Washington in Focus

Latest Episodes:

Tyson Plant Sale Highlights WA’s Struggling Economy + Seattle Democrats Turn On Mayor Katie Wilson Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

Tyson Foods is looking to sell its Pasco-area beef processing facility, raising new concerns about the future of Washington agriculture and food processing. The facility handles roughly 2,000 cattle per day and processes most of the fed cattle in the Pacific Northwest. Washington cattle industry leaders say the announcement sent immediate shockwaves through the market while stressing that the plant remains operational as Tyson searches for a buyer. The development comes as farmers continue raising concerns about Washington’s high production costs, taxes and regulatory environment. Meanwhile, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing growing pressure over public safety. Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle is questioning the mayor’s approach to crime, prostitution and gun violence along North Aurora Avenue as recent polling shows Wilson’s support falling sharply — including among progressives and liberal Democrats. And Sound Transit is pushing the expected opening of the West Seattle Link extension back another three years to 2035. The project was originally promised for 2030 when voters approved Sound Transit 3 in 2016. The latest delay comes as the agency works through a nearly $35 billion gap in its long-range financial plan. Watch Washington in Focus Daily for the latest on Washington politics, government accountability, taxes, business, public safety and transportation. #Washington #WashingtonPolitics #WAPolitics #TysonFoods #WashingtonFarmers #Agriculture #KatieWilson #Seattle #SeattleCrime #SeattlePolitics #SoundTransit #WestSeattle #LightRail #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Faces Polling Disaster + Income Tax Repeal Fight Back to WA Supreme Court Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing another troubling poll, with new Seattle Metro Chamber numbers showing her favorability falling from 57% in April to just 37%. Public safety appears to be a major concern as Wilson faces scrutiny over violent crime, the departure of Police Chief Shon Barnes, surveillance policy and an active recall effort.

Meanwhile, the legal battle over Washington’s income tax repeal initiative continues. The Washington State Supreme Court has agreed to have a panel consider Arthur West’s emergency motion challenging the Public Investment Impact Disclosure that will appear alongside Initiative 645. West and Washington GOP Chairman Jim Walsh argue the disclosure could mislead voters about the fiscal impact of repealing the state’s new income tax.

And with five Washington Supreme Court seats on the November ballot, candidate Scott Edwards is challenging what he calls the state’s “resign and appoint” model for filling judicial vacancies. Justice Colleen Melody, who was appointed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, pushes back on concerns that gubernatorial appointments compromise judicial independence.

Washington In Focus Daily breaks down the polling, the latest income tax court battle and the growing debate over who should shape Washington’s highest court.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Income Tax Repeal Loses Supreme Court Challenge + Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s Favorability Plunges Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

A longtime Seattle Times sportswriter has resigned after editors declined to publish his column featuring two Washington female athletes who oppose competing against biological males. Matt Calkins, who spent 11 years at The Seattle Times, spoke with Washington In Focus Daily after his resignation story went viral. Calkins discussed why the rejected column became his final straw and argued that there is a disconnect between newsrooms and the general public. Meanwhile, the Washington Supreme Court has rejected an appeal challenging the Public Investment Impact Disclosure statement that will accompany Initiative 645, the November ballot measure seeking to repeal Washington's new income tax. Critics argue the disclosure could influence how voters perceive the financial consequences of repealing the tax. And Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing another difficult poll. New results show her favorability falling sharply from April as public safety remains a major concern among Seattle voters. Wilson is also facing a recall petition, with a court hearing approaching. Washington In Focus Daily breaks down all three stories and what they could mean heading into Washington's November election. #SeattleTimes #KatieWilson #WashingtonState #WAPolitics #SeattleNews #WashingtonNews #GirlsSports #IncomeTax #I645 #SeattlePolitics #WashingtonSupremeCourt #PublicSafety #TheCenterSquare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seattle Times Faces PDC Complaint Over Climate Coverage + Economists Question WA Unemployment Drop Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

New political disclosure complaints are escalating Washington's battle over ballot initiatives and campaign activity. Radio host Ari Hoffman, acting as a private citizen, has filed a Public Disclosure Commission complaint involving the Seattle Times and several organizations, alleging that coverage surrounding the 2024 campaign over Initiative 2117 and the Climate Commitment Act amounted to undisclosed political activity. The organizations named in the complaint had not responded to The Center Square's requests for comment by the time the episode was recorded. Meanwhile, Arthur West has filed a separate PDC complaint targeting Washingtonians for Ethical Government, alleging the organization should have registered as a political committee. That organization was behind the earlier complaint involving Let’s Go Washington and podcaster Brandi Kruse. Also today, questions are being raised about workplace conditions at Seattle's Plymouth Housing, with state and federal workplace-safety officials being asked to investigate potential employee exposure to drug-related hazards. Finally, Washington received some positive economic news: the state's unemployment rate declined from 5.2% to 5.0%, with 21,100 seasonally adjusted jobs added in July. But questions remain about whether some recent hiring connected to Seattle's World Cup activity will prove temporary. Washington In Focus Daily breaks down the latest developments. #SeattleTimes #WashingtonPolitics #PDC #Seattle #ClimateCommitmentAct #WashingtonState #SeattleNews #PlymouthHousing #Homelessness #WashingtonEconomy #Unemployment #WAJobs #WApolitics #WashingtonNews #WashingtonInFocus #TheCenterSquare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Faces Brutal Poll Numbers Amid Recall Effort + WA Gender Laws Under Fire Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

