Washington in Focus

Today's Washington in Focus Daily covers three major stories impacting public safety, elections and housing policy. First, pressure continues to build on Seattle leaders following the deadly Bite of Seattle shooting. New details have emerged as the Seattle police chief responds to questions about his absence during the incident and city officials continue to face scrutiny over their response. Next, King County Elections provides an update on early voter turnout ahead of Washington's August 4 primary and responds to questions about election integrity and voter registration. Finally, the Building Industry Association of Washington is urging residents to weigh in on proposed residential energy code changes, arguing the new requirements could further increase the cost of building new homes and reduce consumer energy choices. Stay informed with the latest Washington news, public policy and government accountability coverage from The Center Square.

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Today's Washington in Focus Daily covers three major developments affecting public safety, elections and state politics. First, we examine the deadly shooting at Seattle's Bite of Seattle festival that left three people dead and several others injured. The tragedy is prompting questions about the city's public safety response and the timing of official updates. Next, a new lawsuit challenges the ballot language that will accompany Initiative 645, the measure asking voters whether to repeal Washington's newly enacted income tax. The case argues the required ballot disclosure is unconstitutional and should be reviewed before the November election. Finally, with the August 4 primary just days away, we break down several key races, including competitive congressional contests and multiple Washington Supreme Court elections that could shape the state's political landscape. Stay informed with the latest reporting on Washington politics, public safety and government accountability.

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Washington's rent control law is facing one of its biggest legal tests yet as manufactured housing owners challenge the constitutionality of the state's rent cap in Spokane County Superior Court. Plaintiffs argue the law unfairly imposes a stricter 5% annual cap on manufactured housing communities than other rental properties, discouraging investment and worsening Washington's housing shortage. Supporters of the law maintain the rent caps protect tenants from excessive rent increases and housing instability. Also in today's episode, Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle is calling for significant budget reforms as the city prepares for a projected $175 million budget deficit in 2027. Kettle argues Seattle should reevaluate spending priorities, streamline government and focus on long-term fiscal sustainability rather than continuing to expand programs. Watch Washington in Focus Daily for in-depth reporting on Washington housing, local government, taxes, budgets and public policy. Washington In Focus Daily, 07.22.26 #WashingtonPolitics #RentControl #HousingPolicy #Seattle #Budget #WashingtonNews #TaxpayerAccountability #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Washington state is moving forward with an $800,000 taxpayer-funded study examining how to replace the clean energy generated by the four Lower Snake River dams—even after President Donald Trump revoked the Biden administration's effort to remove them. The study, funded through Washington's Climate Commitment Act, will evaluate what it would cost to replace the dams' power production and transportation infrastructure if they were ever removed. Critics argue the study is unnecessary because the ultimate decision rests with the federal government. Also in this episode, new crime data from Federal Way show major reductions in several categories, including an 80% drop in motor vehicle thefts since 2023. Mayor Jim Ferrell credits the improvements in part to Washington's restored police pursuit law, while acknowledging that law enforcement agencies continue to struggle with staffing shortages. Finally, prison reform advocate Ginny Burton has begun a 300-mile walk across Washington to raise awareness and funding for the OUT Impact Coalition. Burton says her rehabilitation program helps incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives before release, reducing recidivism while saving taxpayers money compared with repeated incarceration. Watch for continuing coverage of Washington politics, public safety, energy policy and taxpayer issues from The Center Square. #WashingtonPolitics #SnakeRiverDams #PublicSafety #FederalWay #Crime #PrisonReform #EnergyPolicy #TaxpayerAccountability #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Washington business leaders are warning that rising taxes, regulations and economic uncertainty are making it increasingly difficult to grow and invest in the state. At the Association of Washington Business Economic Future Solutions Summit, executives from multiple industries described rising costs, expansion into neighboring states and concerns over Washington's long-term business climate. Also in this episode, a new estimate from the Washington Policy Center suggests replacing the electricity generated by the four Lower Snake River dams could cost more than $34 billion—far exceeding the cost of the state's new $800,000 study examining replacement options. The estimate does not include additional transportation or transmission infrastructure costs. Finally, Washington Supreme Court candidate Myers says attorneys and judges should embrace artificial intelligence as a productivity tool, provided that humans remain responsible for verifying information and making all final legal decisions. Watch Washington in Focus Daily for in-depth reporting on Washington politics, business, public policy, energy and the courts. #WashingtonBusiness #WashingtonPolitics #SnakeRiverDams #EnergyPolicy #SupremeCourt #ArtificialIntelligence #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Two former Democratic governors are raising serious concerns about Washington state spending, while business leaders, correctional officers and Seattle hotel operators report new challenges involving the state’s economy, public safety and World Cup results. Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke criticized Olympia’s budget process during the Association of Washington Business Economic Future Solutions Summit. Locke warned against using one-time revenue to fund permanent government programs and said voters could lose trust when money approved for one purpose is later redirected elsewhere. Locke described that practice as a potential “bait and switch” and questioned why Washington continues to face projected budget deficits despite record revenue and recently approved taxes. Former Gov. Christine Gregoire has issued a similar warning. Gregoire noted that Washington’s operating budget has grown from approximately $33 billion when she left office to roughly $80 billion today. She argued that the state does not have an income problem but a spending problem and warned that repeatedly adding taxes, regulations and new costs creates uncertainty for Washington businesses. Kelly Chambers, a former Washington state representative who now serves as a regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, also discussed the contrast between the business climates in Washington and Idaho. Chambers said companies are leaving Washington, Seattle office vacancies remain high and declining commercial property values can shift more of the tax burden onto residents. She said many businesses want to remain in Washington but need an economic environment that allows them to expand, hire workers and become the next major homegrown employer. The episode also examines major safety concerns inside King County correctional facilities. King County Correctional Officers Guild President Dennis Folk says inmates have been breaking electronic tablets and using glass and metal components to make homemade weapons. Folk described an incident in which an inmate allegedly attempted to stab officers with a weapon made from tablet materials. He also questioned why inmates who intentionally destroy the devices can reportedly receive replacement tablets. King County officials say the tablet program provides access to legal resources, education and family communication, but acknowledged that devices can be misused. Questions remain about disciplinary consequences, replacement policies and whether inmates face charges for damaging county property or possessing weapons. Finally, new hotel data show Seattle sold fewer rooms during the World Cup than during the same period last year. Occupancy reportedly declined approximately 7% in June and 5.7% in July, although hotels raised room rates around match days to offset some of the decline. Some operators had reserved rooms based on expectations of strong FIFA demand and turned away conventions or conferences that normally visit Seattle during the summer. When the anticipated bookings failed to fully materialize, it was too late to recover some of that business. Despite the hotel results, more than 3 million people reportedly visited downtown Seattle across six World Cup match days. Downtown Seattle Association President and CEO John Scholes said investments in the waterfront, transit, walkability and a stadium near the urban core created a strong experience for visitors and residents. Watch Washington In Focus Daily for the latest reporting on Washington taxes, state government spending, the regional business climate, King County jail safety, Seattle tourism and the economic impact of the World Cup.

