Katie Wilson DODGES Our Question About Seattle's Federal Funding + Ferguson's New Fraud Task Force

Katie Wilson DODGES Our Question About Seattle's Federal Funding + Ferguson's New Fraud Task Force

0 views · October 28th, 2026

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson faces questions about potential federal homelessness funding cuts. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson creates a new statewide fraud prevention office amid growing questions about taxpayer oversight. And Brandi Kruse speaks out about her removal from a Portland Thorns soccer game. On the October 28, 2026 episode of Washington In Focus Daily, The Center Square examines three major stories involving Seattle homelessness policy, Washington state government accountability and the ongoing Portland Thorns controversy. SEATTLE MAYOR KATIE WILSON QUESTIONED ABOUT FEDERAL FUNDING The Center Square's Tim Clouser questions Mayor Katie Wilson about how Seattle would respond if changes to federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding put Housing First programs at risk. The report examines Seattle's homelessness strategy, the city's reliance on federal grants and criticism from Art Dolan of Battlefield Addiction about the role of fentanyl treatment and intervention. Federal funding cuts discussed in the segment remain a potential outcome, not a confirmed loss. BOB FERGUSON CREATES WASHINGTON FRAUD PREVENTION OFFICE Governor Bob Ferguson announces an executive order creating Washington's first chief fraud prevention officer and statewide fraud prevention workgroup. The initiative will initially focus on the Washington Health Care Authority, Department of Social and Health Services, Labor & Industries, and Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Republican Senator Leonard Christian and Washington GOP Chairman Jim Walsh criticize the plan, questioning why existing agencies have not done more to investigate suspected fraud and protect taxpayer money. The debate follows The Center Square's reporting on Washington child care subsidies and concerns about oversight of state-funded programs. BRANDI KRUSE GIVES UPDATE ON PORTLAND THORNS INCIDENT Undivided podcast host Brandi Kruse describes her experience being removed from a Portland Thorns soccer match after a confrontation involving XX-XY Athletics shirts. Kruse says she has not received an explanation from the team or stadium security and discusses the physical impact of the encounter. She also describes what she says she has heard about possible Department of Justice involvement. WASHINGTON IN FOCUS DAILY Watch The Center Square for reporting on Washington politics, Seattle homelessness, government spending, fraud prevention, public safety, elections and taxpayer accountability. Subscribe for more Washington state news. #WashingtonNews #BobFerguson #KatieWilson #BrandiKruse #WashingtonPolitics

Sen. Christian Questions Why State Agencies Aren't Investigating Fraud

0 views · October 28th, 2026

Washington State Sen. Leonard Christian is criticizing state government oversight and questioning why agencies aren't doing more to investigate suspected fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs. Christian raises concerns about alleged fraud in Washington's daycare subsidy system, arguing that the state already has offices responsible for investigating potential misuse of public funds. “Why did this not say, ‘Do your job?’” Christian asked, criticizing the idea of creating additional task forces and study groups instead of relying on existing investigative authorities. The Republican senator also raises allegations involving SNAP food assistance benefits and questions whether state officials and news organizations are taking reports of potential fraud seriously enough. Christian suggests that Washington could encourage fraud detection by rewarding individuals who identify waste or fraudulent activity with a portion of the resulting savings. He also criticizes Washington's economic policies, arguing that Democratic lawmakers have contributed to job losses, business departures and a difficult environment for employers. The comments highlight questions about Washington daycare subsidies, SNAP fraud allegations, taxpayer accountability, state agency oversight, public spending and the state's economic climate. Subscribe to The Center Square for more Washington political news, government accountability investigations, taxpayer spending coverage and economic reporting. #LeonardChristian #WashingtonState #DaycareFraud #TaxpayerMoney #GovernmentAccountability #SNAP #WashingtonPolitics

