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National

The "dad bod," explained by science

Science

Redistricting strands Democrats in Trump districts

Politics & Policy

Intel shares surge 11% after Trump touts deal with Apple

Business

Obama Presidential Center opens with star-studded celebration

Energy regulators push for faster AI data center grid connections

Energy & Climate

Seattle's famous naked bike parade rides again

The Fremont Solstice Parade brings nude cyclists, giant puppets and quirky Seattle art.

Culture

Seattle is about to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bare" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/18/seattle-naked-cyclists-fremont-history" data-vars-content-id="1282eb56-bdf9-44ef-88ed-13be983ce13c" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s famous naked bike parade rides again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/18/seattle-naked-cyclists-fremont-history" target="_self">bare</a> itself to the world.The big picture: World Cup visitors (and us locals) looking for a hilariously authentic experience this weekend can count a slew of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="naked cyclists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/21/naked-bike-parade-turns-33" data-vars-content-id="1282eb56-bdf9-44ef-88ed-13be983ce13c" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s famous naked bike parade rides again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/21/naked-bike-parade-turns-33" target="_self">naked cyclists</a> pedaling through Fremont as one uniquely Seattle option.

Seattle ramps up World Cup security with cameras

Seattle police also plan to deploy hundreds of officers throughout the city.

News

Seattle has ramped up security measures ahead of this summer&#x27;s World Cup matches, including turning on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contentious" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/14/seattle-surveillance-technology-cameras-license-plates-cctv" data-vars-content-id="4f7cc387-2ce8-45b8-a3f0-bf974471a970" data-vars-headline="Seattle ramps up World Cup security with cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/14/seattle-surveillance-technology-cameras-license-plates-cctv" target="_self">contentious</a> closed-circuit TV cameras near the stadiums.Why it matters: As hundreds of thousands of visitors <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/13/world-cup-929-million-soccer" data-vars-content-id="4f7cc387-2ce8-45b8-a3f0-bf974471a970" data-vars-headline="Seattle ramps up World Cup security with cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/13/world-cup-929-million-soccer" target="_self">flood</a> the Emerald City for the tournament, the city is trying to address potential safety issues that might arise.<ul><li>The first of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="six matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/05/world-cup-match-seattle-schedule-2026" data-vars-content-id="4f7cc387-2ce8-45b8-a3f0-bf974471a970" data-vars-headline="Seattle ramps up World Cup security with cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/05/world-cup-match-seattle-schedule-2026" target="_self">six matches</a> hosted in Seattle kicks off Monday at noon, with Belgium playing Egypt.</li></ul>

2 DUIs can cost gun rights, WA court says

The 5-4 decision allows Washington to temporarily disarm some repeat drunk drivers.

The state&#x27;s highest court has upheld a law in which a second DUI within seven years can cost some Washington residents their right to possess a gun.The big picture: Thursday&#x27;s ruling shows how state courts are applying <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United States v. Rahimi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/06/24/high-court-rules-on-tarrant-county-case" data-vars-content-id="e3f5936d-501d-443a-9831-577f68deb953" data-vars-headline="2 DUIs can cost gun rights, WA court says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/06/24/high-court-rules-on-tarrant-county-case" target="_self">United States v. Rahimi</a> — a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision that upheld some firearm restrictions for those found to pose a danger to others — to other categories of people.

Downtown Seattle braces for World Cup congestion

Officials expect up to 100,000 visitors around Seattle Stadium on World Cup match days.

The closer you get to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seattle Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/27/seattle-lumen-field-upgrades-world-cup-2026" data-vars-content-id="3ce2d6b3-25ca-4252-80ca-3e97898e4f28" data-vars-headline="Downtown Seattle braces for World Cup congestion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/27/seattle-lumen-field-upgrades-world-cup-2026" target="_self">Seattle Stadium</a> Monday, the harder the driving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is likely to become" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/05/13/seattle-world-cup-2026-traffic-light-rail-ferry-lumen-field-road-closures" data-vars-content-id="3ce2d6b3-25ca-4252-80ca-3e97898e4f28" data-vars-headline="Downtown Seattle braces for World Cup congestion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/05/13/seattle-world-cup-2026-traffic-light-rail-ferry-lumen-field-road-closures" target="_self">is likely to become</a>.Why it matters: Seattle&#x27;s first World Cup match is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans downtown, bringing widespread road closures, parking restrictions and transit crowding.

Seattle home prices post nation's biggest drop

After years of bidding wars, Seattle leads the U.S. in falling prices and rising inventory.

Seattle-area housing prices are falling, and inventory is rising faster than anywhere else in the U.S., further evidence that the region&#x27;s once <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="red-hot market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/29/seattle-million-dollar-homes" data-vars-content-id="46b2f07a-b390-437a-b7d9-b077f034aebb" data-vars-headline="Seattle home prices post nation&#x27;s biggest drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/29/seattle-million-dollar-homes" target="_self">red-hot market</a> may be cooling.Why it matters: The Seattle housing market&#x27;s rapid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/24/seattle-housing-market-spring-inventory-up-prices-soft" data-vars-content-id="46b2f07a-b390-437a-b7d9-b077f034aebb" data-vars-headline="Seattle home prices post nation&#x27;s biggest drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/24/seattle-housing-market-spring-inventory-up-prices-soft" target="_self">shift</a> marks a sharp reversal from the region&#x27;s pandemic-era bidding wars, soaring prices and limited inventory.

