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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.

Measles outbreak in Washington likely to grow

Cruises, summer trips and World Cup crowds could accelerate measles spread, experts say.

Health

Washington&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/measles-cases-us-status-chart" data-vars-content-id="d1ece843-e554-4783-bb58-c8ede2d7551a" data-vars-headline="Measles outbreak in Washington likely to grow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/22/measles-cases-us-status-chart" target="_self">measles outbreak</a> — with 26 confirmed cases so far this year — is likely to worsen before summer is over, local infectious disease experts say.Why it matters: Washington has already recorded more than twice as many measles cases as it did all of last year — marking the state&#x27;s first outbreak <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="since 2023" data-vars-click-url="https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/washington-confirms-its-first-measles-outbreak-2023" data-vars-content-id="d1ece843-e554-4783-bb58-c8ede2d7551a" data-vars-headline="Measles outbreak in Washington likely to grow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/washington-confirms-its-first-measles-outbreak-2023" target="_blank">since 2023</a>, according to the state Department of Health (DOH).

AI therapy is booming — Seattle is helping set the guardrails

Companies would need to show evidence that their tools actually improve mental health outcomes.

A Seattle-based organization is developing some of the world&#x27;s first safety rules for AI <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mental health tools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/06/ai-chatbots-mental-health-state-laws" data-vars-content-id="f22ddced-235a-400b-8fed-d701c92b21fd" data-vars-headline="AI therapy is booming — Seattle is helping set the guardrails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/06/ai-chatbots-mental-health-state-laws" target="_self">mental health tools</a>, technology already used by millions with minimal oversight.Why it matters: The use of AI in mental health care — from chatbots offering emotional support to diagnostic tools — is expanding faster than consensus on how to avoid creating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="risks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/20/teen-mental-health-common-sense-media-chatbots" data-vars-content-id="f22ddced-235a-400b-8fed-d701c92b21fd" data-vars-headline="AI therapy is booming — Seattle is helping set the guardrails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/20/teen-mental-health-common-sense-media-chatbots" target="_self">risks</a> for vulnerable users.

Seattle doctors pioneer stroke recovery breakthrough

A new brain stimulation device paired with rehab helped a stroke patient regain hand control.

Months after UW Medicine neurosurgeons implanted a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first-of-its-kind" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/29/uw-brain-implant-stroke-rehabilitation-trial" data-vars-content-id="a98c4258-9c1e-4f64-bef9-5c30fad1192a" data-vars-headline="Seattle doctors pioneer stroke recovery breakthrough" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/29/uw-brain-implant-stroke-rehabilitation-trial" target="_self">first-of-its-kind</a> brain stimulation device in a stroke patient, doctors are seeing something they weren&#x27;t sure was possible: meaningful return of fine-motor control.Why it matters: Loss of muscle movement can make even basic daily tasks difficult following a stroke, and recovery options are often limited — a gap this procedure could help change.

Most Washington counties fall short of measles herd immunity

Only 4 of Washington's 39 counties met herd immunity benchmarks among kindergartners last year.

A measles outbreak this week in Snohomish County underscores broader vulnerability across Washington state, where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccination coverage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/31/measles-flu-vaccine-mmr-rates-2026" data-vars-content-id="2e3c579f-f6d0-419a-92b2-285b72665e82" data-vars-headline="Most Washington counties fall short of measles herd immunity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/31/measles-flu-vaccine-mmr-rates-2026" target="_self">vaccination coverage</a> remains below protective levels.Why it matters: Measles spreads more easily when vaccination rates fall below 95% — a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="herd immunity threshold" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html" data-vars-content-id="2e3c579f-f6d0-419a-92b2-285b72665e82" data-vars-headline="Most Washington counties fall short of measles herd immunity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html" target="_blank">herd immunity threshold</a> only four of Washington&#x27;s 39 counties met among kindergartners this past school year, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state data" data-vars-click-url="https://doh.wa.gov/data-and-statistical-reports/washington-tracking-network-wtn/school-immunization/dashboard" data-vars-content-id="2e3c579f-f6d0-419a-92b2-285b72665e82" data-vars-headline="Most Washington counties fall short of measles herd immunity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://doh.wa.gov/data-and-statistical-reports/washington-tracking-network-wtn/school-immunization/dashboard" target="_blank">state data</a>.

Washington ranks among 10 healthiest states, new report finds

Washington earned top marks for physical activity and voter turnout, but lags in mental health.

Washington is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the healthiest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/state-health-rankings-2026-healthiest-places-to-live" data-vars-content-id="35cb2bd8-bcc0-4424-93aa-277cbd90b68c" data-vars-headline="Washington ranks among 10 healthiest states, new report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/state-health-rankings-2026-healthiest-places-to-live" target="_self">one of the healthiest</a> U.S. states, ranking seventh in a new state-by-state report card from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United Health Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/states/VA" data-vars-content-id="35cb2bd8-bcc0-4424-93aa-277cbd90b68c" data-vars-headline="Washington ranks among 10 healthiest states, new report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/states/VA" target="_blank">United Health Foundation</a>.How it works: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/" data-vars-content-id="35cb2bd8-bcc0-4424-93aa-277cbd90b68c" data-vars-headline="Washington ranks among 10 healthiest states, new report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.americashealthrankings.org/" target="_blank">The rankings</a> synthesize 99 measures of health and well-being, drawn from 31 data sources, to produce a &quot;comprehensive portrait of health at both the national and state levels,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Mike Allen writes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/state-health-rankings-2026-healthiest-places-to-live" data-vars-content-id="35cb2bd8-bcc0-4424-93aa-277cbd90b68c" data-vars-headline="Washington ranks among 10 healthiest states, new report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/state-health-rankings-2026-healthiest-places-to-live" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Mike Allen writes</a>.

