Politics Poll: WA voters are divided on new taxes to address COVID-19 In a new Crosscut/Elway poll, voters named the pandemic as the state’s No. 1 issue, but favored only 1 of 4 tax measures lawmakers are considering. by Melissa Santos / January 6, 2021
Politics How Seattle's new payroll tax complicates efforts to enact one statewide In considering a new statewide payroll tax, lawmakers want to avoid double-taxing Seattle businesses. by Melissa Santos / January 4, 2021
News New COVID-19 reopening plan in Washington state begins Jan. 11 The two-phase plan sets benchmarks for resuming some activities that are currently banned, such as indoor dining. by Melissa Santos / December 30, 2020 / Updated 4:30 p.m. January 5, 2021
Politics Black-owned pot shops are rare in WA. Can a task force fix that? A plan to bring social equity to the state's mostly white marijuana industry was delayed by COVID-19. Now, things are inching forward. by Melissa Santos / December 29, 2020
Politics What you should know about WA Gov. Jay Inslee’s 2021 budget plan The Democratic governor is proposing new taxes to help pay for coronavirus relief, plus an ambitious plan to cap carbon emissions in Washington state. by Melissa Santos / December 18, 2020 / 6:29 p.m. December 19, 2020
News WA unemployment problems persist, with some going unpaid for months Nine months into the pandemic, the state’s unemployment system is still rife with issues, and thousands are stuck in limbo. by Melissa Santos / December 17, 2020
News COVID-19 lockdown to last through Jan. 4 in Washington state Bans on indoor gatherings and indoor dining will remain in place for an additional three weeks. by Melissa Santos / December 8, 2020 / Updated 2:22 p.m. December 8
News Bad credit shouldn't mean higher insurance rates, WA official says State regulators say the current system leads to low-income people and people of color paying more, and is bad policy in a pandemic. by Melissa Santos / December 8, 2020
Politics What happens if WA Gov. Jay Inslee takes a job in Biden’s cabinet A federal appointment for Inslee would set off a cascade of political moves here in his home state. by Melissa Santos / November 30, 2020 / Updated 9:10 a.m. November 30
News How ventilation plays a role in reducing indoor spread of COVID-19 If you’re inside, wearing a mask and physical distancing are important. But so is proper air flow. by Melissa Santos / November 25, 2020
