City Cast Seattle

Jaksot

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  What’s Your Absurd Seattle Documentary Idea? Plus, Local Sightings at NWFF 17.09.2026 34min

  Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by Camille Hermida-Fuentes, co-director of the Local Sightings Film Festival at Northwest Film Forum, which starts this weekend and features local films made by local filmmakers. Camille and regular contributor Chase Hutchinson (who else, really?) discuss what they are most excited to see, and how Northwest Film Forum is trying to make movie-making accessible to all Seattleites. Then Jane and Chase are joined by resident film guy and producer Liam Billingham to discuss the fact that we’re living in a golden age of absurd documentaries, and how that connects to the city we all call home. The trio then discuss ideas for their own Absurdist Seattle documentaries. What’s yours? Finally, they talk about some local art exhibitions and shows they all want to see, including a film at Tasveer, an exhibition about a famous Black theater in Seattle, and an inconvenience store. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 16th episode: Washington State Fair Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  What It Takes to Raise a Kid in King County Right Now 16.09.2026 24min

  City Cast Partner Studios presents Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, a five-part series on what a fair economy looks like in King County, told through the people building it. In this episode of Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, Jane speaks with Tristen Hall, co-lead of the King County Early Learning Coalition, and Carlina Brown-Banks, executive director of Voice2Power Lab and a member of the Be3 Coalition, about why early learning and K-12 education aren't nearly as separate as Washington's funding system treats them. They get into why coalition work can do what no single organization can on its own, the legislative win last year that protected educational rights for students experiencing homelessness after hundreds of people emailed the Senate, and why childcare in Washington eats up something like a third of a family's paycheck. They also talk about what changes when you actually trust that parents already know what their kids need. To get involved, sign up for Be3 Coalition updates through Building Changes or connect with the King County Early Learning Coalition at brightspark.org/kcelc.
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  Recess Shrinking, Macklemore Dropped, and WA's Trees Are Under Attack. Plus, Mayor Wilson's Gun Violence Plan 16.09.2026 40min

  A beautiful but deadly beetle has arrived in Washington for the first time, and host Jane C. Hu talks with Daria Gosztyla,  an urban and community forestry planner with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, about what the emerald ash borer could mean for Seattle's trees, salmon habitat, and urban ecosystems. But first, Brett Hamil returns to the contributor’s side of the mic along with Eula Scott Bynoe to dig into Seattle Public Schools' new staff contract and recess length, Mayor Wilson's gun violence reduction plan, Macklemore getting dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour for saying "Free Palestine," and the “Seattle Avengers” crashing city council to take on surveillance cameras. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 15th episode: Grand Central Bakery Washington State Fair Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  Can We Eat Lettuce Again? Plus, Where To Get a Pumpkin Spice Latte 15.09.2026 31min

  Jane’s back from vacation! And she needs to know what’s going on, so contributors Lex Vaughn and Hannah Krieg join to update her on all she missed: Civil rights protections for polyamorous people, grocery pricing protections, Seattle Public School and AI, and more! Next, they cover some national news that has local relevance (Are you registered to vote?) like the end of the current Cyclospora outbreak, bad news from the EPA, and the new foldable iPhone. Finally, Jane asks Lex and Hannah what the people in their life are discussing! They cover cars driving where they shouldn’t, where to get (spicy) pumpkin spice lattes, and a cool new Latin culture festival that happened over the weekend.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 15th episode: Grand Central Bakery Washington State Fair Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  What Does Public Safety Really Mean? Plus, Community Garden Origin Stories and Goodbye to Spot Saver 14.09.2026 32min

  For Brett Hamil’s last day as fill-in host, contributor Guy Oron and producer Sam J Leeds join to dig into the real numbers behind Seattle's public safety conversation and why traffic fatalities might deserve as much alarm as gun violence. Then, Sam unearths the surprisingly sweet origin story of Seattle's P-Patch community gardens, from a Boeing-bust-era neighbor's idea to 91 gardens donating 41,000 pounds of food a year. Plus, a new city ordinance aims to protect homeowners from predatory real estate solicitations, and SEA's Spot Saver program is on its way out. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 14th episode:  Clipper Vacations Washington State Fair  Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  SPS Budget Realities and Students Using AI. Plus, Do Bite of Seattle Texts Vindicate Mayor Wilson? 11.09.2026 34min

