Seattle Now Tuesday Evening Headlines
Feb 4, 2026
Coverage of Washington’s new tax proposal targeting incomes over $1 million and the political debate around it. Reports on record-low Pacific Northwest snowpack and the risks for water and wildfire. Local college leadership changes amid a large budget shortfall. Updates on voting deadlines, transit maintenance, and a proposed ban on a tire chemical harming salmon.
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Millionaire's Tax Proposal Details
- Washington Democrats introduced a millionaire's tax applying roughly 9.9% to each dollar over $1M in household income.
- The proposal would also cut sales taxes on personal hygiene items and affect about 30,000 wealthy residents.
Snowpack Hits Record Low Levels
- Washington's snowpack is at the third lowest statewide since records began in 1985 due to warm conditions turning snow to rain.
- Low snowpack risks summer water shortages for irrigation and salmon, and increases wildfire vulnerability.
Tire Chemical Threatens Salmon
- 6-PPD, a tire rubber preservative, transforms into runoff that instantly kills coho salmon at tiny concentrations.
- Legislators argue banning 6-PPD from tires is necessary because restoration funds are wasted if fish die before spawning.