Jake Skorheim, co-host of��“The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio, said he is not only worried about how this will affect him, but also how it will impact the future lives of his children.

“How much longer do you choose to live in a state that doesn’t seem to value you as a citizen and just wants to take, take, take because there are other states where you don’t have to pay these types of taxes,” said Jake,�� “I can stomach them for myself, but when I start thinking about what kind of life my kids are going to have, it’s tough to buy a house in Washington State.”

$1 million starter homes in Washington?

According to , a Redfin agent shared that most homes in the Seattle area are now starting at or around $1 million and are much smaller than previously expected for that price range.

As of , the average cost of a single-family home in Washington is $658,700. In the neighboring state of Idaho, the average is only $474,700, according to Redfin’s monthly housing market data.

“When you launch your children into this world you’re choosing where you’re going to do that,” said Jake,” If they can’t afford to do it here, which is becoming very unattainable in Washington, they’re going to have to go and do it somewhere else.”

Jake noted that his own parents relocated from California to Washington due to housing costs, and that he would would hate for his kids to relocate when they become adults.

Listen to the full conversation below.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary explained that studies link the petroleum-based dyes to ADHD, obesity, cancer, and other debilitating diseases. Parents have also noticed that behavior issues change when these dyes are removed from their children’s diets.

“They said eliminating these entirely would require reformulating lots of popular foods, from cereal to candy to soda and sports drinks,” Jake said. “Okay, I’m fine with that.”

FDA bans artificial dyes, sparking additional concerns

Given the concern over food dye, Jake other dangerous chemicals in our food could be banned next.

“I also wonder if these dyes are accompanied by things like sugar, rich foods,” said Jake. “I know when I feed my kids any of these foods that they get hyper and crazy.”

Listen to the full conversation below.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

Jake Skorheim, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio, had a Thursday morning encounter at Starbucks that left him steaming. It started when he was cut off at the drive-thru.

“I’m across the way. This guy drives in. He sees me waiting there, and the Starbucks line starts moving, and he just swoops in. This is at the Lake Stevens Starbucks, he swoops in, and my blood, my blood just is already boiling, and I’m already very upset,” Jake shared.

When Jake got up to the window, he was given an option to tip before putting his card in, leading to his message for the Starbucks CEO:

“Brian Niccol, I have a message for you,” he said. “I like what you’re doing at Starbucks. I like that you’re revamping and you want it to be a family-friendly place where people can come in and just enjoy a good cup of coffee. I like that you’ve gotten rid of a bunch of the stupid stuff, like the olive oils and everything.

“Change the tipping culture. It’s gone too far before I even get my food. They’re shoving a thing in my face saying, how much extra money? Like, why would I tip $3 on $12 the stellar amount of service that you would have for me to do a 30% tip would have to be so over the top, but especially for somebody who’s literally just a middle person handing me my food. I’m watching this person. They’re not making anything, they’re not doing anything. They’re just handing me my food, a drip coffee. Genius. How did you do that? Three bucks? Ridiculous,” he continued.

What is Jake’s next move?

“I’m actually thinking about a Starbucks strike until they stop doing this,” Jake said. “I don’t know if I’m the only one who’s gonna do it, but I’m thinking about never going there again until they stop, like, begging for tips.”

Listen to the full conversation below:

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

The classic and beloved film was largely shot in Astoria, Oregon, where the house still stands today. Connelly joined “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio to discuss progress with some lifelong Goonies fans.

“I got linked up with this guy named Behman Zakeri,” said Connelly. “He owns the Goonies house, and through a friend of our friend, he was looking for a production designer to restore the house back to the way it was in the movie.”

Goonies house restored by Emmy-winning designer

Connelly is working closely with members of the original film crew to ensure authenticity. He’s consulted Rick Carter, the film’s original art director—known for his work on major blockbusters like Jurassic World—as well as Linda De Sena, who was responsible for decorating the entire house in the movie.

From sourcing original materials to uncovering where every piece came from, Connelly is committed to bringing the house back to life exactly as fans remember it.

“Well, this house is a national treasure,” said Co-host Spike O’Neill. “I so much appreciate the care and the professionalism you’re bringing.”

Listen to the full conversation below.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

Spike O’Neill, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio, said the solution is simple: street racers should have their cars permanently impounded.

