#seattle

Starbucks Nashville Expansion Linked to Seattle Tax Policies A Seattle-based business reporter has raised questions about why Starbucks is shifting its focus from Washington to Nashville, suggesting that the state’s tax policies may be a key factor in the coffee giant’s expansion plans. The speculation comes amid growing concerns about the impact of Washington’s new “millionaires tax” on businesses and high-income earners. The Seattle Times published an article titled “What’s Nashville Have That We Ain’t Got in Seattle?” which highlights Tennessee’s more favorable tax environment compared to Washington. According to the Tax Foundation’s 2025 survey, Tennessee ranks eighth nationally for its business tax climate, while Washington is ranked 45th. The article notes that Starbucks’ decision to expand in Nashville could be influenced by Tennessee’s lack of a personal income tax, which contrasts sharply with Washington’s new progressive tax policies. Washington state Democrats passed the “millionaires tax” in March 2025, which was signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson on March 30. The tax imposes a 9.9% income tax on households earning over $1 million annually, applying to income exceeding the first $1 million. The law, which takes effect on January 1, 2028, has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it could harm small businesses and middle-class families. The Wall Street Journal editorial board called the tax a “con” that risks capturing the middle class. Starbucks has been reducing its presence in Seattle, including the closure of five additional stores in March 2025. This follows earlier closures, such as the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Capitol Hill.#nashville #seattle #starbucks #seattle_times #tax_policy

Alaska Airlines Unveils New Long-Haul Business Class Suites Alaska Airlines has announced the launch of its redesigned business class for long-haul flights, set to debut this spring on routes originating from its Seattle hub to Europe and Asia. The airline’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Andrew Harrison, emphasized the effort to create a "sophisticated and authentically Alaska" experience, stating that the new product will "raise the bar and redefine long-haul travel" while maintaining the carrier’s reputation for exceptional service. The initiative marks a significant upgrade to the airline’s premium offerings, aiming to position Alaska as a leading global carrier. The new business class features cabin-like finishes designed to reflect the airline’s identity as "the West Coast’s global carrier." These finishes are complemented by bedding crafted in collaboration with Filson, a brand known for its durable outdoor gear. The bedding incorporates homey, West Coast-inspired color schemes, blending comfort with a regional aesthetic. Each suite includes a fully lie-flat seat equipped with a privacy door, ensuring passengers can enjoy private, restful accommodations during extended flights. The design also prioritizes storage, with ample space accessible even when the seat is in flat bed mode. Alaska Airlines has partnered with Filson to create exclusive amenity kits tailored for the new business class. These kits, available in the airline’s signature colors, include essentials such as a mattress pad, sleeping pillow, lumbar pillow, and a duvet, all designed to enhance passenger comfort. The airline has also introduced a "restaurant-quality" menu, featuring updates to its popular fruit and cheese platter, which has been a customer favorite.#seattle #alaska_airlines #andrew_harrison #filson #sand_stone

Record Heat for East Just Ahead of Soggy Easter Sunday Cities across the Midwest and Northeast are bracing for a dramatic weather shift as record-breaking warmth sets the stage for severe storms and rain ahead of Easter Sunday. Temperatures are expected to climb into the 80s across the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and parts of the Northeast on Saturday, with Washington, D.C. projected to hit 87 degrees. This extreme heat will fuel widespread severe weather, including thunderstorms, damaging winds, and an isolated tornado threat, particularly in Ohio, Indiana, and western New York. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center has placed portions of Ohio, including Cleveland and Columbus, under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms. The warm conditions will persist through Saturday afternoon and into the evening, with storms intensifying as the heat builds. However, this warmth will be short-lived as a cold front moves eastward on Sunday, bringing much-needed rain to the region. Showers and downpours are expected to begin Sunday morning, affecting areas from Georgia to upstate New York. By Sunday afternoon, major I-95 cities such as Raleigh, Boston, and New York City will see thunderstorms, potentially disrupting Easter celebrations and outdoor events like egg hunts and parades. Nearly 270 million Americans are set to experience above-average temperatures during the weekend, with the heatwave creating a stark contrast to the cooler conditions expected to follow. The cold front’s arrival will lead to a soggy Easter across the Northeast, with most of the rain easing by Sunday evening and into Monday. Temperatures in the Northeast will drop to near seasonal averages in the 40s and 50s by Monday, marking a significant cooldown.#seattle #midwest #cleveland #northeast #mid_atlantic

