Has the IRS Hit Bottom?

Art Shotwell 6 minutes read
Every year, the IRS annual report is an opportunity to measure how effectively the U.S. government has sabotaged its own ability to enforce its tax laws. This year’s report signals historic lows for U.S. tax enforcement.

Workers Filed More Than 4,100 Complaints About Protective Gear; Some Still Died

Art Shotwell 10 minutes read
As health workers were dying of COVID-19, federal work-safety officials filed just one citation against an employer and rapidly closed complaints about protective gear.

Skagit County Remains in Phase 2

Art Shotwell 2 minutes read
"Unfortunately we’ve seen an uptick in positive cases over the past several weeks that have prevented us from being able to move forward per the Safe Start—Reopening Washington plan."

State Coronavirus Data Doesn’t Support Trump’s Misleading Testing Claims

Art Shotwell 7 minutes read
The Trump administration has doubled down on its claims that coronavirus case counts are up because the U.S. has increased testing. However, a closer look at graphs of testing numbers and positive cases shows that this isn’t the case for many states.

Mayor Gere’s COVID-19 Briefing - June 24, 2020

Art Shotwell 18 minutes read
I want to commend all the citizens of this community for flattening the curve in Anacortes, being involved in making sure your family and neighbors are taken care of, and for reaching out to me to have discussions about difficult topics and the future of our community.

Packed Bars Serve Up New Rounds Of COVID Contagion

Art Shotwell 8 minutes read
State officials are pointing to reopened bars as a cause of local spikes in coronavirus cases. Bars are tailor-made for the spread of the virus, with a cacophony of conversations that require raised voices and alcohol, which can impede judgment.