Washington in Focus

Washington is among 14 states that doesn’t have a parole system for releasing convicted felons prior to the end of their sentence. Under House Bill 1189 sponsored by Rep. David Hackney, D-Tukwila, that authority to commute sentences would still remain in the hands of the governor, though it would reshape the Clemency and Pardons Board, or CPB, in an effort to make the process more “equitable." Some critics say that will result in violent felons being released early and further erode public safety, with Rep. Jenny Graham, R-Spokane, telling colleagues on the House floor on March 4 that "this could very easily be the death of our justice system." Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Seattle Police Department is seeing small improvements in its recruitment compared to last year, but there is still a net loss of officers so far in 2023. From the beginning of 2023 through March 16, Seattle Police have hired 19 officers, which is nine more than last year’s year-to-date total of 10 hires. Notably, during the department’s presentation to the Public Safety and Human Services Committee on March 28, officer separation statistics were left out. However, a version of the presentation available online reveals that there was a net loss of 6 officers through March 16, 2023. That is an improvement over the 2022 year-to-date net loss of 28, but is not on pace to reach the city’s goal of a net gain of 500 officers in the next five years. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As Washington state continues to experience a fentanyl epidemic, a House bill aims to crack down on the mass production of fentanyl pills through the use of tableting machines. House Bill 1209 sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt, D-Lakewood, would make it a Class C felony for a person to misuse sell, buy, or use those machines for the purposes of producing illegal drugs. Unlike other potential legislation surrounding the prosecution of drug offenses, there’s little argument over this proposal, which cleared the House unanimously 95-0 on March 7. The number of drug overdose deaths has risen in Washington in recent years, especially in King County. In 2019, there were 422 drug overdose deaths. By 2022, that number had reached 1,033, with roughly 70% of them attributed to fentanyl. Three months into 2023, there have been almost 300 drug overdose deaths. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The City of Seattle is working to address a loss of tree canopy by proposing bills that would increase regulations, potentially affecting tree cutting services in the city. Seattle’s goal is to achieve 30% canopy coverage across the city by 2037. This goal is a result of a finding that from 2016 to 2021, the region had a relative decline in canopy cover of 1.7%, or 255 acres. Neighborhood residential areas had a net loss of 87 acres from 2016 to 2021, the most out of all Seattle land areas. Notably, neighborhood residential areas make up 39% of the city’s land area. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington State Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the state’s capital gains tax. The court released its 7-2 ruling on Friday morning. The state Legislature passed the capital gains tax in 2021, and Gov. Jay Inslee signed it into law. It creates a 7% tax on profits of more than $250,000 from the sale of some assets, such as stocks and bonds. Last March, Douglas County Superior Court Judge Brian Huber ruled the tax was “properly characterized as an income tax…rather than as an excise tax as argued by the State” and struck it down. The state constitution’s uniformity clause does not allow income to be taxed at different rates. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Seattle City Council is addressing a staffing shortage within the Seattle City Attorney’s Office by approving a memorandum of agreement that increases the pay of assistant city prosecutors by 20%. The city council voted 8-0 in favor of the ordinance on March 14. Earlier that day, staff members of the Seattle City Attorney’s Office said they were still working to fill staffing as it lost 12 prosecutors over the last two years. One of the biggest impacts the office cites is its ability to pay prosecutors a competitive salary. According to the report presented to councilmembers, the salary range for a city prosecutor is approximately $81,000 to $110,000 – lower than six other Western Washington cities. This includes Tacoma, Auburn, Bellevue, Renton, SeaTac and Redmond. Between city prosecutors, public defenders and county prosecutors, Seattle city attorneys remain competitive with their salaries up until five years of experience where the average is around $100,000, according to the office’s report. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Angie Dowell’s fight to keep the man who murdered her father behind bars epitomized the spirit of Wednesday afternoon’s “Crime Victims’ Call to Action” on the north steps of the Capitol building in Olympia, Washington. Her father, Loran Dowell, was murdered in a 1980 robbery of the Red Barn Tavern in South King County that claimed two other lives as well. The man convicted of the crime, Timothy Pauley, was sentenced to three life sentences, but after laws were changed in 1984, he became eligible for parole. Pauley was scheduled to be set free last July, but Gov. Jay Inslee blocked it. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: ⁠America in Focus:⁠ A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! ⁠America's Talking⁠: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. ⁠Everyday Economics:⁠ Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. ⁠Future of Freedom:⁠ Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington Senate Law & Justice Committee is scheduled to vote next week on House Bill 1240 creating a state definition of “assault weapon,” which the Gun Owners of America, or GOA, says would apply to most firearms. One of the reasons is due to the definition of assault weapons in the bill. Although the bill specifically lists 62 rifles by name "regardless of which company produced and manufactured the firearm," the ban also applies to any semi-automatic rifle with a barrel length less than 30 inches. The gun barrel is the section of a firearm between the action and the muzzle. