The IMPACT

The second half of an education discussion with Marguerite Roza (Georgetown Univ. Edunomics Lab) and Larry Delaney (Washington Education Association) covers special education funding changes and the new federal tax-credit scholarship program which could boost private school enrollment.

We explore school funding shifts could mean for classroom resource gaps and what to make of falling test scores, disciplinary shifts, and grappling with AI written homework. Guests: Marguerite Roza, Director of the Georgetown University Edunomics Lab and Larry Delaney, President of the Washington Education Association, and a high school math teacher in Snohomish County.

A spike in child fatalities and near-fatal injuries from early 2025 has reignited debate over a shift in policies that dictate when children are removed from a home. The head of Washington's independent child welfare system oversight body weighs in on the trend. The agency in charge of the system responds. Guests: Patrick Dowd, Director of the Office of Families and Children's Ombuds, & Allison Krutsinger, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the Department of Children Youth and Families.

An in-depth look at new housing laws that cap annual rent increases and allow homeowners more freedom to build a second smaller dwelling on the same lot. Featuring Sen. Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia) and Rep. Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia).

Sunsets, s’mores, and swimming. An overview of in-state summer getaways and what to know before you go. Features Q&A with Sarah Fronk of Washington State Parks.

As lawmakers in D.C. and Olympia grapple with ways to reduce public healthcare spending, Washington hospitals warn of higher fees, longer wait times, and potential closures.

State earthquake/volcano program manager weighs in on survey of vulnerable buildings and what to make of the new magma chamber discovery. Q&A with Brian Terbush, Emergency Management Division

Faced with eroding beaches, coastal communities are teaming up in an effort to hold back the sea. Guest: John Shaw, chair of the Grays Harbor Marine Resources Committee.

A discussion with Michael Meotti, Executive Director of the Washington Student Achievement Council, on the state of higher education in Washington.

A look at the 2025 fire season outlook with Lead Wildfire Meteorologist Matt Dehr of the Washington Department of Natural Resources.