U.S. inflation accelerated to 2.7% year-over-year in June 2025, the fastest pace in four months, according to new Consumer Price Index data. Seattle matched the national figure at 2.7%, but local prices are rising more quickly in the short term: the Seattle area saw a 1.4% increase over just the past two months, compared to a 0.3% rise nationally.
This steeper near-term climb reflects sharper increases in core categories like food, housing, and energy. While national inflation has been driven largely by goods exposed to new tariffs, Seattle households are also feeling persistent local cost pressures that have kept the city’s inflation environment more intense than average.
The food index in Seattle rose 4.8% year-over-year, nearly double the national rate. Prices for groceries increased 5.3%, with meat, poultry, and dairy among the most impacted items. Food away from home—such as restaurant meals—rose 3.9%.
These increases reflect both national supply issues and regional factors, such as higher wages, transportation costs, and a strong local restaurant sector that passes more overhead to consumers.
The shelter index, which includes rent and homeowners’ equivalent rent, increased 3.1% in Seattle—above the national shelter inflation rate of 2.5%. While lower than past years, housing remains one of the most persistent sources of local inflation. Home price growth has slowed, but rents in King County remain elevated due to limited supply and high demand.
Property tax increases and housing-related utility costs have also contributed to the upward pressure on shelter expenses.
Energy prices rose 5.0% year-over-year in Seattle, compared to 2.7% nationally. Gasoline rose 0.8%, while electricity and natural gas saw higher increases. Local utilities, including Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light, have implemented rate hikes to recover infrastructure costs and invest in wildfire resilience.
Despite these increases, several categories have brought relief. The cost of apparel declined 1.6% year-over-year, and recreation services saw a 1.6% decrease as well. Prices for household furnishings and operations rose only modestly, with some subcategories showing flat or negative growth. These slower-moving segments have helped balance out the overall inflation rate.
For many Seattle households, however, the ongoing increases in core essentials—groceries, rent, and utilities—continue to shape day-to-day financial decisions.
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Four fires have surpassed 1,000 acres, including the Hope and Western Pines fires in Stevens and Lincoln counties.
Trump administration will release $21.3 million for after-school and summer programs earmarked for Washington State, but over $100 million in frozen K-12 aid remains withheld.
The new surveillance hub monitors live video and data feeds to assist officers in real time. It has supported 600 investigations since May.
Council passes welcoming jurisdiction policy 8–1, pledging continued support and protection for immigrants and refugees amid shifting federal immigration laws.
Company agrees to pay $160 million after panel blew off 737 Max jet mid-flight in January, prompting federal investigations and grounding of fleet.
New ordinance allows $1,500 penalties per violation and targets repeat taggers through civil lawsuits.
New legislation adds liquor and stolen property violations to list of chronic nuisance offenses and allows nearby activity to count toward enforcement.
Emergency room visits for COVID have increased over the past month, according to Public Health data.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says agency is reviewing the 3-1-1 rule as CT scanners roll out, but nationwide changes remain years away.
The Seattle City Council has selected six finalists to replace former District 5 Councilmember Cathy Moore, who stepped down July 7 due to health issues. The finalists—chosen from a pool of 22 applicants—include both political newcomers and a former council president.
Finalists:
The public can hear from candidates at a July 21 forum at North Seattle College and a July 22 special council meeting. A final vote is expected July 28. The appointee will serve until a special election in 2026. If elected then, they must run again in 2027 to keep the seat.
Seattle drivers heading north on Interstate 5 will face major delays for the next month as the Ship Canal Bridge is reduced to just two lanes. The 24/7 lane reduction will begin Monday, July 21, and will last through Friday, Aug. 15, as part of the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) “Revive I-5” preservation project.
The northbound bridge, which carries more than 240,000 vehicles daily, is undergoing critical maintenance. Crews will replace expansion joints, resurface the bridge deck, repair damaged concrete, and upgrade drainage systems. WSDOT officials say the 60-year-old structure has seen over 200 emergency repairs since 2019—an unsustainable pace that prompted this summer’s broader overhaul.
“This is one of the most important and challenging preservation projects in the state,” said WSDOT Region Administrator Brian Nielsen. “The repairs are essential to extend the life of one of the region’s busiest and most vital transportation links.”
A full weekend closure of northbound I-5 preceded the current lane reduction, and another shutdown is scheduled for Aug. 15–18 to remove the construction zone. Throughout the project, the I-5 express lanes will remain open northbound around the clock to help offset congestion.
Drivers are advised to plan ahead, use alternate routes, or consider public transportation. The work is just the first phase of a multi-year effort: northbound lanes will see additional long-term closures in 2026, and southbound work is scheduled for 2027.
Washington’s 2026 rent cap
The state’s Department of Commerce has set a 9.683% limit on most rent increases for 2026, following the inflation-adjusted formula established by House Bill 1217.
Sunset on Thursday
Thursday marked the first sunset before 9 p.m. since June 13, signaling the gradual descent from peak summer daylight. Sunset times will continue to shorten each evening until the winter solstice on December 21.
Nneka Ogwumike career points scored
Seattle Storm’s Nneka Ogwumike has now scored 6,896 career points, passing Sue Bird, Cappie Pondexter, and Candice Dupree in two games this week to move into sixth place all-time in WNBA scoring.
A 15-year-old Ballard High School student, Mattheis Johnson, died after a 50-foot fall at Gas Works Park following a pop-up concert. Known as an artist, musician, and athlete, Johnson’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief and support, with over $42,000 raised for funeral expenses.
Seattle’s famously narrow “Spite House” has sold for $745,000. Built in 1925 to block an ex-husband’s view, the pie-shaped home sits on a 3,090-square-foot lot and measures just 55 inches wide at its narrowest point. Known for its quirky design and petty origins, the Montlake landmark had an asking price of $799,000 and was on the market for one month before the sale closed.
A King County judge has ordered the City of Seattle to address public safety concerns at Denny Blaine Park within two weeks or face its temporary closure. The decision follows a lawsuit from neighbors citing ongoing illegal activity, including lewd conduct and drug use. City Attorney Ann Davison opposed the injunction, defending the park’s use as a queer nude space but agreeing that criminal behavior must be addressed. A city abatement plan is now due.
Three humpback whales were spotted in Elliott Bay on July 17, delighting passengers aboard the Seattle–Bainbridge ferry. The whales surfaced near Magnolia’s Elliott Bay Marina and were visible from the ferry route. While orcas are seen in the bay more frequently, marine watchers say humpbacks are a much rarer sight—making this close encounter a memorable surprise for summer commuters.
A lot of analysis still needs to be done and nothing’s been predetermined one way or another, and without any specific timeline. We’re going to be as thorough as possible and look at all the potential issues.
