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'Seattle News Weekly S1E31': Joe Kent resigns, could Millionaires tax impact the Sonics' return?
On this episode of the Seattle News Weekly podcast, FOX 13's Hana Kim and David Rose talk about Joe Kent's resignation. The one-time Republican nominee for Washington's third congressional district made national news this week when he stepped down as the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, citing his concerns with the war in Iran. The two also chat about the possible return of the Sonics to Seattle after the NBA team departed the city in 2008. Could the recently passed Millionaires Tax have any impact on their return? Finally, the hosts discuss the latest after a teen was arrested in connection to the shooting deaths of 2 Rainier Beach high school students.
SEATTLE - From a high-profile federal resignation with local ties, to the potential return of the SuperSonics and its complications due to Washington's new millionaires tax, to a major break in a double homicide case, several big headlines have occurred in our area this week.
On this episode of the "Seattle News Weekly" podcast, FOX 13 Seattle anchors David Rose and Hana Kim discuss the week's biggest stories in Seattle.
First on the agenda is the resignation of Joe Kent, former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, who stepped down in protest of the United States' ongoing war with Iran. Kent is a former congressional candidate from Southwest Washington, where he narrowly lost two high-stakes races against Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez to represent Washington's Third District.
In a letter read in Congress and during an interview with Tucker Carlson, Kent claimed the war was unnecessary and driven by foreign lobbying rather than an imminent threat.
At the same time, reports surfaced that the FBI is investigating Kent for the alleged leak of classified information. The hosts speculate whether Kent resigned to get ahead of the investigation and cover his exit.
David and Hana then pivot to the $10 billion question — the return of the Seattle SuperSonics.
Seattle basketball fans are facing their most optimistic week since 2008. The NBA Board of Governors is set to hold a formal vote next week to explore expansion specifically for Seattle and Las Vegas. The cost of entry? A mere $7–$10 billion expansion fee, reportedly led by Kraken co-owner Samantha Holloway and CEO Tod Leiweke.
If approved, there are hopes that the Sonics could take the court as soon as the 2028-2029 season.
Hana points out that a possible contention is Washington's newly-passed "millionaires tax," imposing a 9.9% tax on high earners, which critics fear could deter free agency.
Washington Rep. Jim Walsh says NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed concerns about Washington’s tax environment during a meeting with Gov. Bob Ferguson.
Hana and David shared an interview conducted by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Lauren Donovan. She spoke with a data expert who note that, while taxes matter, they are "one piece of the puzzle."
Athletes often still choose high-tax markets like New York or California due to brand endorsements and market size.
Lastly, David and Hana conclude with a major break in the devastating fatal shootings of two students near Seattle's Rainier Beach High School.
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes announced the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect in connection with the January shootings, which claimed the lives of a 17-year-old and 18-year-old student at a bus stop in broad daylight.
The suspect, who turns 16 this week, is currently being held without bail. Prosecutors must now decide whether to petition the court to charge the teen as an adult.
David Rose notes that in Washington State, a juvenile is not given bail, they are either released or held pending trial. If the suspect may either serve the adult sentence, or he will remain in custody until he's 21 years old to serve the juvenile sentence.
Hana notes that, even if the suspect's brain is not fully formed, it does not mean that a horrific crime must go unpunished.
Despite the arrest, residents expressed frustration over a perceived lack of police visibility. While SPD has ordered increased patrols, the department continues to face a significant officer shortage. Additionally, the Seattle School Board has maintained its ban on School Resource Officers (SROs) within buildings.
Seattle News Weekly is a podcast that goes in depth and gives context to the stories that matter to the western Washington community. Check back every Thursday for a new episode on your favorite podcast platform, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Amazon Music, TuneIn and Audible, or YouTube.
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The Source: Information in this story came from original FOX 13 reporting.