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Washington rolls back some taxes amid new income tax

Lawmakers cut the estate tax and some service taxes as Washington adopts a new income tax on the wealthy.

News

Washington lawmakers made big headlines last month by passing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new income tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/30/bob-ferguson-washington-income-tax-millionaires-2028-law" data-vars-content-id="4e23db41-34bb-4e17-882f-4fbb780fe218" data-vars-headline="Washington rolls back some taxes amid 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/2026/03/30/bob-ferguson-washington-income-tax-millionaires-2028-law" target="_self">new income tax</a>, but they also rolled back a few taxes they approved last year, including a big estate tax hike.Why it matters: The new income tax has drawn criticism that it could hurt the state&#x27;s business climate or push wealth out of state — outcomes the tax rollbacks aim to help prevent.

Seattle warms up near 70 — but it won't last

A brief warmup peaks today, then cooler — but still sunny — weather returns through the week.

Get out the sunscreen — Monday is expected to be Seattle&#x27;s warmest day of the year so far.Why it matters: Seattleites have been soaking up the sun and warm rays for the past three days, but cooler temperatures are on their way.

Seattle's most hated spring bugs

With spring temperatures warming, it can feel like insects are suddenly everywhere all at once.

Even in the nature-loving Pacific Northwest, some bugs are public enemy No. 1.Why it matters: As spring temperatures climb past about 55 degrees, cold-blooded insects emerge from winter hiding spots seemingly all at once, which is why it can suddenly feel like they&#x27;re everywhere.

Seattle coyotes carry parasite that infects dogs

Experts urge leashes and prevention after tapeworm is detected in local coyotes.

A disease-causing tapeworm that can infect dogs — and sometimes humans — has been found in more than a third of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coyotes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/11/19/coyote-sightings-rise-across-seattle-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="8b685421-0f83-435d-a343-55f08236673a" data-vars-headline="Seattle coyotes carry parasite that infects dogs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/11/19/coyote-sightings-rise-across-seattle-neighborhoods" target="_self">coyotes</a> in the Puget Sound region.Why it matters: In rare cases, this parasite can cause a serious, slow-growing disease in humans and dogs that forms tumor-like cysts in the liver and can be fatal if untreated.

Seattle summers now linger 5 days longer into fall

Seattle now sees five extra days of summer weather, according to a new analysis of climate data.

Summer temperatures are hanging around longer in Seattle and nationwide, a new analysis finds, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" data-vars-content-id="23fb2a03-6a64-4680-9d5d-1dfde175d720" data-vars-headline="Seattle summers now linger 5 days longer into fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" target="_self">climate change</a> affects the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seasons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/28/summers-warmer-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="23fb2a03-6a64-4680-9d5d-1dfde175d720" data-vars-headline="Seattle summers now linger 5 days longer into fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/28/summers-warmer-climate-change" target="_self">seasons</a>.By the numbers: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="In Seattle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.climatecentral.org/graphic/lingering-summer-heat-2025?graphicSet=Lingering+Summer+Heat&amp;location=Seattle+%E2%80%A2+Tacoma&amp;lang=en" data-vars-content-id="23fb2a03-6a64-4680-9d5d-1dfde175d720" data-vars-headline="Seattle summers now linger 5 days longer into fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.climatecentral.org/graphic/lingering-summer-heat-2025?graphicSet=Lingering+Summer+Heat&amp;location=Seattle+%E2%80%A2+Tacoma&amp;lang=en" target="_blank">In Seattle</a>, summer temperatures now linger an average of five days longer into fall compared to 1970, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/lingering-summer-heat-2025" data-vars-content-id="23fb2a03-6a64-4680-9d5d-1dfde175d720" data-vars-headline="Seattle summers now linger 5 days longer into fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/lingering-summer-heat-2025" target="_blank">report</a> from Climate Central, a climate research group.

Pacific Northwest cities swelter as summer nights get hotter

Much of western Washington and Oregon are under a heat advisory through Wednesday.

The Pacific Northwest is bracing for a short but intense <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat wave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/07/09/heat-waves-seattle-2024-longer-hotter" data-vars-content-id="c00b24d3-04cf-47eb-8336-6b68c19a5f8f" data-vars-headline="Pacific Northwest cities swelter as summer nights get hotter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/07/09/heat-waves-seattle-2024-longer-hotter" target="_self">heat wave</a> that will bring some of the hottest temperatures of the year so far.Why it matters: Even the nights will stay warm, prolonging the potential health effects of extreme heat.

Seattle's coldest days are getting warmer

The metro area's coldest temps are 3.7°F warmer than they were just a few decades ago.

Thirty-year average coldest temperatures are rising almost universally nationwide, including in the Seattle metro area, a new analysis found.Why it matters: Such a shift can affect us in a variety of ways — changing which plants and insects thrive in our neighborhoods, for example, amid other impacts of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/19/climate-change-indicators-records-global-warming" data-vars-content-id="c4be245f-b495-4f14-87ea-c4e3b515c160" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s coldest days are getting warmer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/19/climate-change-indicators-records-global-warming" target="_self">climate change</a>.

