Washington in Focus

Latest Episodes:

Puget Sound Energy Customers Push Back on Proposed Rate Hikes + Family Farm Takes WA Ecology Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

Puget Sound Energy customers are pushing back against a proposed three-year rate plan that could significantly increase electric and natural gas bills across Washington.

PSE is asking the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to approve electric rate increases of 15.15% in 2027, 3.74% in 2028 and 8.70% in 2029. The Washington Attorney General's Office characterizes the proposal as an approximately 29% electric rate increase over the three-year period.

Natural gas rates would also increase under PSE's proposal.

More than 100 Puget Sound Energy customers attended a public hearing in Lacey, according to Washington in Focus, where ratepayers urged state regulators to reject or reduce the proposed increases.

Customers raised concerns about affordability, shareholder returns and how much Washington families are already paying for electricity and natural gas.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown is also challenging PSE's proposal. His office argues the requested increases are excessive and says PSE's plan would collect an additional $3.396 billion from customers over three years.

The Attorney General's Office has also highlighted PSE's shareholder dividends, saying the company paid $175.9 million in dividends in 2024 and $62.9 million in 2025.

Puget Sound Energy says its three-year rate plan is needed to maintain safe and reliable service, meet growing electricity demand, modernize infrastructure and comply with Washington's clean-energy requirements.

PSE says it expects to invest more than $3.2 billion in its gas and electric systems over the next three years.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission will determine what rate changes, if any, ultimately take effect.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, a decades-long water-rights fight involving Fodé Farms and the Washington Department of Ecology is heading to the Washington Supreme Court.

Ron and Robin Fodé argue Ecology failed to provide required assistance before taking enforcement action and improperly relied on an unpublished deadline involving seasonal water-right transfers. Ecology disputes those arguments and says lower courts have found that its actions followed the law.

The Washington Supreme Court is hearing arguments in the case as the Fodés challenge the limits of state agency authority and water-rights enforcement.

Finally, Washington's 2026 Supreme Court election is putting judicial independence and political relationships in the spotlight.

Justice Theo Angelis, who was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court by Gov. Bob Ferguson in March, faces challenger Dave Larson.

Larson has criticized Angelis' previous political donations and relationships and argues they raise concerns about judicial independence. Angelis says his past donations and associations would not influence how he decides cases and that judges must leave those considerations outside the courthouse.

Today's Washington in Focus examines Puget Sound Energy's proposed rate increases, rising Washington utility bills, PSE shareholder returns, the Fodé Farms water-rights case, the Washington Department of Ecology and the Angelis-Larson Washington Supreme Court race.

Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Puget Sound Energy, Washington utility rates, the UTC, Washington energy policy, Fodé Farms, water rights, the Department of Ecology, the Washington Supreme Court and state government.

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#PugetSoundEnergy #PSE #WashingtonState #EnergyBills #ElectricRates #UtilityRates #WashingtonSupremeCourt #WaterRights #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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WA Income Tax Repeal Could Leave Other Tax Breaks Intact + Ferguson Asks Trump for FEMA Aid Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

Washington voters will soon decide whether to repeal the state's newly enacted 9.9% income tax, and a new analysis examines what Initiative 645 would actually do to the rest of Washington's tax package.

The Washington Research Council has released a policy brief examining I-645 and the state's new income tax established under Senate Bill 6346.

If voters approve Initiative 645, the income-tax provisions would be repealed while several other tax-relief provisions included in SB 6346 would remain in law.

Those provisions include an expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit and other sales-tax and business-tax relief included in the legislation.

Washington Research Council Senior Research Analyst Emily Makings says the income tax itself does not solve Washington's underlying state budget problems. The Research Council argues lawmakers have increased spending beyond expected ongoing revenues and will still have significant budget work ahead regardless of whether the income tax remains in place.

The Research Council also points to uncertainty surrounding the income tax, including potential constitutional challenges and the volatility of relying on income from a relatively small group of high-income taxpayers.