“You see these horrible videos of accidents happening and people getting injured,” Spike said. “Taking over intersections and flaunting their criminality. It’s time to lose the car. Maybe not the first offense, but the second time, lose the car.”

Co-host of “Jake and Spike,” Jake Skorheim, agreed that repeat offenders should have their vehicle taken, no question about it.

“Fool me once. Shame on you. Fool me twice. Lose you lose the car,” Jake said. “I am fully on board with it.”

Jake has idea to arrest street racers

Even though Jake agrees with Spike, he believes it could be difficult for police to convict street racers if all police have as evidence are Instagram videos. Because of that, he has some ideas on how Seattle police can curb street racing.

“I think you need to find a youngish-looking cop in the SPD, somebody who’s hip, and have them infiltrate the groups,” Jake shared.

Listen to the full conversation below:

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

Former NFL quarterback Brock Huard, co-host of on Seattle Sports, joined “Jake and Spike” to discuss the impact of football on children.

“My son is 10, and some of his friends were asking, ‘What does next season look like?” Jake asked. “Are you going to play in the flag football league again, or are you moving up to tackle to start developing those skills?”

Brock explained that ensuring your child is ready before moving onto a more physical sport is essential. Even though some children develop faster than others, he says there are “some who got it, and there are some who just don’t.”

“The worst thing is when kids start playing tackle football at eight or nine, and little Johnny gets hit in the face, gets hurt, and realizes he doesn’t like the pain—so he quits football,” Brock said. “Let’s not do that. Let’s keep them in flag football as long as we can. For some boys, yeah, you can tell—they’re built for it and ready to move up. But others need more time, and that’s OK.”

Parents should consider if they’re kids are ready for tackle football

Even though it can be difficult for parents to make the decision, a child should never be put in a position where they’re not ready for the next level and could get hurt.

“The other really important thing is just body control, like bigger kids, especially if they, and my son fits into this, I think he may have wanted to play earlier,” Brock said. “I’m like, ‘No, it’s not beneficial for you, because you don’t have the coordination and the body control.'”

Brock added that gender plays a large role in determining when a child is ready to compete at a more challenging or physical level.

“In younger ladies, it’s very difficult if they don’t have it, very difficult to equip and coach it in, they got it, or they don’t,” Brock said. “And, you know, the ones that don’t, yeah, sure, you can always elevate, but you’re never going to change that nature, I think boys are different.”

Listen to the full conversation below:

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

Spike O’Neil, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show”��on ����Xվ Newsradio, shared that he believes the tax would disproportionately affect local breweries and businesses.

“It makes it an unfair playing field for Washington business owners, people who are trying to do the right thing, lift yourself up by your bootstraps, start your own business,” Spike said. “Live the American dream, provide jobs, provide benefits to your client, to your customer, a sense of community… And then, uh oh, here comes the state.”

New beer tax sparks industry backlash

This tax would rank Washington ninth nationally in beer excise tax, which is seven times higher than Oregon and four times higher than Idaho.

Jake Skoreheim, co-host of “Jake and Spike,” agreed, placing the blame on Washington’s previous mismanagement of funds.

“The state is stepping in and saying, We have mismanaged things so badly that we’re $16 billion in debt,” Jake said. “What we’re going to do is we’re going to try to take that from you guys. You’re going to help us fix the problem that we created, and it’s going to hurt your business.”

Listen to the full story below:

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

However, Jake Skorheim, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio, said the fire seemed suspicious as the restaurant is set to close on May 4.

“They had a fire, it was fairly bad, but they got it taken care of. They were already closing down that location. They had announced back in March that they’re going to close that location on May 4. After 20 years on Pike Street, the closure was going to affect 119 workers, yada yada yada, and then they have a fire. Did you did that raise any alarms for you? Any red flags? Did you think anything of it?” Jake asked.

Spike on Cheesecake Factory fire: ‘Isn’t it convenient?’

Co-host of “Jake and Spike,” Spike O’Neill said he hated to admit it, but the first thought that popped into his head was: “Isn’t it convenient?”

“Are we just cynical?” Jake joked. “I had that was the first thing that I thought too. I said, ‘Wait a minute, didn’t they just announce that they were gonna close?'”