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Washington House has passed a bill that if enacted would ban the sale or distribution of certain semi-automatic weapons and adds a new definition to state law of “assault weapons” that includes rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Critics warn that the wide legal definition will include thousands of ordinary firearms and, under the grandfathering clause, put later descendants of current owners at legal risk should they eventually inherit the firearms. Sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, at the behest of State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, HB 1240 cleared the state House 55-42 on March 8, just minutes from the legislative cutoff date for bills to advance from their original chamber. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

County Executive Dow Constantine says he'll be forced to cut "essential services" unless he's allowed to break the cap on how much more he can tax King County properties. Constantine held his 2023 state of the county address in which he warned of potential cuts to services. The county's primary funding source is the property tax, but Constantine blames a 1% cap on property tax revenue for creating a gap in the general fund. Washington state voters passed the cap in 2001. Notably, the majority of King County votes were against the legislation. The amount of property taxes levied by counties against assessed property value can increase by only 1% per year, plus revenue from new construction. Since the cap was passed in 2001, the King County population has grown nearly 30%, and Constantine said consumer prices are up 70%. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Despite a surprising turn of events Wednesday that saw legislation pass the Senate giving police in Washington state more discretion in engaging in vehicular pursuits, the ultimate fate of the bill remains to be determined. Engrossed Senate Bill 5352, which passed on a 26-23 vote, would let police pursue if they have reasonable suspicion that a person in the fleeing vehicle has committed or is committing a violent crime, a sex offense, a vehicular assault, domestic violence, an escape, or driving under the influence. Amendments to the bill call for extra training and communication with local law enforcement during chases to protect bystanders. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two bills seeking to exercise some legislative oversight of the governor’s powers during an emergency appear to be dead in the Washington State Legislature, with neither receiving a public hearing halfway through the legislative session. Senate Bill 5063, cosponsored by Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, and Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, is known as the Bipartisan Approach to Legislative Authority Necessary in Continuing Emergencies, or BALANCE Act of 2023. Join The Center Square's Jeremy Lott and Brett Davis. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The top Republican in the Washington state Senate expressed some optimism Tuesday about the prospects of a bill to ease restrictions on vehicular pursuits by police in the state. “One, the study bill in the Senate died in Ways and Means, which I think is frankly a good outcome,” Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, said during Republican leadership’s weekly media availability event to discuss the legislative session. “Nobody who is thinking about this thought studying it for two more years was a good idea, and that bill had limited ability to amend it.” The Senate Republican leader's comments were a reference to Senate Bill 5533 that would keep the current pursuit restrictions in place and give the state Criminal Justice Training Commission until the end of October 2024 to study the issue and come up with model legislation. Join The Center Square's Jeremy Lott & Brett Davis. ---- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Washington state proposal to create an independent prosecutor office for police deadly use of force incidents has drawn controversy for placing it within the State Attorney General’s Office. While some opponents of House Bill 1579 say they’re in favor of shifting prosecuting decisions for deadly use of force incidents away from local prosecutors and to an independent state agency, they argue that having it within the State Attorney General’s Office creates a conflict of interest. Join The Center Square's Jeremy Lott and TJ Martinelli. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Members of the House Finance Committee got an earful Wednesday morning from Washingtonians opposed to proposed legislation that would add to the cost of purchasing certain wireless devices. House Bill 1793 would add $2 at the point of sale to wireless devices that cost more than $250. Money from the tax would go toward efforts to close the “digital divide” between the haves and the have-nots in terms of internet access and download speed. The legislation defines smart devices as those “capable of wireless access to the internet. This includes, but is not limited to, smart phones, laptop computers, tablets, wearable devices, smart speakers, gaming consoles, smart gyms, and smart televisions.” Join The Center Square's Jeremy Lott and Brett Davis on this episode of Washington in Focus. