Podcasts about Open government

NEW: Send us Your Comments!This Week's Topics:* Dems Cave and Open Government 6:30* Shutdown was about Protecting Dem Donors 12:30* Left Wanted to Keep the Shutdown Going 17:00* Huge SNAP Fraud Revealed - Needs Fixed! 19:30* Lessons from the Longest Shutdown 25:00* Self-Serving RINO Senators 28:00* VIDEO: Dem Epstein Email Fail! 31:30* TSA Staff Get Bonuses - NO TO BACK PAY 38:00* Health Insurance Money Should Go to People 40:30* Trump Cuts Tariffs on Coffee, Beef & More 44:00* Fed Study Says Tariffs DON'T Raise Prices 48:30* Is a 50 Year Mortgage a Good Idea?? 51:30* Antifa Riot at Turning Point Berkeley Event 55:30* Antifa Declared Global Terrorist Group 59:00* Trump will Sue BBC for BILLIONS! 1:01:30* US Aircraft Carrier off Venezuela 1:12:30* US Hacks $13 Billion of China Bitcoin 1:17:30* Huge Scandal in Ukraine 1:19:00* VIDEO: Miller Exposes Illegals Voting 1:21:30* DOJ Sues to Stop CA Prop 50 1:24:30* Newsome Former Chief of Staff Indicted 1:25:30* Gas lines in California 1:27:00* Swalwell Mortgage Fraud Criminal Referral 1:30:00* VIDEO: Operation Dirtbag! 1:33:00* Trump Pardons Giuliani and 76 Others 1:35:30* Big Life Group Pledges $80 M to Midterms 1:37:00* Minting of US Pennies Ends 1:40:00* Blue Origin Sends NASA Satellites to Mars 1:42:30* Top 3 Reasons for Housing Crisis 1:45:30* 2026 College Grade Job Prospects are Poor! 1:50:30* VIDEO: We MUST Pivot to Skilled Trades 1:53:30Support the showView our Podcast and our other videos and news stories at:www.WethePeopleConvention.orgSend Comments and Suggestions to:info@WethePeopleConvention.org

We have reached Friday and Marc and Dan talk about some of the top stories of the day and some democrats are now upset that some flipped in order to re-open the government. In Buck Don't Give a #&^@ the discussion is about life after delivery. Finally, Affordability in America.

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The end is near. The Senate FINALLY reaches a deal to reopen the government. Meanwhile, Trump floats several new policy ideas. Is a stimulus check coming your way? And finally, happy 250th to the US Marines! All this and more on the LOOPcast.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast0:55 GOV Shutdown Update15:40 50-Year Mortgage?36:03 Good News52:38 Twilight Zone1:02:21 Closing PrayerEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloopApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744FOLLOW LOOPCast:https://x.com/the_LOOPcasthttps://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcasthttps://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcastTom: https://x.com/TPogasicErika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercerAll opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Erin Fuller to discuss the Senate's recent deal to reopen the government and what to watch for next from Congress in the ongoing fight to fund the government. 

Each day, SDPB brings you statewide news coverage. We then compile those stories into a daily podcast.

In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail interviews Kelly Shannon, Executive Director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. They discuss the state's Public Information Act, government transparency, and why access to information is essential for accountability. Shannon explains how Texas laws were built after the Sharpstown scandal, how lawmakers have gradually weakened them, and what reforms could restore stronger transparency. The conversation also touches on the Hill Country floods, Governor Abbott's emails with Elon Musk, and the balance between privacy and public interest.This is a must-watch for anyone who believes in open government, free speech, and the public's right to know. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Town clerks and select boards say it is getting harder to run meetings and conduct town business as the vitriolic tone of political polarization continues to ramp up.

Nicole moved to Beaconsfield in 2023 seeking a quieter, community-focused life after Toronto. She's running for mayor to ensure voters have a real choice and to push for a city that's accessible, inclusive, and transparent. Her platform is shaped by lived experience, including navigating the city without a car and advocating for residents who are often overlooked.Accessibility and TransitNicole highlights safety concerns on key arteries and the need for more frequent, connected public transit. She proposes new bus routes along Elm Street and Beaconsfield's north–south corridors to better link neighborhoods and services. She also calls for practical accessibility upgrades at train stations, from simple ramps where feasible to larger infrastructure projects funded with provincial support.Open Government and Real ParticipationCity decision-making should be visible and accessible. Nicole would open currently closed committee meetings to the public and offer hybrid Zoom access using webinar controls to enable safe, interactive participation. She points to Halifax as a proven model and argues that transparency helps residents understand budgets, priorities, and outcomes.Animal Services with HeartBeaconsfield's small pound is underused and invisible to residents. Nicole proposes transforming it into a public-facing hub: a pet food and supply bank, microchip and vaccine clinics supported by donations, and an education room in partnership with the library. She would collaborate with regional and national organizations to promote humane education and coexistence with wildlife.Affordability and Inclusive HousingAffordability is a growing concern across the city. Nicole supports ending “no-pet” clauses locally where possible, encouraging accessible design in any new builds, and creating a registry of accessible and pet-friendly rentals. Rather than large luxury projects, she favors gentle density: legalizing more basement, garage, and attic apartments, and adding mixed-use zoning so upper floors of commercial buildings can become homes.Safer, Smarter Community ResponseMany police calls relate to mental health, not crime. Nicole proposes a civilian, health-led crisis response modeled on Toronto's Community Crisis Service, operated through health agencies and social workers rather than police. She would also restore volunteer search-and-rescue capacity to complement first responders and reduce policing costs tied to non-criminal calls.Neuroinclusion and Local HiringInclusion means more than services—it includes who gets hired. Nicole supports paid roles for neurodivergent residents across city departments and applauds steps toward a neuro-affirming new library. Her goal is a municipal workforce that reflects the full diversity of Beaconsfield.Preserving Green Space and Managing WaterAngel Woods and other natural areas are essential for well-being and wildlife. Nicole supports preserving forests, daylighting culverted streams where feasible, and using “sponge city” strategies—wetlands, marsh and bog gardens, permeable surfaces—to reduce flooding. She encourages residents and the city to adopt nature-based water management on private and public land.Food Security and DignityHealthy food should be accessible. Nicole proposes expanding community gardens and supporting affordable markets in both Beaurepaire and Beaconsfield North. She points to successful dignity-based models that combine donations with choice, allowing families to shop for fresh, nutritious options at subsidized prices.A Five-to-Ten-Year VisionNicole wants a Beaconsfield where people of all ages, abilities, incomes, and backgrounds feel seen and supported. She imagines connected transit, open decision-making, humane animal care, gentle infill housing,...

3pm Hour: Adam Carter is in for Jason. He declares Home Run Inn as the single best frozen pizza. Prove him wrong! Then he talks to Matt Ehling, board member of Minnesotans for Open Government, about a couple of stories that have him questioning government transparency.

Adam Carter is in for Jason. He talks to Matt Ehling from Minnesotans for Open Government about stories out of Minneapolis and St. Louis County that raise question about whether local leaders are being open and transparent with their constituents.

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Our Junkies discuss what they expect from the new governor. Plus, do taxpayers have a right to know how governors spend their money? Even when it's on a credit card?