Washington Workers Face Higher Payroll Taxes as Paid Leave Costs Rise

0 views · October 28th, 2026

Washington workers will face higher payroll deductions in 2027 as the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) premium rate increases to 1.2% of covered wages. The total Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave premium rate began at 0.4% in 2019, meaning the 2027 rate is three times the program's original level. The increase comes as Washington workers continue facing concerns about the cost of living, including gas prices, groceries, housing and insurance. WASHINGTON PAYROLL TAX INCREASE IN 2027 Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave program provides eligible workers with partial wage replacement when taking qualifying family or medical leave, including time off for childbirth, adoption or caring for a family member. The program is funded through payroll premiums shared between employees and employers, with workers paying the larger portion. As the total premium rate rises to 1.2% in 2027, the increase will affect payroll deductions and take-home pay for covered Washington employees. WASHINGTON POLICY CENTER QUESTIONS RISING COSTS Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center argues that higher payroll deductions place additional financial pressure on workers who may already be struggling with everyday expenses. New questions whether workers should have the option to participate in the program and raises concerns about differences in benefit usage across income groups. According to figures cited in the report, workers earning $61 an hour or more accounted for nearly 20% of Paid Family and Medical Leave claims in fiscal year 2026, compared with approximately 8% from workers in the lowest wage group. These figures describe the distribution of claims by wage group, not the likelihood of an individual worker filing a claim. COULD WASHINGTON'S PAYROLL PREMIUM RISE TO 2%? The report also discusses concerns about the program's long-term funding and whether Washington lawmakers could consider raising the statutory premium cap. New expects renewed debate during the 2027 legislative session, including possible proposals to allow premium rates as high as 2%. A 2% rate is not currently established by the figures discussed in this report. Washington state Senator Curtis King has also advocated changes to the Paid Family and Medical Leave program, including restrictions on repeated use. WHO BENEFITS FROM WASHINGTON'S PAID LEAVE PROGRAM? The debate raises questions about affordability, income differences, worker benefits and the long-term cost of state-administered programs. Watch Washington In Focus Daily for reporting on Washington taxes, employment, government spending, economic policy and taxpayer accountability. Subscribe to The Center Square for independent Washington state news. Get important Washington government and policy updates by text about twice a week. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016. #WashingtonTaxes #WashingtonWorkers #PaidFamilyLeave #PayrollTax #WashingtonNews

Brandi Kruse Forcibly Removed From Portland Thorns Game Over XX-XY Shirts

0 views · October 28th, 2026

Podcaster Brandi Kruse was forcibly escorted out of a Portland Thorns soccer game following a confrontation involving XX-XY Athletics shirts and a group of advocates for sex-based categories in women's sports. Kruse, host of the Undivided podcast, attended the Portland Thorns match with approximately 20 other people wearing XX-XY shirts. According to accounts discussed in this Washington In Focus report, tensions escalated after the group removed their jackets and revealed the shirts during the second half. BRANDI KRUSE REMOVED FROM PORTLAND THORNS GAME Video shared on social media shows stadium security physically escorting Brandi Kruse from the venue. Kruse repeatedly said she had done nothing wrong as security personnel removed her from the stadium. The incident has raised questions about the treatment of spectators, stadium security procedures and the ongoing controversy over transgender participation in women's sports. WOMAN REPORTS BEING PUSHED DOWN STADIUM STAIRS Another woman attending the match says she filed a police report after an individual allegedly attempted to grab her phone and pushed her down stadium stairs. She describes the confrontation, the reaction of nearby spectators and a subsequent conversation with the person she says pushed her. The report also discusses allegations of harassment involving spectators waving transgender pride flags. PORTLAND THORNS AND STADIUM SECURITY FACE QUESTIONS At the time of The Center Square's reporting, the Portland Thorns organization and stadium security had not responded to requests for comment. The report also discusses accounts published by Fox News and The Post Millennial concerning possible Department of Justice scrutiny of the incident. Those reports are not independent confirmation of an active federal investigation. The confrontation comes amid ongoing debates in Washington and across the country over girls' sports, transgender athletes, free expression and public safety at sporting events. Subscribe to The Center Square for Washington state news, Pacific Northwest politics, public safety reporting, women's sports coverage and government accountability. Get Washington government and policy updates delivered by text about twice a week. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016. #BrandiKruse #PortlandThorns #GirlsSports #WomensSports #WashingtonNews

