Washington in Focus

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Weekend Edition | Seattle leaders condemn ICE & Gov. Ferguson champions 'millionaire's tax' Jan 17, 2026

Show notes

Seattle city leaders continue to condemn U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis, Minn., earlier this month, while some of Washington’s conservative leaders warn the rhetoric could contribute to further civil unrest. Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday delivered his State of the State address before a joint session of state lawmakers on Day 2 of the 60-day legislative session that began Monday, spotlighting the state’s resiliency by highlighting the response to recent flooding and throwing his support behind a so-called “millionaire’s tax.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WA DCYF child care reimbursement rates could increase by 30% from 2021 levels Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

(The Center Square) – As ongoing controversy persists over alleged fraud with Department of Children, Youth & Families Working Connections Childcare Program, Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental operating budget could increase the reimbursement rates for licensed home-based child care providers by 30%.

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Gov. Ferguson champions 'millionaire's tax' during State of the State address Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

(The Center Square) – Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday delivered his State of the State address before a joint session of state lawmakers on Day 2 of the 60-day legislative session that began Monday, spotlighting the state’s resiliency by highlighting the response to recent flooding and throwing his support behind a so-called “millionaire’s tax.”

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Seattle leaders condemn ICE; conservatives warn rhetoric could spark unrest Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

(The Center Square) – Seattle city leaders continue to condemn U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis, Minn., earlier this month, while some of Washington’s conservative leaders warn the rhetoric could contribute to further civil unrest.

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Ecology confirms Commerce ‘significantly inflated’ CCA emissions reductions Jan 10, 2026

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(The Center Square) – The state Department of Ecology has admitted that a recent report on carbon emission reductions through projects financed by the Climate Commitment Act was “significantly inflated” by the Department of Commerce after one environmental analyst previously questioned the effectiveness of several projects. Commerce has now sent back revised figures.

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Weekend Edition | 'Flabbergasted’ WA daycare owner frustrated over alleged Somali fraud in industry Jan 10, 2026

Show notes

(The Center Square) – As more is revealed about the potential daycare fraud within the Somali community in Washington state and the Department of Children, Youth & Families scrambles to respond, one large daycare provider is sharing his frustrations with The Center Square. On Monday, The Center Square visited several Somali-run home daycares in Federal Way, but found only one home with a few children inside. Others did not answer knocks on the front door, grew confrontational – calling the police, or conceded they don’t currently have children enrolled. "Anyone who's in the industry is, like, flabbergasted,” said daycare owner David McMullan, who also chairs the Pierce County Republicans. “How are they getting that money and we're not?” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WA SAO audits found inadequate DCYF oversight over child care subsidy program Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

(The Center Square) - The Washington State Auditor’s Office in recent years has concluded that the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families lacked adequate oversight over its child care subsidy program, according to audits obtained by The Center Square.

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'Flabbergasted’ WA daycare owner frustrated over alleged Somali fraud in industry Jan 08, 2026

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Seattle police: Arrests for drug use remain in place under clarified LEAD policy Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

(The Center Square) – The Seattle Police Department has clarified that officers will continue to make arrests for drug-related charges when probable cause exists, with the City Attorney’s Office then determining next steps, including diversion to the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, or LEAD, program.

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DHS raid over childcare center fraud draws spotlight on WA program Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

(The Center Square) – Recent raids by the Department of Homeland Security in Minnesota over allegations of mass childcare center fraud has inspired scrutiny over similar licensed businesses in Washington state, while the state Department of Children, Youth & Family Services is encouraging individuals to report suspected fraud to a 24/7 hotline.

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