Washington in Focus

The Governor’s Office has “ascertained a few very preliminary, tentative findings” regarding a former state economist who says he had to resign after suffering retaliation for his analysis that Washington’s cap-and-trade policy would significantly increase gas prices. Under the Climate Commitment Act of 2021, emitters are required to obtain “emissions allowances” equal to their covered greenhouse gas emissions at quarterly auctions hosted by the Department of Ecology. 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 issuing a state of emergency to address a large encampment of asylum seekers in Tukwila, the number of asylees has continued to increase. Tukwila Mayor Allan Ekberg originally issued a state of emergency last month when the original estimate of the number of asylum seekers living at the Riverton Park United Methodist Church was more than 200 people. 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 Supreme Court has been asked to consider discretionary review of a lower court order that currently grants control of the Pac-12 Conference to Washington State University and Oregon State University. On Tuesday, Supreme Court commissioner Michael E. Johnston granted a stay in proceedings based on emergency motions sought by the University of Washington and the Pac-12 itself. 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 Ballotpedia analysis of Washington state Supreme Court candidate campaign finance and court case outcomes between 2013 and 2022 shows that progressive candidates and causes dominate in the Evergreen State. The online political encyclopedia coded large samples of data – both campaign donors and court case parties and amici – according to progressive versus conservative ideological leaning and 28 different sector or policy categories. 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.

Pro-Palestine rallies have occurred in downtown Seattle for the last few weekends, but despite complications they may cause with traffic, the protests fall under First Amendment rights, according to city officials. Since the Oct. 7 surprise attack by Hamas on Israel that claimed the lives of some 1,200 people and resulted in more than 200 people being taken hostage and Israel’s retaliation in Gaza, hundreds of Seattleites have gathered in the downtown area to call for a ceasefire and chanted, “Free Palestine!” 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 U.S. Supreme Court could decide as early as Dec. 11 whether it will take up a Washington lawsuit challenging the legality of the state’s capital gains tax, according to the Mountain States Policy Center. Enacted in 2021, the tax is on the income derived from the sale of capital gains, which the State Supreme Court ruled earlier this year is an excise tax. 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.

An amendment to transfer $1.5 million dedicated to police surveillance technology to fund services for tiny house villages in Seattle has been rejected by a majority of the Seattle City Council. ShotSpotter is a technology program that differentiates the sounds of gunshots from other loud sounds like fireworks or the backfiring of a vehicle so that police can respond to the scene quickly. Four city council members were in favor of transferring the $1.5 million dedicated to the technology’s implementation due to a number of studies that claim it’s ineffective and targets communities of color. 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.

Three Republican congressional members from eastern Washington and Oregon who oppose breaching the lower Snake River dams for salmon recovery are pointing to a new federal study to blame Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee and state and federal environmental agencies for “misguided efforts” harming salmon in the Puget Sound. U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse and Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington and Rep. Cliff Bentz of Oregon say a report issued last week by the U.S. Government Accountability Office shows that the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington Department of Ecology have missed several deadlines since 2012 in assessing water quality standards in the Puget Sound. 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 Sex Offender Policy Board last year recommended the Legislature consider treatment rather than imprisonment for those convicted of possessing or viewing child pornography or caught in an internet sting operation. The recommendations among several contained in a report to the House Public Safety Committee regarding “treatment alternatives for certain sex offenses; lifetime supervision; failure to register; washouts; and system improvements.” 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.

Initial results from Tuesday's general election point to an overhaul of all Seattle City Council district councilmembers. District 2, 6 and 7 include incumbent city councilmembers racing to retain their seats, but as of the initial votes, none are leading against their respective challengers. 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.

Elections offices in four Washington counties were closed as a precaution Wednesday after they received envelopes containing unknown powdery substances, reported the Secretary of State’s Office. The suspicious envelopes were received in King, Pierce, Skagit and Spokane counties. The discoveries disrupted ballot counting by workers following Tuesday’s general election in 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.

The Center Square reported that the state Sex Offender Policy Board was examining a recommendation to end community notifications for convicted sex offenders, based on a document referenced at its Sept. 21 meeting. Although board members have since insisted that there are no plans to end community notifications, the board last year recommended the Legislature amend a state statute that one county says would remove a requirement for public notice and public comment before siting and permitting less restrictive alternative facilities for violent sex offenders. 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 implementing a new policy that establishes clearer guardrails for the use of ruses. Under the new policy, patrol ruses – which are defined as statements an officer knows is not true – can only be used under five circumstances: for the furtherance of de-escalation, to calm a person, prompt the safety of any person, for scene management, or to bring potentially violent situations to a peaceful resolution. 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.

