Public Safety

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

8h ago · 25:22

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