  With school (almost not) back in session, Brett is joined by Seattle Times Reporter Claire Bryan to discuss the school year that almost wasn’t, whether or not SPS is really broke, and with other cities severely limiting AI or outright restricting AI, what is Seattle Public Schools’ plan? Joining Claire and Brett is PubliCola’s Erica C. Barnett, who also breaks down her story about the botched communications that occurred in the hours after the Bite of Seattle shooting, and how recently released Teams messages and texts shed light on delays by SPD. Finally, Brett is joined by producers Ashley and Liam to discuss his pet theory: sassy squirrel season is upon us. You can’t possibly miss that, but it’s only available to neighbors, so join now.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 11th episode: Clipper Vacations Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  Dr. Doom Crashes City Council, Cybercabs Start Test Driving, and the UW Parking Garage Skaters Love 10.09.2026 42min

  Brett Hamil is back as guest host to explain why a supervillain showed up to give public comment at a Seattle City Council meeting and other recent political theater in the city. He’s joined by contributors Hannah Krieg and Ryan Packer to break down Dr. Doom’s surveillance camera stunt, why the Route 8 bus is now outpacing all but the fastest pedestrians (sprinters), and which Washington cities are out-progressing Seattle on transit. Plus, when did Tesla start test-driving autonomous cabs on Seattle streets? Then, Skate Park Advisory Committee member Tobias Coughlin-Bogue joins to discuss the new Rainier Beach skate park and trace the underground lore of Seattle's skateboarding scene from Red Square to Westlake. Take Mayor Wilson’s police chief survey here. If you enjoyed this interview with Colleen Clayton the Director of Homeowner Services of Habitat for Humanity, learn more here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 10th episode:  Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  Bumbershoot Success, Belltown Shootings, and Public Safety in Seattle. Plus, Late Night Eats 09.09.2026 35min

  Today on the podcast, Brett Hamil (and his soothing NPR voice) joins as guest host to discuss all the news from over the long weekend. First off, they discuss the good news that Bumbershoot went off without a hitch, but Belltown faced 3 shootings in just 24 hours. What does that say about public safety in Seattle? Then, the trio move on to a midweek medley about the Seattle Times’ complicated AI position, Beehive Espresso workers getting overdue pay, and the longest strike in Washington history at Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square. Finally, they celebrate the good news that Beth’s Cafe is once again open 24 hours and what they would order if any of them had the energy to go out at 2 am. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 9th episode: Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  Could the Fremont Troll Get Built Today? Plus, the Argument for More Light at Green Lake 08.09.2026 35min

  Today on the podcast, we’re revisiting a conversation from earlier this year about one of Seattle’s most iconic works of art: the Fremont Troll. Steve Badanes, who designed and built the troll, gives Jane and Sam the whole story on how it came to be. He also talks about the state of public art in Seattle, and its past and future.   But first, we revisit a conversation that seems to come up in Seattle fairly regularly: Does Green Lake need more light? Jan, Sam, and Liam debate.  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 8th episode: Clipper Vacations Grand Central Bakery  Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  Bumbershoot's Stacked Lineup, Massage Ordinances Explained, and the Punk Band That Literally Lit the Stage on Fire 04.09.2026 33min

  Today on the podcast, Bumbershoot is back! Executive Producer Ashley Smith – who is filling in for Jane – and producer Sam J. Leeds are joined by music journalist Martin Douglas to dig into the festival's history, its wildest moments (a literal flaming pond, Method Man's weed compliments), and the must-see acts. Ashley and Sam also speak with Marybeth Berney about Federal Way’s new massage ordinance and its role in a statewide push to crack down on massage parlors. Marybeth, former president of the Washington State Massage Therapy Association, breaks down what the changes mean for licensed massage therapists and the workers caught in the middle. Plus, for our neighbors, we’ll be talking about ferry boat etiquette in our bonus segment – including what ferry behavior is actually a misdemeanor. Want to tune in? Become a neighbor! Learn more about the sponsors of this September 4th episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  How Can Washington Protect Its Forests, Water, and Citizens? 03.09.2026 40min