Congressman Dan Newhouse was among a large crowd voicing opposition Monday to a federal proposal to reintroduce grizzly bears into north-central Washington state. “It is clear you all know that grizzles can and probably will move out of the zone in which you drop them, yet rather than letting common sense prevail, are continuing to push forward with this dangerous plan,” Newhouse told representatives from the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife at a public meeting in Omak. 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 continues to experience a severe housing affordability crisis, state legislators may finetune some existing tax incentive programs to encourage greater development. Among them is the multifamily tax exemption program created following passage of the Growth Management Act. Implemented at the local level, the tax exemption makes development more affordable upfront while delaying tax revenue otherwise collected. Since 2019, 35,000 residential units have been produced through the MFTE program. 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 Vancouver City Council has unanimously approved the Vancouver Urban Forestry Management Plan resolution that seeks to reach a 28% tree canopy goal by 2047. Vancouver's current 21% tree coverage provides more than $40 million in ecological benefits to the city, according to the plan, which was created in part by software company PlanIT GEO. However, in order to reach the 28% tree canopy goal, it would cost the city tens of millions of dollars, as previously reported by The Center Square. 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.

Both the FBI and a state law enforcement association say violent crime in Washington increased in 2022, running contrary to overall national findings. Last week, the bureau released data on more than 11 million criminal offenses reported across the U.S. in the prior year. FBI’s estimates showed that national violent crime decreased an estimated 1.7% in 2022 compared to 2021. However, during the same period, Washington state’s violent crime numbers rose an estimated 1.06%, according to FBI statistics. 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.

State and county officials have recently highlighted a severe shortage of funding for transportation infrastructure in Washington that includes roads, bridges and highways. However, the overall problem stems from a variety of contributing factors that are causing one state legislator to call for an overhaul of the system. “I think the problem is really where the priorities are,” Rep. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, said in an interview with The Center Square. Goehner is a member of the House Transportation Committee and recently penned a guest column for The Wenatchee World arguing the state needs to cease unnecessary transportation projects and shift toward maintenance work. 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.

King County voters may see a new climate levy lid lift on their ballots next year as county officials begin discussions to increase revenue to reduce climate impact efforts. The new motion would request King County Executive Dow Constantine to develop funding options to generate $1 billion in funding over a six- or nine-year period. Funds would be used for greenhouse gas reduction efforts and response to climate impacts. 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.

While Washington's Climate Commitment Act has generated more than $1 billion in less than a year to fund climate change initiatives, the Washington State Department of Transportation says they don't have enough money to replace infrastructure that's at the end of its lifespan. Although the state agency has for years warned of a “glidepath toward failure” regarding funding for road maintenance and preservation, WSDOT officials now say years of funding gaps have added up to the tune of $11 billion worth of project backlog. 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 ballot measures loom large for Spokane voters in the upcoming Nov. 7 general election. Measure No. 1 calls for a two-tenths of 1% increase in the countywide sales tax – that is, 2 cents more on every $10 purchase – beginning next April and continuing over 30 years. There is an exemption on motor vehicle sales and leases. If enacted, the measure over time will raise an estimated $1.7 billion for criminal justice, public safety, and behavioral health purposes. Voters across Spokane County will see Measure 1 on their ballots, which are being mailed out later this week. Another initiative, Proposition No. 1, seeks to ban homeless encampments near schools, parks, playgrounds, and childcare facilities within Spokane City limits. Only Spokane voters within city limits will decide this proposal. 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.

Brad Meryhew, chair of the Washington State Sex Offender Policy Board, said he wants to clear the air regarding a research document by an outside agency that was brought up by Cathy Dahlquist, a former state legislator, at the board's Sept. 21 meeting. The document is a summary put together by the SOPB’s data scientist of a draft Model Penal Code document from the American Law Institute, a Philadelphia-based research and advocacy group of judges, lawyers and legal scholars. The MPC concludes that community notification actually undermines public safety, recommending that sex offender registries be reserved for law enforcement and not be made available to the public. The institute reasons that notifications and registries make it more difficult for offenders to re-integrate into the community. 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.

King County’s work to address a pandemic-caused caseload backlog has seen some success as of late, but over 1,500 more serious cases remain unaddressed. According to the criminal case backlog report, the district court-filed backlog was fully addressed as of March 31. Yet the report notes that Superior Court felony pending cases are not expected to reach pre-COVID 19 pandemic volume within the next several years “under any plausible funding scenarios." 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.

Spokane City Council members on Monday unanimously approved a measure regulating local massage and reflexology businesses as a safeguard against potential prostitution, human trafficking and other related crimes. Council president Lori Kinnear said the ordinance proposal enables the city to affirm the certifications or credentials of such businesses or individual practitioners and deny or revoke licenses for non-compliance or illegal activity. 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.