Spike continued to analyze the situation.

“When you look at all the factors involved, here’s a business that’s already announced it’s closing its doors in a pivotal downtown, primary location, and then the fire happens on a Sunday morning when there wouldn’t be very, you know, minimal occupancy; no injuries in a multiple alarm fire,” he said.

Jake added that he’s not suggesting the restaurant had anything to do with it, but both co-hosts wondered—What’s missing from the story?

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

Silver said the Seattle Super Sonics originally left in 2008 due to “understandable reasons.” However, co-hosts of “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio, Spike O’Neill and Jake Skorheim, weren’t pleased with what they believe is Silver leading on the city.

“They’re gaslighting the whole city,” Spike said. “There were no understandable reasons if you were a Sonic fan.”

Jake and Spike: Officials toying with Seattle Sonics talks

Jake agreed with Spike, highlighting that Seattle has been licking its wounds ever since the Sonics were traded.

“I feel like Seattle is always getting kicked, and we’re always kind of just the cautionary tale,” Jake said. “I don’t know why Schultz wanted to sell it to Oklahoma. They could have kept it here, and we still have a Sonics team here.”

Listen to the full conversation below:

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

Jake Skorheim, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio, said he believes a tax hike of that magnitude could have disastrous effects on the housing market and affordability.

“A 3% or 4% increase would ruin the housing market,” Skorheim said. “I think that would have such a horrible effect. It’s going to make it way too expensive for people to afford.”

Property tax hike in WA?

Although he recognises that property tax hikes could be problematic for some homeowners, Spike O’Neill, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show,” doesn’t see many other options for funding education services in Washington.

“The current 1% cap on property tax increases just isn’t cutting it. We’re facing a massive budget shortfall—around $16 billion, I believe—and we’re also losing federal funding due to policy changes from the Trump administration,” O’Neill said. “Since states rely heavily on property taxes to fund education, this creates an even bigger financial strain.”

Listen to the full conversation below:

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

Spike O’Neill, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio, said that although he’s only shopped at the popular store twice in his life, he appreciated the company’s stance on food waste.

“Trader Joe’s does something wonderful, and most other grocery stores do it too. But if you’re going to go and visit the new Trader Joe’s in Greenwood, 8700 block of Greenwood, across from the much graffitid and chained off ex-Bartells, as I mentioned earlier, Trader Joe’s makes sure that nothing goes to waste,” he said.

Spike emphasized the positive impacts of the policy.

“As little as possible goes to waste,” he said. “They donate all their unused, edible produce to local food banks and hunger relief organizations, which I think was a wonderful thing to do.”

Trader Joe’s among grocery stores with activism mindset

Spike said that as he was doing more research, he discovered many grocery chains have become socially conscious and are working to make sure there is no more food waste.

“With so many people needing assistance and so many people struggling to make ends meet, and with funding cut from the federal level all over America to various support systems and support programs for people—it’s nice that a company like Trader Joe’s, or a company like Kroger, who owns QFC and Fred Meyer, and all these big chains,” he shared. “They do make great efforts and spend company resources and manpower on making sure that no produce goes to waste and it’s all distributed to families who really need the help these days, because there’s so few people helping these days and I’m glad they’re doing it.”

Listen to the full conversation below:

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

“LeBron James is the first ‘kenbassador.’ It’s a new Lebron James. LJ on his jacket. It’s a beautiful little collector piece,” Spike O’Neill, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio, said. “LeBron James is going to be forever enshrined in plastic to become a collector’s item, a trophy, a plaything. Does it come with a little Bronny?”

The doll, featuring the four-time champion in his pre-game fashion instead of basketball gear, is even an inch taller than the standard Ken doll to symbolize the athlete’s 6-foot, 9-inch height.

“It’s going to move a whole bunch of units immediately for the collectors group, who are not going to take it out of the packaging and they’re going to hide it away in a closet somewhere and put it on eBay in a year or two,” ����Xվ Newsradio fill-in host Mike Lewis said. “It’s not actually ever going to be played with as a toy because every toy now just seems to be a collector’s item. It doesn’t really seem to be a toy anymore. However, it’s going to be interesting to see if this thing does sell.”

