It’s getting harder and harder to talk about politics, especially if you disagree. Well, screw that. Seattle Nice aims to be the most opinionated and smartest analysis of what’s really happening in Seattle politics available in any medium. Each episode dives into contentious and sometimes ridiculous topics, exploring perspectives from across Seattle's political spectrum, from city council brawls to the ways the national political conversation filters through our unique political process. Eve ...
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Surrogates are calling Mayor Bruce Harrell's downtown recovery plan a "roaring success" for the city. Are they right? We debate that, and whether "return to work" is overrated. What is the good life, Seattle? To advertise or just get in touch you can reach Seattle Nice at realseattlenice@gmail.com Our editor is Quinn Waller. Support the Show. Suppo…
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Are SOAP zones the right way to clean up Seattle?
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Seattle Nice takes a lively look at a proposed ban on prostitution "loitering," and proposed Stay Out of Stay Out of Area of Prostitution (SOAP) zones. This follows the proposed banishment of some drug users from select areas downtown, called SODAs or “Stay Out of Drug Areas." Check out Erica's extensive coverage on Publicola, and while you're at i…
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The Extra-Nice Post-Primary Election Episode
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Seattle Nice was on our best behavior this week because had company—Scott Greenstone, a politics reporter at KUOW radio and host of the new KUOW podcast Sound Politics! We discussed the statewide election results (Scott reported that the vibe at Republican gubernatorial candidate Semi Bird's party was weirdly "optimistic") and the race to replace F…
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There's an election coming up for a citywide seat on the Seattle City Council, and the question everyone's asking is: Can a progressive challenger beat a member of the Class of 2023? Tanya Woo, the citywide Position 8 incumbent, actually lost her race for a single-district seat last year but was elevated to a citywide position anyway—not by voters,…
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PREVIEW: Will jailing more people fix downtown Seattle? Lisa Daugaard weighs in.
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Seattle's City Council says it needs more options to jail people who commit misdemeanors. Criminal justice reformer and MacArthur "Genius" Grant winner Lisa Daugaard joins us to debate and discuss. Daugaard is best-known for helping launch Seattle's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. Plus, Lisa weights in on a recent Seattle auditor…
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SPD's interim head Sue Rahr puts her foot down
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This week interim Seattle police chief Sue Rahr fired an officer for joking about the death of a 23-year-old graduate student. We discuss and debate the case and police accountability in Seattle. Plus, will Joe Biden be the Democrat's nominee? Quinn Waller is our editor. Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!…
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Seattle Councilmember Tanya Woo recently reported graffiti to the FBI "as as hate crime," according to Publicola. We take a closer look at Woo's claims and concerns, and debate the civility question. Our editor is Quinn Waller. Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!
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Supreme Court episode: Are sweeps the answer?
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Seattle Nice digs into and debates the other controversial Supreme Court decision about homeless people sleeping outdoors. Our editor is Quinn Waller. Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!By David Hyde, Erica Barnett, and Sandeep Kaushik
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President Truman first coined the phrase "Do Nothing Congress" to blast his Republican opponents. Now, some progressive critics are implying Seattle has a "do nothing" city council. Has the new, less progressive council accomplished enough in its first 174 days? We debate and discuss, offering multiple perspectives. Seattle Nice is edited by Quinn …
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Why are NPR and WaPo struggling compared to peer news organizations?
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We discuss and debate Erica's recent article about troubles at the Washington Post, and David's recent piece about the troubles at NPR and his experience at Seattle affiliate KUOW. Quinn Waller is our editor. Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!By David Hyde, Erica Barnett, and Sandeep Kaushik
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What should Seattle do about gun violence in schools?
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Garfield students are back in class today after one of their peers was shot and killed last week. Community members are calling for the city to do more. Erica and Sandeep debate how elected officials should respond. Quinn Waller is our editor. Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!By David Hyde, Erica Barnett, and Sandeep Kaushik
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David is away this week, and Sandeep and Erica are in charge! Our question for this week: Is Seattle in a state of chaos? The evidence: The Seattle school district is considering potentially devastating cuts. Hundreds showed up at a Seattle City Council meeting to protest a last-minute proposal that could doom the city's largest anti-displacement p…
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Nudity in Seattle parks and homeless count controversy
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We talk about the troubling increase in homelessness in King County and take a closer look at this KUOW scoop about the "anonymous donor behind the controversial kid's playground at Seattle's Denny Blaine." Quinn Waller is our editor. If you want to advertise or book Seattle Nice Live! for your next neighborhood or other event, email us at realseat…
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Do you support Seattle Mayor Harrell's new overdose recovery facility plan?