A major Washington girls sports and Title IX battle is back in federal court as a Puyallup-area high school wrestler challenges policies allowing biological males to compete against female athletes. The student and her mother are suing the school district, the WIAA and others following an alleged sexual assault during a wrestling match last December. Another Washington legal battle is gaining new life after a U.S. Supreme Court decision involving restrictions on counselors discussing gender identity and sexuality with minor clients. Washington counselor Brian Tingley is challenging the state law on First Amendment grounds, and a preliminary injunction now protects him while the case moves forward. Meanwhile, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing troubling new polling numbers amid an attempted recall and continuing scrutiny over public safety. A Change Washington poll cited in the episode finds 66% of Seattle voters disapprove of Wilson’s job performance, while 60% say she should resign or be removed from office. Washington In Focus Daily breaks down the lawsuits, the political implications and what these developments could mean for Washington voters. #WashingtonState #WashingtonPolitics #WApolitics #Seattle #KatieWilson #SeattleMayor #SeattleRecall #SeattlePolitics #Puyallup #GirlsSports #TitleIX #TransgenderAthletes #WIAA #FreeSpeech #FirstAmendment #WashingtonNews #Election2026 #PublicSafety #WashingtonInFocus #TheCenterSquare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brandi Kruse Issues Blistering Warning to Media Outlets + State Investigates We Heart Seattle Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

A Washington campaign-finance dispute involving Let’s Go Washington and Undivided host Brandi Kruse is escalating as the Public Disclosure Commission continues reviewing a complaint alleging Kruse's advocacy for ballot initiatives should be treated as an in-kind political contribution. Sammamish City Councilmember Pam Stuart, who filed the complaint, argues the issue is about transparency, while Kruse is warning the case could have far-reaching consequences for political commentary and media organizations across Washington. Meanwhile, We Heart Seattle founder Andrea Suarez is facing a Washington Labor & Industries investigation involving the handling of used needles and other drug paraphernalia her organization removes from Seattle parks, sidewalks and public spaces. Suarez calls the investigation government overreach, while L&I says organizations using employees to handle used sharps must comply with worker-safety requirements. Finally, the race for Position 5 on the Washington State Supreme Court is taking shape ahead of November. Challenger Dave Larson argues the state's highest court has become too activist and involved in public policy, while incumbent Justice Theo Angelis says judges must remain independent, nonpartisan and focused on deciding cases based on the law and facts. Washington In Focus Daily breaks down all three developing stories. #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #WashingtonPolitics #WApolitics #BrandiKruse #LetsGoWashington #PDC #FreeSpeech #CampaignFinance #WeHeartSeattle #AndreaSuarez #Seattle #SeattleNews #DrugCrisis #GovernmentOverreach #PublicSafety #WashingtonSupremeCourt #DaveLarson #TheoAngelis #Election2026 #GovernmentAccountability #WashingtonInFocus #TheCenterSquare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brandi Kruse & Let’s Go Washington Face Investigation + King County Overdose Deaths Hit Record High Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

