The IMPACT

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 races drawing big money this year, as well as the state implications of a national redistricting debate. Panelists: WA Democrats Communications Director Stephen Reed and Washington State GOP Chair Jim Walsh.

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 also shares a personal perspective on the devastating losses from the 2023 Gray Fire in Spokane County.

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 and K12 alignment for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

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 showcase a sanctuary for displaced wolves tucked away in Tenino.

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 approach waging courtroom warfare against the Trump administration. It's an in-depth look at the legal battles shaping the state's future.

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 jobs, biodiversity, and how Washington manages older trees that aren't yet old growth. We explore different perspectives on the issue with Heath Heikkila of the American Forest Resource Council and Miguel Pérez-Gibson of Washington Conservation Action.

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 Conservancy and Cody Desautel, executive director of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

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 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 Kinetic West consulting firm.

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 State Association of Counties to weigh in on funding needs and uncertainties.