Washington Suspends Campaign Donation Limits Days Before 2026 Election

0 views · October 28th, 2026

Washington state election regulators have suspended enforcement of restrictions on large campaign contributions just 12 days before the November 3, 2026 general election, opening the door to larger last-minute political donations. On October 22, the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) announced that it would stop enforcing a state law provision restricting certain campaign contributions exceeding $75,000 for statewide campaigns and $7,500 for other campaigns during the final 21 days before an election. The PDC cited concerns about the law's constitutionality and enforceability under federal court decisions involving political contributions and free speech. WASHINGTON CAMPAIGN FINANCE RULES CHANGE BEFORE ELECTION The sudden decision comes during the final stretch of Washington's 2026 election, as political committees, labor unions, business organizations and individual donors spend millions on high-profile ballot initiative campaigns. In this Washington In Focus report, The Center Square examines the timing of the PDC's decision, the campaign donation restrictions affected and questions about how the change could influence election fundraising. MILLIONS SPENT ON WASHINGTON BALLOT INITIATIVES The report discusses fundraising surrounding Washington's income tax repeal initiative I-645, parental rights initiative I-001 and girls' sports initiative I-638. The campaign opposing the income tax repeal initiative has reported raising more than $11.5 million, according to figures cited in the report. Major donors and organizations involved in the election debate include the Washington Education Association, SEIU 775, business groups and political committees opposing the initiatives. Let's Go Washington supports the initiatives and is encouraging voters to approve them. WHY DID THE PDC SUSPEND THE RESTRICTIONS? The Washington Public Disclosure Commission says the decision reflects constitutional and legal concerns surrounding the enforceability of the state's pre-election contribution restrictions. The move suspends enforcement of a specific late-contribution provision. It does not eliminate all Washington campaign finance limits, reporting requirements or disclosure laws. With ballots already being returned ahead of Election Day, the timing of the decision is raising questions about political spending and the influence of major campaign donors. Subscribe to The Center Square for Washington state election coverage, campaign finance reporting, ballot initiatives, government accountability and public policy news. Get important Washington government and policy updates delivered by text about twice a week. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016. #WashingtonElection #CampaignFinance #WashingtonPDC #WashingtonPolitics #Election2026

Illegally Registered Voters in Washington? “400 Is Just the Beginning”

2 views · October 27th, 2026

How many illegally registered voters are on Washington’s rolls? Our guest says the 400+ cases discovered so far are just the beginning, and the real number could be in the thousands. In this clip, he argues that Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and Secretary of State Steve Hobbs are refusing to comply with federal election law as a political calculation, and that the standoff will be reckless and expensive for Washington taxpayers. #Washington #ElectionIntegrity #VoterRolls #WashingtonPolitics #Elections #VoterRegistration

Treasury Can’t Verify Social Security Numbers for Most Programs

1 views · October 27th, 2026

Host Greg Bishop talks with The Center Square's Brett Rowland about Treasury's Do Not Pay program. It screens federal payments against federal databases to confirm that recipients are real, alive and eligible. It has been required by law for more than a decade, but until last year only about 4% of federal programs had access; Treasury has since expanded that to 99%. In fiscal 2026, Treasury screened $3.7 trillion in payments and stopped about 13,500, worth about $175 million. Improper payments run about $186 billion a year. Treasury says the law hasn’t caught up with the technology. It can verify Social Security numbers for only 11 federal programs, limited mainly to health and income maintenance programs, and it can’t check ID numbers against IRS records. Treasury says banks have more identity verification access than federal programs. A bill from U.S. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky would have expanded that access, but the key provisions were stripped from the House version after House Ways and Means objected over jurisdiction in April.

Why Washington Needs Clean, Meaningful Judicial Elections

20 views · October 27th, 2026

Do you really know who you’re voting for when judges are on the ballot? In this clip, Dave Larson makes the case for reforming how Washington elects and appoints judges, starting with a judicial elections commission. Dave Larson wrote legislation for a judicial elections commission ten years ago, and the idea is resurfacing. The argument: voters deserve clean, meaningful judicial elections where they understand what they’re voting on. We’re at a crossroads, and either reform dies on the vine or voters insist on more from the state judiciary. #Washington #JudicialElections #CourtReform #WashingtonPolitics #Judges #Elections

Brandi Kruse Kicked Out of Portland Thorns + WA Paid Family Leave Payroll Tax Rises in 2027