  Have you heard of the Roadless Rule? Today on the podcast, Jane speaks with UW Professor Julian Olden about the news that the Trump administration has formally proposed its removal, and why it could lead to more fires and affect our drinking water (and beer!). Then we revisit two conversations about how the current administration’s policies are affecting Washington. The first is a chat from April between Jane and contributors Guy Oron and Andy Engleson about the dismantling of the Forest Service and what it means for our hiking trails. Finally, we spoke with Teresa Mosqueda back in January about ways that local and state governments can protect their residents from ICE and other federal encroachment. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 3rd episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  District 5’s Top Issues According to Both Candidates 02.09.2026 38min

  Come November, Seattleites living in District 5 will vote on a new city council member who will fill the seat vacated by Cathy Moore last year and temporarily filled by Debora Juarez. In the August primary, candidates Nilu Jenks and Julie Kang advanced to the general with 54% and 33% of the vote, respectively. On today’s episode, both candidates join us on the show to talk through the top issues facing their district and the city council. And finally, the City Cast Seattle team, Host, Jane C. Hu, Executive Producer, Ashley Smith, and Creative Producer, Liam Billingham get together to dissect the conversation between the two candidates.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Clipper Vacations Habitat for Humanity Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  Your Guide to September 2026 in Seattle 01.09.2026 34min

  Today on the show, host Jane C. Hu is joined by Executive Producer Ashley Smith and Creative Producer Liam Billingham to discuss the homestretch of Summer, and what they’re looking forward to most in September. Jane and Liam are looking forward to more cooking during apple season, while Ashley stays indoors with local jewelry maker Rebekah J. Designs. Plus, the Bumbershoot Music and Arts festival is coming up-- and take it from Ashley, the lineup is “stacked!” Then, save some money by going to the Seattle Kraken preseason games before the end of the month. And finally, “Seattle Keeps winning with its film programming,” Liam wants you to check out the North West Film Forums Local Sighting Film Festival, SIFF’s Open Road series, and this appropriately mind-blowing series from The Beacon.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: North West Film Forums Local Sighting Film Festival  Seattle Restored Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  Rick Steves on Buying the Edmonds Theater and Giving Away His Fortune. Plus, Fire Survivor Advice for Seattle 31.08.2026 44min

  According to Rick Steves: “ There's no better way to start getting, putting your money to good use than right now. Shrouds have no pockets.” He tells host Jane C. Hu in today’s episode why he bought the historic Edmonds Theater in his hometown, challenges millionaires to give away more of their money “what are you afraid of?” and explains the value in investing in local communities. Jane and contributor Chase Hutchinson also ask for his travel tips in the Seattle area and his future plans for the theater he now owns. Then, Jane is joined by Eaton Fire survivor and writer iO Wright, who helped create a resource guide for fire survivors after he lost his home more than a year ago. iO speaks with Jane and Spokane’s RANGE Media fellow Yong-Yu Huang about advice for rebuilding in Spokane, where to find reliable information, and how Seattleites should prepare for fire.   Learn more about the sponsors of this August 31st episode: Habitat for Humanity  Seattle Restored Northwest Film Forum Clipper Vacations Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  Will the Meta Settlement Actually Change Anything? Plus, SPD's Restrictions on CARE 28.08.2026 29min

  Seattle's CARE team was supposed to be the city's answer to unarmed crisis response — but a new Inspector General report reveals it's still being strangled by police union restrictions. Host Jane C. Hu digs into the findings with contributors Guy Oron and Brett Hamil. Then they discuss Meta's multi-billion dollar settlement and what it might actually mean for kids online. Finally, they tell you what they are up to this weekend. If you’re a member, stay tuned for a chat about Brett’s experience in Boston, and which city has worse traffic.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 28th episode: Habitat for Humanity Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  Boeing Field's Deportation Surge, Unemployment Hoops for Striking Workers, and Mourning Dolly Parton 27.08.2026 38min