NBA Expansion to Seattle and Vegas: Pros and Cons The NBA is set to expand into Seattle and Las Vegas, marking the return of a Seattle Sonics franchise after nearly two decades. The league’s Board of Governors is expected to vote on the proposal during a meeting this week, with strong support anticipated from league officials. Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated and NBA on NBC highlighted the potential benefits and drawbacks of the expansion, emphasizing its significance for both markets. The expansion would bring the NBA’s total teams to 32, adding two new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas. Mannix noted that both cities are well-positioned for success, with Seattle boasting an established fan base and Las Vegas already proving its viability as a pro sports hub. The Las Vegas Raiders and Golden Knights have thrived there, and Mannix predicted the city’s new NBA team would also thrive, given its growing reputation beyond a temporary destination. Seattle’s return of the Sonics could reignite local enthusiasm, with fans likely to embrace the team as it did in its previous era. However, the expansion raises concerns about the league’s competitive balance. Mannix warned that adding two new teams would dilute the talent pool, leading to more underperforming franchises in the short term. He pointed out that the NBA already struggles with a third of its teams being mediocre, and the addition of two more weak teams could exacerbate this issue. While rule changes and draft adjustments might mitigate some of the challenges, the league risks creating a scenario where several teams have little chance of competing effectively. Another point of discussion is whether struggling franchises like the Memphis Grizzlies or New Orleans Pelicans should be relocated instead of expanding.#las_vegas #nba #seattle #memphis_grizzlies #chris_mannix

NBA approves expansion process for Seattle, Las Vegas The National Basketball Association has taken a significant step toward expanding its presence in the Pacific Northwest by approving the exploration of new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas. The NBA Board of Governors, composed of league owners, voted unanimously to initiate the process, which includes hiring PJT Partners, a financial advisory firm, to evaluate potential markets, ownership groups, and arena options. This decision marks the most concrete indication yet that the league is considering bringing back the Seattle SuperSonics to the city where they originally played. The Sonics, a beloved franchise, relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, leaving a void in Seattle's sports culture. For years, fans and local leaders have pushed for their return, with renewed efforts gaining momentum in recent months. The NBA's approval of the expansion process is seen as a pivotal moment in addressing the long-standing desire of Seattle residents to see the team return. The potential revival of the Sonics could also bolster the league's growth in the region, which has shown strong support for professional sports. Commissioner Adam Silver is set to address reporters later in the day to provide further details on the expansion plans. His comments are expected to outline the league's strategy for evaluating the two cities, including factors such as market size, fan base, and infrastructure. The NBA has emphasized that the process will be thorough, with PJT Partners tasked with analyzing all aspects of the proposed expansions. While the focus remains on Seattle and Las Vegas, the league's decision reflects broader efforts to expand its footprint in the United States.#las_vegas #nba #adam_silver #seattle #pjt_partners

Seattle Gains 11 Extra Minutes of Daylight During Spring Equinox The spring equinox occurred at 7:46 a.m. PDT on Friday, marking the start of longer days for the northern hemisphere. While the idea that balancing an egg on its end is only possible during the equinox is a myth, the event does signal the beginning of the brightest six months of the year. The equinox happens twice annually when the sun’s rays strike the equator at a right angle, creating nearly equal periods of daylight and darkness. This occurs because Earth’s tilted axis causes the sun’s direct rays to cross the equator from south to north during the spring equinox, allowing the northern hemisphere to receive more sunlight for six months. The term “equinox” comes from Latin, meaning “equal night,” though in Seattle, the day is actually 12 minutes longer than 12 hours. This discrepancy arises due to atmospheric refraction, which bends sunlight and extends the visible daylight. A day with precisely 12 hours of daylight is called the equilux, which in Seattle coincided with St. Patrick’s Day. While the equinox itself doesn’t guarantee perfect day-night balance, it sets the stage for the gradual increase in daylight as spring progresses. As the season transitions, residents are encouraged to embrace the changing light and enjoy the extended hours of sunlight.#seattle #st_patrick_s_day #spring_equinox #equilux #atmospheric_refraction

LeBron James' pursuit of NBA ownership faces significant challenges as the league's expansion plans move forward LeBron James has long expressed interest in owning an NBA team after his playing career concludes, but his ambitions may be encountering obstacles as the league prepares to vote on adding franchises in Las Vegas and Seattle. The NBA's expansion plans received a major update earlier this week, with team owners set to vote on March 25 to potentially approve the addition of two new teams. If 23 of the 30 owners approve, the league aims to bring the franchises to the 2028-29 season. The approval of expansion would be the first step in securing ownership groups for the new teams. While Magic Johnson and Bill Foley, owner of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, have shown interest in the Las Vegas and Seattle markets respectively, LeBron James remains a key figure in the Las Vegas bid. However, his ability to secure the franchise may be complicated by financial hurdles. James, who became the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status, would need additional funding to cover the estimated $7 billion to $10 billion cost of an expansion team. His partnership with Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC, was expected to provide the necessary capital. However, Fenway Sports Group has reportedly withdrawn from the idea of purchasing an NBA team due to the high expansion fee, making it "less likely" that James could proceed with his bid. While James could explore alternative partnerships with other business associates, the lack of support from Fenway Sports Group complicates his plans. Additionally, James must retire to pursue ownership, a step that remains uncertain. He has not announced a retirement timeline and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.#las_vegas #lebron_james #nba #seattle #fenway_sports_group

