Washington in Focus

The Center Square
  • 4.2 (33)
  • News
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 1d ago

    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 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.

  2. 3d ago

    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 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.

  3. 3d ago

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

  4. 5d ago

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

  5. Aug 4

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

  6. Aug 3

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

  7. Jul 29

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

  8. Jul 28

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

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4.2
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    The Center Square
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    537
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Center Square
  • Show Website
    Washington in Focus

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