The IMPACT

From potholes to public records, cap-and-trade to capital gains: a press corps panel looks back on the big state government stories of 2023 and issues to watch in 2024. Featuring Jerry Cornfield of the Washington State Standard and Shauna Sowersby of McClatchy Newspapers (Tacoma News-Tribune, The Olympian, Bellingham Herald, Tri-City Herald).

Research sheds light on a new high-risk earthquake scenario for the Seattle metropolitan area. State emergency management agency highlights annual earthquake preparedness drill.

Part two of our series on Washington's sweeping new carbon pricing policies. This episode covers plans to target air pollution in specific communities and outlines some of the unresolved questions facing regulators, utilities, and taxpayers.

Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee leaders weigh in on Washington's new program to limit carbon emissions and auction greenhouse gas emissions permits. Guests include Sen. Joe Nguyen, D-White Center (Chair) and Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton (Ranking Member).

How colleges are responding to declining enrollment and the implications for the workforce of the future. Starting college before finishing high school, a deep dive into dual credit programs. Featuring Heather Hudson, Director of Policy & Planning for the Washington Student Achievement Council; Jamie Traugott, Director of Dual Credit & Strategic Enrollment Initiatives for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; and Julie Garver, Director of Policy and Academic Affairs, for the Washington State Council of Presidents.

This podcast delves into Washington's historical development of nuclear weapons and provides updates on the ongoing cleanup operations at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. It explores challenges in dealing with radioactive materials, ensuring worker safety, plans for the vitrification plant, and the redrawing of voting district lines in Yakima Valley.

A look at the implications of a school construction funding lawsuit, an update on trends in K-12 schools, and new options for students pursuing college credit in high school. Guest: Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal.

As trial delays stack up, will a shortage of public defenders lead to cases being dismissed? Q & A with Larry Jefferson, Director of the Office of Public Defense and Russel Brown, Exec. Director of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.

A preview of the recently authorized pilot program to explore the potential of the psychedelic drug psilocybin to treat PTSD and problem drinking. Guest: Dr. Darron Smith, Co-Director of the Center for Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry at the University of Washington.

Inside the state's plan to vacate 50 years worth of invalidated drug convictions & refund fees & fines connected to the Blake decision. Chris Stanley, CFO for the Administrative Office of the Courts overseeing the Blake Refund Bureau and Grace O'Connor, Blake Defense Program Managing Attorney, Office of Public Defense