  King County recently announced it had hired a flight monitoring and outreach coordinator after advocacy groups had been calling for the county to better monitor ICE’s deportation flights. Today on the show, host Jane C. Hu is joined by guest Josefina Mora-Cheung, director of organizing with La Resistencia, a grassroots organization led by immigrants and people of color who have been oppressed by the immigration enforcement system, to discuss this new role. The two also get into the monitoring La Resistencia has been organizing with volunteers since 2023, the increasing responsibilities for the new county role, and the huge uptick in deportation flights since monitoring began. Then, Jane is joined by contributor Chase Hutchinson and producer Sam J. Leeds to break down a recent change to unemployment benefits for striking workers, to reflect on the life and legacy of the beloved Dolly Parton, and to learn more about a new music festival in Pioneer Square.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 27th episode: Habitat for Humanity Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  Is Downtown Seattle Really Bouncing Back? 26.08.2026 38min

  In July, downtown Seattle saw the most visitors it's had in years. Does that mean downtown is finally bouncing back? Today, Host Jane C. Hu is joined by Jon Scholes of the Downtown Seattle Association to talk about what’s going on downtown: Pike Place’s pedestrianization, the CCTV camera pilot and expansion, and why our office vacancy rate is so high. Plus, Jon talks about what it’s like raising kids downtown, and his hopes for the future. Then Jane is joined by Creative Producer Liam Billingham and Executive Producer Ashley Smith to talk about the latest news in our midweek medley. Finally, Ashley talks about our members' event art walk happening this weekend, which you can join if you become a neighbor!  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 26th episode: Habitat for Humanity Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  Mayor Wilson Gives Vision Zero a Deadline. Plus, Will the Millionaires Tax Get Repealed? 25.08.2026 34min

  Contributors Ryan Packer from The Urbanist and Hannah Krieg of The Burner join Jane C. Hu to discuss Mayor Wilson’s executive order directing Seattle’s Department of Transportation to speed up its work towards Vision Zero: eliminating traffic-related deaths. Despite the Washington legislature passing the Millionaires Tax earlier this year, folks will be voting on whether to repeal it in November. The trio get into that issue as well. Plus, they share some good news, like the Seattle Animal Shelter is having a fundraiser contest where you get to vote on cute pet photos! What’s better than that? Learn more about the sponsors of this August 25th episode: Habitat for Humanity Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  How To Help Unsheltered Families, What Patients Actually Want From Abortion Care, and How the Local News Sausage Gets Made 24.08.2026 39min

  Dominique Alex, CEO of Mary’s Place, joins Jane C. Hu to discuss the King County Regional Homelessness Authority’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count, which showed not only an increase in unsheltered homelessness in our region but, in particular, an increase in unsheltered families and children. Then journalists Megan Burbank and Adam Willems from CHUM News reveal what a new abortion study found that could inform what future policies look like in Washington state. Plus, an honest chat about how local media decides what to cover – and the role we all play in elevating stories into relevancy. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 24th episode: Habitat for Humanity Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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  What’s Really Going On at the ICE Detention Center? Plus, Fighting for Police Accountability in Federal Way 21.08.2026 33min

  The push for greater police accountability is ramping up after two incidents involving Federal Way police that resulted in the death of one Black man and the serious injury of another. Sonia Joseph, board chair of the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, joins Jane C. Hu and contributor Marcus Harrison Green to talk about what happened to these two men, what legislation the coalition is advocating for, and the broader police accountability conversation. Then, Cascadia Journal’s Andy Engelson weighs in on what’s going on with the people detained by ICE at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, and what he saw there at a vigil over the weekend. They also talked about what groups like La Resistencia and Tsuru for Solidarity are doing, and the news that King County has hired someone to monitor immigration transfer and deportation flights at Boeing Field. Finally, Marcus, Jane, and Andy discuss weekend plans including Nonfiction for No Reason, the 98118 Fest, and a tomato party. Plus, if you’re a Neighbor, stick around for Jane and producers Ashley Smith and Lizzie Goldsmith matching up Taylor Swift albums with Seattle neighborhoods. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 21st episode: Seattle Restored Grand Central Bakery Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.