Seattle-area home prices soften as buyers hesitate

Housing inventory is jumping across King County, but sales are falling and deals are collapsing.

Seattle&#x27;s housing market is entering spring with more listings and softer prices, but many buyers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still aren&#x27;t biting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-housing-market-prices-affordability-median-income-expensive" data-vars-content-id="791162ae-92a2-40ab-a72f-06a5cebec4c0" data-vars-headline="Seattle-area home prices soften as buyers hesitate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-housing-market-prices-affordability-median-income-expensive" target="_self">still aren&#x27;t biting</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Affordability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="791162ae-92a2-40ab-a72f-06a5cebec4c0" data-vars-headline="Seattle-area home prices soften as buyers hesitate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">Affordability</a> has long been a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top concern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattlechamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Index-9-Oct-2025-Report-FINAL.pdf" data-vars-content-id="791162ae-92a2-40ab-a72f-06a5cebec4c0" data-vars-headline="Seattle-area home prices soften as buyers hesitate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattlechamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Index-9-Oct-2025-Report-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">top concern</a> here, so it&#x27;s notable one of the country&#x27;s most expensive markets just saw one of the biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home price drops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/12/15/seattle-metro-home-values-decline-zillow-2025" data-vars-content-id="791162ae-92a2-40ab-a72f-06a5cebec4c0" data-vars-headline="Seattle-area home prices soften as buyers hesitate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/12/15/seattle-metro-home-values-decline-zillow-2025" target="_self">home price drops</a> among major metros, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent REMAX data" data-vars-click-url="https://res.cloudinary.com/remax-prod/images/v1771357106/us-news-prod/FINAL_REMAX_January_NHR_2026/FINAL_REMAX_January_NHR_2026.pdf?_i=AA" data-vars-content-id="791162ae-92a2-40ab-a72f-06a5cebec4c0" data-vars-headline="Seattle-area home prices soften as buyers hesitate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/remax-prod/images/v1771357106/us-news-prod/FINAL_REMAX_January_NHR_2026/FINAL_REMAX_January_NHR_2026.pdf?_i=AA" target="_blank">recent REMAX data</a>.

Seattle's downtown ranks among nation's "stickiest"

The city's downtown scored highly in a survey measuring visit frequency and length of stay.

Seattle has one of the &quot;stickiest&quot; downtowns among U.S. cities, according to a new survey that asked residents how often they visit and how long they stay.Why it matters: The findings are another sign of how Seattle is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/05/26/seattle-crowds-and-spending-surge" data-vars-content-id="dc21b683-8f4b-40d7-a465-cd2cb000f758" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s downtown ranks among nation&#x27;s &quot;stickiest&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/05/26/seattle-crowds-and-spending-surge" target="_self">drawing people</a> downtown after years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="slow post-pandemic recovery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/08/seattle-downtown-recovery-spring-2023" data-vars-content-id="dc21b683-8f4b-40d7-a465-cd2cb000f758" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s downtown ranks among nation&#x27;s &quot;stickiest&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/08/seattle-downtown-recovery-spring-2023" target="_self">slow post-pandemic recovery</a>.

Amazon is putting groceries at the center of Prime Day

Amazon's Prime Day returns June 23-26 with grocery deals, AI-powered shopping tools and faster delivery.

Amazon is putting a spotlight on groceries this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prime Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/09/prime-day-2025-sales-growth-deals" data-vars-content-id="a900dc40-84c0-4e3c-9235-c03f4e468bb9" data-vars-headline="Amazon is putting groceries at the center of Prime Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/09/prime-day-2025-sales-growth-deals" target="_self">Prime Day</a>, reflecting its broader push to become a bigger destination for shoppers&#x27; everyday spending, not just occasional big-ticket purchases.Why it matters: The retail giant is using its marquee summer sales event to highlight grocery savings, faster delivery and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI-powered shopping tools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/amazon-alexa-ai-shopping-assistant" data-vars-content-id="a900dc40-84c0-4e3c-9235-c03f4e468bb9" data-vars-headline="Amazon is putting groceries at the center of Prime Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/amazon-alexa-ai-shopping-assistant" target="_self">AI-powered shopping tools</a> as it looks to make Prime a deeper part of consumers&#x27; daily lives.

Seattle's World Cup party starts now

A floating mini-pitch joins free downtown fan zones as Seattle's monthlong celebration begins.

Seattle won&#x27;t host its first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" data-vars-content-id="c9542fda-7cf5-49de-85aa-4695736e8a4c" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s World Cup party starts now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/03/world-cup-host-cities-preparations" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> match until Monday, but the city&#x27;s monthlong soccer celebration starts now.The big picture: You don&#x27;t need a ticket to be part of the fun: Seattle organizers opted to replace the traditional single FIFA fan festival being used in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other World Cup cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/biggest-selection-of-host-city-fan-events-in-world-cup-history-to-ignite-celebrations" data-vars-content-id="c9542fda-7cf5-49de-85aa-4695736e8a4c" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s World Cup party starts now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/biggest-selection-of-host-city-fan-events-in-world-cup-history-to-ignite-celebrations" target="_blank">other World Cup cities</a> with a network of free fan zones and watch parties stretching across downtown.

Seattle gets a World Cup star to cheer for

Cristian Roldan's U.S. roster spot gives Seattle fans a hometown connection to the tournament.

