PODCAST · news
Washington in Focus
by The Center Square
The podcast bringing you the most important stories out of Washington from TheCenterSquare.com. Join us as we dive into the top headlines and provide insightful commentary and analysis.
Episodes
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Income Tax Debate Heats Up Ahead of Repeal Vote + WA Mayors Press Ferguson Over State Drug Policies
Washington's 9.9% income tax faces a major repeal vote as supporters and opponents clash over Initiative 645. Meanwhile, Washington Supreme Court candidates answer questions about voter initiatives, and 13 mayors urge Gov. Bob Ferguson to rethink the state's approach to fentanyl addiction....
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JD Vance Targets Microsoft Over H-1B Visas & American Worker Layoffs + Perez & Braun Clash WA Debate
Vice President JD Vance is targeting Microsoft over alleged H-1B visa abuse and American worker layoffs, announcing a suspension of the company's PERM labor-certification processing amid a federal investigation. Microsoft is pushing back against the administration's claims. JD VANCE TARGETS...
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Income Tax Sparks Confusion Over Rules & Enforcement + WA May Miss Out on $700M in Education Funding
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is still deciding whether to join a new federal education tax credit program that supporters estimate could bring more than $700 million annually to Washington students. Meanwhile, Washington's 9.9% income tax faces new questions, and the Tacoma Urban League confirms...
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Seattle Business Taxes Soar as City Loses Jobs + WA Group Sues New York Over New Union Speech Law
A Washington high-school wrestler is asking the U.S. Supreme Court for emergency relief in a major girls sports and Title IX case, while Seattle business leaders are sounding the alarm over the city's growing tax burden and the Freedom Foundation is suing New York over a new union-related...
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Jay Inslee Takes On Oil Companies at U.S. Supreme Court + Judge Rules Sheriff Laws Unconstitutional
Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is taking aim at the oil and gas industry as the U.S. Supreme Court hears a major climate-change case that could affect lawsuits against fossil-fuel companies across the country. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in Suncor Energy v. Boulder County, a...
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Puget Sound Energy Customers Push Back on Proposed Rate Hikes + Family Farm Takes WA Ecology
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…
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WA Income Tax Repeal Could Leave Other Tax Breaks Intact + Ferguson Asks Trump for FEMA Aid
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…
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WA Supreme Court Ruling Could Put New Income Tax at Risk + Sheriff Law Faces Major Court Ruling
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…
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Seattle Democrats SLAM Katie Wilson's Gun Violence Plan + New Initiative Targets Court Transparency
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…
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PDC Dismisses Complaint Against Let's Go Washington & Brandi Kruse + Boeing Workers Vote on Contract
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...
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WA Daycare Fraud Concerns Grow After New Investigation + Seattle Democrats Split On Crime
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…
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Critics WA's Warn Income Tax Will Crush Business + Katie Wilson Scales Back Seattle Homeless Promise
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...
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42,000 Union Workers Reach Contract Agreement + WA Businesses Blame Closures on Crime & Homelessness
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...
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$100M Later, Seattle Crime Program Faces Major Questions + WA Parental Rights Fight Heads to SCOTUS
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…
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Katie Wilson Pressed for Answers By Seattle Democrats + GOP Sounds Alarm Over $15 Billion Bridge
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...
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Seattle Police Guild Blasts Mayor Katie Wilson + Wrestler Takes Girls Sports Case to Federal Court
Seattle public safety is facing renewed scrutiny after three separate shootings in the Belltown neighborhood left three people dead and three others injured, with no arrests announced in connection with the killings at the time of this episode. Seattle Police Officers Guild President Kent Lou is...
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Seattle Violence: 3 Dead, 3 Injured as Police Face Questions + WA Unions Slam Gov. Bob Ferguson
Three people are dead and three others injured after a violent holiday weekend in Seattle, raising new questions about public safety, street takeovers, gun violence and the Seattle Police Department's response to crime. Three separate shootings occurred in Seattle's Belltown area over the…
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Income Tax Fight Heads to Voters After 4-4 Supreme Court Split + The End of Elected Sheriffs?
The Washington State Supreme Court has deadlocked in a major legal battle over Initiative 645, the November ballot measure seeking to repeal Washington state's new income tax. A 4-4 split by the Washington Supreme Court leaves the Public Investment Impact Disclosure, or PIID, written by Attorney...
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Iconic Seattle Business Closing as Owner Sounds Alarm on Rising Costs + WA Media Lawsuit Settled
A major Washington media lawsuit has reached a settlement in a fight over press freedom and access to state lawmakers, while an iconic Seattle restaurant is closing after more than 50 years as its owner blames rising rent, labor costs, taxes, construction and other pressures facing small...
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Washington Income Tax Repeal Gets Major Backing + Seattle Faces Legal Threat Over Race-Based Policy
Washington’s income tax repeal fight is escalating as Initiative 645 heads toward the November ballot and the Washington State Supreme Court considers a major challenge involving the ballot language voters will see. Former Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler is urging Washington voters to support...
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52,000 WA State Workers Go On Strike + Iconic Seattle Business Closes Due To Rising Costs
Seattle Public Schools could delay the start of classes as the Seattle teacher union and school district remain locked in contract negotiations, while another Washington public-sector union fight is escalating and an iconic Seattle restaurant is preparing to close its doors. Seattle Public…
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Statewide WA Worker Walkout Begins as Seattle Teacher Strike Looms + WA Child Welfare Law Under Fire
Washington state is facing growing labor unrest as thousands of public employees walk off the job and Seattle teachers move closer to a potential strike that could disrupt the start of school for roughly 50,000 students. Thousands of Washington public employees represented by the Washington...
