The IMPACT

This week, we explore state and national discussions surrounding AI regulation. The episode covers recent legislation and reported AI-testing incidents that put safety concerns in the spotlight. The segment features an interview with Aaron Scher of the California-based Machine Intelligence Research Institute.

A notorious pest has arrived in Washington which threatens to decimate the state's population of ash trees. We look at the response to the emerald ash borer invasion and explore how Washington monitors invasive species more broadly.

Could state-owned land help solve Washington's affordable housing shortage? A bipartisan group of lawmakers met with homebuilders in the Tri-Cities earlier this month to look at that question and debate how environmental rules and growth boundaries factor into production challenges and costs. Lt. Gov. Denny Heck joins us to discuss the tour and the takeaways. 

his week we dive into the debate over Initiative 645. It’s an effort to repeal Washington’s new 9.9% state income tax on household income above $1 million. Featured interviews:  I-645 supporter - Jamie Herrera Beutler, Former U.S. CongresswomanI-645 opponent - April Sims, Washington State Labor Council President

Fifteen years ago, lawmakers endorsed a new model of higher ed for working adults that measures competence, not credit hours. The result was Washington's first state-endorsed nonprofit online university. With 50,000 degrees awarded to state residents since then, what does the future hold for WGU Washington? Guest: Tonya Drake, Regional Vice President, Western Governors University

As the state’s long term care program enters the benefits phase, we’ll look at what families need to know about qualifying for help and how the WA Cares rollout stacks up to earlier safety-net program debuts. That segment features a panel discussion with DSHS Assistant Secretary Bea Rector and ESD’s director of insurance services, JR Richards. In other news, we'll highlight the latest tsunami scen...

Washington is taking on prediction-market operator Kalshi. State regulators say the event contracts offered on the platform clash with state gambling restrictions, but the company argues it's a federally regulated financial exchange.  Federal appeals courts have taken conflicting positions on the issue in different circuits. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown weighs on the legal battles playin...

The Washington State Patrol is pushing to work through a severe backlog of drug and alcohol blood test evidence at state toxicology labs that could jeopardize DUI prosecutions in Washington.  Assistant Division Commander Brian Capron joins us to discuss the backlog and the path forward.

State audits highlight alleged misuse of public funding that nearly drained one small town's bank account. From municipal cash withdrawals to missing equipment -- how can improper personal use of public resources sometimes go unnoticed for years?  Brandi Pritchard, director of the new Special Investigations Division of the Washington State Auditor’s Office, breaks down recent cases of alleged frau...

State lawmakers have taken a harder line on highway safety following a spike in roadway fatalities a few years ago. New laws target serial speeders and allow increased surveillance in high-intensity crash zones. Lawmakers also debated lowering the legal blood-alcohol limit to .05%.Shelly Baldwin, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, joins The Impact to talk about policy changes an...

What will new state laws mean in your city? Director of government relations for the Association of Washington Cities, Candice Bock, joins us to weigh in on notable changes in 2026. Later we'll highlight a new podcast series exploring some of the most interesting features of Washington history. 

A comprehensive look at two very different real estate market dynamics impacting Washington: a surplus of vacant office space available and an ongoing shortage of housing stock. Featuring Q&A with real estate economist Matthew Gardner.

A post-session, pre-primary look at some of the hottest topics in state government. Features panel interview with Sarah Mizes-Tan from KUOW/KNKX and Jerry Cornfield from the Washington State Standard.

The entire Washington state House and roughly half of the state Senate will be on the ballot this fall, along with five of nine Washington Supreme Court positions, and all ten Congressional seats. We'll highlight battleground districts and competitive races drawing big money this year, as well as the state implications of a national redistricting debate. Panelists: WA Democrats Communications Dire...

What can we expect from the 2026 wildfire season? DNR’s Wildland Fire Division manager explains the implications of different environmental conditions, strategies for various situations, and evolving challenges for the wildland-urban interface. He also shares a personal perspective on the devastating losses from the 2023 Gray Fire in Spokane County.

A popular program that lets high school students earn free college credit is facing funding cuts in 2026. We'll dive into how Running Start works and what students stand to lose from the reductions. Guest: Jamie Traugott, director of student services and K12 alignment for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Washington's gray wolf population is on the rise again after rebounding from a year of losses. You’ll hear from state wolf biologist Trent Roussin about where they’re found in the greatest numbers and where they might be heading next. We'll also showcase a sanctuary for displaced wolves tucked away in Tenino.

Washington AG Nick Brown takes center stage on "The Impact" with Mike McClanahan for a one-on-one interview covering the latest consumer protection lawsuit over grocery prices, his agency's role in crafting the contentious 'millionaires tax,' and its approach waging courtroom warfare against the Trump administration. It's an in-depth look at the legal battles shaping the state's future. 

A 2025 policy shift at DNR set aside tens of thousands of acres of structurally complex forests and older trees. Celebrated by some groups and criticized by others, the change has sparked debate over the future of timber-dependent counties, rural jobs, biodiversity, and how Washington manages older trees that aren't yet old growth. We explore different perspectives on the issue with Heath Heikkila...

As we head into warmer months, representatives of Washington tribes and environmental groups are speaking out about wildfire resilience funding cuts. Interview guests: Skippy Shaw, Washington state government relations director for The Nature Conservancy and Cody Desautel, executive director of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

Exploring popular majors and enrollment trends across Washington’s public universities. Featuring an interview featuring Ruben Flores, head of the state’s Council of Presidents, which represents the state’s six public four-year universities and colleges.

How expensive is living in Washington? A new study suggests prices have risen faster in the Evergreen State in recent years than anywhere else in the country. Interviews include Washington Roundtable president Rachel Smith and CEO Marc Casale of the Kinetic West consulting firm.

Lawmakers adjourned without creating a new funding stream for public defense, while a state supreme court mandate is expected to dramatically increase the cost. Thurston County's public defense director joins the executive director of the Washington State Association of Counties to weigh in on funding needs and uncertainties.

Advances in artificial intelligence are fueling a new wave of sophisticated scams targeting consumers. Two top state financial watchdogs, Ali Higgs and Faith Anderson from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, explain how the state is fighting back -- and what you can do to protect yourself.

Taxes, consumer protection, and policing - a recap of the big stories of 2026 as the legislative session comes to a close. The latest on a statewide overhaul of curbside recycling. Then a behind the scenes look at Teach with TVW programs to help students understand state government and learn how their own voices fit in.