The IMPACT

What will the 2025 Legislative Session look like based on this year's elections? A press panel highlights the issues to watch next year. Guests: Laurel Demkovich of the Washington State Standard and Paul Queary of The Washington Observer.

Professional political consultants break down the early returns from the 2024 election and what they could mean for the balance of power in Olympia. Guests: Sandeep Kaushik, Sound View Strategies and Justin Matheson, Axiom Strategies

This award-winning news program with host Mike McClanahan provides an up-close look at how government decisions in Olympia impact your daily life.

The Impact hosted a panel interview focused on Initiative 2066 to ban restrictions on natural gas service, featuring initiative supporter and BIAW Executive Vice President Greg Lane and No on I-2066 campaign representative Leah Missik, Washington Deputy Director of Climate Solutions.

An overview and panel discussion of Initiative 2117 would outlaw state imposed cap-and-trade policies to regulate carbon emissions. Panelists: I-2117 supporter Todd Myers, Vice President for Research at the Washington Policy Center and I-2117 opponent, Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, Democratic House Majority Leader.

This award-winning news program with host Mike McClanahan provides an up-close look at how government decisions in Olympia impact your daily life.

State Commissioner of Public Lands candidates Jaime Herrera Beutler and Dave Upthegrove.

This week we look at the debate over I-2124, the initiative to allow anyone to opt-out of the state's mandatory long-term care insurance program, WA Cares. Guests: I-2124 supporter Rep. Chris Corry and I-2124 opponent Rep. Nicole Macri.

Filing consumer protection lawsuits, defending state laws, and writing legal opinions for state officials or local prosecutors are a few of the duties of the Washington Attorney General. 2024 AG candidates Nick Brown and Pete Serrano joined host Mike McClanahan on The Impact for a panel interview covering a range of topics including their priorities and signature issues.

 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.