An annual report reveals that King County’s program to house people through 15 sites used more than $70 million to house 803 people due to incomplete construction and other issues. The Health Through Housing initiative’s primary goal is to open 1,600 units of affordable housing for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming unhoused in King County. The county previously anticipated it would meet the 1,600 unit goal by the end of 2022, but fell short with 1,366 units of housing being ready to use, or under construction at the end of the year. 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 divided Spokane City Council voted 4-3 Monday night to censure Mayor Nadine Woodward for her brief on-stage appearance at a large Christian worship gathering last month when she received a prayer blessing from controversial former state Republican legislator Matt Shea. Woodward, council members and others who testified criticized the measure as a political attack timed just weeks before ballots for the Nov. 7 election hit mailboxes. 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.

Target announced the closures of nine stores across four states, including two in Seattle, Wash. due to retail theft, but some Seattleites are unfazed over the stores closing down. In a Tuesday news release, the retailer stated it can't continue operating the stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of its employees and customers, and contributing to unsustainable business performance. 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 Legislature may consider legislation giving the State Liquor and Cannabis Board further rulemaking authority regarding the use of biometric age verification by private entities selling alcohol or cannabis products. “I think with the biometrics, it’s just a matter of time before it’s coming in,” Director of Policy and External Affairs Justin Nordhorn told the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee at its Monday meeting. “How we do that is important. 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 King County Regional Homelessness Authority is winding down its pilot program that focused resources on getting homeless people in the downtown Seattle area into shelters. Partnership for Zero, a public-private collaboration with the aim of ending unsheltered homelessness in downtown Seattle, was started in 2022. Its goal was to achieve what's known as “functional zero" – that is, enough services, housing and shelter beds for everyone in need. 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 Bellevue is considering an $18 million project that would convert vehicle lanes in various local arterials into bike lanes, a move city officials believe would reduce biker fatalities and improve non-vehicular commuting without negatively affecting traffic conditions. However, opponents are arguing that the project would achieve none of those objectives. 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.

It looks like Spokane County won't be getting as much federal aid as anticipated related to the recent area wildfires. “We’ve done some damage assessments for the public assistance program, which is anything to do with infrastructure,” said Assistant Director of Operations for the Washington State Emergency Management Division Stacey McClain at Tuesday morning's Spokane County Board of Commissioners meeting. “Fortunately, and unfortunately, there is not enough damage to meet our state threshold.” 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.

One gas station in Kent, Washington got more than its fair share of business Wednesday morning in hosting an event that gave motorists a gas tax holiday of sorts. Approximately 200 drivers got some relief at the pump there, paying just $3.82 a gallon which is the current national average, thanks to the Washington chapter of Americans for Prosperity and Future 42, two groups which put on the two-hour cheap gas event to draw attention to the state's cap-and-trade law – part of 2021's Climate Commitment Act – they contend is contributing to Washington's high gas prices, currently averaging more than $5 per gallon statewide. 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 Bellevue City Council is receiving pushback from residents over a transportation benefit district that, if funded as proposed, would generate an additional $10 million in sales tax revenue. While proponents within city hall say it’s necessary to cover some transportation projects, including maintenance work, some critics have called it an unnecessary and permanent “slush fund” and one of many recent tax increases without voter approval. 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 Office of Police Accountability is investigating footage of a police officer who made light of a pedestrian who was struck and killed by a Seattle police vehicle in January. The Seattle Police Department released footage showing Seattle Police Officers Guild Vice President Daniel Auderer on a phone call, reportedly with Seattle Police Officers Guild President Mike Solan, on Jan. 23. That night, Jaahnavi Kandula, 23, was hit and killed by a marked Seattle police vehicle going 74 mph in an intersection. 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.

Legislation passed this session and signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee was intended to boost the number of electricians in Washington state. Some small electrical contractors, however, argue the new law is hurting their businesses. Senate Bill 5320 requires applicants for a journey level electrician certificate to have completed an approved apprenticeship program to take the required examination to be a journey level electrician. As part of the apprenticeship, an applicant must have worked in the electrical construction trade for at least 8,000 hours, 4,000 of which must be in electrical installations in industrial or commercial facilities under supervision. 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.

Washington state’s third quarterly auction of emissions allowances under the cap-and-trade program established by the Climate Commitment Act brought in more than $541 million, according to a Wednesday summary report put out by the Department of Ecology. That dollar figure is derived by multiplying the $63.03 allowance price at the Aug. 30 auction by the 8.585 million allowances that were sold. 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.

Since 2019, the Seattle Police Department has had 669 officers resign, according to data obtained by the SPD. The total number of deployable officers has now shrunk down to less than 900, according to the Seattle Police Officers Guild, a staffing crisis they say is primarily driven by a hostile ideological and political climate within the city. 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 continuing investigations into an increase in robberies in the city’s South Precinct. According to the department, there have been 14 reported incidents of pattern robberies in the South Precinct from June through Aug. 25. The department suspects more robberies have gone unreported. 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.