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WA Supreme Court to Review Income Tax Repeal + New Energy Codes May Increase Housing Costs
Washington state's income tax repeal fight is heading back before the Washington Supreme Court as the battle over Initiative 645 and its controversial ballot language intensifies ahead of the November election. A panel of Washington Supreme Court justices is set to consider government…
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Seattle Teachers Authorize Strike Days Before School Starts + New Report Flags WA's Financial Risks
Seattle Public Schools could be headed toward a teacher strike just days before the new school year begins. The Seattle Education Association says 91% of voting members authorized a strike if an agreement isn't reached by September 1, potentially putting teachers on the picket line September 2.…
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WA Cares Tax Faces Scrutiny Over Benefits + Income Tax Fight Takes New Turn With Defamation Lawsuit
A legal battle is underway in Pierce County over a proposed charter amendment that would make the county sheriff an appointed rather than elected position. Sheriff Keith Swank opposes the proposal, while former Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag and other plaintiffs are suing in an effort to...
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Tyson Plant Sale Highlights WA’s Struggling Economy + Seattle Democrats Turn On Mayor Katie Wilson
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...
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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Faces Polling Disaster + Income Tax Repeal Fight Back to WA Supreme Court
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,...
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Income Tax Repeal Loses Supreme Court Challenge + Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s Favorability Plunges
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...
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Seattle Times Faces PDC Complaint Over Climate Coverage + Economists Question WA Unemployment Drop
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…
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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Faces Brutal Poll Numbers Amid Recall Effort + WA Gender Laws Under Fire
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...
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Brandi Kruse Issues Blistering Warning to Media Outlets + State Investigates We Heart Seattle
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...
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Brandi Kruse & Let’s Go Washington Face Investigation + King County Overdose Deaths Hit Record High
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...
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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Recall Effort Intensifies + Income Tax Repeal Hits State Supreme Court
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”…
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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Faces Recall Challenge + Ferguson Accused Of Playing Partisan Games
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...
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Mayor Wilson Faces New Scrutiny Over Seattle Police Chief + Shakeup Hits Spokesman-Review Newsroom
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...
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Business Leaders Rally Behind Income Tax Repeal + Seattle Program Faces Questions Over Results
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...
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Income Tax Repeal Faces Major Supreme Court Appeal + Washington Unemployment Fund Faces New Pressure
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...
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Spokane Wildfire Arson Suspect Arrested + Jay Inslee Faces Pushback Over Spokane Wildfire Comments
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...
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Gov. Ferguson Meets With Trump Admin Over Wildfire Response + Seattle Police Shakeup Continues
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...
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Washington Income Tax Repeal Fight Grows + WNBA Game Sparks Seattle Controversy
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...
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Seattle Officials Pressed on Response to Bite of Seattle + Election Officials On Ballot Security
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...
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Bite of Seattle Shooting Leads To Questions Over City Response + Is Socialism On The Rise In WA?
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...
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Seattle Faces $175 Million Budget Deficit + Lawsuit Challenges Washington's Rent Control Laws
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…
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Climate Commitment Act Funds New Environmental Study + Federal Way Sees Double-Digit Crime Declines
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…
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Washington Companies Leave The State Amid Tax Concerns + $34 Billion For Dam Removal?
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...
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Former Democratic Governors Warn Washington Has a Spending Problem + Did the World Cup Help Seattle?
Two former Democratic governors are raising serious concerns about Washington state spending, while business leaders, correctional officers and Seattle hotel operators report new challenges involving the state’s economy, public safety and World Cup results. Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke...
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Business Leaders SEND WARNING Over Washington Economy & Income Tax Repeal MAKES The November Ballot
Washington politics continues to heat up as the race for Congressional District 4 turns into a dispute over President Donald Trump's endorsement, with Republican candidates Amanda McKinney and Jerrod Sessler offering competing claims while Democrat John Zeller argues the Republican division could...
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New Poll Shows Washington Voters Reject Income Tax + Businesses Face Potential Utility Rate Hikes
A new statewide poll suggests Washington voters remain strongly opposed to the state's new income tax, while also expressing concerns about the direction of the state and Gov. Bob Ferguson's job performance. In this episode, we break down the latest polling showing opposition to the income tax,...
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Gov. Ferguson Launches Campaign To Defend Washington Income Tax + Income Tax Repeal Gains Momentum
Washington's battle over the state's new income tax officially entered a new phase as Gov. Bob Ferguson launched the campaign urging voters to reject Initiative 645, the measure that would repeal the recently enacted tax on high-income earners. In this episode, Ferguson outlines why supporters...
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Katie Wilson's Free School Lunch Proposal Faces Pushback + Mandatory AC For Rental Units?
Seattle's plan to provide free school lunches to every public school student is facing new political opposition as City Council President Joy Hollingsworth proposes redirecting some of the funding toward food security programs serving Black children. This episode also examines Spokane's proposal…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The podcast bringing you the most important stories out of Washington from TheCenterSquare.com. Join us as we dive into the top headlines and provide insightful commentary and analysis.
HOSTED BY
The Center Square
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Washington in Focus currently has 570 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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The podcast bringing you the most important stories out of Washington from TheCenterSquare.com. Join us as we dive into the top headlines and provide insightful commentary and analysis.
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Washington in Focus releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 570 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
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Washington in Focus is created and hosted by The Center Square.
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