Washington may lower mandatory school age from 8 to 6

1 big thing: Washington may lower mandatory school age from 8 to 6

Illustration of a children's block with a downward arrow on it.

2. Seattle police use AI to analyze bodycam footage

Illustration of sound waves in the shape of a police badge. 

Soundgarden nominated for Rock Hall of Fame

3. Soundgarden nominated for Rock Hall of Fame

Chris Cornell holds a guitar over his head with a stage roof visible above him. He's wearing a 90sera button up shirt unbuttoned over a T-shirt, his hair is long.

4. Morning Buzz: Farewell to a Storm champion

Breanna Stewart stands during a quiet minute on the court, wearing a green and white jersey with the number 30.

A new career is waiting for you

5. Charted: Seattle-area rents still high, despite recent downtick

It's Thursday! And it's Groundhog Day. That's when a rodent across the country tells us whether or not we are going to have six more weeks of winter.

Seattleites already know it will be winter through June-uary, so that takes a bit of the spice out of Punxsutawney Phil's prediction. 

🌥 Today's weather: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.

It’s a great day to contribute to our newsroom by becoming a member! 

Today's newsletter is 933 words — a 3.5-minute read.

Editor's note: An item in Tuesday's newsletter was corrected to reflect that the Green Comet was last seen 50,000 years ago (not that it will be seen again in 50,000 years).

⏱ Melissa still hasn't vacuumed in preparation for her mom's fast-approaching visit.

📭 Clarridge is is stalking her mailbox with worry since all the "work" clothes she ordered for Axios' DC retreat next week have not yet arrived and she didn't have a Plan B and nothing pre-pandemic fits. 

This newsletter was edited by Rachel La Corte and copy edited by Elizabeth Black.

Seattle

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Seattle.

Axios Seattle

1 big thing: Inside the new Northwest African American Museum

On the job hunt?

Seattle will get $25.6 million for safer streets

2. Seattle will get $25.6 million for safer streets

A red car drives on a road with T-Mobile park in background.

Morning Buzz: More vaccine mandates end

Illustration of the Axios logo behind Mt. Rainier. 

Welcome to Wednesday! It's not just a show on Netflix.

🌤️ Today's weather: Partly sunny, with a high near 48°. Chance of evening rain.

Today's newsletter is 685 words — a 2.5-minute read.

⏰ Melissa is not thriving in the East Coast time zone, but is enjoying her colleagues' company at the Axios staff retreat in Washington, D.C.

😀 Clarridge is a cranky introvert and did not expect to enjoy this retreat or learn as much as she is learning. Who knew? Connecting with people face to face is important after all.

This newsletter was edited by Rachel La Corte and copy edited by Bill Kole.

Washington considers lowering legal BAC limit to .05%

1 big thing: Washington considers lowering legal BAC limit to .05% 

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2. Remote work saves workers 72 minutes a day, study finds

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3. Morning Buzz: Beth's Cafe is back

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4. The groundhog's record isn't that bad

New jobs to check out

5. Microsoft's president calls for dialogue on AI

Photo collage of Brad smith and an image of data

🌬️ Today's weather: Windy with gusts of up to 38 mph! Woo! High near 50.

Today's newsletter is 890 words — a 3.5-minute read.

❌ Clarridge is… concerned. Yes, the outfits did arrive, but why was she thinking red was a good idea? 

👢 Melissa is trying to figure out how many pairs of shoes she can pack into a carry-on. 

This newsletter was edited by Rachel La Corte and copy edited by Elizabeth Black. 

Student loan relief for 308,000 Washingtonians on hold

1 big thing: Student loan relief for 308,000 Washingtonians on hold

Illustration of a large pile of money with a graduation cap on top.  

Your future begins here

2. Redefining local news

Illustration of a blue street sign that says Driving the News, featuring an Axios logo.

3. Happy 50th birthday to Seattle's P-Patches

☁️ Today's weather: Cloudy, with a high near 48. Rain likely this afternoon.

✈️ Situational awareness: We're in Washington, D.C. at an Axios staff retreat much of this week, collaborating with colleagues from across the country on how to continue to bring the best journalism to our readers. 

Our newsletters will be a little shorter for a few days, but we'll still be in your inboxes every morning like usual! 

Today's newsletter is 790 words — a 3-minute read. 

👶🏼 Clarridge is excited about the retreat and also about meeting her newest niece!

