Washington in Focus

Majority Democrats in Washington on Tuesday rolled out the much-anticipated income tax bill. Senate Bill 6346, with Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, as the prime sponsor, is being called by supporters the ‘millionaire’s tax’ as it’s a 9.9% tax on income over one million dollars. House Democrats advanced two proposals Monday that local officials fear could undo all the work Spokane...

Washington in Focus Daily | Friday Feb. 6th, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today’s show, income tax proposal sparks massive opposition, superintendent Chris Reykdal talks with Carleen about parental rights and girls sports initiatives, and bill to reduce medical debt interest rates moves...

Washington in Focus Daily | Thursday Feb. 5th, 2026 Carleen Johnson hosts The Washington in Focus Daily, a review of some of the top headlines concerning taxpayers in Washington State. On today’s show, state superintendent Chris Reykdal apposes federal tax credit for education, state insurance commissioner Patty Kruderer supports bill to make insurance fraud a felony and public records requests co...

(The Center Square) - The Washington State Senate advanced a proposal Wednesday that would prohibit all law enforcement from wearing masks with many immigration agents wearing face coverings they say they need to protect them from harassment and doxxing. Gov. Bob Ferguson announced his support for the idea earlier this month as state Democrats proposed several bills that could impede federal immig...

(The Center Square) - A whistleblower who exposed alleged self-dealing within taxpayer-funded grant programs says Attorney General Nick Brown's staff still hasn't interviewed her, months after assigning an investigator. The allegations center around non-profits funded by the Washington State Community Reinvestment Program (CRP) and other race-based programs funded by taxpayers at the federal and s...

(The Center Square) - A bill that changes the state's initiative process was touted by supporters as stopping aggressive signature gatherers and wealthy special interests on Tuesday, but critics dubbed it "anti-Democratic" and an “initiative killer." The legislation-SB 5973- sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, would require a “demonstration of support before issuance of a ballot measure ti...

(The Center Square) - As the Washington legislative session continues discussions around bills to boost the housing supply, building industry advocates are warning that continued raids on an account meant to fund local infrastructure projects can undermine any new legislation. “Not only is this concerning for anyone looking for a place to call home, but it also means less revenue for state and loc...

(The Center Square) - A bill that changes the state's initiative process was touted by supporters as stopping aggressive signature gatherers and wealthy special interests on Tuesday, but critics dubbed it "anti-Democratic" and an “initiative killer." The legislation-SB 5973- sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, would require a “demonstration of support before issuance of a ballot measure ti...

Seattle city leaders continue to condemn U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis, Minn., earlier this month, while some of Washington’s conservative leaders warn the rhetoric could contribute to further civil unrest. Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday delivered...

(The Center Square) – As ongoing controversy persists over alleged fraud with Department of Children, Youth & Families Working Connections Childcare Program, Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental operating budget could increase the reimbursement rates for licensed home-based child care providers by 30%. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4...

(The Center Square) – Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday delivered his State of the State address before a joint session of state lawmakers on Day 2 of the 60-day legislative session that began Monday, spotlighting the state’s resiliency by highlighting the response to recent flooding and throwing his support behind a so-called “millionaire’s tax.” Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/frankli...

(The Center Square) – Seattle city leaders continue to condemn U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions following the fatal shooting of  37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis, Minn., earlier this month, while some of Washington’s conservative leaders warn the rhetoric could contribute to further civil unrest. Support this po...

(The Center Square) – The state Department of Ecology has admitted that a recent report on carbon emission reductions through projects financed by the Climate Commitment Act was “significantly inflated” by the Department of Commerce after one environmental analyst previously questioned the effectiveness of several projects. Commerce has now sent back revised figures. Support this podcast: https://...

(The Center Square) – As more is revealed about the potential daycare fraud within the Somali community in Washington state and the Department of Children, Youth & Families scrambles to respond, one large daycare provider is sharing his frustrations with The Center Square. On Monday, The Center Square visited several Somali-run home daycares in Federal Way, but found only one home with a few child...

(The Center Square) - The Washington State Auditor’s Office in recent years has concluded that the state Department of Children, Youth, and Families lacked adequate oversight over its child care subsidy program, according to audits obtained by The Center Square. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx   Read m...

(The Center Square) – As more is revealed about the potential daycare fraud within the Somali community in Washington state and the Department of Children, Youth & Families scrambles to respond, one large daycare provider is sharing his frustrations with The Center Square. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxx...

(The Center Square) – The Seattle Police Department has clarified that officers will continue to make arrests for drug-related charges when probable cause exists, with the City Attorney’s Office then determining next steps, including diversion to the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, or LEAD, program. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945...

(The Center Square) – Recent raids by the Department of Homeland Security in Minnesota over allegations of mass childcare center fraud has inspired scrutiny over similar licensed businesses in Washington state, while the state Department of Children, Youth & Family Services is encouraging individuals to report suspected fraud to a 24/7 hotline. Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/frank...

(The Center Square) – Selected communities in four Western Washington counties will receive a combined $6.58 million in federal funding for road safety improvements, as new data shows a decline in fatal and serious injury crashes in 2025. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., announced the federal grant awards to cities and Native tribes in King, Snohomish, Clark and Thurston counties through the U.S...

(The Center Square) – More than 2,100 registered nurses at Seattle Children’s Hospital have authorized a potential strike following a union vote. Registered nurses at Seattle Children’s Hospital voted Sunday and Monday on whether to authorize their bargaining team to call a strike. The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), which represents the striking nurses, wrote in a post on Monday that...

(The Center Square) – More than 2,100 registered nurses at Seattle Children’s Hospital have authorized a potential strike following a union vote. Registered nurses at Seattle Children’s Hospital voted Sunday and Monday on whether to authorize their bargaining team to call a strike. The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), which represents the striking nurses, wrote in a post on Monday that...

(The Center Square) - Even though the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has temporarily withdrawn its recently announced policy changes that threaten deep cuts to "Housing First" programs, the founder of a Seattle-based community group is confident the changes are coming. Andrea Suarez, who founded We Heart Seattle more than five years ago, said there’s “no need to wait” for f...

(The Center Square) – Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson’s senior staff includes figures from nonprofits and advocacy groups who have played influential roles in shaping city policy, meaning she and her team are navigating potential conflicts with city ethics laws. “This is a team that’s ready to get to work,” said Wilson in announcing her senior staff team earlier this month. Hosted by Simplecast,...

(The Center Square) - Members of the Department of Children Youth and Families Oversight Board met Wednesday to discuss proposed changes to legislation that critics say has led to an alarming increase in the numbers of children who have died in the Washington state welfare system in recent years. The board also discussed and ultimately rejected adding the secretary of DCYF or executive staff to th...

(The Center Square) – Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson’s senior staff includes figures from nonprofits and advocacy groups who have played influential roles in shaping city policy, meaning she and her team are navigating potential conflicts with city ethics laws. “This is a team that’s ready to get to work,” said Wilson in announcing her senior staff team earlier this month. Support this podcast:...