The Center Square Washington

We visited daycares receiving millions in taxpayer dollars

Washington’s restored pursuit laws are credited with crime declines, but thousands of violent cases remain unsolved statewide. More on WA in Focus Daily. youtu.be/wKGowxKhogk

WATCH: Climate Act funds tapped for $800K Snake River dam removal study thecentersquare.com/washington/art…

The Spokane City Council has begun laying off staff after funding positions only through July, even as a city commission considers substantial salary increases for council members and the mayor beginning in 2027. Read more: thecentersquare.com/washington/art…

Washington is funding an $800,000 study to analyze the cost of replacing energy from the Lower Snake River dams, and what would be needed. More on WA in Focus Daily. youtu.be/wKGowxKhogk

Hydropower remains a major source of clean energy, raising questions about what happens if that supply is reduced.

Federal Way Mayor says crime trends are improving, noting that “since 2023, car theft in the city of Federal Way has gone down 80%,” alongside declines in other categories.

Ginny Burton is kicking off her cross-state walk, taking on a 22.9-mile stretch from Cedar Falls to Snoqualmie Summit.

Ginny Burton is walking across Washington to raise funds for her program aimed at helping incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives.

The mayor of Federal Way says changes to pursuit and drug laws are having an impact on public safety outcomes in Federal Way.

Washington weekly drug overdose tracker July 13-17 thecentersquare.com/washington/art…

Is Washington losing ground on business competitiveness? Some point to a growing contrast with neighboring states like Idaho. Watch more on WA in Focus Daily. youtu.be/dS4beSKz41c

Former Washington governors are voicing concerns about state spending levels, even as revenues reach record highs. More on WA in Focus Daily. youtu.be/dS4beSKz41c

King County corrections officers are calling for immediate policy changes after inmates allegedly used broken jail-issued tablets to make weapons, including one used in an attempted assault on staff. Read more: thecentersquare.com/washington/art…

King County corrections official say inmates have been breaking tablets and using the pieces to create weapons, raising safety concerns. More on WA in Focus Daily. youtu.be/dS4beSKz41c

Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke criticized Olympia's budgeting practices, saying lawmakers have created permanent programs with one-time funding and that "spending is out of control." Read more: thecentersquare.com/washington/art…

Former Gov. Locke is warning that current budgeting practices could impact long-term public trust in government.

Early voting is underway in Washington, where 16 candidates are competing for five state Supreme Court seats. Candidates have already raised more than $2 million ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. Read more: thecentersquare.com/washington/art…

Jon Scholes Executive Director, Downtown Seattle Association : Seattle's world cup investments delivered results

Washington’s income tax repeal initiative has been certified for the November ballot, as economic policy discussions continue statewide. More on WA in Focus Daily. youtu.be/Fz3FqiYevOg

Two Republican candidates in Washington's 4th Congressional District are both claiming President Donald Trump's endorsement as voters begin casting ballots in the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse. Read more: thecentersquare.com/washington/art…