Washington voters will decide the fate of Initiative 645 in the November 3 election.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, a North Carolina detransitioner is asking an appeals court to allow her lawsuit against medical providers to move forward.

The woman says she began testosterone at age 17 and underwent a double mastectomy at 18. She is challenging the earlier dismissal of her lawsuit and argues that changes enacted by North Carolina lawmakers should allow her claims to proceed despite the time limits that previously barred the case. Her allegations against the medical providers remain the subject of ongoing litigation.

And Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is asking President Donald Trump to approve a federal Major Disaster Declaration following devastating wildfires across Eastern Washington.

A state and federal preliminary damage assessment found that the fires destroyed 649 primary residences, damaged another 2,542 homes and burned nearly 369,000 acres.

Washington is seeking federal Individual Assistance for residents in Benton, Okanogan, Spokane and Stevens counties and the Spokane Tribe of Indians. The state estimates the request could unlock approximately $11.2 million in assistance for individuals and another $117.7 million for debris cleanup and emergency costs.

Today's Washington in Focus examines Initiative 645 and Washington's income-tax repeal, the state's continuing budget challenges, the North Carolina detransitioner lawsuit and Washington's request for federal wildfire disaster assistance.

Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Washington's income tax, I-645, SB 6346, Washington taxes and spending, Washington wildfires, FEMA disaster assistance, Gov. Bob Ferguson, state government and public policy.

#WashingtonState #IncomeTax #I645 #Taxes #WashingtonBudget #WashingtonWildfires #FEMA #BobFerguson #Spokane #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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WA Supreme Court Ruling Could Put New Income Tax at Risk + Sheriff Law Faces Major Court Ruling Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

A Washington Supreme Court ruling striking down voter-approved Initiative 2066 is raising new questions about whether the court's single-subject reasoning could have consequences for other Washington laws—including the state's newly enacted 9.9% income tax.

The Washington Supreme Court struck down Initiative 2066 in a 6-3 decision, ruling that the voter-approved natural gas measure violated Washington's constitutional single-subject requirement.

I-2066 was approved by Washington voters in 2024 and addressed several policies involving natural gas, utilities, building codes and energy regulations. The Supreme Court majority concluded those provisions represented constitutionally distinct subjects that could not be combined into a single initiative.

Now critics of Washington's new income tax are asking whether the same constitutional reasoning could create problems for Senate Bill 6346.

Washington Policy Center argues SB 6346 contains more than simply a 9.9% income tax on taxable income above the state's $1 million standard deduction. The legislation also includes changes involving the business and occupation tax, sales taxes, the Working Families Tax Credit and funding for early learning.

The Washington Policy Center argues those provisions could create a new single-subject challenge under the reasoning used by the Supreme Court in the I-2066 decision. The Washington Supreme Court has not ruled that SB 6346 violates the single-subject requirement, and the argument remains a legal interpretation advanced by critics of the income tax.

Building Industry Association of Washington Vice President Greg Lane is also warning that the I-2066 decision could have broader implications for laws passed by the Washington Legislature. Lane argues that if the court has established a stricter single-subject standard, that standard must also apply to legislation coming out of Olympia.

The ruling is also raising questions about Initiative 645, the measure asking Washington voters whether they want to repeal the state's newly enacted income tax. Washington Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh says he is concerned the I-2066 precedent could eventually affect how courts review other voter initiatives, including the income tax repeal measure. That is Walsh's concern about the precedent; the Supreme Court has not indicated that it would invalidate I-645.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, the legal battle over Washington's new sheriff qualification law is approaching another major court decision.

Senate Bill 5974 establishes new eligibility and professional requirements affecting Washington sheriffs and other law enforcement executives. Opponents have challenged portions of the law on constitutional grounds.

Kitsap County sheriff candidate Rick Kuss is among the plaintiffs challenging the law. After recent court arguments, Kuss raised concerns about free speech, candidate eligibility and provisions involving associations with organizations characterized as extremist.

Another challenge brought by sitting Washington sheriffs is also moving forward, with the court expected to address the litigation after arguments in both cases.

