Washington cracks down on organized retail crime amid rising theft cases
Alleged shoplifting suspect at Lowe’s in Lacey. Image courtesy of Lacey Police Department Law enforcement across Washington is intensifying efforts to combat […]
Senate passes unemployment benefits for striking workers
The Washington State Senate has approved SB 5041, a bill that threatens the integrity of our unemployment insurance system by granting benefits […]
Bad for business: A look at bills that missed the mark in Washington State
While every legislative session brings new proposals aimed at addressing social and economic issues, not all bills are well-crafted, properly stakeholdered, or […]
Potential Medicaid cuts could push Washington lawmakers into special session
Proposed federal Medicaid cuts could significantly impact Washington state’s budget, potentially forcing lawmakers into a special session. The Republican-led U.S. House recently […]
Economic uncertainty looms as inflation data awaits
This week, all eyes are on the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which will reveal whether inflation continues its upward trend […]
Washington Retail Association Board of Directors convenes in Olympia – February 13, 2025
Governor Bob Ferguson with WR staff and board members. The Washington Retail Association (WR) held its Winter Legislative Board of Directors meeting […]
Expanding Presumptive PTSD Coverage threatens workers’ comp stability
Washington State’s workers’ compensation system covers Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if proven work-related. In 2018, the Legislature granted presumptive PTSD coverage to […]
Beverage Container Refund Program introduced in Washington
Senate Bill 5502, sponsored by Senator June Robinson (D-38), and its companion, House Bill 1607, introduced by Representative Monica Stonier (D-49), aim […]
Organized Retail Crime bill proposes additional penalties for offenders
HB 1276, which increases penalties for high-dollar organized retail crime (ORC) offenders, was heard Monday in the House Community Safety Committee. The […]
Job growth slows but remains steady in January
The U.S. job market maintained solid growth in January, adding 143,000 jobs despite slowing from previous months. The unemployment rate dipped to […]
Organized retail crime ring busted in Puget Sound
Image of two suspects stealing items from a store in footage shared by police on Feb. 4, 2025. Credit: Renton Police Department […]
Amazon’s return-to-office mandate boosts downtown Seattle foot traffic
During the first month of Amazon’s mandate for workers to return to the office five days a week, a report by the […]