As we saw in the aftermath of the 2014 People’s Climate March, Friday’s “Climate Strike” will likely see no real change to lessen the “climate crisis.”  While protesting to seek results from politicians has not worked in the past, those who take personal responsibility can find plenty of opportunities to make a real difference in the “free market.” As this article states, “Instead of waiting for politicians, marchers should lead by example and cut their own CO2 footprint to zero, while encouraging others to do so, too.”  (Crosscut)

After months of closed-door meetings, Mayor Jenny Durkan has finally released her plan to tax ride-share services in Seattle. The mayor has proposed a tax of  $0.51 per ride in Seattle and the revenue will go towards the controversial First Avenue trolley which is already over-budget ($56 million so far) and behind-schedule (six years so far).  The mayor is planning more closed-door meetings to figure out her second method of making ride-share services more expensive – a government determined pay rate for ride-share drivers.  (Seattle Times)

An angry Seattle small business owner’s open letter to the city council has gone viral.  Kimmie Spice owns three Biscuit Bitch restaurants in Seattle and her letter outlines her frustrations with the city demanding more and more taxes yet providing fewer services. Spice believes that Seattle’s policies are killing small businesses and soon only corporate stores will be able to afford to operate in the city. (Kimmie Spice’s Letter)

The City of Wapato’s financial crisis has resulted in the police force shrinking from 14 officers down to just four.  The city is under a hiring and spending freeze until its finances are in order.  The police chief asked the city council on Monday evening to make an exception so he could hire more personnel.  The council did not act on the chief’s request. (YakTriNews)

The state is working with the feds and tribal governments to control the northern pike population.  The predatory pike, which poses a serious threat to salmon, has grown from an estimated 400 in northeast Washington waterways to over 10,000 in the past 15 years. (Inlander)

Do you like The Morning Briefing? Forward this to a friend! It helps us grow our community and serve you better.

If you feel we missed something that should be covered, email us at [email protected].

If you don’t want to receive this email each morning, click here to opt-out of The Morning Briefing.