Fair Controversy, Washington 36th Best State to Live In, & Seattle Tourism Trouble | Weekly Recap

Seattle faces a 27% drop in international visitors this year, leaving sales tax revenue nearly flat despite a looming $143 million budget deficit. Meanwhile, controversy surrounds the Washington State Fair, where the Pierce County Republican Party was denied its usual booth space, sparking debate over political access at one of the state’s biggest events. And in a new WalletHub report, Washington ranked just 36th among best states to live in, falling behind neighboring Idaho at #2, raising questions about affordability, infrastructure, and quality of life in the Evergreen State.