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced his office’s plan to prioritize the restoration of the downtown core in his 2023 State of the City address. Following a year in which the city saw nearly 50,000 cases of crime, Harrell emphasized hope for a better 2023. Citing how the district is home to 100,000 residents and over 320,000 jobs, the mayor sees Downtown Seattle as the “undisputed economic engine and cultural hub of our region.” Join The Center Square's Jeremy Lott and Spencer Pauley on this episode of Washington in Focus. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Democrat leadership in the House of Representatives is open to considering a bill that would prevent businesses in Washington state, with some exceptions, from requiring a drug test to screen for cannabis usage as a condition of employment. “You know, I think to be completely blunt, we are so focused on House bills right now, getting them through fiscal committees and then you know next week moving onto the floor, that we haven’t spent a ton of time discussing bills that we see headed over from the Senate,” Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-Burien, said during Democratic leaders’ weekly media availability event on Thursday afternoon. Join The Center Square's Jeremy Lott and Brett Davis on this episode of Washington in Focus. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Washington Editor Jeremy Lott & Washington Reporters Brett Davis and Spencer Pauley as they discuss House Bill 1270, sponsored by Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, would create a state commission to address the well-being of boys and men across Washington. Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-Burien, advocated for a less masculine approach in speaking about the bill at Tuesday afternoon’s weekly media availability event to discuss the current legislative session. King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn will introduce a motion requesting County Executive Dow Constantine to re-hire previously employed county workers who did not comply with the county's COVID-19 vaccination mandate. With Friday’s legislative cutoff looming, a substitute bill lowering the threshold for police in Washington state to engage in vehicular pursuits passed 8-1 out of the House Safety, Justice, & Reentry Committee on Thursday. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Cole McNeely and The Center Square's Washington reporters Brett Davis and Spencer Pauley as they discuss King County seeking state, federal coordination following narcotics seizures worth $17.5M in 2022. Seattle Public Schools are facing a deficit of $131 million that could cause the district to consolidate some of its schools. Proposed $2 wireless device sales tax would fund effort to end Washington’s digital divide. Car theft has been prominent throughout King and Pierce Counties so far this year with an average of 81 cars stolen per day. The King County Sheriff’s Office seized approximately $17.5 million worth of narcotics in 2022. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Cole McNeely and The Center Square's Washington reporters Brett Davis and Spencer Pauley as they discuss police officers, law enforcement representatives and mayors urged members of the Washington State House of Representatives to pass legislation restoring the reasonable suspicion threshold for police to engage in vehicular pursuits. The thing currently propping up Washington state’s controversial police pursuit law, which makes high-speed chases difficult for police to justify legally, is the belief that it is saving a great number of lives of innocent parties, either bystanders or passengers, who get hurt in such chases. The Pierce County Council along with the Nisqually and Puyallup Indian tribes are continuing their push to halt the construction on a future airport in the region. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join host Cole McNeely and The Center Square's Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte and Brett Davis as they discuss the Washington State Supreme Court on Thursday morning heard from both sides on the question of whether or not the state’s new capital gains tax passes constitutional muster. Several Republican lawmakers on Wednesday morning said Sen. Manka Dhingra, chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee and deputy majority leader of the Washington State Senate, should at least consider legislation that would lower the bar on when police officers in Washington state can engage in a vehicular pursuit of criminals. Spokane County is amending the contract with NaphCare, the private company that provides medical services to the jail, so more employees can be hired. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Washington Editor Jeremy Lott & Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Brett Davis, and Spencer Pauley as they discuss that the Prison Policy Initiative has grown concerned about a movement by states to replace physical mail for inmates with scanned copies. The group claims that change strips away “one of the last bastions of communication that is not intercepted and monetized by private telecom companies.” Two of Western Washington’s biggest companies announced substantial layoffs that will affect over 28,000 workers. The Washington State House Innovation, Community & Economic Development and Veterans Committee has appointed a new member whose own military service has been the subject of some scrutiny. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join host Cole McNeely & The Center Square's Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Brett Davis, and Spencer Pauley as they discuss Washington state's new capital gains income tax ruled unconstitutional by a lower court judge last year is set to take effect on Jan. 28, two days after oral arguments in the case – Quinn v. State of Washington – are to be heard by the state Supreme Court. King County voters could get the chance to approve a new property tax worth hundreds of dollars for the average homeowner that would fund a network of behavioral health crisis centers. Washington State Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, says lawmakers need to give police more abilities to crack down on gang violence rather than targeting law-abiding gun owners trying to defend themselves. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers picked up the gavel for the first time Wednesday as chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. She led a roundtable discussion about what needs to change with the nation's energy policy to lower high fuel and food costs. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join ATN’S GM Cole McNeely & The Center Square's Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Brett Davis, and Spencer Pauley as they discuss the property taxes in Bellevue are increasing this year, and property owners may want to know where the money goes. King County Confirms 24% Spike in Overdose Deaths in 2022. At a Wednesday afternoon media briefing, an enthusiastic Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee offered up unqualified support for two new climate change policies that went into effect on Sunday. --- Listen to Other ATN Productions: America in Focus: A weekly feature of the top TheCenterSquare.com stories of the week out of Washington D.C. with commentary from The Center Square editors and more! America's Talking: An interview podcast hosted by Austin Berg. Guests include professors, journalists, artists, business and nonprofit leaders, authors, and more. Everyday Economics: Join economist Dr. Orphe Divounguy and Chris Krug as they discuss global markets, inflation, and everything else that will help you understand the economic world around you. Future of Freedom: Future of Freedom is a bi-weekly podcast highlighting the work of the non-profits which are shaping the future of the freedom movement. Listeners will hear civil, intellectual conversations about why the organizations exist, what their mission is, and how they work to achieve it. Hosted by Scot Bertram. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Brett Davis, and Spencer Pauley as they discuss Washington pot shop armed robberies at 10-year high as SAFE Banking Act fails. According to an unofficial tracker by greater Seattle area cannabis retailer Uncle Ike’s, there have been at least 100 armed robberies of Washington state pot shops in 2022, the most in the past decade. The Spokane Ethics Commission has dismissed a complaint that Council President Breean Beggs acted wrongfully by sending information to his peers and city staff about three organizations vying to manage a new homeless shelter. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte and Spencer Pauley as they discuss Washington AG to litigants: Don’t say ‘tyrannical’. State may assist livestock carcass disposal to reduce wolf attacks. Downtown Seattle sees more office workers, seasonal tourism falloff. Seattle Public Schools bus ridership is down, spending at all-time high. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte and Spencer Pauley as they discuss the Spokane mayor saying shelter beds ready, homeless campers need to come out of the cold. Judge halts plans to disband Spokane homeless camp. King County Puts $8M in Unused Jail Bed Savings Toward Community Projects. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join America's Talking Network's General Manager Cole McNeely and The Center Square's Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Spencer Pauley, and Brett Davis as they discuss Spokane council to debate legality of sheriff's actions at Camp Hope. Washington officials say COVID aided in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Seattle-Tacoma is the second worst U.S. metro area for package theft, according to report. More questions than answers at Washington capital gains tax hearing. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Spencer Pauley, and Brett Davis as they discuss the Dem 2023 legislative preview: drugs, police pursuit, energy, abortion. Spokane County Commission votes to forgo annual property tax increase. Seattle Transportation Dept. fires up 50 snow plows. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Spencer Pauley, and Brett Davis as they discuss the Seattle budget committee sides with mayor, votes parking enforcement back to police. Spokane council eyes limiting what DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub can charge. How Whatcom County narrowly went blue. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Spencer Pauley, and Brett Davis as they discuss Washington Families Dept. head unmoved state couldn't audit $271M. 'I do not mince words': Spokane County's next sheriff sizes up the job ahead. Washington Families Dept. head unmoved state couldn't audit $271M. State auditor: Seattle didn't use good data to tackle homeless crisis. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Spencer Pauley, and Brett Davis as they discuss the results of the midterm elections in the state of Washington. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Spencer Pauley, and Brett Davis as they discuss: ‘Uniquely qualified’ Steve Hobbs makes case to remain Washington’s secretary of state. ‘Uniquely qualified’ Steve Hobbs makes case to remain Washington’s secretary of state. Spokane mayor budgets almost $5M more for police services. Spokane firefighters who lost jobs due to vaccine mandate return to duty. Seattle delays budget planning due to 'significantly less than anticipated revenues'. Washington Democrat's father fact-checks son, paper pulls endorsement. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Spencer Pauley, and Brett Davis as they discuss: WSU Professor Details COVID School Closures Impact on Students, Parents. Vice President Harris announces $1B in grants for low-emission buses on Seattle trip. Spokane agencies unite on plan to disband homeless camp. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Spencer Pauley, and Brett Davis as they discuss: Pierce County distributes $35M to reduce homelessness on state highways. Spokane Valley runs into roadblock on police vehicle replacement plan. High rent and housing costs have many Seattleites considering other states. