The IMPACT

Debating Tax Repeal Initiative 645 from October 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...

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The Impact - WGU Washington 15 Years Later from October 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...

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WA Cares Rollout from September 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...

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Prediction Markets from September 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...

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DUI Blood Test Evidence Backlog from September 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...

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State Auditor Special Investigations from September 6, 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...

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Traffic Safety Laws from June 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...

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Clash of State and Local Law from June 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...

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From Office Space to Housing from June 10, 2026

A comprehensive look at two very different real estate market dynamics impacting Washington: a surplus of vacant office space available and an ongoing shortage of housing stock. Featuring Q&A with real estate economist Matthew Gardner.

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The Impact - 2026 Hot Topics in State Government

A post-session, pre-primary look at some of the hottest topics in state government. Features panel interview with Sarah Mizes-Tan from KUOW/KNKX and Jerry Cornfield from the Washington State Standard.

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2026 Election Outlook from May 27, 2026

The entire Washington state House and roughly half of the state Senate will be on the ballot this fall, along with five of nine Washington Supreme Court positions, and all ten Congressional seats. We'll highlight battleground districts and competitive...

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2026 Wildfire Outlook from May 20, 2026

What can we expect from the 2026 wildfire season? DNR’s Wildland Fire Division manager explains the implications of different environmental conditions, strategies for various situations, and evolving challenges for the wildland-urban interface. He...

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Running Start from May 13, 2026

A popular program that lets high school students earn free college credit is facing funding cuts in 2026. We'll dive into how Running Start works and what students stand to lose from the reductions.Guest: Jamie Traugott, director of student services...

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The Return of Wolves from May 6, 2026

Washington's gray wolf population is on the rise again after rebounding from a year of losses. You’ll hear from state wolf biologist Trent Roussin about where they’re found in the greatest numbers and where they might be heading next. We'll also...

Behind-the-Scenes with AG Nick Brown from April 29, 2026

Washington AG Nick Brown takes center stage on "The Impact" with Mike McClanahan for a one-on-one interview covering the latest consumer protection lawsuit over grocery prices, his agency's role in crafting the contentious 'millionaires tax,' and its...

The Debate Over DNR's New Forest Conservation Policy from April 22, 2026

A 2025 policy shift at DNR set aside tens of thousands of acres of structurally complex forests and older trees. Celebrated by some groups and criticized by others, the change has sparked debate over the future of timber-dependent counties, rural...

Wildfire Funding from April 15, 2026

As we head into warmer months, representatives of Washington tribes and environmental groups are speaking out about wildfire resilience funding cuts. Interview guests: Skippy Shaw, Washington state government relations director for The Nature...

Higher Education from April 8, 2026

Exploring popular majors and enrollment trends across Washington’s public universities. Featuring an interview featuring Ruben Flores, head of the state’s Council of Presidents, which represents the state’s six public four-year universities and colleges.

How Expensive is Washington from April 1, 2026

How expensive is living in Washington? A new study suggests prices have risen faster in the Evergreen State in recent years than anywhere else in the country.Interviews include Washington Roundtable president Rachel Smith and CEO Marc Casale of the...

Public Defense Funding from March 25, 2026

Lawmakers adjourned without creating a new funding stream for public defense, while a state supreme court mandate is expected to dramatically increase the cost. Thurston County's public defense director joins the executive director of the Washington...