Today's Washington in Focus examines the Washington Supreme Court's I-2066 ruling, the single-subject requirement, possible implications for Washington's new income tax and Initiative 645, and the continuing constitutional fight over SB 5974 and Washington's sheriff qualification requirements.

Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of the Washington Supreme Court, Initiative 2066, Washington's income tax, Initiative 645, SB 6346, Washington taxes, SB 5974, elected sheriffs, Washington courts and state government.

#WashingtonState #IncomeTax #WashingtonSupremeCourt #I2066 #Initiative2066 #I645 #Taxes #SB6346 #Sheriff #SB5974 #WashingtonPolitics #GovernmentAccountability #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Seattle Democrats SLAM Katie Wilson's Gun Violence Plan + New Initiative Targets Court Transparency Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's new gun violence prevention plan is facing questions over coordination, the role of police and how much advance notice key public safety officials received before the strategy was announced.

Mayor Wilson unveiled Seattle's new gun violence strategy following a series of high-profile shootings and continuing concerns about public safety in downtown Seattle. The plan puts the Community Assisted Response and Engagement Department, known as CARE, in a major coordinating role while moving community violence intervention programs under the department.

The mayor's plan also includes Seattle Police Department resources, increased bike patrols, focused deterrence, youth programs, mental health services and additional coordination between city departments and community organizations.

But Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, says he did not receive advance notice of the mayor's plan and believes Seattle's gun violence strategy needs to maintain a strong role for SPD alongside community intervention programs.

Questions are also being raised about coordination with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and how much of the complete plan prosecutors saw before the mayor's announcement.

The disagreement comes as Seattle continues debating how to respond to gun violence, downtown public safety concerns and demands from businesses and residents for action.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, Let's Go Washington has filed a new initiative focused on judicial transparency and Washington's Public Records Act.

The initiative seeks to expand public records requirements to Washington's judicial branch. Let's Go Washington founder Brian Heywood argues that elected judges should face transparency and public accountability requirements comparable to other branches of state government.

The proposal is an initiative to the Legislature and is still at an early stage of the process. The Washington Attorney General's Office says it has not yet received the initiative for preparation of a ballot title because the proposal is still undergoing review by the Code Reviser.

If supporters eventually collect enough valid signatures, the judicial transparency initiative could go before Washington lawmakers during the 2027 legislative session.

And the legal battle over Washington's new sheriff qualification law is continuing in Thurston County Superior Court.

Senate Bill 5974 establishes additional eligibility requirements for people seeking to serve as sheriff, including a requirement for at least five years of uninterrupted full-time law enforcement employment.

Supporters of the law argue Washington needs consistent professional standards and stronger accountability requirements for sheriffs and other law enforcement executives. Opponents argue the restrictions raise constitutional concerns and could prevent voters from choosing otherwise eligible candidates for sheriff.

A judge previously put key provisions of the law on hold while litigation continues. The dispute has affected the race for Kitsap County sheriff, where candidate Rick Kuss was able to remain on the ballot while the challenged provisions are blocked.

Today's Washington in Focus covers Katie Wilson's Seattle gun violence prevention plan, Bob Kettle's concerns about the role of SPD, Seattle public safety, Let's Go Washington's new judicial transparency initiative, the Washington Public Records Act and the continuing court fight over SB 5974 and Washington's sheriff qualification requirements.

Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Seattle public safety, Katie Wilson, Washington courts, government transparency, the Washington Supreme Court, elected sheriffs, SB 5974, Washington politics and state government.

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#Seattle #KatieWilson #PublicSafety #GunViolence #SeattlePolice #WashingtonState #JudicialTransparency #PublicRecords #Sheriff #SB5974 #GovernmentAccountability #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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PDC Dismisses Complaint Against Let's Go Washington & Brandi Kruse + Boeing Workers Vote on Contract Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

A potential Boeing strike could put Washington state's new unemployment benefits law for striking workers to one of its biggest tests yet.

