Washington in Focus

Latest Episodes:

Business Leaders Rally Behind Income Tax Repeal + Seattle Program Faces Questions Over Results Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

A new analysis is raising questions about the effectiveness of Seattle’s LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) program, a model that has been replicated across Washington, the country and beyond. Washington Policy Center’s Eric Zimmerman argues that some widely cited claims involving recidivism, arrests, employment and other outcomes may not be supported by the underlying research. We also turn to Washington’s growing income tax repeal fight. At a Let's Go Washington campaign event, Olympia Master Builders President Gina Carlson explained why she believes the state’s new 9.9% tax on income above $1 million could affect business owners, retirement planning and generational wealth. The episode also revisits concerns that future lawmakers could expand the tax to additional income levels. Finally, the race for Washington’s 4th Congressional District moves toward November following the crowded August primary. Republican Amanda McKinney and her Democratic opponent discuss their competing visions for the heavily Republican Central Washington district as the general-election campaign begins. Washington in Focus Daily brings you the latest on Washington politics, public safety, taxes, elections and government accountability. #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #WashingtonPolitics #Seattle #SeattleCrime #LEADProgram #PublicSafety #IncomeTax #IncomeTaxRepeal #WashingtonTaxes #I645 #WA04 #WashingtonElections #Election2026 #AmandaMcKinney #CenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Income Tax Repeal Faces Major Supreme Court Appeal + Washington Unemployment Fund Faces New Pressure Aug 10, 2026

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Washington's income tax repeal initiative is now headed toward the Washington Supreme Court after a Thurston County judge upheld the ballot's Public Investment Impact Disclosure (PIID). Supporters of Initiative 645 argue the ballot language is politically biased and factually inaccurate as the appeal moves forward. Also in today's episode, Let's Go Washington officially launches its statewide campaign supporting three November ballot initiatives: repealing the new income tax, restoring parental rights in schools, and protecting girls' sports. Finally, new data shows Washington has already paid more than $565,000 in unemployment benefits to striking workers under the state's new law, with concerns growing over the long-term impact on the unemployment insurance fund. Stories in this episode: Income Tax Initiative 645 appeal Washington Supreme Court challenge Ballot language controversy Let's Go Washington campaign kickoff Parents' Rights Initiative Protect Girls' Sports Initiative Washington unemployment benefits Striking workers Labor disputes Washington state politics Hashtags #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #Initiative645 #LetsGoWashington #ParentsRights #GirlsSports #WashingtonPolitics #Unemployment #LaborUnion #GovernmentAccountability #Election2026 #CenterSquare

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Spokane Wildfire Arson Suspect Arrested + Jay Inslee Faces Pushback Over Spokane Wildfire Comments Aug 04, 2026

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A suspect has been arrested on a first-degree arson charge in connection with Spokane County’s devastating Old Trails Fire. Authorities say alert citizens, body-camera footage and fire investigators helped detectives identify the suspect and build the case. The arrest is also fueling political fallout over the causes of the Spokane wildfires, as a law firm challenges former Gov. Jay Inslee’s argument that climate change contributed to the disaster. Finally, Washington voters head to the polls for the August 4 primary election, with major congressional, legislative and Washington Supreme Court races being narrowed to the top two candidates for November. Watch Washington in Focus Daily for the latest coverage of the Spokane wildfires, Washington politics, elections and government accountability. #SpokaneWildfires #ArsonArrest #JayInslee #WashingtonPrimary #ElectionDay #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonNews #Wildfire #ClimateChange #Spokane #WashingtonSupremeCourt #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Gov. Ferguson Meets With Trump Admin Over Wildfire Response + Seattle Police Shakeup Continues Aug 03, 2026

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Washington faces another difficult day as devastating wildfires continue burning across the Spokane region, destroying hundreds of homes and prompting Governor Bob Ferguson to seek additional federal disaster assistance. We also examine the nearly $700,000 severance package awarded to former Seattle Police Chief Shawn Barnes, including new questions surrounding Seattle police leadership. Finally, an escalating water rights dispute between Washington irrigators and the Department of Ecology highlights growing tensions over farm worker housing, groundwater permits, and state water policy. Get the latest Washington political, public safety, taxpayer, and policy news from Washington In Focus Daily. #WashingtonState #Spokane #Wildfires #Seattle #SPD #BobFerguson #WaterRights #Agriculture #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Washington Income Tax Repeal Fight Grows + WNBA Game Sparks Seattle Controversy Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Today's Washington in Focus Daily covers three major stories shaping politics and public policy across Washington. First, Let's Go Washington has officially appealed the ballot language that would accompany Initiative 645, arguing the Public Investment Impact Disclosure for the income tax repeal measure is inaccurate and should be revised before November's election. Next, controversy erupted during a Seattle Storm game after supporters of the Protect Girls Sports initiative said they were confronted by a team co-owner while attending the game in support of WNBA player Sophie Cunningham. Finally, with Washington's annual teacher union opt-out deadline approaching, the Teacher Freedom Alliance discusses why some educators are choosing to leave their unions and the services it says it provides as an alternative. The Washington Education Association's perspective is also noted where available. Stay up to date with Washington politics, elections, public policy and government accountability coverage from The Center Square.