NBA Set for First Vote on Las Vegas-Seattle Expansion The National Basketball Association is preparing to hold its first vote on expanding into Las Vegas and Seattle, according to sources. The decision will take place during the board of governors meetings next week, with the two new franchises expected to begin play in the 2028-29 season. The vote marks a critical step in the league’s plan to add teams to its roster, which currently stands at 30. Industry insiders indicate strong support within the league office and among the governors for moving forward with the expansion. Proposals for the new teams are projected to range between $7 billion and $10 billion each, with both markets anticipated to rank among the NBA’s top revenue-generating destinations. The appeal of Las Vegas and Seattle, combined with the league’s current collective bargaining agreement that promotes competitive balance, is expected to create a lucrative environment for potential buyers. This initial vote will focus solely on Las Vegas and Seattle, allowing the league to initiate a bidding process for the franchises. A subsequent vote later in the year will determine the final approval for the expansion, bringing the total number of teams to 32. To pass either vote, at least 23 of the 30 governors must approve the proposal. While many owners support the expansion due to the long-term financial benefits from the Las Vegas and Seattle markets, some remain cautious. Concerns include the potential dilution of individual ownership stakes, as league equity would shift from 1/30 to 1/32. These owners are also seeking final bid valuations and franchise fees before committing to the expansion. The NBA’s expansion plans are not without precedent. The National Hockey League recently added teams to both Las Vegas (Golden Knights, 2017) and Seattle (Kraken, 2021).#las_vegas #nba #adam_silver #seattle #climate_pledge_arena

PSE Rate Proposal Could Raise Seattle Area Bills Seattle area households and businesses may face significant increases in energy costs as Puget Sound Energy seeks approval for a three-year rate plan that would raise electric and natural gas bills from 2027 to 2029. The utility filed its proposal on February 27, proposing a front-loaded increase in the first year, which could add dozens of dollars to monthly bills for many customers. These hikes would build on existing rate adjustments already in place for 2025 and 2026. Puget Sound Energy is requesting state regulators to approve the plan, which would allow the utility to recover over $1.5 billion in costs. The proposed increases—29.32% for electric service and 19.83% for natural gas over three years—would fund investments in new power generation, transmission upgrades, and grid improvements. These projects aim to meet rising demand and comply with state mandates for clean energy. The utility argues that the funds are necessary to ensure reliability and resilience against extreme weather events and wildfires. For residential customers, the impact would be noticeable. A typical electric user consuming 800 kilowatt-hours per month could see an additional $28 in early 2027, rising to about $7 in 2028 and nearly $16 in 2029. Natural gas customers using 64 therms monthly would face a $14 increase in 2027, with smaller annual adjustments in the following years. The utility also highlights projected federal tax credits worth $529 million, which it claims would offset some of the costs for customers. The proposal comes amid broader challenges for utilities, including surging demand from data centers driven by artificial intelligence. A recent study by the Berkeley Lab, supported by the Department of Energy, warns that U.S.#seattle #puget_sound_energy #berkeley_lab #department_of_energy #house_bill_2515

Weather Impact Alert Issued for Houston Ahead of Weekend Storms A weather system moving into Southeast Texas this weekend could bring rain, thunderstorms, and the potential for isolated severe weather, prompting a Weather Impact Alert for the Houston area. The alert is in effect for Saturday evening, with storms expected to last into Sunday morning. Forecasters have outlined a detailed timeline of expected conditions, based on current data as of Thursday night. The weekend weather pattern begins with light streamer showers developing as moisture streams in from the Gulf, though these are expected to be brief and limited to sprinkles. Morning temperatures will start in the low 70s, with warm, humid, and breezy conditions throughout the day, peaking near 84 degrees. Rain chances are low, with only a 30% chance of isolated showers, though forecasters note even that may be overestimated. Most areas are expected to remain dry, with a few isolated streamer showers possible early in the morning. By late afternoon, scattered showers may develop north of Houston, but the metro area is likely to stay mostly dry. Conditions are still favorable for outdoor activities earlier in the day, with forecast models suggesting little to no significant rain during the day. However, a stalled front and upper-level disturbance could trigger thunderstorms late Saturday night, with some storms potentially reaching severe levels. These storms may bring damaging straight-line winds up to 60–70 mph, large hail, and brief heavy rainfall that could cause street ponding. There is also a low chance of an isolated tornado. A line of thunderstorms could move through around sunrise, with strong storms possible in parts of the region. The main batch of storms is expected to pass by around 9 a.m.#texas #houston #houston_livestock_show_and_rodeo #khou_11 #seattle