Approximately 17,000 Boeing employees represented by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, or SPEEA, are voting on a new four-year contract agreement. Union members previously authorized a strike if they reject Boeing's contract offer.

Under a Washington law that took effect in 2026, eligible workers involved in a strike can receive up to six weeks of unemployment benefits. Washington's Employment Security Department says benefits are not available until the second Sunday after a strike begins, and eligible workers must also serve the standard unpaid waiting week.

Washington Policy Center's Elizabeth New discusses what a large Boeing strike could mean for Washington's unemployment insurance system and argues that thousands of striking Boeing employees collecting benefits could put additional pressure on the fund.

The Boeing contract vote comes as Washington continues debating the costs and consequences of allowing striking workers to receive unemployment benefits.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission has closed a campaign finance complaint involving Let's Go Washington and podcaster Brandi Kruse.

The complaint alleged that Kruse's promotion of Let's Go Washington initiatives amounted to reportable in-kind political contributions. According to the PDC findings quoted in this episode, investigators found no evidence that Let's Go Washington purchased Kruse's services and were unable to establish that her promotion of the initiatives or participation in events constituted in-kind contributions.

Kruse and Let's Go Washington are responding to the decision and argue that the complaint was politically motivated. That characterization is their position and was not a finding by the Public Disclosure Commission.

And Washington's state employee contract negotiations are renewing a debate over government transparency and taxpayer accountability.

The Washington Federation of State Employees has reached a tentative 2027-29 agreement covering tens of thousands of general government workers. WFSE says the agreement contains no additional compensation in the first year while providing a reopener for compensation negotiations in the second year.

WFSE also says approximately $348.5 million in new funding is required to maintain the current health-care cost share.

Critics of Washington's collective bargaining system argue taxpayers should have greater visibility into negotiations between public employee unions and the governor's representatives. Supporters of collective bargaining have argued that the current process allows unions and the state to negotiate employment terms before agreements move through the legally required funding process.

Today's Washington in Focus covers Boeing's union contract vote, Washington unemployment benefits for striking workers, the PDC complaint involving Let's Go Washington and Brandi Kruse, and the debate over transparency in Washington state employee contract negotiations.

Follow The Center Square and Washington in Focus for continuing coverage of Boeing, Washington labor policy, unemployment insurance, state worker contracts, taxpayer spending, elections and government accountability.

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#Boeing #BoeingStrike #SPEEA #Unemployment #WashingtonState #Labor #TaxpayerMoney #BrandiKruse #LetsGoWashington #StateWorkers #GovernmentAccountability #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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WA Daycare Fraud Concerns Grow After New Investigation + Seattle Democrats Split On Crime Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

New questions are being raised about Washington's taxpayer-funded childcare system as reporters continue investigating Seattle-area home daycare providers receiving government subsidies.

Post Millennial reporter Katie Daviscourt recently visited Somali-run home daycares in South Seattle and Tukwila while examining how taxpayer childcare subsidies are being distributed. SEIU 925 subsequently contacted Washington lawmakers and early-learning officials, accusing Daviscourt of harassing immigrant childcare providers.

The dispute is now fueling a broader debate over investigative journalism, taxpayer accountability and whether Washington lawmakers could pursue new protections for childcare providers.

Republican lawmakers Jim Walsh and Travis Couture discuss their concerns about potential restrictions on reporters investigating taxpayer-funded programs. Walsh says he believes Washington could see an effort similar to a controversial California privacy law that opponents have nicknamed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act.”

The Center Square has also obtained Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families records concerning investigations into childcare providers. Some records describe allegations involving providers and parents improperly reporting childcare attendance to obtain taxpayer subsidy payments. The records discussed in this episode contain allegations and do not establish wrongdoing by every provider questioned by reporters.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle is responding to new questions surrounding the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, better known as LEAD.

The Washington Policy Center has challenged how LEAD's early crime-reduction research was described publicly, arguing that a finding involving lower odds of arrest compared with a control group was repeatedly presented as a 58% reduction in arrests.