Sports

Seattle Sounders star Cristian Roldan will give local fans a hometown reason to cheer during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="306b7de2-6133-4af9-a1d4-82b9eccec164" data-vars-headline="Seattle gets a World Cup star to cheer for" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">2026 FIFA World Cup</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roldan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DY0JiQEFqDs/" data-vars-content-id="306b7de2-6133-4af9-a1d4-82b9eccec164" data-vars-headline="Seattle gets a World Cup star to cheer for" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DY0JiQEFqDs/" target="_blank">Roldan</a> was named to the U.S. Men&#x27;s National Team&#x27;s final 26-player World Cup roster last week.

Seattle ranks low as destination for new college grads

An ADP study ranked Seattle 38th as entry-level hiring rebounds unevenly across the U.S.

Business Brief

The Seattle area isn&#x27;t among the metros offering the best job opportunities for recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college graduates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/jobs-labor-college-gallup" data-vars-content-id="dba74481-ec03-4c53-b1df-351cdc4f5664" data-vars-headline="Seattle ranks low as destination for new college grads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/jobs-labor-college-gallup" target="_self">college graduates</a>, according to a new study.By the numbers: Seattle came in 38th out of the 53 metros analyzed. <ul><li>Birmingham, Alabama, and Tampa Bay, Florida, top the list, based on payroll processor ADP&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.adpresearch.com/2026-youve-graduated-now-what/" data-vars-content-id="dba74481-ec03-4c53-b1df-351cdc4f5664" data-vars-headline="Seattle ranks low as destination for new college grads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.adpresearch.com/2026-youve-graduated-now-what/" target="_blank">ranking</a> of 20-something hiring rates, wages and affordability.</li></ul>

Seattle Chamber CEO Joe Nguyen shares his perfect day

The Seattle Chamber leader shares his favorite local hikes, food spots and family outings.

Earlier this year, Joe Nguyen went from being a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leader in Olympia" data-vars-click-url="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/ferguson-taps-seattle-state-senator-to-lead-wa-department-of-commerce/" data-vars-content-id="8f5172d3-a9e8-4593-90e5-72911c8c5630" data-vars-headline="Seattle Chamber CEO Joe Nguyen shares his perfect day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/ferguson-taps-seattle-state-senator-to-lead-wa-department-of-commerce/" target="_blank">leader in Olympia</a> to leading the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.We recently asked him what his perfect Seattle day would look like.

Tour Seattle's historic wooden yachts this weekend

Visitors can board vintage yachts, talk to owners and explore a century of Northwest history.

Things to Do

<figure><img alt="Dozens of wooden yachts at a pier on Seattle&#x27;s waterfront. " height="635" id="e88f2719-d529-4d1c-9778-1272cdf8bfdb" src="https://images.axios.com/N_e-5i1j7WnqFrucR9hFGcc28lA=/2026/06/17/1781717023398.png" width="960"/><figcaption>Floating time capsules. Photo: Courtesy of the Classic Yacht Association </figcaption></figure>Visitors will get a rare chance this weekend to step aboard floating pieces of Pacific Northwest history — including several 100-year-old wooden yachts.Driving the news: The Classic Yacht Association&#x27;s 29th annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bell Harbor Classic Weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://cya.wildapricot.org/" data-vars-content-id="d45c8b37-7d47-4607-8d14-a7a67b6599ad" data-vars-headline="Tour Seattle&#x27;s historic wooden yachts this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cya.wildapricot.org/" target="_blank">Bell Harbor Classic Weekend</a> is offering free public tours of about 40 historic wooden yachts moored along Seattle&#x27;s waterfront.

What to do for Juneteenth in Seattle this week

Free museum admission, live music, food vendors and family activities are on tap this week.

Friday is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juneteenth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/juneteenth-holiday-day-off-where" data-vars-content-id="c430930e-fda4-488e-b5ea-1079b836185e" data-vars-headline="What to do for Juneteenth in Seattle this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/juneteenth-holiday-day-off-where" target="_self">Juneteenth</a>, which commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. <ul><li>Across Seattle, you&#x27;ll find community festivals, live music, cultural programming and family-friendly events celebrating the holiday.</li></ul>

Some Seattle-area summer hikes still hard to reach

Last year's  flooding, fires and washouts are keeping some favorite trailheads and recreation sites closed.

Washington&#x27;s summer hiking season is ramping up, but many popular recreation areas remain difficult — or impossible — to reach after last winter&#x27;s flooding and storms caused widespread damage.Why it matters: Road washouts, fire damage and storm impacts are still limiting access across the Olympics and Cascades, with repair costs likely to run into the tens of millions of dollars, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seattle Times reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/wa-mountain-access-faces-long-road-to-recovery-as-summer-hiking-season-begins/#comments" data-vars-content-id="01343003-12ad-4e60-9b3c-6d3ae34cd6e2" data-vars-headline="Some Seattle-area summer hikes still hard to reach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/wa-mountain-access-faces-long-road-to-recovery-as-summer-hiking-season-begins/#comments" target="_blank">Seattle Times reports</a>.

More Washington kids are uninsured as child well-being slips

The state's child well-being ranking has dropped since 2020, driven in part by declining coverage.