Climate anxiety runs high in King County

Washington's most populous county is among the most climate-anxious in the U.S., new data shows.

Climate

King County has one of the highest rates of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate anxiety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/06/climate-change-anxiety-youth-action" data-vars-content-id="dc611cd9-d2c5-42a6-8a89-d0e38d7fe897" data-vars-headline="Climate anxiety runs high in King County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/06/climate-change-anxiety-youth-action" target="_self">climate anxiety</a> in the U.S., with three-fourths of county residents worried about global warming, according to recent estimates.Why it matters: High concern about climate change in Washington&#x27;s most populous county helps shape statewide policy — like when Washington voters <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overwhelmingly upheld" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/11/06/initiative-2117-washington-state-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="dc611cd9-d2c5-42a6-8a89-d0e38d7fe897" data-vars-headline="Climate anxiety runs high in King County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/11/06/initiative-2117-washington-state-climate-change" target="_self">overwhelmingly upheld</a> the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cap-and-trade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/01/04/climate-change-laws-washington-state-cap-trade-clean-fuel-standard" data-vars-content-id="dc611cd9-d2c5-42a6-8a89-d0e38d7fe897" data-vars-headline="Climate anxiety runs high in King County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/01/04/climate-change-laws-washington-state-cap-trade-clean-fuel-standard" target="_self">cap-and-trade</a> law last fall.

Seattle rainfall grows more intense with climate change

Rainfall in Seattle is 6% more intense than in 1970 — part of a national trend linked to climate change, per a new report.

Seattle&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rainfall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/11/27/rain-types-explained-washington-weather-precipitation" data-vars-content-id="5d207661-b815-4286-b5ee-9301c3ed072b" data-vars-headline="Seattle rainfall grows more intense with climate change" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/11/27/rain-types-explained-washington-weather-precipitation" target="_self">rainfall</a> really is more intense than it used to be.Why it matters: The increased rainfall intensity in Seattle and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other U.S. cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/01/rainstorms-intense-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="5d207661-b815-4286-b5ee-9301c3ed072b" data-vars-headline="Seattle rainfall grows more intense with climate change" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/01/rainstorms-intense-climate-change" target="_self">other U.S. cities</a> is a symptom of human-driven climate change, bringing with it increased risks of flooding and landslides, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/heavier-rainfall-rates-in-us-cities" data-vars-content-id="5d207661-b815-4286-b5ee-9301c3ed072b" data-vars-headline="Seattle rainfall grows more intense with climate change" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/heavier-rainfall-rates-in-us-cities" target="_blank">report</a> from the nonprofit Climate Central.

Seattle's cherry blossoms near peak bloom

The trees at the University of Washington are on track to reach peak bloom around March 23.

Spring&#x27;s pink pageant is unfolding at the University of Washington, where the Quad&#x27;s iconic Yoshino cherry trees are nearing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="peak bloom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/03/19/peak-cherry-blossom-seattle" data-vars-content-id="5aefa285-f624-40e4-be1d-babf2b3b67fb" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s cherry blossoms near peak bloom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/03/19/peak-cherry-blossom-seattle" target="_self">peak bloom</a>, an annual tradition that draws thousands of visitors to campus.Why it matters: Seattle&#x27;s cherry blossoms aren&#x27;t just a pretty sight, they mark the start of spring and serve as a living barometer of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shifting climate patterns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/18/cherry-blossoms-dc-japan-climate-change-peak-bloom" data-vars-content-id="5aefa285-f624-40e4-be1d-babf2b3b67fb" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s cherry blossoms near peak bloom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/18/cherry-blossoms-dc-japan-climate-change-peak-bloom" target="_self">shifting climate patterns</a>.

Charging electric vehicles is getting easier in Washington

The state has more than twice as many charging stations today as it did four years ago.

The number of public <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric vehicle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/electric-vehicles" data-vars-content-id="f0c13a43-7bd1-46ad-b458-8c6dcf3b0ad7" data-vars-headline="Charging electric vehicles is getting easier in Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/electric-vehicles" target="_self">electric vehicle</a> charging stations in Washington state has more than doubled in the past four years, per federal data.Why it matters: EVs and charging have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a chicken-and-egg problem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/25/charging-deserts-evs-electric-cars" data-vars-content-id="f0c13a43-7bd1-46ad-b458-8c6dcf3b0ad7" data-vars-headline="Charging electric vehicles is getting easier in Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/25/charging-deserts-evs-electric-cars" target="_self">a chicken-and-egg problem</a> that&#x27;s now getting a little easier.

11 kinds of precipitation that drench Seattle

If you think all rain is the same, you haven't lived through a Seattle winter.

