All articles tagged with #washington
The National Park Service released digital renderings for the President's House Site exhibit in Philadelphia that mention slavery, the Underground Railroad, and figures like Frederick Douglass, but critics say the revisions soften slavery and amount to whitewashing; the plan comes amid a long legal fight over how U.S. history is presented at federal sites, leaving the display in limbo with missing panels.
A UW-led survey of 388 Washington clinicians (late 2024–early 2025) finds most view cannabis use as carrying mental-health risks, with 70% treating cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, 65% cannabis-use disorder, 63% anxiety, and 53% psychoses/hallucinations. Many respondents report only moderate knowledge about cannabis interactions and psychoses, and about 75% want more training on screening and managing cannabis-related health risks, highlighting the need for clearer treatment protocols amid provider shortages.
Rivian Automotive secured a major victory in Washington by obtaining the right to sell vehicles directly to consumers, challenging traditional dealership franchise laws and potentially signaling a broader shift in how electric vehicles are marketed and sold in the United States.
Diesel prices in Washington state climbed to record levels twice in one week, with the latest average hitting about $6.55 per gallon according to AAA, driven by ongoing fuel-market pressures and broader energy-market dynamics.
Washington’s proposed 9.9% “millionaires’ tax” starting in 2028 would cost Jaxon Smith-Njigba roughly $12.3M in state taxes on his $168.6M extension, while Ja’Marr Chase would pay about $4.46M under Ohio’s tax changes; after state taxes, Chase would take home about $156.54M and Smith-Njigba about $156.30M, meaning the tax geography narrows the gap despite the bigger contract and highlights how blue states tax athletes more than red states like Ohio.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a law prohibiting law enforcement officers in the state from covering their faces to hide their identities while on duty, applying to federal, state, and local officers. The goal is to improve public accountability and ensure interactions involve identifiable officers, a response to ICE arrests during the Trump era. The bill passed unanimously in a Democratic-majority Legislature, with Republicans calling it unconstitutional, citing the Supremacy Clause and drawing on California’s similar but blocked No Secret Police Act.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi travels to Washington for a summit with former President Donald Trump, with imagery from Yokosuka aboard a US carrier underscoring Tokyo–Washington defense ties.
A proposed 9.9% millionaire tax in Washington, set to take effect in 2028, could affect Seahawks recruiting by reducing top players’ after-tax pay and making the state less attractive versus tax-friendly locales; GM John Schneider said it would sting from a recruiting standpoint as teams compete for talent.
Democrat-led Washington state Senate approved a 9.9% income tax on residents earning over $1 million to fund education, prisons, universal school lunches and other programs, with Gov. Ferguson expected to sign. Supporters cite budget pressures and public sentiment, while critics warn about potential business impact and legal challenges, including a ballot repeal effort and constitutional questions around how income is treated.
A Wednesday night windstorm swept western Washington, with Alpental recording a 134 mph gust—the strongest of the event—while other strong gusts were measured across the Puget Sound lowlands and Cascade ridges. The winds knocked out power and felled trees across the region and caused at least one death when a tree fell on a car in Monroe. A Wind Advisory had expired, but a Winter Storm Warning remained for the Cascades and Olympics, and KING 5 activated First Alert to keep residents updated.
Washington’s Legislature passed a 9.9% income tax on households earning over $1 million, clearing the way to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk after a last-minute Republican challenge; the governor has signaled he will sign, and the bill would take effect after revenue begins in 2029 to fund schools, health care, higher education and public safety, with expanded tax breaks for small businesses and low‑income families. Supporters say it corrects a regressive tax code, while opponents warn of constitutional questions and potential impacts on business and capital flight, and amendments were added during passage to clarify language and offset revenue losses.
Atlassian is laying off about 63 workers in Washington (roughly 10% of its Washington staff) as it pivots to an AI-first strategy; CTO Rajeev Rajan will step down after nearly four years, with Taroon Mandhana and Vikram Rao promoted to AI leadership roles. Most affected WA employees are remote, and about half work in engineering or data science, amid broader tech-headcount reductions in the Seattle area.
The Washington state Senate cleared a 9.9% tax on annual income over $1 million starting in 2028 by a 27-21 vote, with supporters saying it would raise about $4 billion annually and affect roughly 30,000 households to fund schools, roads, health care and higher education. As debate focused on inflation and potential future expansion of an income tax, Republicans warned of erosion of tax control and constitutional concerns. The bill advances to Gov. Ferguson for likely signature.
The Washington House passed SB 6346 to levy a 9.9% personal income tax on earnings above $1 million, projecting roughly $3.5 billion in annual revenue starting in 2029. Supporters frame it as tax fairness to offset a regressive system, while critics warn it could erode Washington’s business climate; high-profile concerns, including Howard Schultz’s relocation to Miami, amplify the debate. The measure now moves to the Senate and governor as the session nears its close.
After a 24-hour-plus floor debate, the Washington House approved a 9.9% tax on households earning over $1 million by a 51-46 vote (one excused). Democrats say the Millionaires’ Tax would raise up to $3 billion for education, health care, and public safety; Republicans call it a delay tactic and warn it could impact smaller earners and businesses. If signed by Governor Ferguson, the measure would take effect in 2029 and moves to the governor’s desk as the session wraps up.