SPORTS: Open Government Fun Run set Sunday | Jan 26, 2025Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.netFollow us:Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebookInstagram - https://tmt.ph/instagramTwitter - https://tmt.ph/twitterDailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotionSubscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digitalSign up to our newsletters: https://tmt.ph/newslettersCheck out our Podcasts:Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotifyApple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcastsAmazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusicDeezer: https://tmt.ph/deezerStitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein#TheManilaTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden administration released anticipated guidance Wednesday for federal agencies to implement the OPEN Government Data Act and reupped the Chief Data Officers Council after it lapsed last month, completing two key actions for federal data pol icy. Under the Office of Management and Budget memo (M-25-05), commonly known as “Phase II” guidance, agencies have long-awaited marching orders on how to create and maintain comprehensive data inventories and make their data open by default. That includes requirements to create a data inventory that is interoperable with the Federal Data Catalog, conform to the metadata schema approved by the White House, and publish that inventory on the agency's website. The memo reestablishing the CDO Council (M-25-06), meanwhile, gives the panel the ability to start exactly how it left off when its authorization lapsed Dec. 15 with the same membership and leadership. That will be important for carrying out the work under the Phase II guidance as the CDO Council is partly responsible for one of the first actions. That cybersecurity executive order we mentioned earlier in the week is officially here. President Biden on Thursday issued the EO on Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation's Cybersecurity, ordering additional actions to improve the nation's cybersecurity, focusing on defending digital infrastructure, securing the services and capabilities most vital to the digital domain, and building capability to address key threats, including those from the People's Republic of China. The order constitutes one big last stab at cybersecurity in the Biden administration's 11th hour and is a follow-up to an order published in the first year of his presidency. It gives agencies 53 deadlines, stretching in length from 30 days to three years. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Marinella Belluati"IA quotidIAna"IA quotidIAnaA Torino, un nuovo ciclo di incontri sull'Intelligenza Artificiale  al Circolo dei lettori  Un progetto di Università degli Studi di Torino, Fondazione Circolo dei lettori, Società Italiana per l'Etica dell'Intelligenza Artificiale e Magazine Intelligenza Artificiale MagIA 14 ottobre - Sex, lies and AI; IA oltre la vita28 ottobre - L'IA proietta luci e ombre sulla medicina?; IA e conflitti13 novembre - L'IA influenzerà le elezioni?; La deriva della tech economy: Utopia o distopia?Ore 18, Circolo dei lettori, Torino A due anni dall'avvento di ChatGPT, la chatbot basata sull'Intelligenza Artificiale ad apprendimento automatico sviluppata da OpenAI, questo nuovo assistente digitale potenziato, “interfaccia domestica” che rivela solo alcune delle enormi potenzialità dell'Intelligenza Artificiale, è entrato stabilmente nelle nostre vite. Ma l'IA ha il potere di influenzare o addirittura alterare, non sempre in positivo, innumerevoli aspetti della quotidianità: dalle relazioni sentimentali e sessuali al modo in cui intendiamo l'identità, dall'informazione alla medicina e alla guerra, persino il nostro rapporto con la morte.  Lunedì 14 ottobre, alle ore 18 in Sala Grande, la seconda edizione del ciclo prenderà avvio con l'incontro Sex, lies and AI, un dialogo tra Marco Scarcelli (sociologo dei Media Digitali, Genere e Sessualità, professore presso il Dipartimento di Filosofia, Sociologia, Pedagogia e Psicologia Applicata, Università degli Studi di Padova) e il giornalista Francesco Marino, moderato dalla professoressa di sociologia dei media Marinella Belluati: l'intelligenza artificiale sta assumendo un ruolo sempre crescente anche negli aspetti della sessualità e della vita intima delle relazioni personali, esperti e divulgatori discuteranno delle sfide etiche e della presenza dell'IA nelle dinamiche intime. L'intelligenza artificiale sta entrando anche nel complesso rapporto con i concetti di vita, morte ed eternità digitale, cambiando il modo in cui affrontiamo il lutto, la sua elaborazione, la memoria dei defunti e la potenziale immortalità. Ne discuteranno nel talk a seguire, IA oltre la vita, Davide Sisto (tanatologo, Università degli Studi di Trieste) e Simona Stano(semiologa, professoressa Associata presso il Dipartimento di Filosofia e Scienze dell'Educazione, Università degli Studi di Torino), con la moderazione di Adriano Favole (professore di Antropologia culturale presso il Dipartimento di Culture, Politica e Società, Università degli Studi di Torino).La rassegna proseguirà lunedì 28 ottobre alle ore 18, in Sala Grande, con l'incontro L'IA proietta luci e ombre sulla medicina?: l'intelligenza artificiale sta già trasformando il mondo della sanità, quali sono le potenzialità dell'IA nella diagnostica e nelle cure personalizzate? E quali i rischi legati alla privacy, all'etica, alla sicurezza e al controllo umano del sapere medico? Ne discuteranno Fabio Pammolli (professore di Economia e Management al Politecnico di Milano, presidente della Fondazione AI4Industry) e Guido Giustetto (presidente dell'Ordine dei Medici Chirurghi e Odontoiatri di Torino), moderati dal prof. Guido Boella. A seguire, IA e conflitti, durante il quale Francesca Farruggia (sociologa e ricercatrice presso il Dipartimento di Scienze Sociali ed Economiche, Università della Sapienza di Roma), Ettore Greco (Vicepresidente dell'Istituto Affari Internazionali) e Serena Danna, vicedirettrice del quotidiano digitale Open, si confronteranno sul ruolo dell'intelligenza artificiale nella gestione delle crisi, nella sicurezza e nella guerra, affrontando le implicazioni etiche e i rischi di una tecnologia sempre più centrale negli scenari geopolitici  e nei contesti di conflitto globale.Il ciclo terminerà mercoledì 13 novembre, sempre alle ore 18 in Sala Grande, con L'IA influenzerà le elezioni?, un confronto tra Fabio Malagnino (giornalista, coordinatore dell'ufficio stampa e direttore della testata giornalistica del Consiglio regionale del Piemonte e responsabile delle politiche di Open Government, cofondatore Fondazione Italia Digitale) e Luca Rinaldi (commissario dell'Autorità per le Garanzie nelle Comunicazioni), moderati da Marinella Belluati, su quale sia l'impatto dell'intelligenza artificiale sui processi elettorali contemporanei, su come possa influenzare il voto, compromettere la sicurezza elettorale e manipolare le informazioni. Il ciclo si conclude con un confronto su La deriva della tech economy: Utopia o distopia? con Azzurra Rinaldi (economista femminista, Ricercatrice presso l'Università UnitelmaSapienza di Roma, dove dirige la School of Gender Economics) e Francesca Coin (sociologa e Docente-ricercatrice RS presso il Centro di competenze lavoro welfare società del dipartimento di Economia aziendale sanità e sociale Deass della Supsi, Svizzera), moderate da Paolo Griseri (giornalista La Stampa), su come le trasformazioni della società guidate dall'innovazione tecnologica aprano prospettive di un futuro sempre più automatizzato, il cui rovescio della medaglia è rappresentato dal rischio di concentrazione del potere, disuguaglianze e perdita di controllo umano. Il dialogo apre una riflessione sul destino della tech economy e il suo impatto sul mondo reale.Gli appuntamenti di IA quotidIAna sono a ingresso libero, fino a esaurimento posti. IL POSTO DELLE PAROLEascoltare fa pensarewww.ilpostodelleparole.itDiventa un supporter di questo podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/il-posto-delle-parole--1487855/support.

