Épisodes

  • Debating Tax Repeal Initiative 645 from October 14, 2026

    Debating Tax Repeal Initiative 645 from October 14, 2026
    Oct 14 2026
    his week we dive into the debate over Initiative 645. It’s an effort to repeal Washington’s new 9.9% state income tax on household income above $1 million.Featured interviews: I-645 supporter - Jamie Herrera Beutler, Former U.S. CongresswomanI-645 opponent - April Sims, Washington State Labor Council President
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    26 min
  • The Impact - WGU Washington 15 Years Later from October 7, 2026

    The Impact - WGU Washington 15 Years Later from October 7, 2026
    Oct 7 2026
    Fifteen years ago, lawmakers endorsed a new model of higher ed for working adults that measures competence, not credit hours. The result was Washington's first state-endorsed nonprofit online university.With 50,000 degrees awarded to state residents since then, what does the future hold for WGU Washington?
    Guest: Tonya Drake, Regional Vice President, Western Governors University
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    26 min
  • WA Cares Rollout from September 30, 2026

    WA Cares Rollout from September 30, 2026
    Sep 30 2026
    As the state’s long term care program enters the benefits phase, we’ll look at what families need to know about qualifying for help and how the WA Cares rollout stacks up to earlier safety-net program debuts. That segment features a panel discussion with DSHS Assistant Secretary Bea Rector and ESD’s director of insurance services, JR Richards.
    In other news, we'll highlight the latest tsunami scenario to watch and tell you which beach town is building a new escape tower.
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    26 min
  • Prediction Markets from September 23, 2026

    Prediction Markets from September 23, 2026
    Sep 23 2026
    Washington is taking on prediction-market operator Kalshi. State regulators say the event contracts offered on the platform clash with state gambling restrictions, but the company argues it's a federally regulated financial exchange. Federal appeals courts have taken conflicting positions on the issue in different circuits. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown weighs on the legal battles playing out here and across the country.
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    26 min
  • DUI Blood Test Evidence Backlog from September 16, 2026

    DUI Blood Test Evidence Backlog from September 16, 2026
    Sep 16 2026
    The Washington State Patrol is pushing to work through a severe backlog of drug and alcohol blood test evidence at state toxicology labs that could jeopardize DUI prosecutions in Washington. Assistant Division Commander Brian Capron joins us to discuss the backlog and the path forward.
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    26 min
  • State Auditor Special Investigations from September 6, 2026

    State Auditor Special Investigations from September 6, 2026
    Sep 16 2026
    State audits highlight alleged misuse of public funding that nearly drained one small town's bank account. From municipal cash withdrawals to missing equipment -- how can improper personal use of public resources sometimes go unnoticed for years? Brandi Pritchard, director of the new Special Investigations Division of the Washington State Auditor’s Office, breaks down recent cases of alleged fraud, the oversight gaps that make them possible, and the mindset involved in crossing the line.
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    26 min
  • Traffic Safety Laws from June 24, 2026

    Traffic Safety Laws from June 24, 2026
    Jun 24 2026
    State lawmakers have taken a harder line on highway safety following a spike in roadway fatalities a few years ago. New laws target serial speeders and allow increased surveillance in high-intensity crash zones. Lawmakers also debated lowering the legal blood-alcohol limit to .05%.Shelly Baldwin, director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, joins The Impact to talk about policy changes and bills to watch in the future.
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    26 min
  • Clash of State and Local Law from June 17, 2026

    Clash of State and Local Law from June 17, 2026
    Jun 17 2026
    What will new state laws mean in your city? Director of government relations for the Association of Washington Cities, Candice Bock, joins us to weigh in on notable changes in 2026. Later we'll highlight a new podcast series exploring some of the most interesting features of Washington history.

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    26 min