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Washington voters approve ban on trans girls in girls' sports

Initiative 638 reverses the state's longtime student-athlete rules and is set to take effect Dec. 3.

News

Voters in Washington state have approved a measure <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="banning trans girls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/10/21/washington-i638-2026-election-k12-girls-school-sports-rules" data-vars-content-id="109075b4-41ec-4a1d-a8ca-39a16e50aa4f" data-vars-headline="Washington voters approve ban on trans girls in girls&#x27; sports" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/10/21/washington-i638-2026-election-k12-girls-school-sports-rules" target="_self">banning trans girls</a> from competing in girls&#x27; sports, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Associated Press reports" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/washington-measure-638-results/" data-vars-content-id="109075b4-41ec-4a1d-a8ca-39a16e50aa4f" data-vars-headline="Washington voters approve ban on trans girls in girls&#x27; sports" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/washington-measure-638-results/" target="_blank">The Associated Press reports</a>.Why it matters: The vote showed that restrictions on transgender athletes can win support at the ballot box even in a blue state where Democratic lawmakers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have" data-vars-click-url="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5012&amp;Year=2025" data-vars-content-id="109075b4-41ec-4a1d-a8ca-39a16e50aa4f" data-vars-headline="Washington voters approve ban on trans girls in girls&#x27; sports" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5012&amp;Year=2025" target="_blank">have</a> resisted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="similar" data-vars-click-url="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=6116&amp;Year=2023&amp;Initiative=false" data-vars-content-id="109075b4-41ec-4a1d-a8ca-39a16e50aa4f" data-vars-headline="Washington voters approve ban on trans girls in girls&#x27; sports" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=6116&amp;Year=2023&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">similar</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposals" data-vars-click-url="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5097&amp;Year=2025" data-vars-content-id="109075b4-41ec-4a1d-a8ca-39a16e50aa4f" data-vars-headline="Washington voters approve ban on trans girls in girls&#x27; sports" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5097&amp;Year=2025" target="_blank">proposals</a>.

Seattle Public Schools considers merging up to 21 schools

The district is grappling with declining enrollment and a persistent budget crisis.

Seattle Public Schools is considering merging as many as 21 schools across the city.Why it matters: The potential mergers could force students to change schools, disrupt neighborhood school communities and reshape access to educational programs across the district.

Washington's income tax on millionaires survives repeal vote 

The 9.9% levy starts in 2028 and applies only to the portion of annual income above $1 million.

Washington voters have shot down an effort to repeal the state&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="income tax," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/10/21/washington-millionaires-tax-public-employee-retirement-benefits" data-vars-content-id="76a1d122-d5ca-44ba-929d-d8b3c13a8718" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s income tax on millionaires survives repeal vote " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/10/21/washington-millionaires-tax-public-employee-retirement-benefits" target="_self">income tax,</a> the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Associated Press reports" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/washington-measure-645-results/" data-vars-content-id="76a1d122-d5ca-44ba-929d-d8b3c13a8718" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s income tax on millionaires survives repeal vote " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/washington-measure-645-results/" target="_blank">Associated Press reports</a>.Why it matters: The failure of the repeal measure, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Initiative 645" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/10/15/washington-initiative-645-income-tax-repeal-2026-ballot-voter-guide" data-vars-content-id="76a1d122-d5ca-44ba-929d-d8b3c13a8718" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s income tax on millionaires survives repeal vote " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/10/15/washington-initiative-645-income-tax-repeal-2026-ballot-voter-guide" target="_self">Initiative 645</a>, means the state&#x27;s tax on annual incomes over $1 million will stay in place — unless opponents succeed at overturning it in court.

Seattle's Jaelynn Scott set to become state's 1st trans lawmaker

Scott is executive director of the Lavender Rights Project, a Black trans advocacy organization.