On this episode of The Tyler Tech Podcast, Tyler's director of state data solutions, Elliot Flautt, sits down with Nevada state controller Andy Matthews to discuss his inspiring journey through public service and his unwavering commitment to government transparency. Andy reflects on his early career in political campaigns, his path to the Nevada State Assembly, and everything that led him to his role as state controller.Andy shares the story behind his successful campaign to bring accountability and transparency to state spending, highlighted by the launch of the Nevada Open Finance Portal—a groundbreaking initiative created in partnership with Tyler Technologies. This innovative platform provides taxpayers with unprecedented access to detailed government expenditure data. Andy understands the critical role of modern technology in transforming state financial systems and offers practical insights into the strategic decisions involved in selecting and implementing cloud-based solutions.We also detail our latest white paper about the five main risks of legacy systems. You can download that here: Is Your Legacy Digital Infrastructure Putting You at Risk?Learn more about the topics discussed in this episode with these resources:Tyler Technologies and NASACT: Modernize the Digital Infrastructure in Your StateBlog: Interns Bring Energy, Vision, to Delaware's Open Data PortalBlog: Future-Proofing Government Through Technology ModernizationVideo: Increase Efficiency with the CloudVideo: Empowering States and Residents with Software and ServicesAnd you can listen to other episodes of the podcast at this link: www.tylertech.com/resources/podcastLet us know what you think about the Tyler Tech Podcast in this survey!

Hour 3: Deborah Fisher, Executive Director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, joins Mark Reardon to share what she has found while closely following all the furry over the leak of police records in the Covenant case. Then, Paul Muro, a Fox News Contributor, retired NYPD inspector, and founder of the OpsDesk.org, joins Mark Reardon to discuss the latest on the illegal immigrant crime wave, on Eric Adams and Kathy Hochul saying no more masks on subways, and more. Later, Mark brings you the Audio Cut of the Day.

Deborah Fisher, Executive Director of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, joins Mark Reardon to share what she has found while closely following all the furry over the leak of police records in the Covenant case.

Open government is a good idea, but you can never let up efforts to keep it what way. Now the General Services Administration has launched what it calls the Open Government Federal Advisory Committee. It has to do with the U.S. Open Government National Action Plan. Joining the Federal Drive to sort it out for us, GSA's associate administrator for governmentwide policy, Krystal Brumfield. https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-launches-open-government-federal-advisory-committee-to-advise-on-governmentwide-transparency-efforts-04262024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Open government is a good idea, but you can never let up efforts to keep it what way. Now the General Services Administration has launched what it calls the Open Government Federal Advisory Committee. It has to do with the U.S. Open Government National Action Plan. Joining the Federal Drive to sort it out for us, GSA's associate administrator for governmentwide policy, Krystal Brumfield.https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-launches-open-government-federal-advisory-committee-to-advise-on-governmentwide-transparency-efforts-04262024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carolina Pozo, an economist, innovation expert, and speaker, hails from Quito, Ecuador. She studied Economics at York University and holds a Master's in Public Management from Università SDA Bocconi. Carolina founded Cacao EcoVillage, MUZE Chocolate, and Avanti, focusing on innovative social impact projects. Her accolades include being a former member of the Global Shapers Community and being recognized by The McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Carolina led Quito's first open government and innovation lab and has been involved in creating the Public Innovation Lab in Honduras. Currently, she is driving initiatives in the chocolate industry and mobile banking for financial inclusion.   In this episode, Carolina discusses the transformative power of open innovation in government and how it can foster significant societal improvements. She shares insights from her time as the Director of LINQ, Quito's Innovation Lab, emphasizing the lab's role in pioneering open government policies. Carolina's stories from the front lines of innovation highlight the challenges and triumphs of implementing new policies that are transparent and citizen-centric.   Carolina also delves into her current projects, which marry her expertise in economics and her passion for social entrepreneurship. She talks about the creation of MUZE Chocolate, a social business aimed at transforming the chocolate industry by prioritizing sustainability and community involvement. Furthermore, she explains her role in advancing mobile banking solutions to enhance financial inclusion, detailing the impacts of these services on underserved populations in Ecuador. Listener Engagement: Discover the songs picked by Carolina and other guests on our #walktalklisten here.  Connect with Carolina: Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, Muza: Twitter and Instagram and Avanti: Instagram and Twitter. Share your thoughts on this episode at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. Your feedback is invaluable to us. Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by liking and following us on Twitter and Instagram. Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives. Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All" featuring CWS, and as well as the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).  

The US public's trust in the media, and the government, is markedly low. A recent Gallup poll found only about 30 percent of Americans trust the media — and Pew Research found only 16 percent trust their government. Bloomberg's Jason Leopold is using records to try to change that. He's filed over 9,000 requests through the Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA — a Cold War era law meant to ensure the right to transparency from the US government. On this week's Big Take DC, host Saleha Mohsin and Jason dissect the FOIA process, the challenges of sifting through redacted documents from secretive government entities and the stories FOIA records have brought to light. Subscribe to the FOIA Files newsletter: https://www.bloomberg.com/account/newsletters/foia-filesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Farragut Board of Aldermen's whiplash-inducing reversals on the Knox County growth plan fueled local political drama last week. It leads off this week's episode as Jesse and Scott talk through the different parties and pressures brought to bear on the usually overlooked town legislature. Also: TDOT's big I-40 announcement; Knox County Schools wrestles with objections to library materials; and GOP opposition to state Rep. Gloria Johnson's reelection campaign evaporates. In the interview segment, the guys talk with Deborah Fisher of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government about the controversies and complexities of public comment at public meetings. They also look ahead to a host of meetings next week, including yet another moment in the spotlight for the Farragut BOMA. And they hear from special guest/show producer Lord Seth Barber about the plans for the upcoming Holleroo celebration in Happy Holler. CompassKnox.com

His efforts sparked our interest. Listen into our conversation and learn what's going on...you just might want to get involved. Your voice should be heard.

March 15, 2024 - Before the sun sets on Sunshine Week in Planet Albany, we're checking in with Shoshanah Bewlay, executive director of the New York State Committee on Open Government. We discuss the committee's ideas for improving the Freedom of Information Law and consider the future of remote participation in public meetings.

Rulemaking Notice-and-Comment Rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) A process that requires agencies to publish proposed rules, allowing the public to comment before final rules are enacted, ensuring transparency and public participation. Exemptions and Exceptions to Notice-and-Comment Requirements Certain situations, such as emergencies or matters of minor significance, may exempt agencies from the full notice-and-comment process. Final Rule Issuance and Publication After considering public comments, agencies finalize and publish rules in the Federal Register, making them official and enforceable. Legislative vs. Interpretative Rules and Policy Statements Legislative Rules: Have the force of law and affect individual rights and obligations. Interpretative Rules: Clarify or interpret existing statutes or regulations without the force of law. Policy Statements: Indicate how an agency intends to exercise its discretionary powers. Adjudication Formal vs. Informal Adjudication Formal Adjudication: Involves a trial-like hearing with an administrative law judge. Informal Adjudication: Less formal processes without a hearing, often based on written submissions. Due Process Requirements in Agency Adjudications Agencies must follow due process, providing fair notice and an opportunity to be heard, ensuring decisions are made impartially and based on evidence. Hearings, Evidence, and Decision-Making Hearings allow for the presentation of evidence and arguments. Agencies must base their decisions on the evidence presented, adhering to legal standards. Appeals and Judicial Review of Administrative Decisions Decisions can be appealed within the agency and may be subject to judicial review, where courts examine the agency's compliance with the law and due process. Judicial Review of Agency Actions Standards of Review: Chevron Deference, Skidmore Deference, Arbitrary and Capricious Standard Chevron Deference: Courts defer to an agency's interpretation of ambiguous statutes it administers. Skidmore Deference: Courts give weight to an agency's interpretation based on its persuasiveness and expertise. Arbitrary and Capricious Standard: Courts review whether an agency's action was based on a consideration of relevant factors without clear error in judgment. Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies Individuals must typically go through all available administrative remedies before seeking judicial review. Standing, Ripeness, and Mootness in Challenges to Agency Actions Standing: The right of an individual to bring a lawsuit based on their stake in the outcome. Ripeness: Whether a dispute has developed sufficiently to be ready for judicial review. Mootness: Whether there is still an actual controversy to resolve, affecting the court's ability to provide relief. Administrative Procedures Act (APA) Overview and Significance of the APA The APA is a key statute that governs how federal administrative agencies may propose and establish regulations, ensuring transparency, fairness, and public participation. Procedural Requirements under the APA for Rulemaking and Adjudication The APA sets out detailed processes for rulemaking and adjudication, including notice-and-comment procedures and requirements for formal hearings. Judicial Review Provisions in the APA The APA provides standards and procedures for courts to review agency actions, ensuring they comply with the law and respect individual rights. Open Government and Accountability Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) FOIA allows for the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the United States government, promoting transparency. Government in the Sunshine Act This act requires that meetings of certain federal agencies be open to the public, further ensuring transparency and accountability. Ethical Standards and Conflict of Interest Regulations for Agency Officials and Employees --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/law-school/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/law-school/support

