[un]Divided: New wage law could decimate Seattle’s restaurant scene
[un]Divided: New wage law could decimate Seattle’s restaurant scene
Seattle’s small businesses can no longer count tips or other benefits toward employees’ total compensation, a change that the hospitality industry says could force many restaurants to close their doors. Brandi Kruse has more on unDivided.
By Brandi Kruse
The cost of Inslee’s legacy: Runaway spending and struggling taxpayers
The cost of Inslee’s legacy: Runaway spending and struggling taxpayers
As Governor Jay Inslee’s time in office draws to a close, another defining feature of his legacy has come into focus: runaway spending. Throughout his 12-year tenure, Inslee has consistently prioritized expanding the size of government to institute extreme policies over providing relief to the taxpayers who are increasingly struggling under the weight of inflation,...
[un]Divided: Washington leads nation in overdoses, trails in business growth
[un]Divided: Washington leads nation in overdoses, trails in business growth
As much of the nation saw a drop in deadly drug overdoses, Washington state saw a 14% spike. At the same time, Washington trails much of the country in business growth. Brandi Kruse dives into the data on the unDivided Podcast.
By Brandi Kruse
[un]Divided: Email suggests energy rebates were intended to influence voters
[un]Divided: Email suggests energy rebates were intended to influence voters
An internal Department of Commerce email directed energy companies to pay out $200 credits to customers “before the state votes on the initiative” to repeal the Climate Commitment Act. Brandi Kruse has more on the unDivided podcast.
By Brandi Kruse
New poll: Where Washington stand on 4 ballot initiatives and other key issues, races
New poll: Where Washington stand on 4 ballot initiatives and other key issues, races
New polling from Napolitan News Service released today provides an update on where Washington voters stand on priority issues heading into the presidential and gubernatorial election, as well as each of the four initiatives voters will get to decide on: long-term care opt-out, capital gains tax repeal, cap and trade repeal, and the natural gas...
Center Square Washington: State highway system in ‘early stages of failure’
Center Square Washington: State highway system in ‘early stages of failure’
A Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Deputy Director addressed the Senate Transportation Committee last week and told them, “We’ve got the state highway system in early stages of failure,” due to a lack of preservation and maintenance, according to Center Square Washington. But there are even more underlying problems: Another dilemma facing WSDOT is...
Innovative law enforcement technology being used to tackle vehicle thefts
Innovative law enforcement technology being used to tackle vehicle thefts
An innovative technology from Flock is being successfully utilized across the country in order to target vehicle thefts, including here in Snohomish County. While adhering to privacy laws, this new technology collects only objective vehicle data by way of Automated License Plate Readers, alerts law enforcement of wanted vehicles, and aids in crime-solving. This camera system does...
Let’s not forget Inslee’s abuse of power, disregard for democracy
Let’s not forget Inslee’s abuse of power, disregard for democracy
As Governor Jay Inslee prepares to leave office in January, it’s a fitting time to reflect on his legacy. His actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, raise serious concerns about the precedent he set on wielding executive powers in Washington. For almost three years, Governor Inslee unilaterally dictated which businesses could remain open, imposed...
The Wall Street Journal: The High-Tax State Brain Drain
The Wall Street Journal: The High-Tax State Brain Drain
According to the Wall Street Journal, high tax states such as California, New York, and Illinois are losing high earning households to no-income tax states like Florida and Texas. In fact, these two states alone “attracted more than twice as many such households as any other state.” But what does that have to do with...
[un]Divided: Acclaimed chef closing Spokane restaurant over city’s drug and crime crisis
[un]Divided: Acclaimed chef closing Spokane restaurant over city’s drug and crime crisis
Chef Chad White says his restaurant has been broken into 20 times in the past eight years as drug use in downtown Spokane spirals out of control. He is pleading with city leaders to do something before more businesses close.
By Brandi Kruse
Is the CCA accomplishing anything? Literally no one knows
Is the CCA accomplishing anything? Literally no one knows
Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) was supposed to be a bold step forward in the fight against climate change. Yet, over a year after its implementation, there’s no clear evidence of progress—and the cost to Washington families keeps climbing. Under the CCA, Washington introduced a tax on CO2 emissions aimed at funding projects that would...
Four initiatives give Washington voters a historic chance to weigh in
Four initiatives give Washington voters a historic chance to weigh in
This fall gives a unique opportunity for Washington voters to have a direct say in public policy. A total of seven different initiatives have been qualified this year, with three already being passed into law during the legislative session (I-2081 concerning parental rights, I-2111 prohibiting income taxes in WA, and I-2113 restoring police pursuits). This...
[un]Divided: Murder victim’s granddaughter fights for justice
[un]Divided: Murder victim’s granddaughter fights for justice
The granddaughter of an 80-year-old dog walker who was murdered by an 8-time felon in Seattle says she hopes the crime will spark positive change and prevent future acts of violence. Melanie Roberts spoke to unDivided’s Brandi Kruse about her grandma, Ruth Dalton, and how the community can help honor her life.
By Brandi Kruse