Children&#x27;s well-being has declined in Washington state, driven partly by a rise in kids without health insurance, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report finds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/us-kids-count-data-book-child-well-being" data-vars-content-id="5a6c0996-5291-495c-8091-9a63868b9aee" data-vars-headline="More Washington kids are uninsured as child well-being slips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/us-kids-count-data-book-child-well-being" target="_self">new report finds</a>.The big picture: Washington is one of 29 U.S. states where kids fared worse in 2024 than before the pandemic, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aecf.org/resources/2026-kids-count-data-book" data-vars-content-id="5a6c0996-5291-495c-8091-9a63868b9aee" data-vars-headline="More Washington kids are uninsured as child well-being slips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aecf.org/resources/2026-kids-count-data-book" target="_blank">the report</a> from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.<ul><li>Washington ranked 17th for overall child well-being, down from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="16th last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/10/annie-casey-report-washington-children-teens-2025" data-vars-content-id="5a6c0996-5291-495c-8091-9a63868b9aee" data-vars-headline="More Washington kids are uninsured as child well-being slips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/10/annie-casey-report-washington-children-teens-2025" target="_self">16th last year</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="12th in 2020" data-vars-click-url="https://assets.aecf.org/m/resourcedoc/aecf-2020kidscountdatabook-2020.pdf" data-vars-content-id="5a6c0996-5291-495c-8091-9a63868b9aee" data-vars-headline="More Washington kids are uninsured as child well-being slips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://assets.aecf.org/m/resourcedoc/aecf-2020kidscountdatabook-2020.pdf" target="_blank">12th in 2020</a>.</li></ul>How it works: The foundation&#x27;s 2026 Kids Count Data Book measured children&#x27;s well-being across four categories: economic well-being, education, health and family and community.Zoom in: The share of Washington children who were uninsured rose from about 3% in 2019 to roughly 4% in 2024 — &quot;a significant driver in our falling ranking overall,&quot; according to a press release from Children&#x27;s Alliance, a Washington state advocacy group.What they&#x27;re saying: The drop in health coverage &quot;coincides with the sunsetting of pandemic-era assistance policies, which likely contributed to a negative impact on coverage rates,&quot; Soleil Boyd, executive director of the Children&#x27;s Alliance, said in a news release.<ul><li>&quot;We know that when families do not have health insurance, they are less likely to get the care they need,&quot; Boyd said.</li></ul>The foundation&#x27;s report examined <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="census data" data-vars-click-url="https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2025/demo/acsbr-024.pdf" data-vars-content-id="5a6c0996-5291-495c-8091-9a63868b9aee" data-vars-headline="More Washington kids are uninsured as child well-being slips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2025/demo/acsbr-024.pdf" target="_blank">census data</a>, which similarly found the rate of uninsured children in Washington rose from 3.3% in 2023 to 3.9% in 2024.Between the lines: The data, which runs through 2024, doesn&#x27;t include effects of more recent cuts to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Medicaid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/08/medicaid-cuts-states" data-vars-content-id="5a6c0996-5291-495c-8091-9a63868b9aee" data-vars-headline="More Washington kids are uninsured as child well-being slips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/08/medicaid-cuts-states" target="_self">Medicaid</a> or the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expiration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/aca-medicaid-republicans-uninsured-elections" data-vars-content-id="5a6c0996-5291-495c-8091-9a63868b9aee" data-vars-headline="More Washington kids are uninsured as child well-being slips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/aca-medicaid-republicans-uninsured-elections" target="_self">expiration</a> of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies.<ul><li>Boyd said she is &quot;concerned that this worrying trend will be compounded by the cuts to essential programs imposed by the Trump administration.&quot;</li><li>Washington&#x27;s Office of the Insurance Commissioner is &quot;seeing people drop their health insurance due to rising costs, especially after Congress failed to fund the enhanced premium tax credits that helped more people afford their coverage,&quot; agency spokeswoman Stephanie Marquis told Axios.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Additional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="census data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/09/uninsured-rates.html" data-vars-content-id="5a6c0996-5291-495c-8091-9a63868b9aee" data-vars-headline="More Washington kids are uninsured as child well-being slips" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/09/uninsured-rates.html" target="_blank">census data</a> on uninsured rates is expected to come out in September, shedding more light on the state of health coverage since President Trump took office.

Low tides expose Puget Sound wonders

Negative tides through Friday are exposing tide pools, eelgrass beds and coastal wildlife.

Puget Sound&#x27;s lowest tides of the year arrived this week, exposing beaches, tide pools and marine life that are normally hidden underwater.Driving the news: Negative tides expose eelgrass beds and tide pools where visitors can spot sea stars, sea anemones, crabs, moon snails and other coastal critters.

Seattle's James Beard drought continues

We had two finalists for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific, but neither took home the prize.

Food and Drink

Seattle has been snubbed in the James Beard Awards — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/11/seattle-james-beard-winners-2024" data-vars-content-id="678436b4-ba6c-4d7c-b2d5-08a395d8edf8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s James Beard drought continues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/11/seattle-james-beard-winners-2024" target="_self">again</a>.Why it matters: The awards are considered the food industry&#x27;s highest honor — the Oscars of the culinary world.<ul><li>The last time a Seattle chef or restaurant won was in 2020.</li></ul>

More car-free weekends hit Lake Washington Boulevard

The summer boulevard closures now span 15 weekends, with a break for Seafair on Aug. 1-2.

