The Sunday Lookout

The Sunday Lookout, 1/18/2026Swank Update, ICE Funding, Measles in WA, Student Loans, Commissioner Election

 This week we start with the story that went viral on Thursday in which the worst sheriff in the state made his way to Olympia to lob threats at lawmakers. That didn't go over so well, and now Keith Swank is in trouble with more than just the legislature.

And then speaking of out of control law enforcement, the escalation of violence at the hands of Trump's ice is coming to a dangerous head in Minnesota and DC lawmakers are set to oppose any new DHS funding unless meaningful reforms are implemented. We'll talk about what that means for the January 30th funding deadline.

After that, we've got another failure of government to talk about as the measles outbreak spreads across the country. Three unvaccinated children are now confirmed infected here in Washington, and the legislature is actively considering ways to combat vaccine misinformation from the federal government.

Next, we'll dig into the Department of Education's reversal on their decision to start garnishing wages for student loan borrowers who are in default. Can it help stop the bleeding on their approval rating when it comes to the economy? Probably not.

And finally we'll come home to some local election news. County Commissioner Scott Brummer has decided to run for reelection and already has a challenger from the Republican side. We'll take an early look at that race and what it might mean for a potential Democrat to step in.

Music I use: Bensound.com

License code: HN2TEEIAPTOLPBOU

Artist: : Marcus P.

The Sunday Lookout, 1/11/2026

This week, we got a lot to get through and some of it is hard to talk about. We have to start with what happened in Minneapolis on Wednesday. ICE agent shot and killed a US citizen named Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother. The Trump administration says it was self-defense, video evidence tells a blatantly different story.

And it raises urgent questions about what's coming to communities like ours as federal immigration enforcement escalates.

Then we'll look ahead to Olympia. The 2026 legislative session starts tomorrow. There is a $2.3 billion budget gap and there are bills on the docket that will affect everything from immigration workers to childcare to housing. We'll break down what to watch.

After that, we'll take a look at Trump's demand for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates and break down why it's an absolute sham.

Then we'll come home to Lewis County with two local stories. First, an update on the Chehalis annexation. Two fire districts have now sued the city and the county claiming they were illegally cut out of the process.

And we'll close with a win. Gather church just won a major ruling in federal court, allowing them to resume their mobile needle exchange program. The county's ordinance designed to shut them down is now effectively null and void.

Music I use: Bensound.com

License code: HN2TEEIAPTOLPBOU

Artist: : Marcus P.

The Sunday Lookout, 1/4/2026

  This week we got a lot to talk about. Yesterday, president Trump ordered military strikes on Venezuela and captured President Maduro, and we need to talk about what that means for the rule of law and for the so-called anti-war wing of the Republican party.

Then we'll check in on the Washington Initiative drives. Two of them made the deadline, one didn't, and we'll follow the money behind this whole operation.

After that, we'll talk about some news about the Chehalis annexation plan and some citizens trying to pump the brakes on that with a petition.

Next we'll take a look at the fake daycare fraud scandal that MAGA is freaking out about and what our local Republican reps are doing in response.

And finally, we'll head over to the Port of Centralia who just fired its longtime executive director, and where a newly elected commissioner is about to take her seat. Plus a $400,000 plus severance package that's got a lot of people asking questions.

Music I use: Bensound.com

License code: HN2TEEIAPTOLPBOU

Artist: : Marcus P.

The Sunday Lookout, 12/28/2025

 This week we'll start with the fact that Enhanced ACA subsidies expire on Thursday and Congress has done absolutely nothing to stop it. We'll talk about what that means for folks who buy their own insurance here in Lewis County.

Then we've actually got some good news for once. Secure Rural Schools funding, finally got reauthorized, which means back payments are coming to Lewis County.

After that, we'll head to Olympia where Governor Ferguson surprised a lot of people by coming out in favor of a millionaire's tax. But his budget proposal still has some problems and we'll dig into those.

We'll also check in on the Let's Go Washington Initiative drives that are racing toward a January 2nd deadline. And I'll tell you which ones look like they'll make it and which ones look like they won't.

And finally, we'll close with a story that hits close to home. The Trump administration just ordered the TransAlta coal plant in Centralia to keep burning coal. Overriding a transition plan that's been in place for nearly 15 years. We'll talk about what that means and what local leaders can do about it.

Music I use: Bensound.com

License code: HN2TEEIAPTOLPBOU

Artist: : Marcus P.