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On Thursday, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced a new overdose recovery center. Erica and Sandeep both support the idea but still find room for some lively disagreement. Quinn Waller is our editor. If you want to advertise or book Seattle Nice Live! for your next neighborhood or other event, email us at realseattlenice@gmail.com. If you like thi…
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Seattle Nice Live! Street prostitution, crime and drugs on Aurora Ave
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Street prostitution, crime and drugs on Aurora Ave are among the topics for this special live edition of Seattle Nice. This episode was taped Thursday May 2nd at the Haller Lake Community Club. Book Seattle Nice Live! for your next neighborhood or other event. Please email us at realseattlenice@gmail.com. Quinn Waller is our editor. Support the Sho…
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$5M Lawsuit accuses Seattle police of sexual discrimination and harassment
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Four female employees are suing SPD for alleged harassment and sexual discrimination by Chief Adrian Diaz and other leaders. The pod dissects and debates. Our editor is Quinn Waller. Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!By David Hyde, Erica Barnett, and Sandeep Kaushik
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Why was Seattle's original draft plan for more dense housing watered down?
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A big Publicola scoop shows how Mayor Harrell watered down a draft comprehensive plan for "significantly more density in more parts of the city, including single-family neighborhoods, than the final version Mayor Harrell released in March." The pod discusses and debates the policy and the politics, in light of recent polling that suggests most Seat…
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New Poll: Is Seattle's glass half full or still half empty?
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Today's pod gets into new poll results about what Seattle's thinking and feeling. Most people say quality of life in the city has improved somewhat compared to last year. But last year most people said things really sucked. Seattle Nice discusses, debates and digresses. If you have any show requests, hot tips or questions please email us at realsea…
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Seattle's new police contract, $1.35 billion transportation levy and the migrant crisis
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This week the pod talks about the new Seattle Police contract, Mayor Bruce Harrell's proposed $1.35 billion transportation levy, and the politics of the migrant crisis in the region. Our editor is Quinn Waller Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!By David Hyde, Erica Barnett, and Sandeep Kaushik
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Seattle Police contract includes 23 percent retroactive raise
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Erica's got the breaking scoop today about the new tentative police contract on Publicola, and Seattle Nice gets into it. Our editor is Quinn Waller. Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!
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Seattle considers changes to police hiring tests and gig delivery worker pay
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Seattle's Police Department is having a hard time bringing in new recruits, so the city council is considering moving to an easier test for job applicants as one possible fix. Erica says that's the wrong solution and Sandeep disagrees. Plus, the podcast debates a proposal to scale back a pay increase for delivery drivers that was passed by the last…
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Shocking presidential primary vote and Seattle Mayor's controversial comprehensive plan
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This week's podcast considers a political sea change in Seattle, and asks if Mayor Bruce Harrell's new comprehensive plan is doomed to fail. Our editor is Quinn Waller. Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!By David Hyde, Erica Barnett, and Sandeep Kaushik
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Did Seattle's new council overreact to recent protests at city hall?
