Seattle Local — 2026-07-15#

Top Story#

Firefighters battled a massive three-alarm fire at a commercial warehouse and recycling center in Seattle’s Industrial District (SODO) early Wednesday morning,. The blaze prompted evacuations and emergency warnings for nearby residents to keep their homes sealed against the thick smoke.

Local News#

NBA Expansion Decision Expected by Year-End · FOX 13 NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the league is on track to decide on potential expansion for Seattle and Las Vegas by the end of the year,. Silver noted that a secret bidding war is underway, with multiple local groups expressing serious interest in bringing the SuperSonics back to Seattle,.

Campaign Launched to Defend State’s “Millionaires Tax” · KOMO News Governor Bob Ferguson and a coalition of labor unions, parents, and small-business owners have launched the “No on 645” campaign to defeat a November ballot initiative. Initiative 645 seeks to repeal Washington’s 9.9% capital gains tax on annual income over $1 million. Supporters of the tax warn that repealing it would reverse crucial funding commitments for the state’s public services.

Fire Weather Watch Issued for Cascades and Lowlands · KING 5 A Fire Weather Watch is in effect as dry brush and high winds combined with approaching thunderstorms elevate wildfire risks across the region,. Thunderstorms capable of producing frequent lightning are expected generally north of White Pass in the Cascades and the Olympics. King County officials are actively urging residents to prepare by hardening their homes against potential flying ember threats,.

Wallingford Wine Bar Suffers Seventh Break-In · KING 5 A game board and wine bar owner in Wallingford is facing thousands of dollars in losses following yet another devastating burglary,. The owner reports that this marks the seventh time the small business has been hit by thieves since first opening its doors.

Rescued Harbor Seal Pup Recovering After Being Shot · KOMO News A 3-week-old harbor seal pup is recovering at a marine rehabilitation facility in Des Moines after being shot in the head,. This disturbing incident marks the third time in just nine months that a seal has been rescued locally with serious gunshot wounds.

Suspicious Fire Damages Lake Stevens Middle School · KOMO News Police are investigating a suspicious overnight fire that burned a large hole through the roof of the North Lake Middle School cafeteria. Authorities are hoping surveillance video will shed light on the incident, following neighborhood reports that teenage boys were seen on the roof just before the blaze.

Red Cross and Bloodworks Northwest Declare Blood Shortage Emergency · KING 5 The American Red Cross has declared an emergency over a nationwide blood shortage, prompting Bloodworks Northwest to declare a local “code red”. In response to the crisis, Seattle-area Ukrainians have organized a community blood drive to help meet the critical medical need.

Community & Lifestyle#

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson celebrated the opening of “Reuse Commons” in Lake City, a new shared space dedicated to sustainability and local repair services,. In parks news, the city successfully weatherized ten more restrooms last year, ensuring that 103 out of 129 Seattle parks facilities can now remain open year-round. Additionally, downtown Seattle will soon welcome a brand new dedicated chamber music hall set up by the Seattle Chamber Music Society inside a recently renovated office tower.