Photo: City of Seattle
Seattle officials have unveiled a sweeping reform to the city’s business and occupation (B&O) tax, aimed at closing a looming budget deficit while shielding small businesses from tax burdens. The measure — called the Seattle Shield Initiative — would increase the B&O tax exemption from $100,000 to $2 million in gross receipts and hike rates for high-revenue firms.
Key changes under the proposal:
The funds would be earmarked for housing stability, human services, and support for vulnerable workers. Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Alexis Rinck framed the tax as a response to federal cuts proposed by the Trump administration and a way to support local resilience.
Business groups praised the small business relief but warned the timing of tax hikes is risky amid economic uncertainty and rising commercial vacancies.
The City Council must approve the measure before it appears on the November ballot. If passed by voters, the new tax structure would take effect January 1, 2026.
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The increase brings the state tax to 55.4 cents per gallon; Washington drivers now pay about $4.45 per gallon on average.
The GOP proposal to sell millions of acres across 11 states was deemed ineligible for fast-track passage, but a narrower version is in the works.
The City Council approved the measure 7–0, citing concerns over algorithmic price fixing and its impact on housing affordability.
The preliminary ruling revives $1 billion in blocked funds for 14 states, including $71 million earmarked for Washington.
Federal officials argue the law violates religious freedom by compelling priests to break the seal of confession.
Investigators say poor oversight and training led to the Alaska Airlines incident; 19 safety fixes recommended for Boeing and the FAA.
Officials say more than 140 ecologically significant trees were felled in Grand Ridge Park, with $7 million in damages sought.
The new stretch connects I-5 to South 24th Street, offering a key freight and commuter link as part of a larger corridor set for completion by 2029.
Senate Republicans narrowly voted 51–49 to advance debate on a sweeping domestic policy bill championed by President Trump, even as a new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate revealed the legislation would add at least $3.3 trillion to the national debt over a decade — and result in 11.8 million Americans losing health coverage by 2034.
The bill extends and expands 2017 tax cuts, slashes federal spending on Medicaid and food assistance, and imposes new work requirements for safety-net programs. It also includes new tax benefits for businesses and targeted provisions to win over key Senate holdouts.
Key facts:
Republican leaders aim to finalize Senate passage before July 4, but Democrats have forced procedural delays. House Republicans may resist the bill’s ballooning cost, placing final passage in doubt.
Washington’s latest revenue forecast reveals a $720 million gap over the next four years, raising concerns about the state’s financial footing just ahead of the start of the new biennium. Gov. Bob Ferguson said he does not plan to call a special session — for now.
The drop is driven by weaker sales and business tax collections, as consumers and companies react to economic uncertainty, including federal threats to Medicaid, food assistance, and trade.
The state now expects:
The state’s newly passed $77.8 billion budget was already stretching resources, relying on $71 billion in tax revenue, $4.3 billion in new taxes, and $1 billion in cash reserves. The forecast leaves the state with just $80 million in leftover funds and $2 billion in the rainy day account.
Democratic budget writers downplayed the need for immediate action, noting lawmakers will reconvene in January. Still, future forecasts in September and November could force adjustments if the trend continues.
Ferguson and other statewide leaders also met to discuss how to shield core services from potential federal cuts. While drawing down reserves is the current strategy, state officials say more aggressive fiscal measures may be needed later this year.
Asking price for Bellevue mansion Triptych
The lakefront estate includes 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a wine cellar, and sweeping Lake Washington views. It could become the most expensive home ever sold in Washington.
Seattle’s estimated 2025 population
Seattle’s population grew 2.4% in the past year, adding nearly 19,000 residents, and surpassed 800,000, according to new state estimates.
Courtside seat price for Storm-Fever game in Seattle
When Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever came to town, Storm ticket prices skyrocketed—floor seats reached $894 and courtside seats topped out at $4,000.
The Henry Art Gallery, Washington’s first public art museum, has permanently dropped its admission fee. Located on the UW campus, the 40,000-square-foot contemporary art museum now welcomes all visitors for free, part of an effort to expand access and eliminate barriers. The change was made possible by support from King County’s 4Culture agency. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday and features installations like the James Turrell Skyspace.
A dramatic boat fire lit up South Lake Union on Wednesday afternoon, drawing about 80 firefighters and two fire boats to a marina off Westlake Avenue. Witnesses reported hearing explosions as a 40-foot vessel erupted in flames just before 4:30 p.m. Thick smoke could be seen across Seattle. No injuries were reported, but residents living on neighboring boats rushed to push vessels away by hand. Fire-resistant materials installed in the marina helped prevent the blaze from spreading. The Coast Guard is now leading cleanup efforts.
Multiple Seattle beaches are closed, including Madison Park, Madrona, Matthews Beach, Mt. Baker, and Green Lake, after water samples tested high for bacteria. Health officials warn the contamination, likely from human or animal waste, poses a risk of illness. The closures follow routine testing by King County Public Health and will remain in effect until bacteria levels return to safe thresholds. Swimmers are urged to check for updates before heading to the water.
The annual Duwamish River Festival has been canceled amid rising fears of immigration enforcement. Organizers said community members expressed concerns about safety as they prepared for the August event, leading to a difficult but unanimous decision to call it off. The festival, a longtime celebration of culture, community, and environmental advocacy in South Park, will be replaced with smaller, private gatherings focused on safety and support for immigrant neighbors.
These cuts are cruel and will harm many thousands of Washingtonians, all to provide tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.