Walkers, runners and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bicyclists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/10/16/cycling-data-statistics" data-vars-content-id="c1c7a336-d90f-43ca-a19d-c81e64f86431" data-vars-headline="More car-free weekends hit Lake Washington Boulevard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/10/16/cycling-data-statistics" target="_self">bicyclists</a> will have a stretch of Lake Washington Boulevard to themselves every weekend this summer, boosting the number of days when the scenic road is closed to cars.Why it matters: The expansion of the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bicycle Weekends program" data-vars-click-url="https://wilson.seattle.gov/2026/04/13/mayor-wilson-announces-summer-schedule-for-bicycle-weekends-on-lake-washington-boulevard/" data-vars-content-id="c1c7a336-d90f-43ca-a19d-c81e64f86431" data-vars-headline="More car-free weekends hit Lake Washington Boulevard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wilson.seattle.gov/2026/04/13/mayor-wilson-announces-summer-schedule-for-bicycle-weekends-on-lake-washington-boulevard/" target="_blank">Bicycle Weekends program</a> is part of Mayor Katie Wilson&#x27;s push to prioritize pedestrians and non-vehicle traffic on the lakefront route.

Broke in Seattle? Try these cheap weekend ideas

From Folklife to ferry rides, here are some Seattle outings that won't wreck your budget.

Guides

I&#x27;m feeling broke. Other people are feeling broke. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/02/washington-gas-prices-10-dollars-gallon-strait-of-hormuz-oil-supply-iran-war" data-vars-content-id="07647d9e-146b-42f0-8c8f-76e8446f1b53" data-vars-headline="Broke in Seattle? Try these cheap weekend ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/02/washington-gas-prices-10-dollars-gallon-strait-of-hormuz-oil-supply-iran-war" target="_self">Gas</a> is hovering around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$6 a gallon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gasbuddy.com/usa/wa" data-vars-content-id="07647d9e-146b-42f0-8c8f-76e8446f1b53" data-vars-headline="Broke in Seattle? Try these cheap weekend ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gasbuddy.com/usa/wa" target="_blank">$6 a gallon</a> and a staycation may be about all some of us can pull off right now.Why it matters: Thankfully, many of Seattle&#x27;s most iconic experiences are still available for free — or almost free — if you know where to look.

How whiskey tastings became our Mother's Day tradition

She smoked cigars in Rome, ate raw mussels in Naples and taught me that adventure never ages.

<figure><img alt="Two women take a selfie in a bright cafe, smiling. Left: curly-haired woman with red glasses; right: blonde with sunglasses on her head. A child and wine glasses are in the foreground." height="2468" id="110eb59b-01eb-4b92-8c66-96f949811072" src="https://images.axios.com/tqjER12dO_B9mAie2vGV5MjoZog=/2026/05/06/1778092581334.jpeg" width="3779"/><figcaption>Cheers to Mom. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>My mom prefers that I celebrate her not with flowers, but with scotch.Nineteen years ago, she came to visit me while I was studying abroad — and promptly asked if she could smoke a cigar on the bedroom balcony of my Italian apartment. I&#x27;d never seen her smoke a cigar in my life.<ul><li>She&#x27;s been surprising me ever since.</li></ul>

New Sasquatch ride roars to life along Elliott Bay

Don your virtual reality headset and go hunt Bigfoot, just steps away from the Seattle Great Wheel.

<figure><img alt="A GIF of Sasquatch roaring and moving his hands and feet outside a mountain-themed ride." height="450" id="c53ab36d-09c5-4b3f-8440-eb86ada58e72" src="https://images.axios.com/kwCFfJ1_e8Rh0UcggfJdFiafruU=/2026/05/04/1777928336863.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Sasquatch roars outside the Sasquatch Mountain ride on Seattle&#x27;s waterfront. Video: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>Head to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seattle waterfront" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/09/waterfront-park-draws-millions-in-debut-season" data-vars-content-id="9d3bb5e7-c9cc-484c-9f58-6314172b9480" data-vars-headline="New Sasquatch ride roars to life along Elliott Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/09/waterfront-park-draws-millions-in-debut-season" target="_self">Seattle waterfront</a> and you&#x27;ll find people waiting to take selfies with a roaring Sasquatch that towers over passersby.The big picture: The animatronic Bigfoot welcomes people to a new virtual reality ride, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sasquatch Mountain" data-vars-click-url="https://sasquatchmountain.com/" data-vars-content-id="9d3bb5e7-c9cc-484c-9f58-6314172b9480" data-vars-headline="New Sasquatch ride roars to life along Elliott Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sasquatchmountain.com/" target="_blank">Sasquatch Mountain</a> — one of a growing number of attractions on Seattle&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revamped" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/03/06/waterfront-projects-seattle-construction-playground-opening" data-vars-content-id="9d3bb5e7-c9cc-484c-9f58-6314172b9480" data-vars-headline="New Sasquatch ride roars to life along Elliott Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/03/06/waterfront-projects-seattle-construction-playground-opening" target="_self">revamped</a> Elliott Bay promenade.

Seattle's Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans

Up to 1 million fans are expected along Fourth Avenue as the Hawks celebrate downtown on Wednesday.

Up to 1 million people are expected to line Fourth Avenue on Wednesday as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seahawks fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" target="_self">Seahawks fans</a> flock to celebrate the team&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" target="_self">Super Bowl championship</a> with a parade running through the core of the city.Driving the news: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seahawks.com/super-bowl-lx/parade/" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seahawks.com/super-bowl-lx/parade/" target="_blank">parade</a> begins at 11am, starting near Lumen Field, traveling north up Fourth Avenue and ending near the Seattle Center.

Sober sipping atop Seattle's skyline

See Seattle from 35 floors up with alcohol‑free drinks at Smith Tower.

