As of Tuesday, a slew of new and increased charges, taxes and fees went into effect in Washington state. This year’s legislative session saw lawmakers approve a tax increase package projected to generate approximately $9.4 billion in revenue over the next four years. This package, consisting of five tax bills, was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson to support the state's next budget and address a projected shortfall.
The Sound Transit Board of Directors on Thursday decided on a preferred alternative for the Tacoma Dome Link Extension, which includes a route through South Federal Way, Milton and into Tacoma, with a station at the Tacoma Dome. The project includes exploring additional station options in Fife. According to the agency, the identification of its preferred light rail routes and stations indicates the direction the Sound Transit Board is currently leaning.
Seattle Area Feline Rescue, a non-profit, no-kill rescue that takes in homeless cats and kittens, gives them the care they need to recover, and finds them loving homes, maintained no-kill in 2024, according to Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters.
DoorDash is raising its service fees in Seattle — again — due to the city’s laws for app-based workers. The on-demand delivery and pickup services company says the hikes are necessary to continue services in Seattle, where the company operated at a loss in 2024. However, the company also reported $3 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, with a 13.1% net revenue margin.
Neighborhood Farmers Markets is planning two fun, community-focused events in Magnolia as a celebration of National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 3–9).
The proposed Seattle bill to combat ongoing illegal graffiti across the city has been amended to increase the fine to a maximum of $1,500 per violation. Proposed Council Bill 120995 originally set fines at $1,000, but Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka successfully had the fine increased through an amendment approved by a 2-0 vote with two abstentions.
Motorists in Washington state are experiencing gas prices higher than the national average, in contrast to declining gas prices across much of the rest of the nation in recent months. As of this month, Washingtonians are paying even more to fuel up. The state’s gas tax increased by 6 cents per gallon, from 49.4 cents to 55.4 cents. Starting July 1, 2026, it will rise each year by 2% to account for inflation.
Patrick Connor, Washington state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, views the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index staying steady in June — a slight decrease of 0.2 points to 98.6 — as a positive sign for small business owners in the Evergreen State. This is mainly because the 2017 Small Business Tax Deduction was made permanent in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4.
I will be enrolling in Medicare in a few months and would like to know if I initially enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, am I able to switch back to original Medicare and get a supplemental (Medigap) policy and prescription drug plan later with without paying a fine?
Good news for walkers, joggers, dog owners, and strollers both wheeled and human: Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum Waterfront Trail — a.k.a. the scenic boardwalk where you pretend you hike — is finally getting the TLC it deserves. After years of slow rot, slipping planks, and the occasional “oops, I thought this was ADA accessible,” the city is fixing things up.
PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) successfully released an adult male bald eagle back to his natural habitat in Tacoma on July 2, marking the end of a month-long rehabilitation journey that began when the bird was found grounded and unable to fly along the Tacoma waterfront.
Seattle City Councilmember Sara Nelson plans to introduce legislation that would dedicate up to 25% of any sales tax increase for addiction treatment services. Nelson’s resolution seeks to fill gaps in the city’s existing substance abuse services with any sales tax increase that the state authorized earlier this year.
For firsthand experience and answers to any EV questions, visit the Electrify Expo at Marymoor Park on July 12-13.
With prices rising and routines feeling heavier than ever, people crave a little comfort, nostalgia, and a little Christmas. That’s why the Seattle Christmas Market is starting the season early, inviting Seattleites to give themselves something to look forward to. The Seattle Christmas Market returns to Seattle Center this November with tickets starting at just $5 on most days.
Each year, before the bright lights and loud blasts of fireworks, an important ceremony takes place under the Space Needle. This year marked the 40th Annual Naturalization Ceremony at Seattle Center.
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