id/31925787
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Dave Upthegrove Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Race
06/25/2024
Dave Upthegrove Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Race
Dave Upthegrove, a former legislator and current King County Councilmember and candidate for Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands, recently discussed his bid for the position, highlighting his priorities and outlining his vision for the future of the state's natural resources management. 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 Dave Upthegrove at .
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Week in Review: June 21, 2024 - with David Kroman
06/21/2024
Week in Review: June 21, 2024 - with David Kroman
On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Seattle Times City Hall reporter, David Kroman! They discuss: Former Seattle Police Chief Comes Out, Uses as Defense Against Sexual Misconduct Allegations Seattle Police Department Recruitment Test Controversy Seattle Police Officer's Invalid Driver's License Scandal Auburn Police Officer on Trial for Murder Controversial Hire for Seattle City Council Communications Seattle's Transportation Levy Proposal King County's Crisis Care Centers Plan Potential Boost for Sounder South Line Newcastle's Pride Flag Controversy As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at and find today’s co-host, David Kroman, at .
/episode/index/show/crystal/id/31840017
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Chris Reykdal Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Race
06/18/2024
Chris Reykdal Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Race
Chris Reykdal, current Superintendent of Public Instruction, joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss his re-election campaign. 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 Chris Reykdal at .
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Week in Review: June 14, 2024 - with Lilly Ana Fowler
06/14/2024
Week in Review: June 14, 2024 - with Lilly Ana Fowler
On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by reporter covering social justice issues for NPR member station KNKX, Lilly Ana Fowler! They discuss: Gun Violence Impacting Schools Burien Police Chief Resigns & City Manager Calls Police On Homeless People Almost Every Day Governor Inslee on Emergency Abortions PayUp Minimum Wage Legislation Repeal COVID-19 Uptick Death at ICE Detention Center As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at and find today’s co-host, Lilly Ana Fowler at .
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Reid Saaris Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Race
06/11/2024
Reid Saaris Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Race
Reid Saaris, an educator and former non-profit leader, joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss his campaign for Superintendent of Public Instruction. 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 more information about Reid Saaris at .
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Week in Review: June 7, 2024 - with Robert Cruickshank
06/07/2024
Week in Review: June 7, 2024 - with Robert Cruickshank
On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Chair of Sierra Club Seattle, long time communications and political strategist, Robert Cruickshank! They discuss: Seattle Public Schools Consider Closing Multiple Schools Amid Budget Deficit Seattle's Wealth Disparity: Median Home Price Surpasses $1 Million, City Boasts 54,000 Millionaires City Council Considers Minimum Wage Repeal for Gig Workers, Faces Ethical Concerns and Low Approval Ratings GOP Sues to Keep Fiscal Impact Statements Off Ballot Initiatives Asylum Seekers Left Unhoused Next to Vacant EconoLodge in Kent As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at and find today’s co-host, Robert Cruickshank at .
/episode/index/show/crystal/id/31653607
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King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion Reflects on Progress and Challenges in First 18 Months
06/04/2024
King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion Reflects on Progress and Challenges in First 18 Months
King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion discusses progress and challenges in her first 18 months - highlighting efforts to rebuild law enforcement relationships, reduce juvenile crime, and address violent crime through collaboration and early intervention. 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 King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion at .
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Week in Review: May 31, 2024 - with Erica Barnett
05/31/2024
Week in Review: May 31, 2024 - with Erica Barnett
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: Gubernatorial Candidate Mullet Files Ethics Complaint Against Ferguson Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz Demoted After Discrimination Allegations Sue Rahr Announced as Interim Police Chief Budget Proviso Threatens Community Development Funds As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at and find today’s co-host, Erica Barnett, at .
/episode/index/show/crystal/id/31551237
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State Senator Patty Kuderer Seeks to Be Washington's Top Insurance Watchdog
05/28/2024
State Senator Patty Kuderer Seeks to Be Washington's Top Insurance Watchdog
State Senator Patty Kuderer joins Hacks & Wonks to discuss her run for Insurance Commissioner - pledging to be a strong consumer advocate, push for universal healthcare, and get tough on insurance companies. She touts her legislative record and experience as an attorney representing policyholders. 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 learn more about Senator Patty Kuderer’s campaign at .
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Week in Review: May 24, 2024 - with Lex Vaughn
05/24/2024
Week in Review: May 24, 2024 - with Lex Vaughn
On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and Founder and Editor of The Needling, Lex Vaughn! They discuss: PayUp Legislation Repeal Sparks Controversy and Recusal Issues in Seattle City Council Another Discrimination Lawsuit Against SPD Police Recruitment and Standards Snohomish County Achieves 10% Reduction in Homelessness Burien City Council Poised to Reject County-Funded Homeless Shelter Project Boeing Locks Out Firefighter Union Amid Contract Negotiations As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at and find today’s co-host, Lex Vaughn at .
/episode/index/show/crystal/id/31455432
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Eviction Crisis Compounds Homelessness Emergency, Expert Warns
05/21/2024
Eviction Crisis Compounds Homelessness Emergency, Expert Warns
On this topical show, Crystal welcomes Edmund Witter, Senior Managing Attorney at the King County Bar Association's Housing Justice Project, for a conversation about how the eviction crisis is exacerbating an already dire situation as Washington state grapples with record homelessness. 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 Edmund Witter and the King County Bar Association at .
