State revenue forecast shows continued decline, budget challenges ahead
Washington’s projected tax collections have declined by more than $500 million since the Legislature approved its most recent two-year budget earlier this […]
Hastily passed tax will haunt WA lawmakers
Nick Wagner / The Seattle Times By The Seattle Times editorial board Nine days — that’s how long Democratic lawmakers in Olympia […]
Seattle’s economy shows signs of slowing, but not recession
Recent forecasts have raised questions about whether Washington, and particularly Seattle, is entering a recession. Economist Mark Zandi of Moody’s Investors Service […]
Imports expected to dip below 2 million TEU as tariffs rise
Monthly import volumes at major U.S. container ports are expected to fall below 2 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) for the rest […]
Interim guidance released for upcoming retail sales tax changes
The Washington State Department of Revenue has released interim guidance to help businesses prepare for changes related to Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill […]
Michaels revives Joann brand through new in-store concept
Photo credit: Michael’s Michaels is giving new life to the Joann brand name after purchasing its intellectual property earlier this year. The […]
New IRS guidance creates significant tax liability on paid leave premiums & benefits
In February 2025, the IRS released long-awaited guidance on the federal tax treatment of state Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs. […]
Workers’ compensation proposed 2026 rates: Sustainability concerns ahead
Labor & Industries (L&I) has proposed an average 4.9% workers’ compensation rate increase for 2026 across 293 of the state’s 327 risk […]
Consumers start holiday shopping early, Focus on value
As the 2025 holiday season approaches, U.S. consumers are beginning their shopping earlier than in past years, driven largely by concerns about […]
Washington updates single-use bag rules for 2026
The Washington State Legislature recently passed HB 1293, updating the state’s single-use bag regulations effective January 1, 2026. Plastic film bags will […]
Proposed mass layoff notice rules open for comment
The Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) has released draft rule language to implement Engrossed Substitute SB (ESSB) 5525, passed during the […]
Seattle faces a shift in tech employment
Image: Amazon For decades, the Seattle region thrived on the rapid growth of Amazon and Microsoft, transforming into one of the nation’s […]