Kettle, who chairs the Seattle City Council's Public Safety Committee, says Seattle will collect and examine its own LEAD data as the city evaluates the diversion program and considers where changes or improvements may be necessary.

And with the November 3 election approaching, Pierce County voters will decide whether their sheriff should continue to be elected by voters or instead be appointed by the county executive and confirmed by the County Council.

Pierce County Charter Amendment 53 would change the sheriff from an elected to an appointed position. Voters will also see several other charter amendments and local measures on their November ballot.

Today's Washington in Focus covers Washington childcare subsidy investigations, the debate over press freedom and government accountability, Seattle's LEAD diversion program and the major Pierce County sheriff ballot question.

Follow The Center Square and Washington in Focus for continuing coverage of Washington state government, taxpayer spending, public safety, Seattle politics, elections and government accountability.

#WashingtonState #Seattle #DaycareFraud #Childcare #TaxpayerMoney #LEAD #SeattleCrime #PierceCounty #PublicSafety #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Critics WA's Warn Income Tax Will Crush Business + Katie Wilson Scales Back Seattle Homeless Promise Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

DocuSign co-founder Court Lorenzini is speaking out about Washington state's new 9.9% income tax and backing Initiative 645, the November ballot measure that would repeal the tax and prohibit state and local governments from imposing taxes on individual income.

Lorenzini tells The Center Square that he plans to remain in Washington, but says some friends have already left the state because of the new income tax. He also argues that Washington's tax policy could affect future decisions by entrepreneurs, investors and businesses considering where to locate, invest and create jobs.

Washington's new income tax takes effect January 1, 2028 and imposes a 9.9% tax on annual individual income above $1 million. Initiative 645 would repeal the tax and prohibit state and local governments from imposing taxes on individual income.

The debate over Washington's income tax comes as voters prepare to decide I-645 in the November 2026 election.

Also in today's Washington in Focus, President Donald Trump has nominated Pete Serrano to serve as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, setting up another confrontation with Washington Sen. Patty Murray.

Murray says she will use every tool available to block Serrano's nomination. Washington GOP Chair Jim Walsh discusses the nomination and his view that the move could force a larger Senate fight over the longstanding blue-slip process used in federal nominations.

And Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is scaling back her plans to expand homeless shelter capacity.

Wilson's earlier goal called for adding 1,000 shelter units annually. Her updated proposal starts with 960 new beds over two years as Seattle faces significant budget constraints.

The change comes as Pallet, the Everett-based company that manufactured the tiny-home shelters used at Seattle's new Bayside Enhanced Shelter in Interbay, has shut down only months after the shelter opened.

Today's episode covers three major developments in Washington state: the fight over Washington's income tax and Initiative 645, the battle over Pete Serrano's U.S. attorney nomination, and Seattle's changing approach to homelessness and shelter capacity.

Watch Washington in Focus for the latest Washington state news covering taxes, government accountability, Seattle politics, homelessness, the state economy and the decisions affecting Washington taxpayers.

2:02 Income Tax Story
8:24 Western WA AG Story
14:08 Katie Wilson Tiny House Story

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#WashingtonState #IncomeTax #I645 #DocuSign #WashingtonBusiness #Taxes #Seattle #KatieWilson #Homelessness #PeteSerrano #PattyMurray #WashingtonNews #WAPolitics #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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42,000 Union Workers Reach Contract Agreement + WA Businesses Blame Closures on Crime & Homelessness Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

A new national firearms survey estimates Americans own approximately 461 million guns—including roughly 40 million AR-15-style rifles—as major Second Amendment litigation moves through the U.S. Supreme Court.

The 2026 National Firearms Survey from Georgetown University professor William English estimates approximately 88 million American adults own firearms, with the average gun owner possessing roughly 5.2 guns. The survey estimates Americans own approximately 208 million handguns, 154 million rifles and 99 million shotguns.