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Raucous protests rattled the new Seattle city council this week, leading to 6 arrests. Did the council react appropriately or overreact? Our editor is Quinn Waller Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!By David Hyde, Erica Barnett, and Sandeep Kaushik
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Mayor Bruce Harrell says Seattle's making progress under his leadership
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Seattle Nice parses the vibes and debates the substance of Mayor Bruce Harrell's third State of the City talk. Our editor is Quinn Waller. Support us on Patreon! Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!By David Hyde, Erica Barnett, Sandeep Kaushik
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Erica and Sandeep disagree about the merits of a proposed social housing initiative. It proposes to raise $50,000,000 a year through new business taxes to create publicly owned, permanently affordable housing. Is it the right plan to help address Seattle's affordable housing crisis? Our editor is Quinn Waller. Support us on Patreon! Support the Sho…
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Gay bar raids, voter turnoutgate and a mistrial
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This week Erica and Sandeep somehow manage to agree more than they disagree as the pod dives into three stories that appeared in The Stranger. Seattle’s Queer Community Demands Swift Change After Raids of Gay Bars Council President Sara Nelson Opposes Effort to Increase Voter Turnout Mistrial for 'Stop the Sweeps' Protester Charged with Standing on…
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Tanya Woo's controversial Seattle city council appointment
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Erica throws shade on the council's appointment of CID activist Tanya Woo to an open Seattle city council seat. Sandeep counters. Hilarity ensues. Our editor is Quinn Waller. Support the show Support the Show. Support us on Patreon!By Erica Barnett, Sandeep Kaushik, David Hyde
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This is a preview of a special members-only episode, in which we grapple with two of Erica's recent breaking stories: “Harrell Administration Consultant Tim Ceis Urges Businesses to Back Tanya Woo for Open Council Seat,” and the “implosion” of a key player in Seattle’s effort to address homelessness, “We Are In.” To hear the full episode please don…
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Who is likely to get Seattle's open city council job?
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We learned this week that 72 people have thrown their hats in the ring to replace former Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who represented Seattle's at-large Position 8. The Council will pick one of them to serve until voters get their say in the the fall election. Please donate to help keep the podcast going and support our editor, Quinn Waller, here…
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Who really wants Teresa Mosqueda's old job on the Seattle city council?
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Today on the pod we talk about who is vying to replace exiting council member Teresa Mosqueda, city council appointments, and more! Please donate to help keep the podcast going and support our editor, Quinn Waller, here. (patreon.com/seattlenice) Want to advertise your podcast or business? Contact us realseattlenice@gmail.com If you want to help su…
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Rockin' New Year's Eve special predicting Seattle's future
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37:09
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This week's pod sails into uncharted waters with some bold predictions about what's likely to happen in Seattle next year. Please donate to help keep the podcast going and support our editor, Quinn Waller, here. (patreon.com/seattlenice) Want to advertise your podcast or business? Contact us realseattlenice@gmail.com If you want to help support Sea…
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In this special holiday edition, we discuss the biggest stories of the year and are haunted by a ghastly question from the podcast's past, "Would Seattle politics be better off without Twitter?" Please donate to help keep the podcast going and support our editor, Quinn Waller, here. (patreon.com/seattlenice) Want to advertise your podcast or busine…
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What's next for Seattle with a new city council?
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Five new faces are joining the Seattle city council. What really changes next year? Please donate to help keep the podcast going and support our editor, Quinn Waller, here. (patreon.com/seattlenice) Want to advertise your podcast or business? Contact us realseattlenice@gmail.com If you want to help support Seattle Nice, please review us wherever yo…
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Centrists flip Seattle city council. Now what?
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Seattle voters have spoken. But what did they say? And what will the next council actually do? All questions are answered on this podcast. Please donate to help keep the podcast going and support our editor, Quinn Waller, here. (patreon.com/seattlenice) Want to advertise your podcast or business? Contact us realseattlenice@gmail.com If you want to …
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Will Urbanism Win Seattle's city council races?
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It's become a political brag for some candidates to call themselves "urbanists" in big blue cities like Seattle. So what is urbanist ideology and how's it doing in this year's city council election? Whatever happened to running against growth? Please donate to keep the pod alive here and help support our editor, Quinn Waller. Want to advertise your…
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On Drugs: Seattle council races, final stretch edition
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This week all the city council races we didn't get to last time, plus some fresh back-and-forth about city drug policy. Please donate to keep the pod alive here. Our editor is Quinn Waller. Want to help the pod and raise awareness about your own podcast or business? We've got a special for the month of October only! Contact us realseattlenice@gmail…
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Election fever burns hot in two Seattle city council races
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Districts 1 and 2 are the hot topics for this week's SPECIAL ELECTION EPISODE, featuring lack of sleep + lively discussion. Please donate to keep the pod alive here. Our editor is Quinn Waller. Want to help the pod and raise awareness about your own podcast or business? We've got a special for the month of October only! Contact us realseattlenice@g…
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Was the plan to end homelessness in downtown Seattle doomed to fail?