Seattle voters are poised to send the first openly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transgender" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/06/sarah-mcbride-house-of-representatives-congress-elected" data-vars-content-id="45921a01-ba9f-434a-85b8-a9458a08643b" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Jaelynn Scott set to become state&#x27;s 1st trans lawmaker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/06/sarah-mcbride-house-of-representatives-congress-elected" target="_self">transgender</a> person to Washington&#x27;s Legislature, with Jaelynn Scott <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holding 87%" data-vars-click-url="https://results.votewa.gov/results/public/washington/elections/20261103/ballot-items/54c40000-9064-bbec-481e-08df15c0a833" data-vars-content-id="45921a01-ba9f-434a-85b8-a9458a08643b" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Jaelynn Scott set to become state&#x27;s 1st trans lawmaker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://results.votewa.gov/results/public/washington/elections/20261103/ballot-items/54c40000-9064-bbec-481e-08df15c0a833" target="_blank">holding 87%</a> of the vote as of Thursday.The big picture: The milestone comes in the same <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/11/02/washington-state-2026-election-ballot-measures-races-to-watch" data-vars-content-id="45921a01-ba9f-434a-85b8-a9458a08643b" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Jaelynn Scott set to become state&#x27;s 1st trans lawmaker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/11/02/washington-state-2026-election-ballot-measures-races-to-watch" target="_self">election</a> in which Washington voters <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved new restrictions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/11/05/washington-2026-i638-school-sports-transgender-election-results" data-vars-content-id="45921a01-ba9f-434a-85b8-a9458a08643b" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Jaelynn Scott set to become state&#x27;s 1st trans lawmaker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/11/05/washington-2026-i638-school-sports-transgender-election-results" target="_self">approved new restrictions</a> on trans girls competing in girls&#x27; school sports.

Microsoft offers buyouts to roughly a quarter of its workforce

The offer covers roughly a quarter of Microsoft's workforce after multiple rounds of job cuts.

Business

Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, or roughly one-quarter of its global workforce, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multiple outlets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/26/microsoft-msft-voluntary-buyouts.html" data-vars-content-id="feadeb4f-ac1f-484b-ac2a-fb7e0e0b70f5" data-vars-headline="Microsoft offers buyouts to roughly a quarter of its workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/26/microsoft-msft-voluntary-buyouts.html" target="_blank">multiple outlets</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsoft-offers-mass-buyouts-for-roughly-a-quarter-of-its-workforce/" data-vars-content-id="feadeb4f-ac1f-484b-ac2a-fb7e0e0b70f5" data-vars-headline="Microsoft offers buyouts to roughly a quarter of its workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsoft-offers-mass-buyouts-for-roughly-a-quarter-of-its-workforce/" target="_blank">reported</a> Monday.The big picture: It&#x27;s the company&#x27;s latest attempt to trim its workforce without resorting to more forced layoffs, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Seattle Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsoft-offers-mass-buyouts-for-roughly-a-quarter-of-its-workforce/" data-vars-content-id="feadeb4f-ac1f-484b-ac2a-fb7e0e0b70f5" data-vars-headline="Microsoft offers buyouts to roughly a quarter of its workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsoft-offers-mass-buyouts-for-roughly-a-quarter-of-its-workforce/" target="_blank">the Seattle Times</a>.

Some things are too precious to toss at this Ballard shop

From vintage toasters to treasured chandeliers, a Ballard duo is bringing beloved objects back to life.

Some things are made to last. And at a new Ballard repair shop, Ashley Zaworska and David Nebert aim to make sure they do.Why it matters: In a world awash in disposable goods, the founders of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="We Fix Old Stuff" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wefixoldstuffseattle.com/" data-vars-content-id="188731df-ff64-4772-8078-27102cddba6b" data-vars-headline="Some things are too precious to toss at this Ballard shop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wefixoldstuffseattle.com/" target="_blank">We Fix Old Stuff</a> are reaching Seattleites who share their delight in fine craftsmanship, quality materials and objects that might outlive us all.

Punitive damages in door plug blowout possible for Boeing 

A Seattle-area judge ruled a jury may have to decide where key Boeing decisions were made in a case involving 47 plaintiffs.

