Protests, investigations, and a certain convention, this week

Host Marcie Sillman discusses the week's news with Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter, Kiro7 reporter Essex Porter, and Q13 correspondent Simone Del Rosario.

On Sunday, police officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin shot a 29 year old father named Jacob Blake in the back as he was getting into his SUV. Three of Blake’s sons were in the car watching. The shooting reignited national calls for racial justice and an end to police brutality against people of color, particularly Black men. Including here in Seattle, where Blake's aunt held a rally. Multiple professional sports teams joined in the protests, choosing not to play as a statement. In such a polarized society, can these protests sway the hearts and minds of Americans?

Protests have been happening in Seattle throughout the summer, as have complaints about police conduct. Last Friday the Office of Police Accountability announced 53 new investigations into SPD conduct at protests, bringing the total number of investigations up to 87. But what will be the results of these investigations? And how long will they take?

Plus, after facing a lot of push back following SPD Chief Carmen Best’s retirement announcement, and Mayor Durkan’s veto of their budget changes, the Seattle city council is taking a break. Councilmember Gonzalez says the council needs time to rethink the budget bills, and rebuild a relationship with the Mayor. But is that even possible at this point in the game? Can the mayor and the council come to some form of agreement?

Also, the republican national convention is officially over. Speeches touched on topics such as law and order, cancel culture, and on one occasion, how bad off Seattle is. Our panelists share their thoughts on this year's convention, and the upcoming presidential vote.

Finally, fall is right around the corner. How prepared is our state for school reopenings, the flu season, and the return of colder, wetter weather?