42,000 Union Workers Reach Contract Agreement + WA Businesses Blame Closures on Crime & Homelessness

A new national firearms survey estimates Americans own approximately 461 million guns—including roughly 40 million AR-15-style rifles—as major Second Amendment litigation moves through the U.S. Supreme Court.

The 2026 National Firearms Survey from Georgetown University professor William English estimates approximately 88 million American adults own firearms, with the average gun owner possessing roughly 5.2 guns. The survey estimates Americans own approximately 208 million handguns, 154 million rifles and 99 million shotguns.

Among the most significant findings: approximately 25% of gun owners report owning an AR-15-type rifle, representing an estimated 40 million AR-15-style rifles nationwide. Another estimated 20 million similarly styled semiautomatic rifles are also privately owned.

Dave Workman, communications director for the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, discusses what the new gun ownership data could mean for the national Second Amendment debate and litigation challenging restrictions on semiautomatic rifles.

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering major litigation involving restrictions on semiautomatic firearms in Cook County, Illinois, and Connecticut. Gun-rights advocates argue the enormous number of AR-15-style rifles in private ownership supports their position that the firearms are in common use and protected by the Second Amendment. Supporters of restrictions dispute the constitutional arguments advanced by those challenging the laws.

Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility Chief of Staff Ryan Guzman also discusses the organization's priorities for Washington's 2027 legislative session, including stronger secure-storage policies and increased funding for community violence intervention and hospital-based intervention programs.

Also on Washington in Focus Daily, Washington's largest state employee union has reached a tentative agreement with the state on a new 2027–29 contract.

The Washington Federation of State Employees General Government bargaining team reached a tentative agreement with Gov. Bob Ferguson's administration and the Office of Financial Management. Approximately 42,000 general government workers are covered by the bargaining unit.

Details of the agreement were not immediately available as members prepare to vote on ratification. Washington GOP Chair Jim Walsh criticizes the state's collective bargaining process and argues taxpayers deserve greater transparency into negotiations over state employee compensation.

Finally, Spokane businesses are raising concerns about crime, homelessness, drug use and street disorder.

Independent journalist Kevin Dahlgren traveled to Spokane to investigate complaints from businesses near homelessness facilities. Business owners and other critics argue crime and disorder surrounding some facilities have contributed to businesses closing or relocating.

The segment also examines the ongoing debate over Housing First, Catholic Charities Eastern Washington and alternative approaches to homelessness emphasizing treatment, recovery and self-sufficiency.

Washington in Focus Daily breaks down the 2026 National Firearms Survey, 461 million guns in America, 40 million AR-15s, American gun ownership, Second Amendment cases, the U.S. Supreme Court, Washington gun laws, Washington state worker contracts, Gov. Bob Ferguson, WFSE, taxpayer transparency, Spokane crime, Spokane homelessness, Housing First, Catholic Charities Eastern Washington and the latest Washington state news.

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