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Washington politics continues to heat up as the race for Congressional District 4 turns into a dispute over President Donald Trump's endorsement, with Republican candidates Amanda McKinney and Jerrod Sessler offering competing claims while Democrat John Zeller argues the Republican division could reshape the race ahead of Washington's August primary. This episode also covers the Association of Washington Business (AWB) and Washington Roundtable Economic Future Solutions Summit, where former Gov. Gary Locke and Bellevue Chamber CEO Joe Fain raised concerns about Washington's fiscal future, the state's new income tax, long-term budget sustainability, government spending, business investment, and the risks of relying on a narrow tax base. Finally, Spokane Valley taxpayers are questioning a nearly $185,000 marketing campaign promoting the city's Auto Row, raising broader questions about economic development, taxpayer-funded marketing, government priorities, and whether public dollars should be used to support private industry. Featured topics include: Washington income tax Initiative 645 Gary Locke Joe Fain AWB Washington Roundtable Washington economy Business climate Government spending Budget discipline Spokane Valley Auto Row Taxpayer spending Congressional District 4 Amanda McKinney Jerrod Sessler John Zeller Trump endorsement Washington primary election Government accountability Subscribe for daily reporting from The Center Square covering Washington politics, taxes, business, elections, public policy, and government accountability.

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A new statewide poll suggests Washington voters remain strongly opposed to the state's new income tax, while also expressing concerns about the direction of the state and Gov. Bob Ferguson's job performance. In this episode, we break down the latest polling showing opposition to the income tax, examine the messaging from both supporters and opponents ahead of the expected Initiative 645 ballot fight, and look at what the results could mean for Washington taxpayers. The program also examines Gov. Ferguson's proposal to require high school seniors to complete the FAFSA as a graduation requirement, including questions about student privacy, college readiness, and financial aid access. Finally, Spokane officials debate a proposal that could significantly increase commercial sewer rates for some businesses beginning in 2027, raising concerns about the impact on employers and the local economy. Featured Stories Washington income tax Initiative 645 Bob Ferguson Washington poll Washington taxpayers Washington economy FAFSA Education policy Student privacy Washington schools Spokane utility rates Spokane businesses Commercial sewer rates Government accountability Washington politics Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington's economy, taxes, elections, education, public policy, and government accountability from The Center Square. #WashingtonPolitics #IncomeTax #WashingtonEconomy #BobFerguson #Initiative645 #Taxpayers #FAFSA #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

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Washington's battle over the state's new income tax officially entered a new phase as Gov. Bob Ferguson launched the campaign urging voters to reject Initiative 645, the measure that would repeal the recently enacted tax on high-income earners.

In this episode, Ferguson outlines why supporters believe the tax is needed to fund education, child care, and public services, while opponents—including Let's Go Washington, entrepreneur Brian Heywood, and tech founder Jesse Powell—argue the tax is unconstitutional and could eventually expand beyond millionaires.

The program also examines Washington's upcoming August 4 primary election, featuring an interview with Erika Craig, the Republican candidate running for the open Senate seat in the 42nd Legislative District. Craig discusses small business, education, and why she believes Olympia's policies are making it harder for employers to stay and grow in Washington.

Subscribe for daily reporting on Washington politics, taxes, elections, public policy, and government accountability from The Center Square.

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Seattle's plan to provide free school lunches to every public school student is facing new political opposition as City Council President Joy Hollingsworth proposes redirecting some of the funding toward food security programs serving Black children. This episode also examines Spokane's proposal to require landlords to provide air conditioning in rental units, a mandate critics warn could cost property owners hundreds of millions of dollars and increase housing costs. Finally, Federal Way is launching a major crackdown on illicit massage parlors tied to alleged human trafficking, with new ordinances aimed at reducing crime, protecting victims, and increasing business oversight. Featured Stories Seattle free school lunch proposal Katie Wilson Joy Hollingsworth Seattle City Council Spokane air conditioning proposal Spokane landlords Rental housing Human trafficking Federal Way Illicit massage parlors Public safety Washington politics Washington housing The Center Square Subscribe for daily coverage of Washington politics, public policy, housing, public safety, and government accountability from The Center Square. #WashingtonPolitics #Seattle #SchoolLunch #Spokane #Housing #HumanTrafficking #PublicSafety #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus 

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