Going booze-free for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dry January" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/01/08/what-s-changed-about-dry-january" data-vars-content-id="7eaf53fd-a9d0-40cd-952a-196bdd928622" data-vars-headline="Sober sipping atop Seattle&#x27;s skyline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/01/08/what-s-changed-about-dry-january" target="_self">Dry January</a> doesn&#x27;t mean you have to stay grounded, especially if you&#x27;re atop one of Pioneer Square&#x27;s most iconic skyscrapers.Why it matters: What began as a modest month-long abstinence challenge has grown into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mainstream resolution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/24/dry-january-february-athletic-beer" data-vars-content-id="7eaf53fd-a9d0-40cd-952a-196bdd928622" data-vars-headline="Sober sipping atop Seattle&#x27;s skyline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/24/dry-january-february-athletic-beer" target="_self">mainstream resolution</a> — with interest in alcohol-free lifestyles <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continuing to climb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="7eaf53fd-a9d0-40cd-952a-196bdd928622" data-vars-headline="Sober sipping atop Seattle&#x27;s skyline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">continuing to climb</a>.

Saigon Deli tops our Seattle-area bánh mì bracket

The final votes are in: Saigon Deli beat Q Bakery to win our reader-powered bracket.

We have a winner in our quest to find Axios Seattle readers&#x27; favorite bánh mì!<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saigon Deli" data-vars-click-url="https://saigondeli.top/" data-vars-content-id="e6a726af-4089-456e-b736-2426f8e92e82" data-vars-headline="Saigon Deli tops our Seattle-area bánh mì bracket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://saigondeli.top/" target="_blank">Saigon Deli</a> came out on top in the final round of voting, defeating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Q Bakery" data-vars-click-url="https://qbakeryanxuyen.com/" data-vars-content-id="e6a726af-4089-456e-b736-2426f8e92e82" data-vars-headline="Saigon Deli tops our Seattle-area bánh mì bracket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://qbakeryanxuyen.com/" target="_blank">Q Bakery</a> in our bánh mì bracket.

Help us find Seattle's best bánh mì

We're building a Seattle bánh mì bracket. Send us your favorite spot to include in the vote.

I stopped by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saigon Drip" data-vars-click-url="https://saigondripcafe.com/" data-vars-content-id="df6fd332-19a9-4c49-bd69-b8a1849df594" data-vars-headline="Help us find Seattle&#x27;s best bánh mì" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://saigondripcafe.com/" target="_blank">Saigon Drip</a> cafe in Pioneer Square the other day and picked up this beautiful grilled pork <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bánh mì" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/05/31/seattle-spelling-bee-banh-mi" data-vars-content-id="df6fd332-19a9-4c49-bd69-b8a1849df594" data-vars-headline="Help us find Seattle&#x27;s best bánh mì" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/05/31/seattle-spelling-bee-banh-mi" target="_self">bánh mì</a>.It got me thinking about all the great banh mi offerings in the city, and how hard it is to pick a favorite.

MariPili offers one of Seattle's most satisfying tasting menus

The Capitol Hill tapas bar delivers inventive small bites and dessert for $75 per person.

I have a bumpy relationship with restaurant tasting menus. Sometimes, I get full by the third course, which is a bummer if you&#x27;ve already dropped $150.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MariPili Tapas Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://maripili-tapas-bar.com/" data-vars-content-id="8c1d05dd-83c4-4b83-af6e-277924391845" data-vars-headline="MariPili offers one of Seattle&#x27;s most satisfying tasting menus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://maripili-tapas-bar.com/" target="_blank">MariPili Tapas Bar</a> offers a more economical $75 five-course spread with a wide variety of bites — and it won&#x27;t have you feeling overstuffed by the end.

Gloom Coffee brightens up Seattle's Pioneer Square

The colorful Pioneer Square cafe pairs balanced pour overs with giant French Guys pastries.

I&#x27;m an aging dinosaur when it comes to coffee. I typically would prefer a dark roasted espresso over a fruity pour over — but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gloom" data-vars-click-url="https://gloom.coffee/" data-vars-content-id="936b729a-5c9a-40cc-8b20-3c48fd103c3b" data-vars-headline="Gloom Coffee brightens up Seattle&#x27;s Pioneer Square" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gloom.coffee/" target="_blank">Gloom</a> in Pioneer Square has me rethinking all of that.Zoom in: The roaster opened in the old Elm Coffee Roasters space late last month — and, contrary to its name, the new cafe is full of color and personality.

Canon in Seattle's Capitol Hill is a whiskey lover's paradise

Towering spirits shelves and inventive cocktails make Canon one of Seattle's most memorable bars.

