What's in Seattle's budget? Mapping the $8.9 billion spending plan Mayor Harrell leaves for Wilson The Seattle City Council last week approved Mayor Bruce Harrell’s $9 billion dollar budget for 2026. That means when Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson takes office in January, she and the new City Council will inherit those funding choices. Here’s what to know in the meantime — explained in pizza terms. Teo Popescu
BONUS: The future of Seattle's highways Live event recorded at the Seattle Public Library hosted by Joshua McNichols and Ian Coss about the future of Seattle's State Route 99. Lucy Soucek
Starbucks' union workers plan strike next week unless company agrees to a contract Starbucks’ union members have voted to strike at the company’s U.S. stores next week unless it finalizes a contract agreement, the union said Wednesday. Associated Press
As AI threatens white-collar jobs, Washington trade schools are booming Apprenticeship programs in Washington state have been growing steadily over the past decade, as have pre-apprenticeship tracks in Seattle Public Schools. Now, fears of AI eliminating white-collar jobs are supercharging the shift. Monica Nickelsburg
How uncertainty over new H-1B visa policy is affecting one Seattle-area nonprofit A new $100,000 fee associated with the H-1B visa and the controversy surrounding it have put organizations in a bind. It’s also created a level of uncertainty for job-seekers. Ruby de Luna
Candidates for WA's 5th Legislative District discuss parental rights, taxes, bipartisanship Republicans in Washington state are eyeing a couple legislative races this year that could help them claw back a little power from Democrats, who currently hold majorities in both the state House and Senate. One of those races is a special election in Washington’s 5th Legislative District, which covers Issaquah to Enumclaw. Gabrielle Healy
Game over or next level? The generative AI debate in video game creation Electronic Arts, the video game company that sold for $55 billion this month, has said it's investing heavily in generative AI. Many video game players in areas like Seattle are concerned this trend could put their favorite game developers out of work. Joshua McNichols
Which employers seek H-1B visa workers in Washington state? President Donald Trump sent shockwaves through the tech industry last month when he issued a proclamation restricting new H-1B visas to applicants whose petitions included a $100,000 payment. Here's what that could mean for Washington state. Teo Popescu
Can Seattle's next mayor bring down the cost of rent — or pizza? In the Seattle mayoral race, many voters are focused on the cost of living in an ever-more-expensive city. They’re pressing the candidates on who can build more housing and make the city more affordable. Amy Radil
New sales tax on services in Washington takes effect Wednesday A slate of other tax and fee hikes also kicks in Oct. 1, including on major financial institutions and to fund transportation. Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard
