Seattle's controversial payroll tax has failed to meet revenue expectations as major businesses continue to leave the city. Last week, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that Seattle collected $47 million less in payroll taxes than projected in 2024. The city had anticipated over $400 million in revenue but brought in only $360 million, compounding an already staggering $260 million budget deficit.
Seattle-area transit agency Sound Transit is facing bipartisan backlash over its nomination of King County Executive Dow Constantine as CEO, with critics citing concerns over favoritism, lack of transparency, and excessive salary. The new CEO position is set to pay up to $675,000 per year—nearly double the salary of the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) CEO, despite Sound Transit having a fraction of the ridership.
A South Los Angeles family business, GO PLAZ-Check Cashing, is facing its third burglary in two years, leading the owner, Hugo Gomez, to express frustration and concern about the future of the small business.
President Donald Trump stated during a White House Cabinet meeting on Monday that his administration has identified approximately $4 trillion worth of companies moving back to the United States due to his tariff policies. Trump highlighted the return of industries that had previously relocated overseas, emphasizing job creation and economic growth.
Illinois' Interchange Fee Prohibition Act remains tied up in court as industry experts warn that the law could create unnecessary complications for businesses. The law prohibits credit card issuers from charging interchange fees on portions of transactions, including taxes and gratuities. While supporters claim the transition will be easy, financial institutions and business advocates argue otherwise.
BMW’s conservative approach to electric vehicle (EV) adoption—investing in platforms that accommodate internal-combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains—is paying off as the company navigates the complex transition to electrification.
Reports of impending U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids under President Donald Trump have caused widespread fear among illegal aliens, leading to a significant drop in foot traffic in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. Known as the "Mexico of the Midwest," the area’s shops and taquerias have seen sales plummet as residents stay indoors to avoid potential encounters with ICE agents.
Popular YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, announced his intention to purchase TikTok in collaboration with a group of investors. The move comes as President Donald Trump extended the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese-based parent company, to divest its U.S. operations within 75 days to avoid a ban on the platform.
CNN, a division of Warner Bros. Discovery, plans to lay off hundreds of employees this week as part of a strategy to refocus its business around a global digital audience, according to a CNBC report on Wednesday.