A Washington Public Disclosure Commission investigation involving Let’s Go Washington and podcaster Brandi Kruse is moving forward, raising questions about where political commentary ends and campaign advertising begins. Kruse and Let’s Go Washington founder Brian Heywood deny any payment arrangement and argue the complaint threatens protected political speech. Meanwhile, a nearly decade-long water-rights battle between a Grant County family farm and the Washington Department of Ecology is heading to the Washington Supreme Court. Ron and Robin Foti say the fight has devastated their farming operation, while the National Federation of Independent Business is backing their case over concerns about government regulation and small businesses. Plus, King County recorded 19 drug-related deaths over a five-day period — the highest weekly number since The Center Square began tracking the data in May — including the death of a 15-year-old girl. The numbers are renewing debate over Washington's approach to addiction, drug enforcement and taxpayer-funded programs. Watch Washington in Focus Daily for continuing coverage of Washington politics, government accountability, public safety, taxes, agriculture and the 2026 election. #WashingtonState #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonNews #BrandiKruse #LetsGoWashington #PDC #FreeSpeech #Election2026 #WashingtonElection #WaterRights #WashingtonFarmers #WAEcology #WashingtonSupremeCourt #Agriculture #SmallBusiness #KingCounty #Seattle #DrugCrisis #OverdoseCrisis #PublicSafety #GovernmentAccountability #WApolitics #WashingtonInFocus #CenterSquare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Recall Effort Intensifies + Income Tax Repeal Hits State Supreme Court Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing a recall effort as criticism grows over public safety, the city's response to the Bite of Seattle shooting and the resignation of Police Chief Shawn Barnes. Seattle Police Guild President Kent Loux reacts to the filing and calls it a potential “wake-up call” for the mayor's office. Meanwhile, Seattle's LEAD diversion program is facing renewed scrutiny following a Washington Policy Center analysis questioning claims surrounding the program's results. Loux weighs in on whether diversion programs provide enough accountability for drug-related crime. Washington's parental rights debate is also attracting national attention as voters prepare to decide Initiative 26-001 in November. Parents Rights in Education Executive Director Suzanne Gallagher explains why her organization is watching Washington's fight over parental involvement in schools. And the battle over Washington's new income tax continues as the state Supreme Court expedites a challenge involving the ballot language for Initiative 645. The Washington GOP and former Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders are weighing in as the court prepares to consider the appeal. It's all on today's Washington in Focus Daily. #Seattle #KatieWilson #SeattleMayor #SeattleCrime #SeattlePolice #PublicSafety #WashingtonState #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonNews #LEADProgram #ParentalRights #WashingtonSchools #IncomeTax #WashingtonIncomeTax #IncomeTaxRepeal #Initiative645 #WASupremeCourt #Election2026 #WashingtonInFocus #CenterSquare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Faces Recall Challenge + Ferguson Accused Of Playing Partisan Games Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is facing a recall challenge as questions continue to mount over public safety, the deadly Bite of Seattle shooting and the resignation of former Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes. Two Seattle residents filed recall charges accusing Wilson of failing to fulfill her responsibilities on public safety. The mayor's office says the effort does not appear to have merit and that Wilson remains focused on making Seattle safer and more affordable. Also, scrutiny of Seattle's LEAD crime diversion program continues following a Washington Policy Center analysis challenging claims about the program's results. We Heart Seattle founder Andrea Suarez shares her criticism of LEAD and describes what she says she's witnessed firsthand on Seattle's streets. Finally, Washington State Rep. Jenny Graham speaks out after losing her home in the devastating Spokane fires. Graham is questioning election rules she says prevent her from reaching out to constituents during the emergency and is calling for a special legislative session as questions grow about Washington's handling of the accused arsonist. We're breaking down the latest developments from Seattle, Spokane and across Washington state on Washington in Focus Daily. #Seattle #SeattleNews #KatieWilson #SeattleMayor #SeattleRecall #SeattlePolitics #SeattlePolice #PublicSafety #LEAD #SeattleCrime #WashingtonNews #WashingtonPolitics #Spokane #SpokaneFires #JennyGraham #BobFerguson #WashingtonState #WashingtonInFocus #CenterSquare

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mayor Wilson Faces New Scrutiny Over Seattle Police Chief + Shakeup Hits Spokesman-Review Newsroom Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

Seattle's public safety policies are facing renewed scrutiny as city leaders demand answers from Mayor Katie Wilson over the fallout from the Bite of Seattle shooting and the departure of former Police Chief Shon Barnes.

Seattle City Council members pressed the mayor's office over the roughly five-hour delay before the initial press conference following the deadly shooting and questioned the lack of information surrounding Barnes' resignation. Mayor Wilson has asked Seattle's Office of Inspector General to conduct a review.

Meanwhile, new scrutiny is surrounding Seattle's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, or LEAD, program after a Washington Policy Center analysis challenged some claims about the program's success. LEAD co-creator Lisa Daugaard responds to the criticism and addresses questions about recidivism, employment and the goals of the diversion program.

Also in today's Washington In Focus Daily: the devastating Spokane wildfires have left more than 50 students at one elementary school without their homes just weeks before classes begin, while the Spokesman-Review faces a major newsroom shakeup after its executive editor was placed on administrative leave.

Watch Washington In Focus Daily for the latest on Seattle public safety, Washington politics, Spokane wildfire recovery and government accountability.

#Seattle #SeattleNews #SeattlePolitics #KatieWilson #SeattlePolice #SPD #PublicSafety #LEAD #Crime #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #WashingtonPolitics #Spokane #SpokaneFires #WashingtonWildfires #CenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected