About our Seattle news
Latest news on Seattle, WA: crime, housing, tech, politics, weather, transport and community news from the Emerald City.
Seattle is Washington State's largest city, home to around 750,000 residents and a broader metro area of nearly 4 million people. Known as the Emerald City, it is a global hub for technology, aerospace, and trade, anchored by corporate giants including Amazon and Microsoft, both headquartered in the region. The city's economy, cultural institutions, and neighbourhoods continue to evolve rapidly, making it one of the most closely watched urban centres in North America.
Public safety remains a key concern, though the Seattle Police Department reported a decline in violent crime in 2025, offering some encouragement to residents and city officials. Mayor Katie Wilson's administration has made housing a central priority, committing $155 million to affordable housing support in 2025 alone. A new Seattle Social Housing public developer, funded by a tax on high-paying employers, is working towards its first property acquisitions, with more than $50 million in annual revenue expected to support thousands of new units over the coming decade.
Seattle's tech sector is navigating a period of transformation as artificial intelligence reshapes the industry. Amazon has returned workers to the office five days a week, while Microsoft is implementing a three-day model. The city's identity as a technology powerhouse faces questions about long-term job growth, but its strengths — leading universities, established investors, and a deep talent base — remain intact. The arts scene also continues to thrive, with significant public investment in cultural programming and community arts education across the city's schools.
Founded in 1851 and named after a Duwamish and Suquamish chief, Seattle grew from a timber town into a manufacturing and trade centre, later transforming into a global tech capital during the 1990s dot-com boom. Pike Place Market, founded in 1907 and one of the oldest farmers' markets in the US, remains a symbol of the city's civic character. Seattle's progressive politics, strong labour movement, and history of social activism have shaped its reputation as one of America's most forward-thinking cities.
From infrastructure improvements on Interstate 5 and the SR 520 Portage Bay Bridge project to ongoing debates over homelessness, land use reform, and the city's "One Seattle" comprehensive plan, Seattle faces a complex set of urban challenges. Its 2025 comprehensive plan overhaul — allowing greater housing density including multiplexes and townhouses — marks a significant shift in the city's growth strategy, one with implications for affordability and neighbourhood character for years to come.
Our ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ feed on Seattle is updated constantly with the latest headlines covering politics, crime, housing, business, transport, and culture. Whether you live in the city, work here, or simply want to follow one of North America's most dynamic urban stories, this feed is your essential source for everything happening in Seattle.