On this week's episode of Inside Olympia....It's been more than half a century since Washington voters approved the Public Records Act. Now a new report from the Washington Coalition for Open Government warns the spirit and letter of that law are being undermined. We talk with the Mike Fancher, the nonprofit's president about recommendations for strengthening it.

 The Chino Y Chicano mark National Sunshine Week, a time to shine a light on the importance of public records and open government.  But according to Mike Fancher, retired Seattle Times executive editor and currently the president of the Washington Coalition for Open Government that sunshine is lacking especially in our state legislature. The independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization released a report that is highly critical of Washington's public agencies and state lawmakers for their lack of transparency. The Coalition argues they are making it harder for the public to access information and that is eroding the state's Public Record's Act.  Read: https://www.washcog.org/in-the-news/your-right-to-knowRead: https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/the-legislatures-sunshine-committee-has-fallen-into-darkness/Read: https://www.cascadiadaily.com/2024/feb/29/weakening-of-state-public-records-act-affects-your-right-to-know-every-day/Read: https://www.futuromediagroup.org/suave-pulitzer-prize/Read: https://pulitzercenter.org/people/maria-hinojosaRead: https://murrow.wsu.edu/symposium/the-edward-r-murrow-achievement-award/Read: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/sinclair-nixes-univision-affiliation-ending-local-spanish-broadcasts/Read: https://www.chronline.com/stories/group-of-washington-state-faith-and-community-leaders-call-for-cease-fire-in-israel-hamas-war,329305Read: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/08/us/lahaina-fire-families.html#:~:text=The%20F.B.I.,survivors%20wonder%20what%20comes%20next.: Read:https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/apr/15/fentanyl-involved-in-more-than-half-of-overdose-de/Read: https://pharmacy.wsu.edu/2021/08/23/how-one-professor-is-combating-a-silent-epidemic-in-eastern-washington/Read:https://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/supreme/bios/?fa=scbios.display_file&fileID=gonzalezRead: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/mental-health/seattle-libraries-transit-branch-into-social-work-to-take-on-mental-health-drug-use/: Read:https://www.seattletimes.c...

Importance of open government laws on display with shocking stories. Jason Mercier of the Mountain States Policy Center discusses two recent stories that illustrate the lengths that some public officials will go to evade public accountability. https://tinyurl.com/mwyxsuan #Opinion #Columns #Commentary #JasonMercier #MountainStatesPolicyCenter #OpenGovernmentLaws #PublicAccountability #PublicOfficials #PublicRecordsLaws #AWellFunctioningRepublic #ClarkCountyToday

Keeping government open, accessible and accountable is one of those few policy areas where groups on all sides of the political divide can agree – and yet, it remains one of the most challenging public-policy fights we face on a daily basis. From police departments to local school districts, public officials and institutions routinely deny activists and journalists access to otherwise “public” information.     Michelle Rindels is a journalist and the president of The Nevada Open Government Coalition, and she joined the program to talk about the importance of open government, the challenges we face in Nevada and what ordinary citizens can do to keep their public officials accountable to the people they serve.   

There is now an expectation that the public should be consulted on constitutional change. However, traditional routes for gaining public legitimacy – such as referendums and elections – can result in binary choices, or unclear mandates.  So is there a greater role for deliberative democracy? Processes including citizens' assemblies, with informed discussions amongst a representative group of citizens, can offer many benefits to decision-makers, but getting them right is a challenge and getting them wrong can do more harm than good. When and how the public should be involved in constitutional decision making? How could options for deliberative democracy best be implemented? What are the challenges and benefits of this approach? Speakers: Sarah Allan, Director of Capacity Building and Standards at Involve Joanne Anderson, former Mayor of Liverpool Doreen Grove, Head of Open Government at the Scottish government Professor Alison L Young, Sir David Williams Professor of Public Law at the University of Cambridge This event was chaired by Dr Rebecca McKee, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government. This event was part of the IfG and Bennett Institute's joint conference on the Future of the UK Constitution.

Links I Liked Who Decides What Constitutes ‘Knowledge' on Climate Change? Links I Liked The World Order Seems to be in Turmoil – What's Going on?How more Open Government can bolster USAID's Localization Agenda 

