The IMPACT

TVW
  • 5.0 (1)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by Mike McClanahan, The Impact is TVW’s weekly news show, covering decisions at the State Capitol and how they impact you.

  1. 12/09/2025

    Comparing College Savings Plans from December 10, 2025

    The Impact breaks down the two major 529 options for college savings in Washington: the GET (Guaranteed Education Tuition) plan and WA529 Invest, a market-based savings portfolio. Luke Minor, Senior Director of Postsecondary Affordability for the Washington Student Achievement Council, offers practical guidance for families who aren’t sure where to begin.

    25 min

  2. 12/03/2025

    The Impact -- From the Newsroom to the State Capitol: Jesse Jones in New Role from December 3, 2025

    From chasing stories to leading change, The Impact interviews former investigative reporter Jesse Jones about his new role as director of Your Washington, the state government improvement unit.

    25 min

  3. 11/19/2025

    AI, Data, and Transparency: Tech Officials Chart Government’s Next Moves from November 19, 2025

    This is a special edition of The Impact taped on-location at the Washington Digital Government Summit in Tacoma, organized by GovTech magazine. The episode features a panel discussion with state, city, and county-level technology leaders answering questions about the use of artificial intelligence in government decision making, workforce displacement, and oversight. The panel also explored the privacy implications of smart infrastructure— such as vehicle-tracking sensors— and efforts to promote digital equity in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Panelists: Jake Hammock, Seattle Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)Bill Kehoe, WaTech Director and Washington State Chief Information Officer (CIO)Stephen Heard, interim Chief Information Officer for King County Information Technology

    25 min

  4. 11/13/2025

    Wolf Conflicts and Owl Removals from November 12, 2025

    From wolf conflicts to owl culls — inside Washington’s toughest wildlife decisions. Guest: Julia Smith, WDFW's endangered species recovery manager

    25 min

  5. 11/06/2025

    Election Signals and a Social Media Ad Showdown from November 5, 2025

    Political writers wade into early returns from the fall election, and what that says for the direction of the legislature next year.   "We had a record package of tax increases in the legislature this year. The majority Democrats paid no price at the ballot box," said Paul Queary,  Washington Observer.  "I would look for this session for folks who have been hiding things in their back pocket that they didn't use to try to balance the budget last time,” said Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard.We also cover the automatic voter registration system error discovered in two counties.Then, we look at why Instagram and Facebook’s parent company, Meta, is in a showdown with the state  over Washington’s campaign ad laws.

    25 min

  6. 10/29/2025

    Earthquakes from October 29, 2025

    A new study points to major PNW earthquakes potentially triggering California earthquakes and vice-versa. DNR earthquakes expert Alex Steely breaks down the potential link between the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the San Andreas fault.Later, we cover "sonic boom" earthquakes, the Seattle fault nightmare scenario, and why so many Washington buildings are vulnerable to shaking.   Guest: Alex Steely, Assistant Director of Geologic Hazards and Mapping at the Washington Department of Natural Resources Other topics:A constitutional amendment on the ballot would allow the state's long-term care program funding to be invested in stocks.Good news and bad news about traffic after a spate of big truck bridge collisions.

    25 min

  7. 10/22/2025

    A Call for Civil Discourse from October 22, 2025

    Exploring political violence and the decline of civil discourse. Q&A with Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck about his work on developing strategies to promote healthy debate in society.

    25 min

  8. 10/16/2025

    Water Rights Adjudication from October 15, 2025

    Historic surface water restrictions hit the Yakima Basin as a monumental water rights lawsuit gets underway in Whatcom County. Department of Ecology Water Resources Program lead, Ria Berns talks through the rationale and what to expect. Then hear what local stakeholders, are saying about the adjudication.

    25 min
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About

Hosted by Mike McClanahan, The Impact is TVW’s weekly news show, covering decisions at the State Capitol and how they impact you.

Information

  • Creator
    TVW
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    194
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright TVW
  • Show Website
    The IMPACT

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