Where Boeing made key corporate decisions before a door plug on one of its planes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blew out midflight in 2024" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/14/boeing-737-max-problems-timeline" data-vars-content-id="88fff3bd-b2a8-4c7d-825d-b97cd11431c1" data-vars-headline="Punitive damages in door plug blowout possible for Boeing " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/14/boeing-737-max-problems-timeline" target="_self">blew out midflight in 2024</a> could determine whether the company faces additional financial penalties.Why it matters: A King County judge&#x27;s recent ruling adds another legal complication for Boeing as it struggles to recover from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="years of safety failures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2020/09/16/house-report-737-max-crashes-boeing-faa" data-vars-content-id="88fff3bd-b2a8-4c7d-825d-b97cd11431c1" data-vars-headline="Punitive damages in door plug blowout possible for Boeing " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2020/09/16/house-report-737-max-crashes-boeing-faa" target="_self">years of safety failures</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fiscal troubles" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-financials-crisis-faa-oversight-b078e483942c03bc250085e9a0023ace" data-vars-content-id="88fff3bd-b2a8-4c7d-825d-b97cd11431c1" data-vars-headline="Punitive damages in door plug blowout possible for Boeing " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-financials-crisis-faa-oversight-b078e483942c03bc250085e9a0023ace" target="_blank">fiscal troubles</a>.

Microsoft faces foreign worker crackdown as Vance blasts layoffs

The federal move affects eight tech employers with offices or employment activity across Puget Sound.

The Trump administration&#x27;s crackdown on foreign workers landed squarely in Seattle&#x27;s backyard Thursday, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Microsoft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/07/microsoft-looks-to-reboot-the-ai-pc-with-nvidia" data-vars-content-id="b7ba730f-9f48-47cd-a550-bf68d1e344ec" data-vars-headline="Microsoft faces foreign worker crackdown as Vance blasts layoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/07/microsoft-looks-to-reboot-the-ai-pc-with-nvidia" target="_self">Microsoft</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Adobe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/19/adobe-acrobat-generative-ai-pdf" data-vars-content-id="b7ba730f-9f48-47cd-a550-bf68d1e344ec" data-vars-headline="Microsoft faces foreign worker crackdown as Vance blasts layoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/19/adobe-acrobat-generative-ai-pdf" target="_self">Adobe</a> and six other firms targeted for suspension from a federal green card program.The big picture: Vice President JD Vance and Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling announced the new restrictions Thursday.

Seattle-area Helion quietly moves goalpost on fusion 

The Everett fusion company no longer says its first commercial plant will produce power by 2028.

Helion Energy, one of the companies that has helped turn the Seattle area into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="global hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/01/seattle-fusiontown-energy-global-warming-nuclear-fusion" data-vars-content-id="336673a6-c5fe-43f9-a7a7-f9929a0eaef3" data-vars-headline="Seattle-area Helion quietly moves goalpost on fusion " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/01/seattle-fusiontown-energy-global-warming-nuclear-fusion" target="_self">global hub</a> for fusion energy, is softening its timeline for reaching full commercial operation. Why it matters: The Everett-based company, which just opened a new Seattle office, has promised to produce fusion electricity years ahead of competitors.The big picture: Fusion has long been considered a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holy grail of clean energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/04/11/seattle-leads-global-fusion" data-vars-content-id="336673a6-c5fe-43f9-a7a7-f9929a0eaef3" data-vars-headline="Seattle-area Helion quietly moves goalpost on fusion " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/04/11/seattle-leads-global-fusion" target="_self">holy grail of clean energy</a>, promising abundant, zero-carbon power — but after decades of research, no one has yet demonstrated commercially viable fusion power at scale.

The relentless drip of Seattle's tech layoffs

Dozens of smaller cuts are piling onto major layoffs as the region's information jobs stagnate.

Giant layoffs may grab headlines, but Seattle&#x27;s tech sector is also enduring a seemingly relentless drip of smaller cuts — 50 jobs here, 100 there — that are taking a toll. Why it matters: The steady drumbeat is quietly chipping away at an economic engine that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="powered Seattle&#x27;s growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/09/14/seattle-ai-jobs-amazon-microsoft-tech-economy" data-vars-content-id="b01a47ca-d424-4502-997c-2f00b35c769e" data-vars-headline="The relentless drip of Seattle&#x27;s tech layoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/09/14/seattle-ai-jobs-amazon-microsoft-tech-economy" target="_self">powered Seattle&#x27;s growth</a> for decades.

Seattle looks beyond Big Tech to build its next economy

Just 10 companies generate 75% of Seattle's JumpStart payroll tax revenue, a new report finds.

