Seattle City Council selects new president
The Seattle City Council has unanimously elected Joy Hollingsworth as its new president, marking the first time a Black woman has held […]
Supplemental budget proposal highlights fiscal approach
Governor Bob Ferguson has released a proposed two-year balanced supplemental budget totaling about $79 billion. The plan represents a 1.5 percent increase over […]
Storefront repair fund offers help for damaged businesses
Seattle business owners facing property damage may be eligible for financial assistance through the Storefront Repair Fund. The program reimburses the cost of repairing eligible […]
Redmond police disrupt multi-state retail theft operation
An image of the security video from the Guitar Center robbery. (Redmond PD) Redmond police recently arrested a 25-year-old man and a […]
HB 2209: A targeted response to organized retail crime
Organized retail crime (ORC) and large-scale retail theft continue to threaten worker safety, community access, and Washington’s economy. WR is proud to […]
Seattle drug and public safety policy shifts draw debate
Recent developments in Seattle highlight an ongoing debate over how the city should address open drug use, low-level offenses, and public safety. […]
Governor outlines support for proposed millionaires’ tax
Governor Bob Ferguson announced his support for a proposed millionaires’ tax during a December 23, 2025, press conference, framing it as a long-term policy […]
HB 2218/SB 5847 would alter workers’ compensation medical guidance and access
Washington’s workers’ compensation system underwent significant reform in 2011 with the adoption of the Medical Provider Network (MPN), which aligned care for […]
Textile EPR legislation discussions continue in Washington
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles remains an active and evolving policy discussion in Washington. HB 1420, sponsored by Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-30), was introduced during the 2025 […]
Port cargo slowdown expected to continue into 2026
A new Global Port Tracker report from the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates indicates that declining import volumes at major United States container ports […]
Policy updates on cash transactions and carryout bags
Two policy areas under review this session could affect retail operations across Washington, including cash handling practices and carryout bag requirements. HB 2334 would allow […]
Cargo theft highlights supply chain security challenges for retailers
WR note: This article is shared with a modified headline. The original content remains unchanged Published in the Seattle Times By Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton , Seattle […]