Seattleites don&#x27;t just &quot;get <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rained on" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/09/04/chatgpt-seattle-weather-coffee-roast" data-vars-content-id="7c260d62-1778-4062-8109-106296735d87" data-vars-headline="11 kinds of precipitation that drench Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/09/04/chatgpt-seattle-weather-coffee-roast" target="_self">rained on</a>&quot;; we experience a full menu of precipitation, from mist so light we wonder if it&#x27;s raining at all, to freezing sleet that turns driveways into skating rinks.Why it matters: As Seattle&#x27;s rainy season kicks into high gear, understanding the nuances helps explain why locals embrace ponchos <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="instead of umbrellas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/01/31/umbrella-seattle-climate-change-rain" data-vars-content-id="7c260d62-1778-4062-8109-106296735d87" data-vars-headline="11 kinds of precipitation that drench Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/01/31/umbrella-seattle-climate-change-rain" target="_self">instead of umbrellas</a>, why the region is lush and green, and why weather patterns here are so dynamic.

Seattle's warming winters, charted

But the increase here has been less pronounced than in many parts of the country.

Washington&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/10/22/washington-2024-la-nina-winter-pnw" data-vars-content-id="c337bc93-402d-4c85-95b9-c1ec4f2d0647" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s warming winters, charted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/10/22/washington-2024-la-nina-winter-pnw" target="_self">winters</a> have gotten <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warmer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/09/climate-change-warm-winters-us" data-vars-content-id="c337bc93-402d-4c85-95b9-c1ec4f2d0647" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s warming winters, charted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/09/climate-change-warm-winters-us" target="_self">warmer</a> since 1970, but the increase here has been less pronounced than in many parts of the country, according to a new analysis.The big picture: Winters are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warming quickly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-generate-fc71acc0-a1dc-11ef-9b3b-2313aa54afbe.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosgenerate&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="c337bc93-402d-4c85-95b9-c1ec4f2d0647" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s warming winters, charted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-generate-fc71acc0-a1dc-11ef-9b3b-2313aa54afbe.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosgenerate&amp;stream=top" target="_self">warming quickly</a> across much of the Lower 48 states, a phenomenon tied to human-caused climate change, writes Axios&#x27; Andrew Freedman.

October brings Seattle's biggest weather swings

Rapid weather changes and loss of daylight can make October a moody weather month in Seattle.

Seattle sees a broader variety of weather in October than in any other month, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Weather Service Seattle" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/NWSSeattle/status/1841625385186033698" data-vars-content-id="55630d25-413d-457f-9366-9144b3a4041d" data-vars-headline="October brings Seattle&#x27;s biggest weather swings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/NWSSeattle/status/1841625385186033698" target="_blank">National Weather Service Seattle</a>.State of play: Historically, the chance of rain nearly doubles between Oct. 1 and 31, from 28% to 54% observed rain, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the weather service" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/NWSSeattle/status/1841630077551009976" data-vars-content-id="55630d25-413d-457f-9366-9144b3a4041d" data-vars-headline="October brings Seattle&#x27;s biggest weather swings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/NWSSeattle/status/1841630077551009976" target="_blank">per the weather service</a>.

🌲 Allergy season grows

Seattle sneezes earlier as pollen season stretches

A symbol map of U.S. cities showing the change in average allergy season length from 1970 to 2025. For most cities, the season has gotten longer, by an average of 23 days. Reno, Nevada, shows an increase of 100 days, while Tulsa, Oklahoma, has a decrease of 15 days.

Change in the average length of allergy season from 1970 to 2025

🌡️ Record warm winter

Record warm winter

A choropleth map of the U.S. showing counties with record high average temperatures between December 2025 and February 2026, over 131 years of record-keeping. 

Counties with record high average temperatures between December 2025 and February 2026

Axios What's Next

A symbol map of the U.S. showing the change in the number of days with lingering summer temperatures in 2024 compared to 1970. Wheeling, W. Va. leads with 52 more days, while Myrtle Beach, S.C. has 11 fewer days.

Change in the last date of summer temperatures, 1970 to 2024&nbsp;

Data: Climate Central; Map: Axios Visuals. Note: The 75th percentile temperature is based on the 1991–2020 reference period.

A symbol map of the U.S. showing the change in average summer nighttime temperatures for about 250 cities nationwide. Reno, Nevada leads at +17.7°F, while Great Falls, Montana had a -2.9°F decrease.

Change in average summer nighttime temperatures (°F), 1970-2024

Data: Climate Central; Chart: Axios Visuals

🌡️ We're heating up

Washington summer outlook: Warmer days ahead

A map showing the temperature outlook for summer 2025 (June to August). The western U.S., particularly around Utah, has a 60% chance of being warmer than average. Other regions show varying probabilities: 50% in the Southwest, 40% in parts of the Southeast, and 33% in the Midwest.

Climate 🌿

Seattle sneezes earlier as pollen season stretches

Record warm winter

Seattle summers now linger 5 days longer into fall

Pacific Northwest cities swelter as summer nights get hotter

Washington summer outlook: Warmer days ahead