Global trade war impacting Mattel products

Approximately 40% of Mattel’s production is based in China, which is currently in the middle of a trade war with the U.S. over the Trump administration’s tariff strategy. Earlier this week, Trump announced that tariffs on goods from China would increase to 125% after China retaliated by imposing tariffs of 84% on U.S. imports. Trump also announced a 90-day pause for countries hit by higher U.S. tariffs.

“I’ve been a collector of sports memorabilia my whole life, music memorabilia too. I’d love a few dolls. I’d love a few action figures of my heroes,” O’Neill added. “Born and raised in Baltimore, I’d love a Cal Ripken action figure or a Ken doll. I would love a Ken Griffey Jr. Ken doll.”

While LeBron is the first male athlete to receive his own Ken doll, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Seattle’s Megan Rapinoe have previously been enshrined as Barbie dolls.

“Obviously, you’re going to have WNBA players as well, right?” Lewis asked. “I mean, I would assume that that’s going to be on the horizon.”

Listen to the full conversation here:

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

Spike O’Neill, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio, called the discovery “shocking” and “horrific.”

According to ����Xվ 7, the investigation was spurred after years of anonymous complaints. It uncovered a longstanding culture of on-the-job drinking, sexual harassment, and retaliation involving several members of the Network Group, which is part of Seattle City Light’s Transmission and Distribution Operations Division. The media outlet explained the group is in charge of underground electrical infrastructure in downtown Seattle.

However, Spike said, “You don’t deserve to lose your livelihood on your allegations alone; as the story said, not all the 40 people that were caught up in this investigation were disciplined.”

����Xվ 7 stated that so far, Seattle City Light has fired five people, which includes resignations and retirements in lieu of termination, suspended seven people, given out nine verbal or written warnings, and instated mandatory coaching and training.

Spike: DEI needed in case of Seattle City Light allegations

Spike said the findings are why diversity, equity, and inclusion policies need to be in place.

“When you get projects like DEI, where candidates are considered for opportunities, who were never considered before, candidates of different, different genders, different ethnicities. It’s the painful growth, the growing pains of diversifying a workforce and the pioneers, if not, of these women going into this particular field, who are subjected to these old school, misogynistic, abusive mentalities who blow the whistle, and it took a decade for me to hear the whistle, but that this is what DEI does,” Spike shared. “It cures long-rooted, systemic issues like this; at least, it brings them to light.”

Spike made the point that stories on workplace harassment used to get pushed under the rug.

“It was a good thing this story came out because these are the kind of stories that didn’t used to come out, that used to get buried, even when discipline was had,” he said.

Spike added, “I was horrified to see the details of the story. And I feel for the people who were subjected to these abuses by co-workers and superiors, whether it’s forcing them to drink alcohol, withstanding sexual assault and harassment. I’m glad to see the story being reported.”

What’s next for Seattle City Light?

Spike believes “the lawsuits are coming.”

Contributing: Shawn Garrett, ����Xվ 7

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

The people arrested were accused of fraudulently representing their immigration status and submitting false documents to obtain their jobs. One employee described the raid as aggressive, with officers corralling workers into a room and taking those who were undocumented. Mt. Baker Roofing stated it is cooperating with authorities and ensuring fair treatment of employees.

On Monday, the president of Integrity Roofing and Construction, Tanner Tennyson, joined “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio to talk about challenges regarding immigration enforcement and employer responsibilities.

Co-host of “Jake and Spike,” Spike O’Neill, began by asking Tennyson how challenging it is to identify employees and applicants who are living in the United States illegally.

“I wouldn’t even say it’s difficult. I would just say it’s impossible,” Tennyson responded. “This is an epidemic of an issue all around the country. It’s very difficult to tell one document from the next and one number from the next, and an employer is not going to know if that number is registered or not.”

Employer responsibilities and enforcement challenges

Although Tennyson mentioned that identifying employees who are not U.S. citizens is extremely difficult, employers still face consequences if they intentionally or accidentally hire them.

“I think, I think they call it a Class B felony,” Tennyson said. “So it becomes a crime if you knowingly hire illegal immigrants.”

Spike then asked Tennyson for his opinion on how the Trump administration has handled immigration.

“If you’re trying to solve something, you usually go to the source of the issue,” Tennyson said. “Instead, we’re trying to treat the symptom, not the actual problem.”

