⚽️ Iran match up in the air

Seattleites Respond to War With Iran

On Saturday morning, the US and Israeli militaries killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 40 senior leaders in his government. Another missile strike hit an Iranian girls’ elementary school, killing 160 people. This took place while talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program were ongoing. Iran hit back with missile and drone attacks across the region, including targets in Israel as well as US military assets in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq. [Al Jazeera]

• Demonstrators Expressed Support for Intervention: More than 300 cars waving Iranian, Israeli, and American flags caravanned along I-5 and I-405 on Saturday. The demonstration was organized by Voice of Iran Washington, a nonprofit that advocates for democracy in Iran and supports international intervention to end the current regime. [KING 5]
• Protestors Warn of Regional Escalation: Anti-war demonstrators gathered at Pike Place Market for a rally organized by Seattle Against War and a coalition of local groups, including the Seattle Democratic Socialists of America, Students for a Democratic Society, and Veterans for Peace. Protestors called for the US and Israel to end military action against Iran, warning of civilian casualties and regional escalation. [KING 5]
• Local Lawmakers Call for War Powers Resolution: Sen. Patty Murray called on Congress to return immediately and vote to end the war with Iran. Sen. Maria Cantwell said, “Congress must demand that the President seek our Constitutionally required approval if he intends to engage in a protracted conflict.” Both WA senators were referring to the War Powers Resolution, which requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action and forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days, with a further 30-day withdrawal period, without congressional authorization for use of military force. [KING 5]
• Iran’s World Cup Match in Seattle Is Up in the Air: The president of Iran's soccer federation said he is unsure if the Iranian team can play matches in the U.S. following the attack. Iran was scheduled to face off with Egypt at Lumen Field on June 26 after playing two other matches in Los Angeles. A match that was already controversial due to its designation as a ‘Pride match.’ [KOMO]

Big Business Tax Break Struck From Millionaire’s Tax 📝

A tax break that would have benefited big businesses has been removed from the latest version of the bill that would tax annual household income above a million dollars. A group of 13 members of the Washington State House Democratic Caucus pushed for those provisions to be stripped, saying the tax break would cost the state $550 million in lost revenue. [KUOW]

Camping Site and Trail Closures Could Be Incoming ⛺

At this point, proposed budget cuts come as no surprise, but now they could impact outdoor recreation plans. Campgrounds and trails across the state could close or see reduced services this spring and summer. The Department of Natural Resources’ recreation program already faced a 20% reduction in the current two-year budget. Now, it may see an additional $750,000 cut. There are almost 20 sites slated for possible closure or service reductions. [Seattle Times]

Art That’s Activated When Wet Pops Up Across the City 🌧️

Rainworks is a Seattle-based business that uses superhydrophobic coatings – water-repellent, eco-friendly substances that cause water droplets to bead up and roll off the surface – to create stencil art on the sidewalk. They’ve created installations across the city that last three to four months. Most recently, Rainworks installed the sea lions and three other rain-activated works of art in January with the Seattle Department of Transportation, at the Beacon Hill plaza along 15th Avenue South and South Columbian Way. [Seattle Times]