<figure><img alt="Dimly lit bar interior with dark wood shelves full of bottles, warm hanging bulbs, and patrons seated at the counter chatting and smiling." height="4284" id="ca2a8819-8ba6-41b2-b5f3-54721d0d75a0" src="https://images.axios.com/Q846c-2_2xcVovSslMsr3b_kV_E=/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg" width="5712" srcset="https://images.axios.com/iLlspoK_FlLBhlQ-43EkL9AeC00=/0x0:5712x4284/1920x1440/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/AFjrJl65iQWAS_M0aSSEXz3lM6I=/0x0:5712x4284/1600x1200/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/tozfqmgTPSu9Onff6jScbedJ9SI=/0x0:5712x4284/1366x1024/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/ee24QxQ_olhH_rR6ke_TqBv4WfE=/0x0:5712x4284/1024x768/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/v_nS2e6cM6SMf3irjWiNXZ13XkE=/0x0:5712x4284/768x576/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/bravxNj-yoU12kzYed8gOa3lmaY=/0x0:5712x4284/640x480/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/mOKAE6htfxKJk81uP5onjmmNrW4=/0x0:5712x4284/320x240/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Canon prides itself on offering more than 4,000 spirits. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>If you love spirits, your biggest problem when visiting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Canon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.canonseattle.com/" data-vars-content-id="fcc531f2-e555-4ac8-a5ad-416ecde28628" data-vars-headline="Canon in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill is a whiskey lover&#x27;s paradise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.canonseattle.com/" target="_blank">Canon</a> will be deciding what to order first.Zoom in: The small bar in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill boasts a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="186-page spirits list" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/643e09a58e53b57a6af92794/t/69790b3bdecabf0fde6a8b83/1769540411187/Captain%27s+List+Jan+2026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="fcc531f2-e555-4ac8-a5ad-416ecde28628" data-vars-headline="Canon in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill is a whiskey lover&#x27;s paradise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/643e09a58e53b57a6af92794/t/69790b3bdecabf0fde6a8b83/1769540411187/Captain%27s+List+Jan+2026.pdf" target="_blank">186-page spirits list</a> — more than 4,000 bottles — in addition to a renowned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="menu" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/643e09a58e53b57a6af92794/t/6a02757ef2b4304f6ec0c5bf/1778546046984/Summer+2026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="fcc531f2-e555-4ac8-a5ad-416ecde28628" data-vars-headline="Canon in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill is a whiskey lover&#x27;s paradise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/643e09a58e53b57a6af92794/t/6a02757ef2b4304f6ec0c5bf/1778546046984/Summer+2026.pdf" target="_blank">menu</a> of creative <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cocktails" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/happy-hour-the-tramp-cocktail-from-seattles-canon-bar" data-vars-content-id="fcc531f2-e555-4ac8-a5ad-416ecde28628" data-vars-headline="Canon in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill is a whiskey lover&#x27;s paradise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/happy-hour-the-tramp-cocktail-from-seattles-canon-bar" target="_blank">cocktails</a>.

Four Seattle breweries strike gold at World Beer Cup

Cloudburst won twice as four Seattle breweries combined for five gold medals at the global contest.

Four Seattle breweries have snagged gold medals at this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Beer Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/brewing-excellence-shines-at-2026-world-beer-cup-marking-30-years-of-global-competition/" data-vars-content-id="8c5a99bf-5557-4609-b4c0-9b30f277dfa0" data-vars-headline="Four Seattle breweries strike gold at World Beer Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/brewing-excellence-shines-at-2026-world-beer-cup-marking-30-years-of-global-competition/" target="_blank">World Beer Cup</a>.The big picture: Billed by organizers as the &quot;Olympics of beer,&quot; the contest is the industry&#x27;s most prestigious global competition.

Seattle council OKs larger tiny home villages

City leaders say bigger shelter sites could move more people indoors faster this year.

Politics

The Seattle City Council voted Tuesday to temporarily allow larger tiny home villages and safe lots for people living in vehicles — a key part of Mayor Katie Wilson&#x27;s plan to address homelessness.The big picture: The measure is one way Wilson is trying to fulfill her pledge of adding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1,000 shelter units" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/06/seattle-homelessness-plan-1000-shelter-beds-tiny-home-villages-2026" data-vars-content-id="802db9b7-0c07-4e1d-8281-a7846c1607a2" data-vars-headline="Seattle council OKs larger tiny home villages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/06/seattle-homelessness-plan-1000-shelter-beds-tiny-home-villages-2026" target="_self">1,000 shelter units</a> by the end of the year.

Washington Gov. Ferguson fined over state plane ethics violation

Ferguson was fined after inviting ex-adviser Mike Webb on a state plane — a trip first reported by Axios.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson violated state ethics law last summer by allowing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former aide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/31/ferguson-2019-audit-concerns-mike-webb-aide" data-vars-content-id="bcfb2f45-bed5-4bcc-ba7c-e31d4aeedad5" data-vars-headline="Washington Gov. Ferguson fined over state plane ethics violation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/31/ferguson-2019-audit-concerns-mike-webb-aide" target="_self">former aide</a> to ride on a state plane, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="settlement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28097519-ferguson-ethics-stipulation/" data-vars-content-id="bcfb2f45-bed5-4bcc-ba7c-e31d4aeedad5" data-vars-headline="Washington Gov. Ferguson fined over state plane ethics violation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28097519-ferguson-ethics-stipulation/" target="_blank">settlement</a> the state Executive Ethics Board approved Friday.<ul><li>The former aide, Mike Webb, had resigned months earlier amid allegations of creating a hostile workplace.</li></ul>

Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax

Opponents will have to pursue a citizen initiative if they want to overturn the tax at the ballot box.