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters Spencer Pauley and Brett Davis as they discuss: Gov. Inslee Ranked Last in the Cato Institute’s Fiscal Policy Report Card. Pierce County officials object to two potential airport locations. Seattle to lift COVID-19 emergency proclamation at the end of October. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join ATN's General Manager Cole McNeely and The Center Square's Washington Reporter Spencer Pauley as they discuss: Seattle University District shootings mobilize city, college officials; mayor touts budget that 'prioritizes public safety'. Washington Hospitals Lost Almost $2B in Six Months Amidst Staffing Shortages. Bellevue firefighters made over $200,000 from overtime pay boosts, reduced staff. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Spencer Pauley, and Brett Davis as they discuss: Jim Ferrell promises more law and order if elected King County prosecutor. Seattle Public Schools expect about $100M deficits over next 4 years. Seattle ranked sixth-best city in the nation for vegans and vegetarians. Spokane County sheriff sets back timeline to disband homeless camp by a month. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte and Brett Davis as they discuss: Spokane County sheriff invites state officials to open their own homes to the homeless. State rebukes Spokane's demands for help with Camp Hope. Washington wildlife agency revisits pause on lethal wolf removal following new attacks. Republicans balk at prospect of Gov. Inslee running for a fourth term. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Brett Davis, and Spencer Pauley as they discuss: Transit agencies may turn to taxpayers for more money when COVID-19 funds dry up. $271M failed audit not mentioned at Washington family department oversight meeting. Dispute: Could earlier contract deadline reduce Washington teachers strikes? Wildlife managers mistakenly kill wolf pup on authorized hunt. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters Brett Davis and Spencer Pauley as they discuss: Inslee: Washington's COVID-19 emergency to end Oct. 31. Ecology won't crunch cost of Washington copying California's new gas car sales ban. Seattle teachers rally as start of school is delayed. New omicron COVID-19 booster shots available in Washington state. Bartell Drugs to shut down in Seattle's Chinatown amid crime surge. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters Brett Davis and Spencer Pauley as they discuss: Most Washington riders 19 and younger can ride transit for free starting today. Seattle’s Chinatown businesses are at risk in Sound Transit’s light rail extension. Teacher strikes in Washington are illegal, but still occurring in King County. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Brett Davis, and Spencer Pauley as they discuss: Washington state has the fourth least amount of student loan debt in the nation. Vaccine mandate one reason for staffing shortage, Washington State Ferries admits. McMorris Rodgers calls student loan forgiveness a 'slap in the face' to taxpayers. Nearly 41% of Washington state voters turned out in primary election. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Brett Davis, and Spencer Pauley as they discuss: Anderson calls Hobbs 'inexperienced political appointee' in first Washington Secretary of State debate. Seattle City Council approves hiring bonuses to fix police staffing shortage. $49M Lynnwood bridge could improve I-5 traffic. Inslee declared Washington COVID emergency 900 days ago, and never rescinded it. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Brett Davis, and Spencer Pauley as they discuss: 'I’ll always run from you.' Spokane chase shows Washington law enforcement's pursuit problem. Some close Washington primary races remain to be decided. Kent beats Herrera Beutler in Washington's 3rd Congressional District. Families Dept. fails Washington audit over $271M for child care; may ask Legislature for more. Seattle's shelter efforts haven't dented the number of homeless camps. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Brett Davis, and Spencer Pauley as they discuss: Nonpartisan Julie Anderson may be Republicans’ best hope for Washington secretary of state. Washington’s 8th Congressional District still too close to call for GOP challenger. Dunn concedes in primary bout for Washington’s 8th Congressional District. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporter Brett Davis as they discuss the Washington primary preliminary results! Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Brett Davis, and Spencer Pauley as they discuss: Wealth taxes vs. 'the party is over' in Washington's 36th District Senate primary. Northeast Seattle candidate runs for state Senate on 'ending homelessness,' more affordable housing. Washington's congressional delegation gets failing grade by taxpayer group. Washington State Ferries: ‘Well into the millions’ to repair the crashed Cathlamet. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters RaeLynn Ricarte, Brett Davis, and Spencer Pauley as they discuss: Inslee announces plan to get more cops 'on the street A-S-A-P'. Seattle struggles with 'reinventing' policing as crime soars. Spokane Valley opts out of regional shelter planning. Port of Seattle sues Boeing for 'fair share' in lower Duwamish waterway cleanup. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join The Center Square's Regional Editor Jeremy Lott and Washington Reporters Brett Davis and Spencer Pauley as they discuss: Republican leadership, Governor’s Office clash on inflation relief for Washingtonians. Starbucks to close 5 Seattle-based stores, including 2 unionized shops. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/washington-in-focus/support Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.