🧳 Melissa planned ahead well enough to get all her stuff in a carry-on. 

Mobility-friendly Seattle spots for residents and visitors

1 big thing: Spots for mobility-challenged residents and visitors 

Take your career to the next level

The Seattle Kraken are leading their division

2. The Kraken are top in their division

3. Time to pay up

It's Tuesday — and it's looking very Seattle-esque.

🌧 Today's weather: High near 50 — and yeah, it's almost certainly going to rain. 

We appreciate our members for their support! Join them today.

Today's newsletter is 600 words — a 2-minute read.

💭 Clarridge thinks Melissa possibly was a little too subtle with her tattoo placement.

🧥 Melissa is happy the cold snap in D.C. ended before her plane landed, as her current Seattle winter wardrobe isn't suitable for 15 degree temperatures. 

Soundgarden may make it into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year.

Driving the news: The grunge-rock band, which formed in Seattle in the 1980s and is known for tracks like "Black Hole Sun" and "Rusty Cage," was one of 14 acts nominated for the Rock Hall Wednesday.

The group, headed by the late Chris Cornell, was previously nominated in 2020, but didn't make the final cut.

Our thought bubble: Where's the love for Alice in Chains and Modest Mouse (we claim them, so back off, Portland)?

We're also still salty that Tacoma garage rock band The Sonics continues to get snubbed, after being eligible since 1991. (Check out “The Witch," “Strychnine," and, of course, their iconic take on "Louie, Louie.")

What's next: The Rock Hall's 2023 inductees will be announced in May. 

Fans can also cast votes through April 28 at vote.rockhall.com.

The Seattle band previously was nominated in 2020, but didn't make the final cut.

Chris Cornell at Lollapalooza in 1992. Photo: Steve Eichner/WireImage

Music

Soundgarden may make it into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame this year.Driving the news: The grunge-rock band, which formed in Seattle in the 1980s and is known for tracks like &quot;Black Hole Sun&quot; and &quot;Rusty Cage,&quot; was one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="14 acts nominated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/01/rock-hall-fame-nominees-2023" data-vars-content-id="45a53914-3d65-44c5-a055-21166872de6d" data-vars-headline="Soundgarden nominated for Rock Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/01/rock-hall-fame-nominees-2023" target="_self">14 acts nominated</a> for the Rock Hall Wednesday.

News

Two women look at images on a white wall. A black wall converges with the white one in the corner. The wooden floors reflect the light. 

Two people look at images in an exhibit focused on the history of Seattle's Martin Luther King Jr. annual march. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

The Northwest African American Museum reopened last month after a prolonged closure, providing gallery space for Black artists and highlighting how Black residents have shaped our region.

The big picture: African Americans' contributions to history and culture haven't always been acknowledged or appreciated, something this museum aims to help correct.

While there's plenty to see in the updated space, here are a few things that stand out.

Two leather benches facing walls with colorful art, along with a colorful blocky sculpture. 

Part of the "Colors of Life" exhibit on display through June 24. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

A central room of the museum right now showcases the "Colors of Life," which features the work of abstract artists who are Black. It's set up as a place for visitors to bask in color, with ample benches that invite you to stay awhile.

The exhibition features work from artists LoMar Metoyer, Shantell Jackson, Yeggy Michael and Vincent Keele, and is billed as "a space for calming, healing and introspection."

2. Showcasing African Americans as pioneers

A display including text, a wagon wheel and a person dressed in 1800s farming clothes. 

This display talks about pioneer George Washington Bush. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

A display devoted to Black Oregon Trail pioneer George Washington Bush focuses on Bush's journey to Washington state, and how he subsequently became a successful farmer and state legislator.

A photo of a framed image of a man on a horse confronting water depicted as white swirls. 

A print of Jacob Lawrence's "The hardest part of the journey is yet to come – the Continental Divide, stunned by the magnitude of the roaring rivers.” Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

One exhibit focuses on painter Jacob Lawrence and the work he created while living in Seattle and teaching at the University of Washington.

The framed selections from Lawrence's series on pioneer George Washington Bush are prints, not the original paintings. But you'll still find yourself stopping to admire them — especially the stunning composition of Bush and his horse locked in a battle with a rushing, snowy river.

4. Honoring local African American veterans

A view of a display that includes text and photos of people in uniform, along with an aviation jacket in a clear case.

