Seattle discussed renewing its transit funding program with Saka amendments, normal summer cases of cyclospora emerged without a spike, and the NBA hinted at “hidden” players in the race to bring the Sonics back.
Chair Saka unveiled a package of amendments for Seattle’s transit measure renewal
Work continues in Seattle on a key initiative to fund public transportation. Councilmember Rob Saka, chairing the Seattle Transportation Benefit District special committee, released his comprehensive package of amendments to the proposed “Seattle Transit Measure 2026.” The move followed public hearings held on Monday in both in-person and remote formats. As noted in an official statement published in the Seattle City Council blog, the amendment package is intended to clarify the law in critically important areas such as safety, transit accessibility for people with mobility limitations, and affordability.
At the core of the proposed measure is the idea that, if voters approve it in November 2026, it will replace the 2020 funding package that expires in April 2027. Mayor Wilson originally proposed adding a 0.30% sales tax for ten years—this proposal is what the committee is now refining. The amendment package, Saka said, “strikes the right balance between expanding reliable transit service and ensuring the safety and accountability that Seattle residents deserve.” It is also emphasized that all changes are based on feedback from residents provided during the hearings.
Among the key areas covered by the amendments are improved transit safety, route reliability, increased service frequency, and measures to address climate change. A full list of the changes is available on the City Clerk’s website for bill number 121226. It’s important to understand that the Seattle Transportation Benefit District is a special structure created to collect and distribute funds for public transportation within city limits. A 0.30% sales tax means an additional 30 cents will be charged for every $100 spent in Seattle; over ten years, this is expected to provide stable funding for bus routes and other services of King County Metro.
The decision-making process is already underway on schedule: in the committee, a vote on the amendments and the final package is set for Thursday, July 16. Then, on Tuesday, July 21, the full Seattle City Council is expected to hold a final vote. If everything goes smoothly, the measure will be put to a November referendum. In essence, whether Seattle can maintain its current level of transit service without disruption after 2027 depends on how the council revises the measure and how voters respond to it. In his public remarks, Chair Saka thanked his colleagues and everyone who testified at the hearings, noting that “your voice matters, and your feedback is exactly what helps us get everything right.” This underscores the local government’s commitment to incorporating residents’ views—especially on safety and fairness issues, topics that are most pressing for transit riders.
Cyclospora in Washington: the state avoided a national outbreak, but risks remain
The Washington State Department of Health confirmed that the region is not affected by a large cyclospora outbreak that has hit dozens of U.S. states. Since May 1, the state has recorded 27 cases of infection with the parasite—roughly in line with normal summer levels. Authorities emphasize that most local cases are linked to international travel rather than to domestic sources of infection that have caused thousands of illnesses across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to investigate the nationwide outbreak, and Washington residents are advised to wash fresh produce thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection.
According to the department, of the 27 confirmed cases, 22 people had recently traveled abroad, three likely acquired the infection within the country, and for two people the travel history is unknown. These figures do not alarm experts. Seattle food-safety attorney Bill Marler, of the firm Marler Clark, in his Fox 13 Seattle interview, said the situation in the state matches historical summer averages: “We’re about at the level that we typically see.” He added that Washington residents likely “just dodged” the blow that hit the Midwest, and that it may come down to luck.
The national picture looks far more serious. Since May 1, the CDC has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestically acquired cyclospora cases, and more than 5,100 additional cases are awaiting final analysis. The outbreak has led to 141 hospitalizations, but, fortunately, no deaths. Michigan has been hit the hardest, with 2,640 cases reported. Until officials identify the exact source, the investigation is focused on products supplied to Taco Bell’s restaurant chain. Marler expressed frustration that the source still hasn’t been found, which is preventing the spread from being stopped. He also said he is concerned that cutbacks at the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are slowing monitoring of foodborne infections and increasing the scale of outbreaks.
Cyclospora is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Its typical season runs from May through August, and the number of cases traditionally rises in spring and summer. Symptoms include persistent watery diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and severe fatigue. People with weakened immune systems tend to experience the disease as particularly severe. It’s also important to note that case data always lags behind reality by about six weeks, since it takes time for laboratory confirmation and many people with mild symptoms do not seek medical care. As a result, the actual number of illnesses in the U.S. could be significantly higher than the official count.
The main advice for consumers is to wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Those planning trips to areas where the parasite is common should consult a travel clinic or review information on the CDC Travelers’ Health website. When symptoms appear, doctors recommend seeking medical care immediately—cyclospora is successfully treated with specific antibiotics. While Washington is still staying clear of a major outbreak, a drop in vigilance could lead to an increase in local cases, especially if the source turns out to be produce sold nationwide.
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Behind the scenes of the NBA’s expansion: Adam Silver hinted at “hidden” players in the race to bring the Sonics back to Seattle
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has once again stirred intrigue around a possible return of the basketball team to Seattle. Although only one group—One Roof Sports and Entertainment—has publicly said it wants to take part in negotiations, Silver says that behind the scenes there are several interested organizations that have not yet revealed their intentions. The remarks came after a meeting of the league’s owners’ board in Las Vegas, where expansion plans were a major topic. According to Silver, negotiations are on track, and a decision could be made before the end of the year. However, the situation in Seattle looks less straightforward than in Las Vegas, where four groups are already openly competing for the right to land a team.
In his remarks, Silver emphasized that “most of the groups interested in Seattle were not public,” and that some of them choosing to come forward is their own decision. The comment matters because it gives the impression that behind the polished façade of the single public frontrunner, there may be intense competition. As reported by The Seattle Times, so far only One Roof, which controls the Climate Pledge Arena, has stated its ambitions. But according to Silver, that does not automatically give it an advantage—the league will evaluate all options as a whole.
The key issue is cost. Silver said that the size of the entry fee and the need to build or lease an arena could add up to more than $10 billion. For potential entrants, that is an enormous sum, and not every group will be able to afford it. That is where One Roof has an edge thanks to a ready-to-use venue. Still, Silver made clear the league will look beyond that: in Las Vegas, four groups are openly competing, including Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo. At the same time, there are also non-public contenders.
Another important aspect of the discussion is the composition of the future ownership. Silver noted that NBA club owners are interested not only in the price, but also in who exactly would be entering the new ownership group. That suggests the league is aiming to preserve its reputation and stability—not simply to take in money. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for September, and if needed, an extraordinary meeting would be called in the fall.
So, despite the seemingly slow pace of the process, work is actively underway behind the scenes. Seattle remains one of the top contenders for a return to the NBA, but the competition could turn out to be far sharper than it first appears. If the hidden groups truly exist, in the coming months we could see unexpected announcements and a sudden rise in the stakes.