Among the most significant findings: approximately 25% of gun owners report owning an AR-15-type rifle, representing an estimated 40 million AR-15-style rifles nationwide. Another estimated 20 million similarly styled semiautomatic rifles are also privately owned.

Dave Workman, communications director for the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, discusses what the new gun ownership data could mean for the national Second Amendment debate and litigation challenging restrictions on semiautomatic rifles.

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering major litigation involving restrictions on semiautomatic firearms in Cook County, Illinois, and Connecticut. Gun-rights advocates argue the enormous number of AR-15-style rifles in private ownership supports their position that the firearms are in common use and protected by the Second Amendment. Supporters of restrictions dispute the constitutional arguments advanced by those challenging the laws.

Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility Chief of Staff Ryan Guzman also discusses the organization's priorities for Washington's 2027 legislative session, including stronger secure-storage policies and increased funding for community violence intervention and hospital-based intervention programs.

Also on Washington in Focus Daily, Washington's largest state employee union has reached a tentative agreement with the state on a new 2027–29 contract.

The Washington Federation of State Employees General Government bargaining team reached a tentative agreement with Gov. Bob Ferguson's administration and the Office of Financial Management. Approximately 42,000 general government workers are covered by the bargaining unit.

Details of the agreement were not immediately available as members prepare to vote on ratification. Washington GOP Chair Jim Walsh criticizes the state's collective bargaining process and argues taxpayers deserve greater transparency into negotiations over state employee compensation.

Finally, Spokane businesses are raising concerns about crime, homelessness, drug use and street disorder.

Independent journalist Kevin Dahlgren traveled to Spokane to investigate complaints from businesses near homelessness facilities. Business owners and other critics argue crime and disorder surrounding some facilities have contributed to businesses closing or relocating.

The segment also examines the ongoing debate over Housing First, Catholic Charities Eastern Washington and alternative approaches to homelessness emphasizing treatment, recovery and self-sufficiency.

Washington in Focus Daily breaks down the 2026 National Firearms Survey, 461 million guns in America, 40 million AR-15s, American gun ownership, Second Amendment cases, the U.S. Supreme Court, Washington gun laws, Washington state worker contracts, Gov. Bob Ferguson, WFSE, taxpayer transparency, Spokane crime, Spokane homelessness, Housing First, Catholic Charities Eastern Washington and the latest Washington state news.

#GunOwnership #SecondAmendment #AR15 #SCOTUS #WashingtonState #GunRights #GunLaws #Spokane #Homelessness #TaxpayerMoney #WashingtonNews #Seattle #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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$100M Later, Seattle Crime Program Faces Major Questions + WA Parental Rights Fight Heads to SCOTUS Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, America remembers the victims of 9/11, the first responders who rushed toward danger and the thousands who have died in the years since from illnesses and injuries associated with the attacks and their aftermath.

The 2026 commemoration included a new moment of silence honoring those who died from 9/11-related illnesses and injuries, adding to the traditional moments marking when the World Trade Center towers were struck and collapsed, the attack on the Pentagon and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Also on Washington in Focus Daily, a Washington mother is speaking publicly about her family's experience amid a growing national legal fight over parental rights and gender identity.

Jodie Holman says she has not seen her daughter Eleanor since shortly after Thanksgiving 2025. Holman alleges that while the family lived in the Puyallup area, her daughter's school helped connect the teenager with outside organizations that eventually became involved as the family faced a dispute over gender identity, treatment and parental authority.

Holman says her daughter had struggled with serious mental health issues and that the family had already sought individual and family counseling. She says the disagreement eventually contributed to a legal battle over custody and the family's relationship with their daughter.

Jodie and David Holman are supporting parents in International Partners for Ethical Care v. Ferguson, a major Washington parental rights case now before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has scheduled oral argument for December 7, 2026. The immediate legal question is whether the Washington parents challenging the state laws have Article III standing to bring their constitutional claims.

Finally, Seattle's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, known as LEAD, is facing renewed scrutiny over how claims about its success were presented to lawmakers.