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

“We always like to say… we are in lockstep with the tulip growers. And of course, tulips kind of appear and bloom based on Mother Nature,” festival executive director, Nicole Roozen, said on “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio. “But this year, we are actually right on time. We already have some really great colors showing across the various gardens.”

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is not a single location. Roozen’s team is a nonprofit that helps organize various festival activities from street fairs to art exhibits to garden parties. The event features five different gardens that are all owned and operated separately. Those interested in visiting these various gardens must make plans to purchase separate tickets, which can be done from their

What to expect

Co-host Spike O’Neill noted that “there is so much to do besides just touring the farms” up in Skagit Valley, with festival events planned throughout the month, including a “Tulip Festival Street Fair,” in Mount Vernon and an art exhibit in Sedro-Woolley.

“Yeah, there’s all sorts of stuff to do once you’re up here,” said Roozen. “I will say each of the gardens does offer other things, aside from the tulips.” She also shared that at upcoming annual events like the “Tulip Parade,” they will be offering a new kid zone, and activities such as face painting, games, and prizes.

But for those primarily excited about the floral bloom, Roozen said, there are plenty of opportunities to see the rainbow array, with garden growers estimating “tens of millions” of flowers.

“If you think of tens of millions, it is a very large scale. And here in Skagit, we produce more tulips and daffodils than anywhere else in North America,” said Roozen.

What will crowd sizes look like? Hundreds of thousands!

Preparing to head to the Skagit Valley, Co-host Jake Skoreheim said that every tulip season, he feels as if traffic down the I-5 increases, as “the crowds are unbelievable.” He asked Roozen if there are any estimates on what the crowd sizes are looking like this year, and what could be the best way to prepare.

“We estimate there are hundreds of thousands of people who come up. My tips for traffic is to have the mindset that if it’s a beautiful sunny day, and if you’re coming up on a Saturday or Sunday, of course, there will be traffic, so just mentally prepare for that. Pack some snacks, take some potty breaks. Kind of make a day, if you can. But if you’re able to come up during the weekdays, we certainly see less people,” responded Roozen.

The Skagit Valley Festival is expected to be open seven days a week every day of April from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For a full list of events, click

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

“He (Trump) calls them reciprocal tariffs. But that’s not the case,” said Spike O’Neill. “He put out a list of countries that are all ‘taking advantage’ of the United States, but some of these countries have never even sent anything to the United States.”

Spike also noted that many of the percentages cited during Trump’s speech are “wildly false figures” and not an accurate representation of imposed tariffs.

“China is not imposing a 67% tariff on American goods,” said Spike. “They took how much we sent and divided it by how much we got back, and that’s how they arrived at that number. That may be a valid trade deficit number, but it’s not an imposed tariff.”

Will Trump’s tariffs help with manufacturing jobs?

But Jake Skoreheim wondered if these tariffs could result in getting manufacturing jobs back to the United States.

“Don’t we want to be the manufacturing capital of the world? Those are good jobs,” said Jake.

Jake argued that many American consumers choose imported goods made from “cheap labor” because we can’t afford anything made domestically—but there’s a chance tariffs could change that.

“I do think you could make a good argument that if these [tariffs] are successful, and people have to then turn their dollars back to what we are making here locally, that’s not necessarily the worst thing in the world,” said Jake.

But Spike pointed out, something like that would not happen overnight:

“It’s going to take a long time for America to decide if it’s even possible or desired for America to become the manufacturing capital of the world,” said Spike, “A vast majority of financial experts say this is a disaster waiting to hurt their businesses.”

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

According to Spike O’Neill of “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio, it’s “no surprise” that money plays a role in happiness.

“Money can’t buy happiness, but it can stave off misery, to a degree,” said Spike. “You can rent (happiness) for the afternoon, along with a pony for the kids.”

Maybe better weather improves happiness more than money?

Among the 150 largest cities in the United States, Seattle ranks eleventh in how much money impacts overall well-being. However, according to the study, Seattle also has one of the highest depression rates among these cities—around 22%.

Spike O’Neill said the region’s gloomy climate may play a bigger role in that statistic than finances. He pointed to “seasonal affective disorder,” noting that the “lack of sunshine and the constant grey sky” is a “greater element of depression in the northwest.”