Seattle has become dangerously dependent on a handful of tech giants that powered the city&#x27;s decades-long economic boom, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city-commissioned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/economicDevelopment/SeawallBuildingaResilientSeattleEconomy2026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="854b0de4-5541-425f-a342-21e11a186302" data-vars-headline="Seattle looks beyond Big Tech to build its next economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/economicDevelopment/SeawallBuildingaResilientSeattleEconomy2026.pdf" target="_blank">city-commissioned</a> report. Why it matters: The sweeping analysis says Seattle&#x27;s tech success has left its jobs, tax base and economic future vulnerable to the fortunes of just a few companies.

Trump tariffs have cost Washington importers $7.1 billion

Washington's tariff burden works out to $2,257 per household, with cars and trucks hit hardest.

President Trump&#x27;s trade actions have cost Washington importers billions since the start of 2025, giving the state the nation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="15th-highest" data-vars-click-url="https://tariffs.org/rankings/" data-vars-content-id="f397205d-2246-4e61-840f-93dfd8201f6c" data-vars-headline="Trump tariffs have cost Washington importers $7.1 billion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tariffs.org/rankings/" target="_blank">15th-highest</a> tariff burden. By the numbers: Washington importers paid an estimated $7.1 billion in Trump <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tariffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" data-vars-content-id="f397205d-2246-4e61-840f-93dfd8201f6c" data-vars-headline="Trump tariffs have cost Washington importers $7.1 billion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" target="_self">tariffs</a> through June, according to National Taxpayers Union Foundation data.<ul><li>That&#x27;s the equivalent of $2,257 per household.</li></ul>

Seattle draws record summer crowds 

More than 3.7 million visitors came downtown in July as waterfront crowds hit a new high.

Downtown Seattle is having a blockbuster summer, with visitor numbers hitting an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="all-time high" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/seattle-boosted-by-world-cup-smashes-record-for-summer-visitors/" data-vars-content-id="2a0caa76-0ffd-4d57-ba68-d154d276351b" data-vars-headline="Seattle draws record summer crowds " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/seattle-boosted-by-world-cup-smashes-record-for-summer-visitors/" target="_blank">all-time high</a> and locals packing the waterfront.Driving the news: More than 3.7 million unique visitors came downtown in July — 112% of July 2019 levels and 5 percentage points higher than last year, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Downtown Seattle Association" data-vars-click-url="https://downtownseattle.org/programs-services/research/downtown-dashboard/" data-vars-content-id="2a0caa76-0ffd-4d57-ba68-d154d276351b" data-vars-headline="Seattle draws record summer crowds " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtownseattle.org/programs-services/research/downtown-dashboard/" target="_blank">Downtown Seattle Association</a> data released last week.

Seattle bookstores turn a fresh page

New bookstores are opening as Seattle's longtime reading culture meets a nationwide retail revival.

While Americans may be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reading fewer books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" data-vars-content-id="bdf0cc6b-f3dd-44d3-997b-95f6a39ae134" data-vars-headline="Seattle bookstores turn a fresh page" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" target="_self">reading fewer books</a> these days, there&#x27;s a plot twist: Bookstores are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staging a comeback" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/bookstores-barnes-noble-james-daunt" data-vars-content-id="bdf0cc6b-f3dd-44d3-997b-95f6a39ae134" data-vars-headline="Seattle bookstores turn a fresh page" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/bookstores-barnes-noble-james-daunt" target="_self">staging a comeback</a>.Why it matters: Once left for dead in the wake of Amazon&#x27;s rise and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="death of Borders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" data-vars-content-id="bdf0cc6b-f3dd-44d3-997b-95f6a39ae134" data-vars-headline="Seattle bookstores turn a fresh page" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" target="_blank">death of Borders</a>, Barnes &amp; Noble and independent booksellers have pulled off a stunning turnaround, opening new stores and reporting higher sales.

Business 🏦

Microsoft offers buyouts to roughly a quarter of its workforce

Some things are too precious to toss at this Ballard shop

Punitive damages in door plug blowout possible for Boeing

Microsoft faces foreign worker crackdown as Vance blasts layoffs

Seattle-area Helion quietly moves goalpost on fusion