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"The King County Regional Homelessness Authority’s Partnership for Zero program—a heavily hyped public-private partnership aimed at ending unsheltered homelessness in downtown Seattle—is ending," Erica C Barnett wrote on PubliCola. Erica and Sandeep dig into the details and disagree about whether it was the right concept in the first place. Please …
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Will the Seattle police video scandal provoke reform?
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Seattle police officer Daniel Auderer was caught joking about the death of a 23-year-old student on his own bodycam video. We discuss the subsequent outrage and debate whether the scandal could lead to meaningful changes within SPD. Our editor is Quinn Waller. If you want to advertise, please contact us realseattlenice@gmail.com If you want to help…
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Will Seattle's proposed drug law make a difference?
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On Tuesday a Seattle city council committee is considering a new drug ordinance. Sandeep and Erica are skeptical that it will do much to address Seattle's drug crisis or improve public safety. Tune in to hear them break it down, and the phrase "smoke and mirrors" used several times. Our editor is Quinn Waller. If you want to advertise, please conta…
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Blame game on Seattle's hotel shelter program
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25:00
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Erica C. Barnett has been reporting on Publicola about problems with a "short-lived hotel shelter program run by the Lived Experience Coalition —a group of advocates who have direct experience with homelessness." Who is to blame? Plus, burning hot takes on Burning Man getting stuck in the muck. Our editor is Quinn Waller. If you want to advertise, …
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9 new progressive taxes are on the table in Seattle. Which ones, if any, are likely to pass? Plus, “Council Declines to Fast-Track Law Empowering City Attorney To Prosecute Drug Users.” Please donate to keep this show alive! Our Patreon link is here. Our editor is Quinn Waller. If you want to advertise, please contact us realseattlenice@gmail.com I…
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Seattle city council primary results are in! This week's episode delivers everything you need to know about what those results mean. Plus, talk about Erica's recent vacation and Sandeep's favorite musical. Please donate to keep this show alive! Our Patreon link is here. Our editor is Quinn Waller. If you want to advertise, please contact us realsea…
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Sandeep and Erica discuss and debate the election eve zeitgeist as the city readies for the August 1st primary. Plus, David asks for our pundit's predictions, but as the Magic 8 ball says, "Reply hazy, try again." Please donate to keep this show alive! Our Patreon link is here. This episode was edited by Quinn Waller. If you want to advertise, plea…
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Erica and Sandeep make their picks for the hottest Seattle city council races of 2023, and debate some of the issues that are driving the debate in this pivotal election year. Please donate to keep this show alive! Our Patreon link is here. This episode was edited by Quinn Waller. If you want to advertise, please contact us realseattlenice@gmail.co…
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Baseball Sweep Denial and D4 Showdown in Seattle
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This week, it's a Seattle Nice doubleheader. First, Seattle launches a big encampment removal before MLB All-Star Week, but the Mayor's office claims there's no link to the event. Plus, the latest candidate showdown in Seattle's City Council District 4 race. Please donate to keep this show alive! Our Patreon link is here. This episode was edited by…
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In this episode Erica and Sandeep debate the departure of Deputy Mayor Monisha Harrell, the new "Downtown is YOU" activation plan, and the politics of Kshama Sawant's latest rent control proposal. This episode was edited by Quinn Waller. Check out our sponsor, the You Know Me Now podcast. And you can also DonateSupport — You Know Me Now If you want…
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In the most-anticipated podcast episode of 2023, Erica and Sandeep debate Seattle's drug law controversy. This episode was edited by Quinn Waller. Check out the You Know Me Now podcast. This week's sponsor. And you can also DonateSupport — You Know Me Now If you want to advertise, please contact us realseattlenice@gmail.com If you want to help supp…
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What's really going on with King County homelessness policy?
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Erica broke the big news that Marc Dones is stepping down as head of King County regional homelessness authority while she was on vacation. Now, Erica's back to tell you what she couldn't Tweet from Bulgaria She and Sandeep get into the fallout, and discuss what's next. This episode was edited by Quinn Waller. Please review us wherever you get your…
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Some Seattle electeds want to make public drug use illegal. The proposal came after state lawmakers failed to replace the current drug possession law, which will expire July 1. Erica and Sandeep debate the wisdom of the city proposal and talk about drug politics and policy at all levels. This episode was edited by Quinn Waller. Check out the You Kn…
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