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Seattle Officials Pressed on Response to Bite of Seattle + Election Officials On Ballot Security Jul 28, 2026

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Today's Washington in Focus Daily covers three major stories impacting public safety, elections and housing policy. First, pressure continues to build on Seattle leaders following the deadly Bite of Seattle shooting. New details have emerged as the Seattle police chief responds to questions about his absence during the incident and city officials continue to face scrutiny over their response. Next, King County Elections provides an update on early voter turnout ahead of Washington's August 4 primary and responds to questions about election integrity and voter registration. Finally, the Building Industry Association of Washington is urging residents to weigh in on proposed residential energy code changes, arguing the new requirements could further increase the cost of building new homes and reduce consumer energy choices. Stay informed with the latest Washington news, public policy and government accountability coverage from The Center Square.

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Bite of Seattle Shooting Leads To Questions Over City Response + Is Socialism On The Rise In WA? Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Today's Washington in Focus Daily covers three major developments affecting public safety, elections and state politics. First, we examine the deadly shooting at Seattle's Bite of Seattle festival that left three people dead and several others injured. The tragedy is prompting questions about the city's public safety response and the timing of official updates. Next, a new lawsuit challenges the ballot language that will accompany Initiative 645, the measure asking voters whether to repeal Washington's newly enacted income tax. The case argues the required ballot disclosure is unconstitutional and should be reviewed before the November election. Finally, with the August 4 primary just days away, we break down several key races, including competitive congressional contests and multiple Washington Supreme Court elections that could shape the state's political landscape. Stay informed with the latest reporting on Washington politics, public safety and government accountability.

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Seattle Faces $175 Million Budget Deficit + Lawsuit Challenges Washington's Rent Control Laws Jul 22, 2026

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Washington's rent control law is facing one of its biggest legal tests yet as manufactured housing owners challenge the constitutionality of the state's rent cap in Spokane County Superior Court. Plaintiffs argue the law unfairly imposes a stricter 5% annual cap on manufactured housing communities than other rental properties, discouraging investment and worsening Washington's housing shortage. Supporters of the law maintain the rent caps protect tenants from excessive rent increases and housing instability. Also in today's episode, Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle is calling for significant budget reforms as the city prepares for a projected $175 million budget deficit in 2027. Kettle argues Seattle should reevaluate spending priorities, streamline government and focus on long-term fiscal sustainability rather than continuing to expand programs. Watch Washington in Focus Daily for in-depth reporting on Washington housing, local government, taxes, budgets and public policy. Washington In Focus Daily, 07.22.26 #WashingtonPolitics #RentControl #HousingPolicy #Seattle #Budget #WashingtonNews #TaxpayerAccountability #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Washington Companies Leave The State Amid Tax Concerns + $34 Billion For Dam Removal? Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Washington business leaders are warning that rising taxes, regulations and economic uncertainty are making it increasingly difficult to grow and invest in the state. At the Association of Washington Business Economic Future Solutions Summit, executives from multiple industries described rising costs, expansion into neighboring states and concerns over Washington's long-term business climate. Also in this episode, a new estimate from the Washington Policy Center suggests replacing the electricity generated by the four Lower Snake River dams could cost more than $34 billion—far exceeding the cost of the state's new $800,000 study examining replacement options. The estimate does not include additional transportation or transmission infrastructure costs. Finally, Washington Supreme Court candidate Myers says attorneys and judges should embrace artificial intelligence as a productivity tool, provided that humans remain responsible for verifying information and making all final legal decisions. Watch Washington in Focus Daily for in-depth reporting on Washington politics, business, public policy, energy and the courts. #WashingtonBusiness #WashingtonPolitics #SnakeRiverDams #EnergyPolicy #SupremeCourt #ArtificialIntelligence #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Climate Commitment Act Funds New Environmental Study + Federal Way Sees Double-Digit Crime Declines Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Washington state is moving forward with an $800,000 taxpayer-funded study examining how to replace the clean energy generated by the four Lower Snake River dams—even after President Donald Trump revoked the Biden administration's effort to remove them. The study, funded through Washington's Climate Commitment Act, will evaluate what it would cost to replace the dams' power production and transportation infrastructure if they were ever removed. Critics argue the study is unnecessary because the ultimate decision rests with the federal government. Also in this episode, new crime data from Federal Way show major reductions in several categories, including an 80% drop in motor vehicle thefts since 2023. Mayor Jim Ferrell credits the improvements in part to Washington's restored police pursuit law, while acknowledging that law enforcement agencies continue to struggle with staffing shortages. Finally, prison reform advocate Ginny Burton has begun a 300-mile walk across Washington to raise awareness and funding for the OUT Impact Coalition. Burton says her rehabilitation program helps incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives before release, reducing recidivism while saving taxpayers money compared with repeated incarceration. Watch for continuing coverage of Washington politics, public safety, energy policy and taxpayer issues from The Center Square. #WashingtonPolitics #SnakeRiverDams #PublicSafety #FederalWay #Crime #PrisonReform #EnergyPolicy #TaxpayerAccountability #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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