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Week in Review: May 17, 2024 - with Shannon Cheng
05/17/2024
Week in Review: May 17, 2024 - with Shannon Cheng
On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Chair of People Power Washington, Shannon Cheng! They discuss: Three Bob Fergusons File for Governor During Filing Week in Republican Stunt Boeing Faces Criminal Prosecution for 737 MAX Crashes Gig Worker Pay Protections Face Repeal Amid Political Tensions and Mayoral Speculation Comprehensive Plan Coalition Urges Mayor Harrell to Improve Draft Stuart Sloan's Attempt to Remove Nude Beach Thwarted Controversial Police Contract Passes City Council Amid Accountability Concerns As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at and find today’s co-host, Shannon Cheng, at .
/episode/index/show/crystal/id/31355077
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Seattle’s $1.35B Transportation Levy Renewal Sparks Debate
05/07/2024
Seattle’s $1.35B Transportation Levy Renewal Sparks Debate
Mayor Bruce Harrell has introduced a draft proposal for a $1.35 billion transportation levy to renew the expiring Move Seattle Levy. The proposed nine-year levy aims to address street repaving, bridge maintenance, and spot improvements for transit, but falls short of the transformative vision advocated for by transportation and climate activists. UPDATE: Since this episode was recorded, Mayor Harrell increased his proposal to $1.45 billion. Read more . 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 Doug Trumm at . Resources “” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist | Seattle Department of Transportation “” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist “” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist “” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist “” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist “” by Doug Trumm from The Urbanist | Disability Rights Washington
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Manka Dhingra Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Attorney General Race
04/30/2024
Manka Dhingra Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Attorney General Race
Senator Manka Dhingra joins Hacks & Wonks for an in-depth interview to discuss her campaign for Attorney General and plans to address WA’s most pressing issues. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available below and at . Follow us on Twitter at . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at and find Manka Dhingra at . Resources
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Week in Review: April 26, 2024 - with Robert Cruickshank
04/26/2024
Week in Review: April 26, 2024 - with Robert Cruickshank
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 Records with Texas AG 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, Robert Cruickshank, at . Resources from Hacks & Wonks “” by Scott Greenstone for KUOW “” by Danny Westneat from The Seattle Times “” by Andrew Villeneuve from The Cascadia Advocate “” by Erica Barnett from PubliCola “” by Paul Roberts from The Seattle Times “” by Erica Barnett from PubliCola “” by Doug Trumm from The Urbanist “” by Joshua McNichols from KUOW @cruickshank on Twitter/X: “” Email at [email protected] “” from The Associated Press “” by S.E. Jenkins from CBS News Texas
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Nick Brown Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Attorney General Race
04/23/2024
Nick Brown Discusses Key Issues in Washington State Attorney General Race
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
04/19/2024
Week in Review: April 19, 2024 - with Ashley Nerbovig
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 Nerbovig, at . Resources from Hacks & Wonks “” by Rich Smith from The Stranger “” by Dominic Gates from The Seattle Times “” by Puneet Bsanti from The News Tribune “” by Hannah Cheves of the MacArthur Justice Center “” by Sarah Nelson from The Indianapolis Star from Hacks & Wonks “” by Marcus Harrison Green from The Seattle Times “” by Alexandra Yoon-Hendricks from The Seattle Times | Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County “” by The News Tribune Editorial Board “” by Andrew Engelson from PubliCola
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Denver's STAR Program Offers Promising Alternative Response to Mental Health and Substance Use Crises
04/16/2024
Denver's STAR Program Offers Promising Alternative Response to Mental Health and Substance Use Crises
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 it serves. As cities across the country grapple with the challenges of addressing these complex social issues, Denver's STAR program serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through community-driven, collaborative solutions. 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 , find Denver Department of Public Health & Environment at and WellPower at . Resources | City and County of Denver | WellPower | Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) “” by Grace Hauck from USA Today “” by Matt Levin from Oprah Daily “” by Esteban L. Hernandez from Axios “” by Victoria Carodine from Rocky Mountain PBS
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Week in Review: April 12, 2024 - with Guy Oron
04/12/2024
Week in Review: April 12, 2024 - with Guy Oron
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 and find today’s co-host, Guy Oron, at and Resources “” from Hacks & Wonks “” by David Gutman from The Seattle Times “” by Claire Withycombe from The Seattle Times “” by Dominic Gates from The Seattle Times “” by Dominic Gates from The Seattle Times @typewriterally on Twitter/X: | Share your input by April 26 “” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist “” by Erica Barnett from PubliCola “” from Seattle Neighborhood Greenways “” by Ashley Nerbovig from The Stranger
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State Legislative Session Falls Short on Housing As Seattle Comprehensive Plan Process Ramps Up
04/09/2024
State Legislative Session Falls Short on Housing As Seattle Comprehensive Plan Process Ramps Up
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 “” by Doug Trumm from The Urbanist “” by Doug Trumm from The Urbanist “” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist “” by Tiffani McCoy, Mike Eliason and Paul Chapman for The Urbanist “” by Ryan Packer from The Urbanist | City of Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development
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Week in Review: April 5, 2024 - with Erica Barnett
04/05/2024
Week in Review: April 5, 2024 - with Erica Barnett
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 today’s co-host, Erica Barnett, at . Resources “” by Erica C. Barnett from PubliCola “” by Hannah Krieg from The Stranger “” by P. Jade Asumbrado from The Journal of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater “” by Gene Johnson from The Associated Press | Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission “” by Amy Radil from KUOW “” by Erica C. Barnett from PubliCola “” by Hannah Krieg from The Stranger “” by Anna Patrick from The Seattle Times
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