The Washington state Supreme Court ruled Monday that the state&#x27;s newly passed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="income tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" target="_self">income tax</a> cannot be overturned through a referendum campaign.Why it matters: Opponents of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house" target="_self">tax</a> — which targets people who make more than $1 million a year — now face a tougher path to repeal it at the ballot box. <ul><li>They would need to pursue a citizen initiative, which requires more signatures to qualify for the ballot.</li></ul>Catch up quick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Senate Bill 6346" data-vars-click-url="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=6346&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=6346&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 6346</a>, which Washington lawmakers approved in March, will impose a 9.9% tax on annual incomes over $1 million starting in 2028.<ul><li>In passing the tax, the Legislature declared it &quot;necessary for the support of the state government and its existing public institutions.&quot; </li><li>That language led Secretary of State Steve Hobbs to reject a referendum petition to repeal the law earlier this year, saying the tax is exempt from the referendum process.</li></ul>Yes, but: Brian Heywood, founder of Let&#x27;s Go Washington, which filed the referendum petition, challenged Hobbs&#x27; decision in court. <ul><li>He and other plaintiffs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="argued" data-vars-click-url="https://letsgowashington.com/lgw-takes-rejected-referendum-case-to-supreme-court/" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://letsgowashington.com/lgw-takes-rejected-referendum-case-to-supreme-court/" target="_blank">argued</a> that laws can be exempt from referenda only if they relate to the immediate preservation of public health, peace or safety.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: The high court rejected that claim Monday, writing that the state constitution also allows laws to be protected from referendum campaigns if those laws support state government.<ul><li>&quot;We have long held that such laws are not subject to popular referendum,&quot; Chief Justice Debra Stephens wrote in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monday&#x27;s decision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.courts.wa.gov/content/publicUpload/Supreme%20Court%20Orders/1052201%20Public%20Order%20Terminating%20Review%2005042026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.courts.wa.gov/content/publicUpload/Supreme%20Court%20Orders/1052201%20Public%20Order%20Terminating%20Review%2005042026.pdf" target="_blank">Monday&#x27;s decision</a>.</li></ul>By the numbers: Referendum petitions, which ask voters to approve or reject a recently passed law, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="require" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/initiatives-referenda/filing-initiative/frequently-asked-questions-about-circulating-initiative-and-referendum-petitions" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/initiatives-referenda/filing-initiative/frequently-asked-questions-about-circulating-initiative-and-referendum-petitions" target="_blank">require</a> 154,455 signatures to qualify for the ballot in Washington.<ul><li>A citizen initiative, by contrast, requires 308,911 signatures to qualify.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Another court case <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenging the constitutionality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/09/washington-millionaires-tax-lawsuit-constitution-income-property-uniform-rate" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/09/washington-millionaires-tax-lawsuit-constitution-income-property-uniform-rate" target="_self">challenging the constitutionality</a> of the income tax is still active. The high court did not weigh in on that issue in Monday&#x27;s ruling.<ul><li>For an initiative to overturn the income tax to go before voters this fall, opponents would need to gather the necessary signatures by early July.</li></ul>

Washington Gov. Ferguson limits press access, breaking precedent

Washington's governor skips regular open-ended press conferences, limiting chances for tough questions.

<figure><img alt="Bob Ferguson wears a light purple button up shirt rolled up to his elbows as he holds the Apple Cup, smiling, with a crowd in the stadium seats behind him. at night time. " height="3261" id="9b9e7d08-ad71-4ed5-b1ab-8e1eb727fc75" src="https://images.axios.com/Q_EfXikORo76y7CGfOWACfR73Ik=/2026/05/01/1777653793053.jpeg" width="5155"/><figcaption>Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson holds the Apple Cup trophy before presenting it to the Washington Huskies last fall. Photo: Oliver McKenna/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Since taking office, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has held more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seahawks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="0a368cc8-3625-4819-8238-e0a5c8c35e2b" data-vars-headline="Washington Gov. Ferguson limits press access, breaking precedent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" target="_self">Seahawks</a> flag-raising ceremonies than press conferences dedicated to taking wide-ranging questions from reporters.Why it matters: Ferguson has departed from his predecessors&#x27; practice of holding regular, open-ended press availabilities — limiting public scrutiny of his administration.

Scoop: Governor sign-off rule snarls flow of information in Washington

Records show delays in public updates on vaccine access, measles exposure risk and more.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="requirement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28079274-policy-documentation/" data-vars-content-id="0ef91090-93e0-4dca-99c5-e6f47a2503a3" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Governor sign-off rule snarls flow of information in Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28079274-policy-documentation/" target="_blank">requirement</a> that Gov. Bob Ferguson&#x27;s office approve most state agency press releases and media responses is delaying information from reaching the public, drawing repeated concerns from state officials, records obtained by Axios show.Why it matters: The policy has held up multiple agency communications — from updates on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bridge repair plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28079279-carbon-river-bridge-plans/" data-vars-content-id="0ef91090-93e0-4dca-99c5-e6f47a2503a3" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Governor sign-off rule snarls flow of information in Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28079279-carbon-river-bridge-plans/" target="_blank">bridge repair plans</a> to public health guidance on vaccines to explanations of how a federal shutdown would affect Washington state.

How a plan to allow more passenger ferries fell apart in Olympia

The plan ran into concerns about taxes, costs and new rules, stalling efforts to allow more service.

An effort to allow more passenger-only <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ferries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/24/washington-travel-ferry-line-etiquette" data-vars-content-id="a35747ae-ecb8-46bb-b563-64194ca7a92e" data-vars-headline="How a plan to allow more passenger ferries fell apart in Olympia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/24/washington-travel-ferry-line-etiquette" target="_self">ferries</a> fizzled out in Washington&#x27;s Legislature this year, with the vision for new foot ferries on Puget Sound colliding with a top lawmaker&#x27;s concerns about the state budget.Why it matters: The dispute suggests adding more pedestrian-only ferries could remain politically difficult — particularly as Washington struggles with the cost of replacing the larger vessels that make up its aging ferry fleet.

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