The IMPACT

 This fall voters will decide who'll lead the system serving 1.1 million public school students for the next four years. From school funding, to test scores, and disciplinary procedures – we cover a range of topics with OSPI candidates Chris Reykdal and David Olson.

An overview of the state's new cold case unit devoted to cases involving missing or murdered indigenous people. Then a look at a unique job opportunity for young adults to work on environmental projects. Guests: Chief Investigator Brian George, MMIWP Cold Case Unit and Rebecca Benjamin, Director of the Washington Conservation Corps

A look at what's new for Washington State Parks this summer, perennial favorite destinations, and tips for planning the best visit possible. We'll also highlight the work of the state agency which funds outdoor recreation projects of all sizes and a program to help disadvantaged kids experience the best of the outdoors in Washington.

A dispute over the water rights controlled by a soon to be shuttered power plant highlight the competing needs of at-risk fish and growing communities. Interviews: Centralia Public Works Manager Kim Ashmore and Earthjustice Attorney Janette Brimmer.

An overview of 2023 highway fatality trends with Washington Traffic Safety Commission Director Shelly Baldwin. Plus, a look at new legislation that expands the authority of local governments to use ticketing cameras to regulate intersections and enforce speed limits.

Ten years after the first charter school in Washington opened its doors in Seattle, a look at the tumultuous early steps and the most recent report card for charters. Guest: Jessica de Barros, Executive Director of the Washington Charter School Commission

An election focused panel discussion covering the contests to watch, the implications of redistricting, a wave of retirements, and a slate of ballot initiatives. Guests: Paul Queary, The Washington Observer and Jerry Cornfield, the Washington State Standard

A one-on-one sit down with Assistant Secretary Steve Nevey, the new head of Washington State Ferries, about his plans for the nation's largest ferry fleet and a system struggling with limited staff, mechanical problems, and construction delays for new ferries.

A detailed look at the forest wrecking caterpillars behind an emergency eradication campaign. Then a broad overview of efforts to stop invasive threats of all shapes and sizes, from plants that can cause serious sunburns to mussels that create a razor sharp blanket of shells. Q&A with Sven Spichiger, Pest Program Manager, Plant Protection Division, Washington State Department of Agriculture &a...

Why hospitals are hemorrhaging money, the Medicaid/long-term care conundrum, the consolidation debate, and the implications for healthcare delivery in Washington. Guest: Cassie Sauer, President and CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association

Are gray wolves heading to your neck of the woods? We dig into the latest numbers and dispersal trends for Washington's growing gray wolf population. Plus, a look at the federal government's plan to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades. Guest: Julie Smith, WDFW Endangered Species Recovery Section Manager

Inflation and job market trends in 2024. Q&A with Chief Labor Economist for the Employment Security Department, Anneliese Vance-Sherman.

What toxic chemicals are hiding in your household products? What about your car? A look at the state's efforts to reduce or eliminate high concern chemicals in consumer goods and the Safer Products for Washington Program. Guest: Marissa Smith, Senior Regulatory Toxicologist, Washington State Department of Ecology.

2024 wildfire season preview with Matt Dehr, Lead Meteorologist for the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

The debate over new standards to overhaul public defense and slash maximum caseloads for defenders. Guests: Larry Jefferson, Director of the Washington State Office of Public Defense and Eric Johnson, Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Counties.

A one-on-one interview with State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti covering new retirement savings legislation, the push for mandatory financial education in public schools, cannabis banking restrictions and more.

A review of the 2024 Legislative Session with a focus on revenue and tax legislation. Featuring a panel interview with Traci Underwood, interim co-Executive Director of the Economic Opportunity Institute and Paul Guppy, Vice President for Research at the Washington Policy Center.

Presidential primary takeaways, races to watch, and the political dynamics that will impact the big election this fall. Analysis from professional political consultants for democratic and republican campaigns. Guests: Sandeep Kaushik of Sound View Strategies and Justin Matheson of Axiom Strategies.

State Auditor Pat McCarthy reflects on the first year of her agency's new role auditing police use of deadly force investigations.

Bills that passed, bills that died, and bills still in the mix. A late session recap with analysis from a panel of state government reporters. Guests: Laurel Demkovich of the Washington State Standard and Ellen Dennis of The Spokesman-Review.

A look at legislation that would create a bottle deposit system in Washington with perspectives from both sides of the debate.

House transportation leaders weigh in on 2024 budget priorities, speed cameras, and more. Guests: House Transportation Committee Chair, Rep. Jake Fey (D-Tacoma) and Ranking Member, Rep. Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia).

From purchase terms and conditions to workplace safety and professional licensing, we take a look at the work of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee. Guests: Committee Chair Amy Walen (D-Kirkland) and Ranking Republican Member Eric Robertson (R-Sumner).

The debate over legislation that would leave Washington on Pacific Standard Time year-round. Guests: Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond) and Sen. Mike Padden (R-Spokane Valley)

From police tactics to sentencing guidelines, an overview of justice system related bills up for debate in the 2024 Legislative Session followed by a panel discussion featuring Enoka Herat with the ACLU of Washington and Steve Strachan with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.