On this week-in-review, Crystal is joined by Washington State government reporter for McClatchy, Shauna Sowersby! They discuss the failure of an anti-trans referendum campaign, a self-proclaimed white nationalist country musician playing at the Washington state capitol, new state laws going into effect, AG Ferguson continuing to avoid disclosing his donors, and another lawsuit filed against the Washington State Legislature for withholding public records under “legislative privilege.” The conversation continues with federal pandemic relief aid getting funneled into police surveillance technology, no-notice sweeps being ruled unconstitutional by King County Superior Court, and an audit showing that the Seattle Police Department could do more with existing resources to address organized retail crime. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available below and at officialhacksandwonks.com. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at @finchfrii and find today's co-host, Shauna Sowersby at @Shauna_Sowersby. Shauna Sowersby Shauna Sowersby was a freelancer for several local and national publications before joining McClatchy's northwest newspapers covering the Legislature. Before that, Shauna worked for the US Navy as a photographer and journalist.   Resources “PRIMARY WEEK RE-AIR: Teresa Mosqueda, Candidate for King County Council District 8” from Hacks & Wonks   “PRIMARY WEEK RE-AIR: Becka Johnson Poppe, Candidate for King County Council District 4” from Hacks & Wonks   “PRIMARY WEEK RE-AIR: Sarah Reyneveld, Candidate for King County Council District 4” from Hacks & Wonks   “PRIMARY WEEK RE-AIR: Jorge Barón, Candidate for King County Council District 4” from Hacks & Wonks   “With referendum failure, WA just dodged a bullet of hype and hate” by Danny Westneat from The Seattle Times   “‘Heretic' group to offer unbaptisms at WA Capitol Campus” by Shauna Sowersby from The Olympian   “New Washington state laws go into effect Sunday. Here are some of the key ones” by Shauna Sowersby from The Olympian   “WA AG Bob Ferguson should come clean about donors” by The Seattle Times editorial board   “WA judge fines AG's office, DSHS in ‘cavalier' withholding of lawsuit evidence” by Jim Brunner from The Seattle Times   “New lawsuit alleges WA state Senators were ‘silently withholding' public records” by Shauna Sowersby from The Olympian   “Federal aid is supercharging local WA police surveillance tech” by Brandon Block from Crosscut   “Summary judgment in ACLU case could end ‘no-notice' sweeps in Seattle” by Tobias Coughlin-Bogue from Real Change   “Audit: Police Could Do More, Without Hiring Extra Cops, To Address Retail Theft Rings” by Erica C. Barnett from PubliCola   Find stories that Crystal is reading here   Transcript [00:00:00] Crystal Fincher: Welcome to Hacks & Wonks. I'm Crystal Fincher, and I'm a political consultant and your host. On this show, we talk 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. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to get the full versions of our Tuesday topical show and our Friday week-in-review delivered to your podcast feed. If you like us, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review wherever you listen. In preparation for the primary election on next Tuesday, August 1st, we've been re-airing candidate interviews for the open City [County] Council seats all this week. Be sure to check them out if you're still deciding whom to vote for. Today, we are continuing our Friday week-in-review shows where we review the news of the week with a co-host. Welcome to the program for the first time, today's co-host: Washington state government reporter for McClatchy, Shauna Sowersby. Hello. [00:01:09] Shauna Sowersby: Hello, thanks for having me. [00:01:11] Crystal Fincher: I am so excited to have you on the show today. I think I told you before - followed your work for so long and your reporting has been really important for quite some time now, so very excited. To begin the conversation, we will start talking about the failure of a referendum for a piece of legislation that would benefit the trans community. What happened here? [00:01:35] Shauna Sowersby: During the State Legislature this year, there was a bill that was passed, 5599, that was sponsored by Senator Marko Liias. And that bill expanded a law that was already in place and included teenagers trying to seek gender-affirming care as well as abortion care. So it wasn't really a new law, it was just expanding on something that was already there - to try and protect these other factors that were involved. [00:02:04] Crystal Fincher: This is really about protecting populations within our homeless community. This is about shelters and whether shelters have to mandatorily divulge information, or if they wait to determine, or discriminate in any way. So it's not - as it was couched by some people - this is about medically intervening with youth, this is about intervening in family matters, or they wanna take people from your homes. This is about a population that's already unhoused and legislation that's trying to keep teens from really being vulnerable when they're homeless and out on the street with nowhere else to go, which is a very, very dangerous and harmful place to be. This became what a lot of people refer to as culture war stuff - is really what we're dealing with in this whole time now, where people are targeting trans people, trans rights, really the broader LGBTQ community in a lot of these situations. And anything that could potentially make life easier or just not as extraordinarily difficult for trans people in things that they may be dealing with. There are a lot of LGBTQ youth that get kicked out of their homes for that reason - and so if they are there, or people who are seeking abortion care - that can't be a reason for someone to be turned away or submitting information, divulging information to other people. Basically just protecting them like we protect everyone else. But I was happy to see, personally, that this referendum failed. And I think it's just another statement that overall - we don't play that, we don't do that in Washington. Certainly these elements are active, but they are nowhere near the majority of community and we need to keep making sure people know and understand that and make that visible. [00:03:44] Shauna Sowersby: And I just wanted to point out, too, that it failed by a lot - I think it was like 5,000 signatures or something that it failed by. So I don't think it had quite as much support as the writers of that referendum had intended. [00:03:57] Crystal Fincher: When you look at the facts of what is and isn't happening and why, and what gender-affirming care means in the context of the broader community - it's got broad meanings. People who are not even trans access that all the time. It's not a controversial thing. This is not really about kids. This was an attack on the entire community and an attempt to claw back rights. [00:04:17] Shauna Sowersby: And I think the Danny Westneat article in The Seattle Times brought up a really good point too. This wasn't even an issue until gender and reproductive rights got brought into the mix. It wasn't a problem before that. These two things are very popular topics throughout the country right now. [00:04:35] Crystal Fincher: I also wanna talk about a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist country musician playing at the Washington State Capitol. What went on? [00:04:43] Shauna Sowersby: He'll be there Friday the 28th. There was a Rolling Stone article that came out a while ago about him. He was open about being a white nationalist - seemed to be proud of the fact that he is a white nationalist country musician. So he'll be there at the Capitol with Turning Point USA, which I'm sure a lot of folks listening might be familiar with. But the House of Heretics will be there and they will be doing unbaptisms and gender affirming rituals. I believe one of their quotes was something like they wanted whenever Sean plays on Friday night for it to be the devil's ground for him to play on. So I thought that was pretty interesting. [00:05:24] Crystal Fincher: Yeah, it is. And Turning Point USA is a radical organization - you have a self-described white nationalist, like a Charlie Kirk, that is associated with and promoting white nationalists. And it's just not that wonderful. And like I said, these things are here and they're around and people are trying to introduce this in the community, certainly trying to make it seem more mainstream. But it's not. And I think all of our responsibility is making that known and visible. Other news this week - and especially with you as a legislative reporter covering so much that happened in the legislative session - we passed legislation, but there's usually a little bit of time before it's passed and when it completely takes effect. But we do have a number of new laws about to go into effect this Sunday. What are some of the key laws coming? [00:06:09] Shauna Sowersby: Our legislature did a really good job on housing this year. And one of the laws that went into effect on the 23rd was more access to ADUs, so that's a positive thing. That's something that the legislature had been going after for several years, if I remember correctly, but finally got that one. So those are allowed in certain cities with a certain population. Hopefully that will help ease the lack of housing situation that's going on pretty much everywhere around the state. So I think that's a good one. Another one that goes into effect is landlords' claims for damages. So that extends the timeline landlords have to provide documentation to show that they are in the right in retaining a tenant's deposit - which is a really important one, I feel - that's also another thing that they've been trying to get passed for a long time. They also need to keep receipts that they can actually show to their tenants before they can charge them, so I think all of those are really good. It also prevents them from charging past normal wear and tear, which anybody who's ever rented, I'm sure, has probably run into an issue like that. So I think that type of law will be a positive for a lot of renters out there. And then another one I thought was interesting, just because I'd never really heard of this before this year, but they're making pill presses illegal in the state. I had no clue what these were, to be honest with you, before they passed this law. It's basically trying to prevent people from overdosing on fentanyl when they take things that they think might be something else, such as a Percocet. These can look very legitimate with these pill presses, but can include amounts of fentanyl in them that can kill you. So obviously that is another positive law that went into effect just recently. [00:08:04] Crystal Fincher: And that's how people can identify pills. They're registered, marked for different types of pills. You can actually look up and Google them. If a pill gets lost or dropped or something and you pick it up and see markings on them, you can find out what it is by that. But yeah, people have been abusing that to pass off some substances. And when we have such dangerous and harmful drugs out there that can be so easily mixed into other substances or look like something else, that's really important. As well as the accessory dwelling unit, or the ADU, bill - a lot of people think of them as mother-in-law houses, but allowing people to add density or add a unit to their existing property is an important element in the whole web of increasing the amount of density, or preparing communities to responsibly absorb more people living there without having real estate prices go sky high as we've been seeing. So some really, I think, good laws coming in, some progress being made. And so it'll be interesting to see how these are enforced, especially when it comes to those landlord ones - to see if they actually do materially improve the situations that they are seeking to improve. Also wanna talk about Attorney General Ferguson's campaign for governor and a call for him to come clean about his donors, especially in a piece that was published in The Seattle Times this week. What's happening with this? [00:09:27] Shauna Sowersby: The Public disclosure Commission was set to have a ruling a few weeks back that outlined and reinforced the idea that if you're moving money from one campaign to another campaign - so Ferguson moving from going for Attorney General again to governor - so you can move a certain amount of money over into your other campaign without having to disclose those donors. Like you were saying earlier, it's something that could be done - they were saying you shouldn't be doing it this way. And right before that date came in, they clarified that he switched all that money over - and I believe it was $1.2 million, is that correct? [00:10:05] Crystal Fincher: It's about $1.2 million and they received notice that a clarification was coming. They transferred it the day after that notice, which I think was a day before they officially did it. That is a detail that I don't know we all knew and understood before. And it's confusing. With the PDC, there's an underlying law and the PDC issues guidance and interpretations. This entire time, the actual law has not changed. The PDC's guidance about the law is what changed. And a person was looking at the law and looking at the guidance - unconnected to the campaign, I think to any campaigns - and was - Hey, it looks like your guidance does not actually say what the law does, or it leaves a hole. The bigger issue is - say you transfer these things over - we have campaign finance limits. If you can only donate - say a limit is $1,000, it changes year to year - if you transfer money over from some of those same donors, it could put people over the limit for this race and you can't be over the limit. The PDC said - Oh, that is correct. We overlooked that or got that wrong. Called the campaigns to say - Hey, we realized we got something wrong and we're going to be issuing formal guidance tomorrow. After that call, the campaign said - Oh, let's transfer it. Then we find ourself here. There's the law. Should this have been done? The answer appears to be no, but it's also hard because people are following guidance. I followed a PDC guidance before. And so the fact that it was done in the first place - I completely understand you're relying on the PDC for guidance - it's the muddy area of when they say - Ooh, this guidance is wrong. And it's not like they're saying the law is going to change. If it's not the law, it's not the law. It's not illegal if you do it before it's a law. It's a little dicey in that they were notified that they weren't going to be able to do it and then rushed to do it before it was written on paper when basically they got the tip off. [00:11:57] Shauna Sowersby: And now the fact that they're being called on to disclose those donors and they're not doing it - that's another issue as well. [00:12:05] Crystal Fincher: Yeah, it's something that the PDC is taking up again. I believe they're having a meeting - we're recording this on Thursday - I think they are having a meeting today, potentially as we speak. Big issue that we're left with - because the issue of democracy, small-d democracy, is the disclosure of donors. This is foundational to our system. And from near and far, every state has campaign finance regulations. Some are enforced better than others, but this is really important so that within campaigns - there's dark money with PACs - within campaigns, it's really defined that someone can donate, but they have a limit and they can't donate above that limit. That helps, from the campaign perspective, make sure that people with money can't crowd out everyone else or just dominate the conversation financially within that campaign. I do find it concerning that right now, there's $1.2 million worth of donors that we don't know. If you have pledges that you're not accepting money from these people or who's that? We see in other races - Oh, whoa, this Trump supporter donated or this, on the Republican side, Biden supporter did this. Or you're wondering why they're donating and what promises may have been made. I'm not saying that promises are always made for donations, but usually people donate to who they find themselves aligned. That's a reasonable thing to explore and debate, which is why our law mandates that. I hope that they are disclosed. Even if they find that he shouldn't have transferred the money at all, I do think it is realistic and very doable to disclose them. Disclosure is easy. For them to have been able to transfer the money, they had to get permission from the donor. So they have all of those records - that the transfer couldn't have happened without it. It'll be really interesting to see how this winds up. [00:13:48] Shauna Sowersby: One more thing too that I wanted to add about the whole Ferguson thing is that - for the state's highest attorney's office, him being in that office for so long - he obviously knows these rules. He knows that he should be holding himself to a