Seattle Public Schools (SPS) has released its proposed 2025-26 budget, balancing a previously projected $104 million deficit without closing schools or cutting classroom services. The district’s General Fund budget totals $1.35 billion for the upcoming school year.
To bridge the gap, SPS relied on several one-time measures and increased revenue:
The district preserved current class sizes, avoided layoffs, and maintained discretionary funds for schools. It also allocated $2.3 million in new spending for safety and security.
The budget release comes after months of public debate over potential school closures. Earlier this school year, SPS considered consolidating some of its under-enrolled elementary schools to save money, citing unsustainable enrollment levels and state funding formulas based on larger school sizes. However, strong community pushback led the district to postpone closures for now.
While SPS was able to balance the 2025-26 budget, officials warn that many of the solutions are temporary. Fund balances have been heavily depleted, and future borrowing options are limited. Without additional state funding or systemic changes, the district faces a persistent structural deficit heading into 2026-27 and beyond. Long-term financial stability may require renewed conversations about school consolidations, staffing levels, or new revenue sources.
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A lower court had ruled earlier in the week that the tariffs imposed under emergency powers were illegal, but the appellate court said the administration can continue enforcement while appeals proceed.
Patients may face full out-of-pocket costs starting June 1 as reimbursement dispute ends in-network coverage.
Anti-LGBTQ demonstrators and counterprotestors continued to clash days after violence at Cal Anderson rally.
After a four-year pause, fare enforcement officers will begin issuing warnings and citations to riders without proof of payment starting Saturday, May 31.
King County court rules 24-hour public camping prohibition is constitutional under state law.
Closed since September for exhibit upgrades, the center adds interactive features, films, and a "walk-in" volcano.
The former SuperSonics star admitted to second-degree assault for firing at a vehicle in Tacoma; prosecutors recommend nine months in jail under plea deal.
King County Assessor John Arthur Wilson is facing mounting calls to resign following new harassment allegations by his ex-fiancée, Lee Keller. The controversy threatens Wilson’s next campaign — he is now running for county executive.
Keller was granted a restraining order earlier this month, alleging Wilson repeatedly contacted her and her family after their April breakup. She also accused him of retaliating against a friend by falsely reporting him for sexual misconduct. Court filings include screenshots of Wilson texting Keller, “Never,” after she told him to leave her alone.
This is the second restraining order Keller has filed; the first was withdrawn after a brief reconciliation. Wilson refuses to step down and says his lawyer is reviewing the filings.
Wilson has been elected three times as county assessor, a position responsible for property valuation and tax administration. He ran unopposed in the last two elections, receiving more than 98% of the vote in each race.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, State Sen. Manka Dhingra, and County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay have called for his resignation. The King County Democrats are also reconsidering their prior endorsement of Wilson.
Wilson’s name will remain on the August ballot, as the withdrawal deadline has passed. He lags far behind his competitors in fundraising and faces potential censure or recall if he remains in office.
The Seattle City Council has unanimously passed new interim zoning rules that dramatically reshape what can be built in residential neighborhoods across the city. The legislation, passed this week, brings Seattle into compliance with recent state mandates to allow more ‘middle housing’ and will remain in effect for one year while permanent rules are developed.
Under the new rules, nearly all residential lots citywide are now eligible for up to four housing units by default. That number rises to six units on lots within a quarter-mile of major transit stops, or when at least two of the units are income-restricted affordable housing. This ends Seattle’s long-standing single-family zoning framework and replaces it with more flexible density allowances aimed at addressing the city’s housing shortage.
Key changes include:
The legislation was necessary to meet deadlines set by multiple state laws, including House Bill 1110, Senate Bill 6015, and others. If Seattle had not acted by June 30, 2025, the state’s model code would have automatically applied.
This interim bill is not the final word. It functions as a stopgap while the city finalizes its updated Comprehensive Plan, expected for adoption in October 2025. That plan will set Seattle’s long-term growth strategy through 2044 and could further refine how middle housing fits into Seattle’s evolving neighborhoods.
Drop in Washington traffic deaths in 2024
Fatalities fell after hitting a 33-year high in 2023, though officials say impaired driving, speeding, and distractions still contribute to hundreds of deaths annually.
New closing time for Alki Beach, Golden Gardens, and other parks
Seattle Parks and Recreation permanently moved up summer closing hours at beaches and boat ramps to curb illegal parties and street racing, trimming some locations from 11:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
High temperature in Seattle on Wednesday
The city hit 82 degrees on May 28, bringing one of the warmest days so far this spring as the region enters a stretch of above-average temperatures.
Scarecrow Video is temporarily closed after part of an exterior wall collapsed over the weekend. No one was hurt and the store’s 150,000-title collection remains intact, but inspectors are evaluating the building’s safety before reopening. The nonprofit, one of the last video rental stores in the state, says it hopes to continue serving the community once repairs are complete.
Plans to redevelop part of Discovery Park for affordable housing advanced as the public comment period closed on the latest environmental review. The city proposes purchasing the former Fort Lawton site from the Army and building up to 500 units of affordable and supportive housing, along with 22 acres of new park space. A revised plan is expected to be submitted to the City Council and Army by the end of June.
Lumen Field will undergo major upgrades ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where it will host six matches. Changes include replacing the artificial turf with grass, adding new seating, expanding media space, and installing enhanced security features. The stadium will temporarily be renamed “Seattle Stadium” during the tournament to comply with FIFA rules. State lawmakers approved $19.4 million for the project, with most work set to wrap up by May 2026.
El Centro de la Raza, a Seattle nonprofit focused on civil rights and community development, opened the Four Amigos – Beloved Community in Columbia City. The project adds 87 affordable housing units, early childhood classrooms, and vibrant public art honoring four local activists: Roberto Maestas, Larry Gossett, Bernie Whitebear, and Bob Santos. Rents range from about $800 to $2,300, with on-site services supporting families and neighborhood residents.
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