This display focuses on Northwest African American veterans. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

A display titled "Reporting for duty" recounts the stories of Black residents of the Northwest who served in World War II.

It features a jacket worn by William H Holloman III, who flew with the Tuskegee Airmen and became the Air Force's first African American helicopter pilot before retiring in Washington state.

A room with rounded black chairs, a gray and lighter gray carpet, art on the walls and a low bookshelf along the far wall. 

The community living room at the Northwest African American Museum. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

This is the museum's living room, a place where people can come and read books, look at art and play with puzzles, even without paying admission to the museum.

The bookshelves hold a range of titles for children and adults, with a focus on books written by Black authors or that delve into African American history.

Hours: 10am–5pm Wednesday through Saturday 

A look inside the reopened Northwest African American Museum

Art, history and culture are all on display at the museum in Seattle's Central District.

Black History Month

A view of a gallery with brightly colored art on the walls and benches. 

<figure><img alt="Two women look at images on a white wall. A black wall converges with the white one in the corner. The wooden floors reflect the light. " height="1231" id="0b7d3f94-3903-413e-8b6f-2062b21c0565" src="https://images.axios.com/BKErlatu0eAbLkDJCCdLYaSXSqk=/2023/02/06/1675719212220.None" width="2014"/><figcaption>Two people look at images in an exhibit focused on the history of Seattle&#x27;s Martin Luther King Jr. annual march. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northwest African American Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.naamnw.org/" data-vars-content-id="9daceb82-67fa-4656-9c8b-baff16ef8cfa" data-vars-headline="A look inside the reopened Northwest African American Museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.naamnw.org/" target="_blank">Northwest African American Museum</a> reopened last month after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a prolonged closure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/01/13/northwest-african-american-museum-reopening" data-vars-content-id="9daceb82-67fa-4656-9c8b-baff16ef8cfa" data-vars-headline="A look inside the reopened Northwest African American Museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/01/13/northwest-african-american-museum-reopening" target="_self">a prolonged closure</a>, providing gallery space for Black artists and highlighting how Black residents have shaped our region.The big picture: African Americans&#x27; contributions to history and culture haven&#x27;t always been acknowledged or appreciated, something this museum aims to help correct.<ul><li>While there&#x27;s plenty to see in the updated space, here are a few things that stand out.</li></ul>

Things to Do

The November election will bring big changes to the Seattle City Council, with at least four of the council's nine members having already announced they won't seek re-election.

Why it matters: The exodus of incumbents means most of the seven council positions on the ballot will be open seats, upping the potential for a change in the council's political direction. 

What they're saying: "It's guaranteed there's going to be a big shift," Seattle-based political consultant Michael Charles told Axios. 

The big picture: Voters remain frustrated with issues such as crime and homelessness, he said, which could mean some of the same forces that ushered in a more moderate, business-friendly council in 2021 will carry over into 2023.

Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, told Axios that Seattle voters are progressive, but "I also think they're pragmatic — they want to see candidates who have a plan."

Other dynamics are new — such as the recent layoffs of tech workers, which could affect how that large voting bloc views candidates and city policy, political consultant Crystal Fincher said in an interview. 

"A chunk of them are feeling vulnerability in a way they have not before," she said.

What we're watching: Expect a lot of money to pour into this year's races, "because control of the council is at stake," Fincher said.

Zoom in: Here's a look at who's running so far, based on public announcements and campaign finance filings with the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission. 

Of note: Candidates still must formally file to run for office in May. You can find your council district using this tool. 

Neighborhood: West Seattle and South Park

State of play: Incumbent Lisa Herbold has announced she isn't running for re-election. 

Neighborhood: Southeast Seattle and Georgetown 

State of play: Incumbent Tammy Morales is running for re-election. 

Neighborhood: Central Seattle, including Capitol Hill 

State of play: Incumbent Kshama Sawant said she isn't running for re-election. 

Neighborhood: Northeast Seattle, including the University District and Wallingford 

State of play: Incumbent Alex Pedersen says he isn't running for re-election. 

Neighborhood: North Seattle, including Lake City and Northgate

State of Play: Incumbent Debora Juarez has said she won't run for re-election. 

Neighborhood: Northwest Seattle, including Ballard, Phinney Ridge and Green Lake 

State of Play: Incumbent Dan Strauss's seat is up for re-election.

Challengers: None have announced or filed campaign paperwork yet. 