When it comes to balancing money and happiness, Spike believes it’s about knowing what truly brings you joy.

“Some folks need to have the material goods to feel successful in comparison with their neighbors. But comparisons are the root of all evil, not money,” Spike explained. “I think about former coworkers who were financially stable enough to make the decision to spend more time with family, to spend more time traveling, as opposed to just chasing a second paycheck… And I guarantee you that while they may have less income than had they stayed at work, they’re happier. They’ve got more joy.”

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

President Donald Trump is set to announce new tariffs today in an address to the nation in what he is deeming “Liberation Day.”

“The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio will be giving live updates during the speech, inviting audience members to play along in a game of�� “bingo.”

“We’ve got a way for all of us to not only hear the President’s message but a way for you at home to be more engaged and even maybe win a prize!” Spike O’Neill said.

Introducing�� ‘Liberation Day’ Bingo: A Game by the “Jake and Spike Show.”

Follow along as we play�� live on�� “The Jake and Spike Show” at 1pm by clicking below:

Brought to you by “The Jake and Spike Show”

For every word or phrase the President says during his address to the nation, mark it off your bingo card! Those with the most bingo points could win a prize.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”�� on ����Xվ Newsradio 97.3 FM to play along.

Subscribe to the podcast here.

“We’re paying, on average, a dollar more than any other state for gasoline,” co-host O’Neill said. “And yes, it does feel like too much at this point, even for me. I never met a tax I didn’t love.”

Under the legislation, the gas taxes would increase annually by two percent. But it also raises impact fees for electric and hybrid vehicles, and bumps up registration renewal fees from $100 to $150.

Money spent elsewhere

Spike believes that these funds could be used more efficiently.

“It feels terrible to be taxed for something that’s supposed to be helping the environment, that’s just dumped in the general fund,” added Spike. “Don’t back-sell the general, use the money for the environment to help fix the roads, and then cover the transportation shortfalls.”

A separate bill that could raise the gas tax by nine cents is expected to head to the Washington State House floor sometime next week.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show”��weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on ����Xվ��Newsradio��97.3 FM.��Subscribe to the podcast here.

Constantine has been King County Executive since 2009 and has previously appointed many of the board members who were involved in selecting the new Sound Transit CEO.��

Jake Skorheim, co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on ����Xվ Newsradio, asked King County Assessor John Wilson if this could be considered a glaring conflict of interest, posing the question: “Would he be even considered for this job if he had not put 10 of the 18 people on the board?”

To which, Wilson simply responded, “No.”

Is Dow Constantine’s salary worth it?

In the proposed , Constantine’s annual base salary will be $450,000, with a market study to be completed at the end of 2025 to determine a base salary for 2026. This comes after the board had previously authorized a salary as high as $650,000 a year for a newly appointed CEO, according to

Commenting on his salary, co-host of “Jake and Spike,” Spike O’Neill said, “If he’s not doing the job, I’m surprised there’s no evaluation of accomplishments. You’re already guaranteeing this guy is going to get the national average for market size.”

The proposed contract states that Constantine could see a 3 to 6% base salary increase based on an “annual performance rating” awarded by the board, as well as an annual contribution performance award of $30,000 based on the completion of “mutually agreed upon goals” in 2026.

“I’m hopeful that the Sound Transit Board is going to give us goals that are not just you showed up for work … You didn’t play golf on Friday afternoons,” Spike said. “You’re hiring a new sheriff, we want to see some of the bad guys get driven out of this town.”

Jake argued that these decisions should be treated differently when dealing with taxpayer money, adding that Constantine is expected to receive retirement funds and paid vacation hours.

“I have no problem with people like yourself, or anybody in private industry getting as much as they possibly can from their employers, if it’s not coming from tax dollars, because I’m not asking anything of the public,” he said. “I’m trying to provide them with things. In a private company, you have to do it by your own wits.”

In issued by Sound Transit Thursday afternoon, Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair stated that��“For every large organization, time is money, and we don’t have time or money to waste delivering on the promise of a truly regional mass transit system … our economy and environment will benefit from the success of Dow and Sound Transit.”

If the board terminates Constantine’s employment before December 31, 2028, he will be given severance equal to one year’s base salary and retirement benefits.