Spokane Superior Court Judge Tony Hazel has cleared the way for a ballot initiative that would ban camping within 1,000 feet of places like schools, playgrounds and child care facilities to appear on the November ballot. Local attorney Brian Hansen, the man behind the initiative, argues it will – if passed – protect children. 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.

Earlier this month, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved a request by Puget Sound Energy to increase its natural gas rates to cover the costs of the state’s cap-and-trade program under the Climate Commitment Act. However, the approval also carried with it a stipulation that the utility provider could not show on customers' bills the reason for the rate increase, a decision that was recommended by the Washington Attorney General’s Office. 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 coalition of 22 Washington state counties and the Washington State Association of Counties are suing the Washington Department of Social and Health Services over the department's administration of behavioral health services. According to the lawsuit, filed in Pierce County Superior Court, the department failed a fundamental obligation by refusing to provide mental health services to conversion patients. Despite court orders and state laws requiring DSHS to provide such treatment, the department asserted that it is no longer obligated to evaluate or treat patients whose criminal charges are dismissed, citing a federal judge’s orders in a separate case. 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.

When most of the county comes together during times of public crisis like the wildfires currently ravaging the countryside, the Spokane County Sheriff’s department wants residents to be aware that not everyone is there to help. Two individuals have been arrested for residential burglary in a region of Medical Lake that is part of the Gray Fire evacuation zone, according to a Tuesday news release from the sheriff's department and the Spokane Police Department. 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 state of Washington might create a “cash for clunkers” program to subsidize the purchase of electric vehicles and encourage a transition away from high emission gas vehicles. It’s one of several potential recommendations under consideration by the state Electric Vehicle Advisory Committee to include in an impending Transportation Electrification Strategy update. 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 month full of events in Seattle resulted in over one million people using light rail, King County Metro buses and the water taxi during three notable days in July. Sound Transit saw record-breaking ridership numbers thanks in large part to the Major League Baseball All-Star game, multiple Taylor Swift concerts, the Capitol Hill Block Party music festival and a Seattle Mariners home series against the Toronto Blue Jays. 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 Department of Ecology has announced the results of last week’s emergency carbon auction, and it seems the carbon business is booming with all $62.5 million in shares selling. The closed-bid, fixed price auction consisted of two 527,000 credit tranches, with the first tranche priced at $51.90 per credit and the second at $66.86 per credit. 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 Attorney General’s Office has filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court against O’Reilly's for allegedly failing to accommodate pregnant employees as required by state law. The lawsuit seeks thousands of dollars in fines against the auto retailer for each alleged incident. Under state law, employers must make “reasonable” accommodations for pregnant workers unless they demonstrate it would impose undue hardship on the business itself. 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 has passed an ordinance that repeals an annual license fee on various amusement devices owned by Seattle businesses. The Seattle Municipal Code defines an amusement device as any machine or device which provides recreation or entertainment with a charge for use of play. Examples include pool tables, shuffleboards, music machines, video games, pinball machines, riding devices, and peepshow devices. 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.

With prices at the pump soaring, the Washington State Department of Ecology held its first Allowance Price Containment Reserve auction on Wednesday for the cap and trade program that went into effect at the beginning of the year. Per the Climate Commitment Act passed by the state Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee in 2021, Washington’s cap and trade program requires emitters to obtain “emissions allowances” equal to their covered greenhouse gas emissions. Similar to stocks and bonds, these allowances can be obtained through quarterly auctions hosted by the Department of Ecology. 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 Attorney General’s Office is being accused of an “unethical and probably illegal” act of ordering a private university that is not a client of the AGO to seize and preserve records in anticipation of a potential lawsuit, a process known as a “litigation hold notice.” The litigation hold notice is part of an ongoing dispute between Police Strategies President Bob Scales, a former King County prosecutor, and the AGO over various aspects of a request for proposal process to develop a public police use of force database. Scales intended to subcontract with Seattle University, which at the time was looking at bidding on the proposal but ultimately declined. 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 City Councilmember Kshama Sawant’s proposed rent control bill has been rejected by the city council, with the city’s divide on the topic evident throughout the meeting. The public comment section of Tuesday's city council meeting lasted more than an hour, and included tenants and landlords speaking for and against Council Bill 120606. The council meeting revealed a growing disdain from some residents who feel neither political party represents them. A couple people voiced their opinion through song, others called out members of the Seattle City Council. Advocates for the rent control trigger law also chanted “dump the elephant, dump the ass, we need a party for the working class.” 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.