higher standard. One of the things that concerns me - not just about the PDC and his campaign finance stuff - is that his office was recently fined for withholding hundreds of thousands of documents in a lawsuit against a developmentally disabled woman. Documents that would have helped this woman and her case, but appears that a lot of these documents were intentionally withheld. Not saying that Ferguson himself was responsible for doing these things, but it is his office. The mixture between that and then the recent PDC guidance that - as a candidate for governor, he should really be putting himself in a higher standard. [00:14:44] Crystal Fincher: Like you said, who knows how much he was aware of going in - and most of these donors are probably above board - I would assume most of them are not above the limit. How much money is it, really, from donors who are above the limit here? Practically looking at correcting this issue - say it's even half a million dollars worth, he still has a significant financial lead over other people and it gets this thing that's dogging his campaign. Just disclose the donors - you have the money, just disclose donors. [00:15:15] Shauna Sowersby: You're already in the lead. Hilary Franz said she wanted to make sure that this was a fair transfer and that everybody was going by the same rules. Even with somebody else calling him out for it, still wasn't doing it. [00:15:28] Crystal Fincher: There's a reason why he's the front-runner. There's a lot of things about him that excite people, but I don't think you're ever above having to answer questions. Even if you are the front runner in the race, we all wind up better. And it sets a precedent - people may be comfortable with Ferguson and he may make a wonderful governor, but for successive governors, I don't want a precedent set where they don't have to follow the rules. I want to talk about another lawsuit filed against the Washington State Legislature for withholding public records under "legislative privilege." What's happening this time? [00:16:03] Shauna Sowersby: Nothing new here. I believe it was Friday of last week - me and some other requesters got back a set of documents - this is from a request that was filed, I want to say, in January and closed out in February. We were told that we had all records from every lawmaker that was withholding records under "legislative privilege". Lo and behold, Friday, we get another batch of records that have suddenly been found. The petitioner in this lawsuit, Arthur West, also filed one of the previous lawsuits for "legislative privilege." He believes that in this case, it's called "silent withholding" - it's still part of the same lawsuit that he's filed before, but this is an addendum where he believes they may have intentionally been withholding these final documents - they should have been found, they should have been captured in our request, so it's odd they're showing up now. This is an additional lawsuit into what's already happening - I believe WashCOG, Washington Coalition for Open Government, they also have a lawsuit pending. I don't think it has a hearing date until later in September. So not looking good so far for lawsuits and lawmakers. We'll see how this all turns out. I'm assuming it'll be a slow process, but we're finally getting things kicked off. [00:17:25] Crystal Fincher: I'll be curious to see what comes of it. Also want to talk about a story that came out this week - just a couple of days ago or yesterday, I think - about the amount of federal aid going towards police surveillance. When we say police surveillance, what are they talking about? [00:17:40] Shauna Sowersby: An article from Brandon Block in Crosscut - looks like they are using federal aid money that was supposed to go to other things to basically spy on people. It seems like there's a lot of concerns from groups like the ACLU who say that the surveillance equipment can be used - not just for immigrants and for trying to deport people, but it can also be used for people who are seeking out-of-state abortions coming into Washington. So there's multiple concerns here what the surveillance equipment could be doing. And it looks like a lot of it is - from the article - license plate surveillance and the drones that they were using - makes you wonder why these smaller towns are spending so much money on surveillance equipment. [00:18:29] Crystal Fincher: I don't think people realize that this much money was going to these things. And at a time when lots of people are talking about wanting more police funding, wanting to hire more officers, saying that there's not money to do it - there's so much money being spent and being siphoned from other areas where it seems like it was originally intended to go and being spent on this surveillance technology, like drones and automatic license plate readers, going through communities and looking up everyone's license plates everywhere. And usually - one, these are not equitably used, equitably deployed. A lot of times they are deployed much more heavily and ubiquitously in lower income communities and BIPOC communities. Is the community aware of this? Are people aware of this? Like you said, we have other states trying to - actually have criminalized abortion care, gender affirming care. There aren't policies, strong policies with enforcement that really limit how this data can be used, how it can be shared, how it can be spread. This is where we can have bad outcomes where potentially someone from another state, someone with a nefarious purpose can find this information to track people down and inequitably enforce laws that are on our books in communities, causing disproportionate harm. At minimum, this should be something that is very intentionally discussed in these communities. I definitely recommend that people do read this article by Brandon Block - we'll include it in the podcast show notes and on the website. It's really concerning to see so much money diverted for this purpose - was supposed to help people survive the pandemic, help people not get evicted, help cities support small businesses - that this was diverted for this purpose and in a way I don't think was transparent or consistent with what people intended within their communities or even federally. [00:20:25] Shauna Sowersby: Yeah, it seems like people weren't asked about that. I'm sure there was probably no conversation for that, but like you're saying, it could have been diverted for a number of purposes and instead goes to surveillance equipment. [00:20:39] Crystal Fincher: We will see if there's any follow up on that. There was another case this week that was really important and reiterated what other cases have found and that is that no-notice police sweeps that are used in lots of localities, including Seattle, were found to be unconstitutional. What did this ruling hold and what are some of the impacts that it may have? [00:21:01] Shauna Sowersby: In this article from Real Change, it talks about how the court ruled the city's sweep policies are not carefully tailored, in some circumstances, to pursue the city's valid governmental interests and require more disclosure than is reasonably necessary. The rules define obstruction so broadly, the city can invade unhoused people's privacy rights without notice, offers of shelter and preservation. [00:21:27] Crystal Fincher: This is an issue that many cities are dealing with. We've been talking about the unfortunate circumstances in Burien, certainly in Seattle. Every community is really looking at this and facing this. So many of our neighbors are now homeless - and the City of Seattle and Burien have really gone too far. It had been established before that it is illegal for a city to conduct a sweep if there is no offer of shelter provided. Basically, if you have nowhere for someone to go, it is found to be unconstitutional to sweep someone in that instance. There's a reason why the CDC recommends against it, why it is not recommended, especially in extreme weather situations. These are people's whole possessions. Though outwardly sometimes they may not look like much to someone walking by, this is what they have and this is critical - the few things they do have for work, their ID, the few mementos that have meant the absolute most to them that they've been able to keep when they've lost everything else is what they have. Just coming through unannounced - and you leave, you come back, and your stuff is gone. Or you have an hour and the stuff is gone is really destabilizing. We have to do a better job of supporting this. Most people have also seen that when there is nowhere for someone to go, it doesn't do anything to solve the problem. We're really just moving the issue of homelessness around. We're not doing anything to solve it. It's this game of musical chairs and most people are just moving from property to property or place to place within a city most of the time, certainly within the region. So we've got to expand our response. We can't keep doing the same thing over and over again. The biggest problem here is that people don't have housing. If housing is not an element in the solution, it's not a solution. And yes, that is complicated. Yes, it's costly. But it really is not as costly as allowing the situation to continue. I don't think there's anyone left, right, or anywhere who is satisfied with seeing people on the street within encampments, but I think people just don't want to double down on that failure, spend so much money on police resources - all the resources that we're spending in a way that doesn't solve the problem. So the City of Seattle is gonna have to go back to the table and figure out what they're gonna do. Other cities are gonna have to look at this ruling and modify what they're doing, or potentially face the same lawsuit and legislation, and wind up having to do it by force rather than proactively. [00:23:58] Shauna Sowersby: The governor and the legislature - they've been trying to tackle this issue too with the rights-of-way - the whole idea there was that they weren't gonna move people out unless they had some sort of housing situation set up for those folks. So instead of just shuffling them around from one place to another, it's still a small pilot program at this point - and can't do it on a large scale, obviously. I think instead of sweeping folks, this is a better alternative - not the best alternative, for sure - but it's better than shuffling folks around one other part of the city like you were saying. [00:24:33] Crystal Fincher: And this ruling did say that the use was overbroad. There are still circumstances where it is legally permissible to do this if really obstructing a sidewalk. It is constitutional for a sweep to happen. The issue is that they're happening in so many more situations where there's imminent harm or obstruction. The last story I wanted to talk about today was an audit that came out about the City of Seattle, but really applicable to many cities - saying police could do more without hiring extra cops to address retail theft rings. This is really important - we see stories almost every day on the news about theft. If you're online, you see surveillance photos from stores and theft happening. People are trying to figure out the way to address this, and the biggest problem that seems solvable from a public safety perspective is going after these retail theft rings. But in a way, going after petty theft is not going after retail theft and this audit addressed that. This report basically said targeting organized retail theft is important. And some cities like Auburn have been successful at doing that, but they've succeeded by trying to "cut off the head of the snake" - as they put it - and not going after petty theft. What this study found is that Seattle really likes going after petty theft and calling it going after retail crime. Most of the crimes are theft under $750, they are individuals doing this. They find them participating in task forces, but as for action on the ground - action that they're taking - it doesn't appear that they're doing much to actually go after the heads of these organizations, the organized part of that organized crime. According to the audit - in PubliCola that came out on the 25th - responding to calls from just the top 100 retail locations in the city used almost 19,000 hours of police time, equivalent to nine full-time officers that could be streamlined by using tools like rapid video response instead of deploying officers out all over town. So if they need to interview employees, they can do those interviews by Zoom. They can do those in a more proactive way, in a more efficient way - that saves officers time, that saves employees time, that is really less impactful to both the business and the department. And can also get them that information quicker, so it gives more of a chance to get closer to the people who are in these fencing rings, who are making it profitable for these people to steal. And the audit found that the City does participate in task forces and stuff, but they should also invest in place-based strategies like environmental factors, the actual design, better lighting, activating vacant lots, and other non-law enforcement approaches to make hotspots less appealing places for people to operate illegal street markets. There were 68 strategies proposed last year, but the City's only implemented three. So we have these conversations - they're really visible in Seattle, but they're happening all over the place in cities from Auburn to Kent to others - having these community meetings and saying - Wow, we're really trying to do this. If you look under the hood, you see that they continue to go after petty criminals at the expense of the ability to go after the heads of these organized crime rings and using other tools besides just a cop responding to something to prevent these things from happening. How did you see this? [00:28:00] Shauna Sowersby: Yeah, this is something that could probably not just apply to Seattle, even down here in Olympia, Tacoma. This is a result of the other media outlets making a bigger deal about shoplifting and focusing on that as a narrative - that could be inspiring more resources to be going into those sorts of things, as opposed to - like you were saying - the areas where they really could be focusing on instead. We're just going for the wrong thing. [00:28:35] Crystal Fincher: Yeah, and you raise a good point. If you are seeing this highlighted - and we've seen lots of stories of theft used in a way that's really propaganda, we've seen situations here locally and nationally where the impact of theft has been overstated and the cause is muddied. If people really care about this, they'll take these findings into account and implement them. If all you hear them saying is the same thing over and over again, that seems more like a campaign tactic or like a scare tactic. We have to use all of the tools at our disposal. We have to get more intentional about wisely using the resources that we do. You have people saying the only way that things can be improved is to hire more cops. There's no way to get more cops online without basically a year lead time because they have to be accepted, go to the academy - there's a long lead time before you get them on the street. Wow - how bleak and hopeless is that situation? Seemingly nothing else can be done - after we have already taken so many steps and allocated so much money, extra money - retention bonuses to stay, high salaries, how many officers are clearing money that other people in the community aren't making? And so using that money effectively, finding ways to use the existing assets more efficiently - this is gonna save officers' time. We should see action taken on these. And certainly within SPD, when there are 60-something recommendations and only three have been implemented, we need to keep ticking down that list. I hope we get beyond the talk when there's so much that needs to happen to keep us safe and to hopefully prevent crime instead of just responding to it. There are things identified and hopefully they choose to do them. And with that, we thank you for listening to this Hacks & Wonks on Friday, July 28th, 2023. The producer of Hacks & Wonks is Shannon Cheng. Our insightful cohost today was Washington State government reporter from McClatchy, Shauna Sowersby. You can find Shauna on Twitter @Shauna_Sowersby - Shauna underscore Sowersby. You can - and that's S-H-A-U-N-A. You can follow Hacks & Wonks on Twitter and you can find me on all platforms @finchfrii, that's two I's at the end. You can catch Hacks & Wonks wherever you get your podcasts - just type "Hacks and Wonks" into the search bar. Be sure to subscribe to get the full versions of our Friday week-in-review shows and our Tuesday topical show delivered to your podcast feed. If you like us, please leave a review wherever you listen. You can also get a transcript of this episode and links to the resources referenced in the show at officialhacksandwonks.com and in the episode notes. Thanks for tuning in, vote by August 1st, and we will talk to you next time.

