Playlist for Show: Free Range

This week Erin was flying solo on the radio, but Val and Hedge were there in spirit.

First up we had an interview with Hedge and Val talking to incarcerated journalist Christopher Blackwell on the challenges and rewards of reporting from within the carceral system. After that, Erin pretended to be explaining recent news to a bestie, with updates on rent stabilization, union-busting at Planned Parenthood and the implementation of the Strippers’ Bill of Rights, a piece of legislation passed last year in Washington to guarantee more labor protections for dancers.

Relevant reading:

• Imprisoned People Can Do More than ‘Scare’ Kids ‘Straight’: Scared straight’ programs don’t work. But that doesn’t mean incarcerated people shouldn’t mentor at-risk kids.
• The local Planned Parenthood spent $15,570 on union-busting last year: in the last 49 days of 2024, Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho spent $317 a day on a union-busting contract.

• The Strippers’ Bill of Rights, one year later: As club owners use a loophole in legislation intended to protect dancers, strippers are finding their own ways to fight back through labor organizing and pop-up shows where they keep all their profits.
• Cap on rent increases across Washington is signed into law; Rent increase cap proposal heads to Washington governor; It’s rough to be a WA renter. A bill that could help is close to passing.

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