Neighborhood: Downtown, Queen Anne and Magnolia 

State of play: Incumbent Andrew Lewis has announced he will run for a second term. 

Who's running for Seattle City Council in 2023

With at least four incumbents not seeking re-election, prepare for "a big shift," one political consultant says.

Illustration of Seattle City Hall with lines radiating from it. 

City council

The November election will bring big changes to the Seattle City Council, with at least four of the council&#x27;s nine members having already announced they won&#x27;t seek re-election.Why it matters: The exodus of incumbents means most of the seven council positions on the ballot will be open seats, upping the potential for a change in the council&#x27;s political direction.

Politics

The Kraken are in a pretty good place heading into today's match against the New York Islanders.

What's happening: The Kraken are first in their division and are ranked second in the Western Conference, behind only the Dallas Stars. 

Yes, but: That doesn't translate into the Seattle team being a shoo-in for the Stanley Cup this year.

According to the odds-calculating website FiveThirtyEight, the Kraken have a 92% chance of making the playoffs; a 6% chance of making the cup final, and a 2% chance of winning it all.

Our thought bubble: For a newly founded team that is only in its second season of play, we'd still say those numbers are more than solid. 

Not bad for a team only in its second season of play.

Hockey

The Kraken are in a pretty good place heading into today&#x27;s match against the New York Islanders.What&#x27;s happening: The Kraken are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first in their division" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/kraken/kraken-take-down-blue-jackets-head-into-all-star-break-in-first-place-in-pacific-division/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/kraken/kraken-take-down-blue-jackets-head-into-all-star-break-in-first-place-in-pacific-division/" target="_blank">first in their division</a> and are ranked second in the Western Conference, behind only the Dallas Stars.

Sports

Hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians have already been approved for up to $20,000 in student loan relief — but their debt remains on the books due to ongoing legal challenges.

Why it matters: Those borrowers are in limbo right now as they wait to hear whether or not their debt will be forgiven. 

By the numbers: About 308,000 Washington residents were approved for President Biden's student loan relief program in the short time the application was available last year, the White House announced Jan. 27. 

All told, about 486,000 people in Washington applied or had already submitted enough information to be considered eligible for the program, before court rulings blocked it from taking effect in the fall.

To qualify for relief, people had to earn less than $125,000 per year ($250,000 for married couples). 

State of play: The loan forgiveness program remains on hold while the Supreme Court considers a legal challenge brought by a coalition of GOP-led states, Axios' Shawna Chen writes. 

The high court is also reviewing a Texas judge's ruling against the program. 

What they're saying: Stephanie Sampedro, Washington state's student loan advocate, told Axios that some borrowers are "really crestfallen" about the delay — particularly people whose debt would be entirely wiped out by the federal program.

"Getting the news was really exciting for a lot of folks," Sampedro said, referring to when the Biden administration announced the program last August. "Having it taken away left a lot of people feeling really discouraged."

The other side: The six states suing argue that the Department of Education doesn't have the authority to cancel people's debt. 

The Texas case centers on whether the White House followed proper administrative procedures.

What's next: Biden is pushing to overturn the earlier rulings, which would allow loan servicers to start discharging people's debt. 

For those who have already applied, the Department of Education is holding onto those applications for now, while providing updates on its website. 

The federal government has extended the pause on loan repayments while it waits for the Supreme Court's ruling, which is expected this summer.

Legal challenges have halted Biden's plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student loan debt per eligible person.

Student debt

Hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians have already been approved for up to $20,000 in student loan relief — but their debt remains on the books due to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing legal challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/03/federal-student-loan-forgiveness-program" data-vars-content-id="cd8ac5fb-45e0-4862-ad99-f9fd0edf562a" data-vars-headline="Student loan relief for 308,000 Washingtonians on hold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/03/federal-student-loan-forgiveness-program" target="_self">ongoing legal challenges</a>.Why it matters: Those borrowers are in limbo right now as they wait to hear whether or not their debt will be forgiven.

Melissa Santos

Stories

A look inside the reopened Northwest African American Museum

The Seattle Kraken are leading their division

Who's running for Seattle City Council in 2023

Student loan relief for 308,000 Washingtonians on hold

Soundgarden nominated for Rock Hall of Fame

Newsletter editions

🖼 New museum highlights

Accessible tourist spots

🎓 Debt relief delayed

🍷 Lowering the legal limit

🚔 Cops adopt AI