NMiF Senior Producer Lou DiVizio opens the show with headlines from around the state, including an update on the criticism surrounding New Mexico State University. According to reporting from the Las Cruces Sun-News, Athletic Director Mario Moccia is getting some support from area business owners and athletic boosters after Moccia signed a 5-year contract extension amid allegations of sexual harassment, assault and intimidation on the school's men's basketball team. Gene Grant and The Line Opinion Panel take up three stories developing around the state. First, Gene asks the panelists if a new advisory council at the state's Children Youth and Families Department has any chance to help solve the longstanding issues within the agency. Then, Gene updates the back-and-forth over the proposed PNM-Avangrid merger as the state Supreme Court weighs whether to end the case or send it back to the Public Regulation Commission. Plus, the panel addresses the latest on allegations of sexual harassment and assault in the ongoing scandal surrounding the New Mexico State University men's basketball program.  Host: Lou DiVizio Line Host: Gene Grant    The Line Opinion Panel:  Justine Fox-Young, Republican former NM state Representative  Steve Terrell, retired reporter, Santa Fe New Mexican  Dede Feldman, Democratic former NM state Senator  For More Information: Morning Word - Santa Fe Reporter Biden Plan Would Open Leases to Conservation, Not Just Drilling and Grazing - Associated Press Enhancing Delivery of Services Steering Committee – New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department  Foundation for Open Government statement on CYFD's action to close special council meetings – New Mexico Foundation for Open Government   Attorneys and Advocates Issue Statements in Response to Kevin S. Settlement Co-Neutrals' Report on Status of Implementation – Pegasus Law  CYFD policy advisory council begins work, even as questions persist about beleaguered agency's core structure – Albuquerque Journal  PRC commissioner recuses himself from merger issue – Santa Fe New Mexican  New Mexico court denies challenge to PRC reforms – Albuquerque Journal  Public Regulation Commission stumbles into the new year – Source NM  PNM-Avangrid merger rejected by PRC – Albuquerque Journal  State Supreme Court holds PNM, Avangrid second chance at merger in the balance – Santa Fe New Mexican  PRC, utility lawyers had one-sided talks ahead of filing – Santa Fe New Mexican  PRC modifies position on public hearings for PNM-Avangrid merger – Albuquerque Journal   Allegations of misconduct surround proposed Avangrid-PNM merger – KRQE   At New Mexico St, a meltdown that runs beyond basketball – The Associated Press  Ex-NMSU basketball players say teammates targeted coaches – ESPN   New Mexico State AD Mario Moccia receives 5-year extension – The Associated Press  Governor will push for anti-hazing bill – Santa Fe New Mexican  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