The Washington Policy Center argues that inaccurate descriptions of early LEAD research were repeatedly used to promote the Seattle-born criminal justice diversion model to local, state and federal policymakers. WPC says LEAD eventually received nearly $100 million in specifically earmarked federal appropriations and is calling for greater congressional scrutiny of future funding.

One of the central disputes involves the widely cited claim that LEAD produced a 58% reduction in arrests or recidivism. LEAD co-founder Lisa Daugaard has acknowledged that the statistic should not be described as a 58% absolute reduction in arrests, explaining that the underlying research instead found a 58% reduction in the odds of arrest compared with a control group.

Washington Policy Center Director of Public Safety Solutions Eric Zimmerman is calling for organizations receiving federal LEAD funding to provide more public data on participant outcomes, including housing, employment and mortality.

Washington in Focus Daily breaks down the 25th anniversary of 9/11, September 11 first responders, 9/11-related illnesses, Washington parental rights, Jodie Holman, Puyallup, gender identity policy, International Partners for Ethical Care v. Ferguson, the U.S. Supreme Court, SCOTUS, Seattle LEAD, criminal justice diversion, federal taxpayer funding, Eric Zimmerman, Lisa Daugaard and the latest Washington state news.

#September11 #NeverForget #911Anniversary #WashingtonState #ParentalRights #SCOTUS #Seattle #LEAD #PublicSafety #TaxpayerMoney #WashingtonNews #WashingtonPolitics #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Katie Wilson Pressed for Answers By Seattle Democrats + GOP Sounds Alarm Over $15 Billion Bridge Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing new pressure over public safety, former Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes' departure and the city's decision to keep surveillance cameras turned off around Pioneer Square and the Stadium District.

Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee Chair Bob Kettle is demanding greater transparency from Mayor Katie Wilson over Shon Barnes' exit as Seattle police chief. Kettle argues Barnes was effectively removed after Wilson asked him to resign and says the mayor should provide the City Council with her reasons. Wilson's office maintains Barnes resigned and says the City Charter requirement concerning reasons for dismissal does not apply.

The controversy comes as Seattle continues debating surveillance cameras, crime and public safety. The Seattle Police Officers Guild and Pioneer Square business leaders have called for cameras to be activated, arguing they could help police respond to crime and improve safety around downtown Seattle and the Stadium District. Mayor Wilson's administration says it is awaiting a review involving privacy and data concerns before making a final decision.

Also on Washington in Focus Daily: the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project connecting Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, is facing renewed taxpayer scrutiny as its projected price tag reaches as high as $15.2 billion.

Washington State Rep. John Ley is calling for a major reset of the Interstate Bridge Replacement project, arguing Washington and Oregon should scale the project to what the states can actually afford. The official I-5 bridge replacement estimate now ranges from $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion, with $14.4 billion being used for financial planning. The debate involves billions in taxpayer funding, light rail, tolling, federal transportation funding and the long-term cost of replacing the aging Interstate 5 Columbia River crossing.

Finally, a major Washington parental rights case is heading to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Parents challenging Washington state law involving runaway minors and gender-related services are asking the Supreme Court to reverse a Ninth Circuit ruling that prevented their lawsuit from moving forward on standing grounds. Oral arguments in International Partners for Ethical Care v. Ferguson are scheduled for December 7, 2026.

The case could determine whether the parents can proceed with their constitutional challenge to Washington's law and raises broader questions involving parental rights, runaway youth, gender identity, family authority and when parents have standing to challenge state policy in federal court.

Washington in Focus Daily covers Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, Shon Barnes, the Seattle Police Department, Seattle surveillance cameras, Pioneer Square public safety, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project, Washington and Oregon transportation spending, the $15 billion I-5 bridge, Rep. John Ley, SCOTUS, Washington parental rights and the latest Washington state news and politics.

#Seattle #KatieWilson #SeattlePolice #WashingtonState #InterstateBridge #SCOTUS #ParentalRights #PublicSafety #SeattleNews #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonNews #TaxpayerMoney #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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