0 views · October 26th, 2026

Brandi Kruse is forcibly escorted from a Portland Thorns soccer game following a confrontation over girls' sports activism. Washington election regulators suspend restrictions on large last-minute campaign donations. And Washington workers face another payroll premium increase in 2027. On the October 26, 2026 episode of Washington In Focus Daily, The Center Square examines three major stories affecting Washington and the Pacific Northwest. BRANDI KRUSE REMOVED FROM PORTLAND THORNS GAME Undivided podcast host Brandi Kruse and other advocates wearing XX-XY shirts were involved in a confrontation at a Portland Thorns soccer match. Video shows security escorting Kruse from the stadium, while another attendee reports being pushed down stadium stairs. The incident raises questions about stadium security, fan behavior and the ongoing debate over transgender participation in women's sports. WASHINGTON SUSPENDS CAMPAIGN DONATION RESTRICTIONS On October 22, the Washington Public Disclosure Commission announced that it would suspend enforcement of restrictions on certain large contributions made shortly before elections. The decision affects contributions exceeding $75,000 to statewide campaigns and $7,500 to other campaigns under the specific provision at issue. The move comes just days before Washington voters decide major ballot measures involving income taxes, parental rights and girls' sports. WASHINGTON PAYROLL PREMIUM RISES IN 2027 Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave program premium rate will rise to 1.2% of covered wages in 2027, triple its original 2019 rate of 0.4%. Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center discusses concerns about higher payroll deductions, program costs and whether Washington lawmakers could consider additional changes. WASHINGTON IN FOCUS DAILY Watch The Center Square for independent reporting on Washington politics, elections, public safety, taxes, jobs, affordability and government accountability. Get Washington state government and policy updates by text about twice a week. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016. #WashingtonNews #BrandiKruse #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonTaxes #PortlandThorns

WA Sen. Manka Dhingra Claims “100% of Washingtonians” Benefit From Millionaire's Tax

0 views · October 26th, 2026

Washington State Sen. Manka Dhingra is defending Washington's millionaire's tax, arguing that every Washington resident stands to benefit from the policy. “The bottom line is 100% of Washingtonians benefit,” Dhingra said while discussing the tax and the organizations supporting it. Dhingra also defended labor unions spending money to support the millionaire's tax, arguing that unions represent nurses, caregivers and blue-collar workers struggling with Washington's rising cost of living. The Democratic senator says affordability remains a major challenge for working families, particularly when it comes to housing, food, healthcare and opportunities for their children. According to Dhingra, the millionaire's tax would help provide union members and other working families with a more equal opportunity to succeed. Her comments come amid Washington's debate over Initiative 645, which would repeal the state's new 9.9% income tax on annual income above $1 million. The controversy raises questions about Washington taxes, labor union political spending, affordability, government revenue and who ultimately benefits from the millionaire's tax. Subscribe to The Center Square for more Washington political news, income tax coverage, election reporting and government accountability. #MankaDhingra #MillionairesTax #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #I645 #LaborUnions #WashingtonPolitics

Over 3,500 Washington Election Ballots Challenged — Here's Why

0 views · October 26th, 2026

More than 3,500 Washington election ballots have been challenged, according to ballot return figures cited in this report, raising questions about signature verification and how voters can make sure their ballots are accepted. As of October 22, the report says approximately 641,000 ballots had been returned out of 5.1 million registered Washington voters. Of those returned ballots, 3,577 were listed as challenged. A challenged ballot does not necessarily mean a vote has been rejected permanently. Signature verification issues, including missing or mismatched signatures, are common reasons election officials may flag a ballot for additional review. Washington voters can check whether their ballots have been received and accepted through the Washington Secretary of State's ballot tracking system. Voters whose ballots have been challenged should follow instructions from their county elections office to resolve any issues before the applicable deadline. The update highlights Washington election procedures, mail-in voting, ballot signature verification, voter turnout and election accountability. Subscribe to The Center Square for more Washington election news, voter information and government accountability reporting. #WashingtonElections #BallotTracking #Election2026 #WashingtonState #Voting #ElectionIntegrity #VoterInformation

Is Washington’s Paid Leave Program a Pay Cut? The Tax Has Tripled

5 views · October 26th, 2026

Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave premium has tripled since 2019, from 0.4% to 1.2% of gross wages in 2027, which is the statutory cap. Now lawmakers are talking about raising that cap to 2%. In this clip, we break down why some are calling the program a pay cut: money workers could spend on their own needs goes instead to a state program that covers just two kinds of leave. We look at how the rate has climbed, what the 1.2% cap means, and why a push to “bust the cap” has people concerned. [Add guest name, links, and a call to action here] #Washington #PaidFamilyLeave #PFML #WashingtonPolitics #Taxes #Paycheck