NMiF Senior Producer Lou DiVizio introduces the podcast this week with a roundup of headlines around the state. That includes the new ESPN report detailing the alleged hazing and sexual assaults that took place on the New Mexico State men's basketball team. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announces $12.6 million for a desalination facility in Alamogordo meant to remove of 'forever chemicals' from area groundwater. And, the state's Children Youth and Families Department is facing criticism from a state lawmaker and the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government over a new advisory council that will be closed to the public. Gene Grant and The Line Opinion Panel discuss the ongoing fight to restrict access to reproductive healthcare in New Mexico. Gene asks why the town of Edgewood moved to pass an anti-abortion ordinance shortly after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a new law that prohibits municipalities from creating laws that restrict access.   Gene speaks with Sam Cobb, mayor of Hobbs, to discuss Cobb's decision last fall to pass an ordinance that restricts abortion access to residents. Gene asks the mayor if lawmakers in Santa Fe are hearing concerns and alternative viewpoints from his city.  Then, Gene and The Line Opinion Panel reconvene to discuss the statewide anti-abortion movement and consider the local impact of out-of-state activists on smaller, Republican-leaning communities across New Mexico.  Finally, NMiF correspondent Gwyneth Doland talks with civil rights attorney Laura Schauer Ives about how local anti-abortion court cases could impact people nationwide.  Host: Lou DiVizio The Line Host: Gene Grant The Line Opinion Panel: Elise Kaplan, investigative reporter, Albuquerque Journal  H. Diane Snyder, former NM Republican state Senator  Martha Burk, political psychologist and author    Guests: Sam Cobb, mayor, Hobbs Laura Schauer Ives, civil rights attorney Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland For More Information: After hours of debate Edgewood passes ordinance restricting access to abortion – Albuquerque Journal  Edgewood's anti-abortion ordinance: Here's what people said – Albuquerque Journal  City of Eunice sues governor and attorney general over abortion rule – Source NM  Hobbs adopts new abortion ordinance – KRQE   New Mexico passed laws protecting access to abortion. Opponents ready for legal fight — even to U.S. Supreme Court. – Albuquerque Journal  ‘They're fearful:' What New Mexico abortion providers are seeing as their patient numbers soar – Albuquerque Journal  New Mexico was once among a handful of states where abortions later in pregnancy were available. That changed in January. - Albuquerque Journal  New Mexico passed laws protecting access to abortion. Opponents ready for legal fight — even to U.S. Supreme Court. – Albuquerque Journal  Signup for the NMiF Newsletter NMiF on Facebook  NMiF on Youtube  NMiF on Instagram  NMiF on Twitter    --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

Strengthening civil society and citizen participation is of utmost importance. Anabel Cruz, Founding Director of the Communication and Development Institute (ICD), has spent three decades doing that work.  In the last episode of Voices of Open Government, Anabel tells us how her experience fleeing her home country of Uruguay as a political refugee inspired her to work on democratic initiatives and why strengthening civil society is crucial in our current political climate. -- For any questions, please email communications@opengovpartnership.org Twitter: ⁠⁠@opengovpart⁠⁠  |  Facebook: ⁠⁠@opengovernmentpartnership⁠⁠  |  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠@opengovernmentpartnership⁠⁠  |  Instagram: ⁠⁠@opengovpartnership⁠

The Monologue: An update on the house speaker. The Interview: Pierce County Prosecutor Mary Robnett sounds the alarms -- there are not enough state beds for criminal suspects who need mental health care prior to trial. It's costing them a lot of money, it's delaying justice, and it's filling up their jail. The Interview: George Erb (board member for the Washington Coalition for Open Government) says the state legislature is trying to use a made-up privilege to stop complying with public records requests.LongForm:  Matt Markovich lays out the legislative agenda for the start of the session on Monday.Quick Hit:  Rantz's top 5 movies of 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.