The Center Square Washington keeps you updated on state and local governments, how policies impact you, and the cost of these policies on you, the taxpayers.
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Keeping up with Washington news shouldn’t feel like a second job.
That’s why The Center Square is launching text updates.
About twice a week, we’ll send you a concise breakdown of a government or policy development worth knowing: what happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for you.
Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or sign up here: joinsubtext.com/c/thecenters…
Spend less time keeping up. Stay informed about what matters.
Msg & data rates may apply.
Could the Washington Supreme Court's ruling against the natural gas initiative raise questions about the state's new income tax law?
Seattle's proposed police budget is increasing by $68 million, but how much will actually go toward expanding the force?
What's keeping Washington from joining the federal education tax credit program? Rep. Travis Couture says Superintendent Chris Reykdal's objections don't hold up, challenging them in an eight-page letter.
Seattle plans to spend $68 million more on its police department, but how many additional officers will that bring?
ALT Person speaking with text overlay about Seattle police staffing levels.
ALT Text about Seattle police staffing projections and budget.
A campaign ad says Sen. John Braun didn't call an employee after his father's death. Braun says that's misleading.
A Washington newspaper editor declined to publish an op-ed supporting I-638 after running one opposing the measure.
Bainbridge Island Review editor Tyler Shuey cited backlash over a previous column on transgender participation in sports.
"I'm not willing to risk putting our paper in that position again," he wrote.
The rejected column disputed claims that I-638 would require genital exams for student athletes.
The Center Square could not verify the author's claim that the newspaper initially agreed to publish his piece.
Read the full story:
thecentersquare.com/washingt…
King County's homelessness authority faces a $16.7 million shortfall.
ALT Large building against a blue sky with text about a $17M shortfall.
ALT Text explaining a financial shortfall of King County Regional Homelessness Authority.
ALT Text about Seattle and King County's plan for homelessness services.
Will Seattle actually have more police officers under Mayor Katie Wilson's budget? The Center Square's Tim Clouser pressed the mayor on the gap between budgeted staffing levels and hiring projections.
Seattle's transportation department is facing major cash-flow problems, prompting a proposal for a $63.5 million loan from other city funds.
The department's Transportation Fund had an average daily cash balance of negative $41 million in September, raising concerns among City Council members about its finances and previous loans.
ALT City street in Seattle with crosswalk sign and text overlay on transportation loan issue.
ALT Text detailing a loan proposal for Seattle Department of Transportation.
ALT Text stating councilmembers' concerns about loan proposal, suggestion for audit, and tax increase.
A debate in Washington's closely watched 3rd Congressional District race turned contentious Tuesday night when Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez confronted state Sen. John Braun over a fatal workplace accident at his company.
Gluesenkamp Perez criticized Braun's response to the family of an employee killed at Braun Northwest in August 2024. Her campaign also released an ad featuring the victim's son, who said Braun never called to check on his family.
Braun rejected the criticism, calling it “a new low” and saying he spoke with the son in person twice on the day of the accident.
Braun's campaign said the company provided paid time off, counseling services and other support to the family.
thecentersquare.com/washingt…
Why was Washington's history of income tax votes removed from the Secretary of State's website?
The resource page documenting past voter rejections was restored only after the office was pressed about its removal, ahead of another income tax vote.
Seattle received nearly 27,000 graffiti removal requests in nine months. Now, Mayor Katie Wilson's proposed budget would reduce graffiti removal funding by $1.45 million, including expiring funds.
Despite a 10% increase in the Parks and Recreation budget, councilmembers warn the reductions could hurt public safety.
Wilson's proposal would also cut $900,000 from Seattle's Unified Care Team, which resolves homeless encampments, removes trash and connects people with services, drawing further criticism from councilmembers.
Read more:
thecentersquare.com/washingt…
Spokane officials are considering free asbestos surveys for eligible Old Trails Fire property owners whose insurance doesn't cover the service.
Residents who already paid for an uninsured survey can request up to $1,600 in reimbursement as rebuilding delays continue.
ALT House in foreground with trees and large flames in the background.
ALT Text detailing Spokane City Council's upcoming vote on a resolution for free asbestos surveys.
A Washington jury found Trevor DeLorme not guilty of misdemeanor stalking in a case involving state Sen. Nikki Torres and her election opponent, Gabe Galbraith.
Torres expressed disappointment with the verdict, while Galbraith criticized the public speculation surrounding the case.
ALT Close-up of a gavel with overlay text about a verdict.
ALT Text detailing a Franklin County jury verdict about Trevor DeLorme.