WA Supreme Court Candidate Dave Larson Says Political Power Belongs to Voters

0 views · October 26th, 2026

Washington Supreme Court candidate Judge Dave Larson is emphasizing the importance of voter authority under the Washington State Constitution, arguing that political power ultimately belongs to the people. Larson points to Article I, Section 1 of the Washington Constitution, which establishes the principle that political power is inherent in the people. “All political power is in the people,” Larson said, emphasizing that the provision appears at the very beginning of the state's declaration of rights. The judicial candidate also references a dissenting opinion by a Washington Supreme Court justice, arguing that courts should seek ways to uphold the will of voters when they make their voices heard. Larson's comments highlight broader questions about the Washington Supreme Court, judicial interpretation, ballot measures, constitutional rights and the relationship between courts and voters. The remarks come as Washington voters consider the role of the state Supreme Court and the importance of judicial philosophy in elections. Subscribe to The Center Square for more Washington Supreme Court election coverage, judicial accountability reporting, constitutional law and state politics. #DaveLarson #WashingtonSupremeCourt #WashingtonElections #VoterRights #Constitution #JudicialElections #WashingtonState

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's $9.1 BILLION Budget Raises Spending Concerns

0 views · October 26th, 2026

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is proposing a $9.1 billion budget for 2027 as the city attempts to address its budget deficit without introducing major new taxes. Wilson's Seattle budget proposal would eliminate mostly vacant city positions, shift expenses between government funds and use available balances to close the remaining budget gap. However, Seattle city spending would still increase under the proposal, along with certain fees. Critics are questioning whether the $9.1 billion spending plan does enough to control ongoing government costs and strengthen public safety in Seattle. City budget analysts say the proposal makes progress toward addressing the immediate deficit but leaves underlying financial challenges unresolved. The debate raises questions about Seattle government spending, taxpayer accountability, public safety funding, city fees and the long-term sustainability of Seattle's budget. Subscribe to The Center Square for more coverage of Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, the Seattle City Council, Washington politics, public safety and government spending. #Seattle #KatieWilson #SeattleBudget #TaxpayerMoney #SeattlePolitics #WashingtonState #GovernmentSpending

Georgia Child Welfare Agency’s $1M Spy Truck Transferred to GBI

0 views · October 26th, 2026

In Georgia, a child welfare vehicle equipped with a nearly $1 million cell site simulator is now in the hands of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, with no explanation from state officials. Investigative reporter Johnny Edwards explains how the Georgia Department of Human Services’ surveillance vehicle ended up with the GBI. Gov. Brian Kemp’s office says the state never took possession, while purchase and vehicle records indicate possession in May. A legislative committee declined for a second time to take up the issue, and Rep. Beth Camp is seeking a House hearing. The vehicle comes amid DHS budget troubles, including a $71 million software cost overrun and cuts to foster care services.

Washington Ballot Tracker Shows Thousands of Challenged Ballots

0 views · October 26th, 2026

More than 3,500 Washington election ballots were listed as challenged in early statewide returns, according to figures discussed from the Washington Secretary of State's office. With approximately 641,000 ballots returned out of 5.1 million registered voters as of October 22, 2026, the data also reveals differences in voter turnout across age groups and counties. In this Washington In Focus report, The Center Square examines Washington's 2026 election ballot returns, challenged ballots, signature verification and how voters can track their ballots. WASHINGTON BALLOT CHALLENGES The figures presented in the report show 3,577 challenged ballots. Ballot challenges can involve signature discrepancies or other issues requiring voter follow-up. A challenge does not automatically mean a ballot is fraudulent or permanently rejected. Washington voters can check their ballot status and contact their county elections office if a problem needs to be resolved. WASHINGTON VOTER TURNOUT As of October 22, approximately 641,000 ballots had been returned statewide, representing about 12.43% of registered voters. Voters age 65 and older were returning ballots at a higher rate, with more than 25% of that age group having submitted ballots. Jefferson County led the state in the figures discussed, with a 29.45% ballot return rate. These numbers represent an early snapshot of voting, not final election turnout. TRACK YOUR WASHINGTON BALLOT The report explains why Washington voters should check whether their ballots have been received and accepted, particularly if a signature issue or other challenge requires attention. Subscribe to The Center Square for Washington state election coverage, ballot information, government accountability and public policy news. Get Washington government and policy updates by text about twice a week. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016. #WashingtonElection #WashingtonNews #BallotTracking #VoterTurnout #Election2026