Study: Private insurance doesn't shield patients from surgical debt

UW researchers found that many people skip care or go into debt after surgery even with insurance.

Nearly 40% of adults who undergo surgery experience serious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financial hardship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/sponsored/inside-americans-health-and-wealth-habits-and-how-theyre-linked" data-vars-content-id="1eb39d20-7aab-4ae5-96a1-907f527ffa8e" data-vars-headline="Study: Private insurance doesn&#x27;t shield patients from surgical debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/sponsored/inside-americans-health-and-wealth-habits-and-how-theyre-linked" target="_self">financial hardship</a> in the year after, according to a new University of Washington analysis.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2841652" data-vars-content-id="1eb39d20-7aab-4ae5-96a1-907f527ffa8e" data-vars-headline="Study: Private insurance doesn&#x27;t shield patients from surgical debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2841652" target="_blank">study</a> adds to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mounting evidence" data-vars-click-url="https://rooseveltinstitute.org/publications/medical-debt/" data-vars-content-id="1eb39d20-7aab-4ae5-96a1-907f527ffa8e" data-vars-headline="Study: Private insurance doesn&#x27;t shield patients from surgical debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rooseveltinstitute.org/publications/medical-debt/" target="_blank">mounting evidence</a> that private insurance increasingly fails to shield Americans from high medical costs, as health care <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affordability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/state-medicaid-cost-squeeze" data-vars-content-id="1eb39d20-7aab-4ae5-96a1-907f527ffa8e" data-vars-headline="Study: Private insurance doesn&#x27;t shield patients from surgical debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/state-medicaid-cost-squeeze" target="_self">affordability</a> emerges as a major federal policy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flashpoint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/senate-republicans-aca-subsidies-tax-credits-plan-proposal" data-vars-content-id="1eb39d20-7aab-4ae5-96a1-907f527ffa8e" data-vars-headline="Study: Private insurance doesn&#x27;t shield patients from surgical debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/senate-republicans-aca-subsidies-tax-credits-plan-proposal" target="_self">flashpoint</a>.

Young adult suicide rate rises in Washington state

Bullying on social media and economic despair could be factors, according to a recent analysis.

Washington&#x27;s young adult suicide rate rose more than 13% from 2014 to 2024, mirroring a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/young-adult-suicide-rate-map" data-vars-content-id="59596a46-a266-4436-a085-9f33ebc41eba" data-vars-headline="Young adult suicide rate rises in Washington state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/young-adult-suicide-rate-map" target="_self">national trend</a>, a recent analysis finds.Why it matters: The increase underscores the toll of the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mental health crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/16/youth-mental-health-crisis-emergency" data-vars-content-id="59596a46-a266-4436-a085-9f33ebc41eba" data-vars-headline="Young adult suicide rate rises in Washington state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/16/youth-mental-health-crisis-emergency" target="_self">mental health crisis</a> — particularly in Washington, where the suicide rate among young people remains higher than the national average.

Seattle braces for "The Big Dark" as light fades fast

No major U.S. city loses light faster than Seattle each fall.

Seattle is savoring a sunny start to fall this week, but the countdown to &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Big Dark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/11/02/daylight-saving-time-dark-forward-backward" data-vars-content-id="e7cd246f-ab4e-4b3e-95a0-aab725d60eb1" data-vars-headline="Seattle braces for &quot;The Big Dark&quot; as light fades fast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/11/02/daylight-saving-time-dark-forward-backward" target="_self">The Big Dark</a>&quot; has begun.Why it matters: No major U.S. city loses daylight faster than Seattle — and the darkness can leave residents grappling with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seasonal depression" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/seasonal-affective-disorder-sunset-hours" data-vars-content-id="e7cd246f-ab4e-4b3e-95a0-aab725d60eb1" data-vars-headline="Seattle braces for &quot;The Big Dark&quot; as light fades fast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/12/seasonal-affective-disorder-sunset-hours" target="_self">seasonal depression</a> and scrambling for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="happy lamps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/12/14/seasonal-depression-tips-sad-affective-disorder" data-vars-content-id="e7cd246f-ab4e-4b3e-95a0-aab725d60eb1" data-vars-headline="Seattle braces for &quot;The Big Dark&quot; as light fades fast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/12/14/seasonal-depression-tips-sad-affective-disorder" target="_self">happy lamps</a> and extra coffee.

Planned crisis clinic in Seattle's Capitol Hill sparks debate

Some locals worry the 24/7 walk-in site could worsen drug activity and violence in the area.

Plans are advancing for a 24/7 crisis center in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill neighborhood, despite objections from some locals who worry the facility could worsen existing problems with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/16/washington-overdose-deaths-decline-2024" data-vars-content-id="88568ac1-f548-44e8-8799-d5ccc7fe7290" data-vars-headline="Planned crisis clinic in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill sparks debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/16/washington-overdose-deaths-decline-2024" target="_self">drug</a> activity and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/08/21/seattle-homicide-rate-2024-comparison-fbi" data-vars-content-id="88568ac1-f548-44e8-8799-d5ccc7fe7290" data-vars-headline="Planned crisis clinic in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill sparks debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/08/21/seattle-homicide-rate-2024-comparison-fbi" target="_self">crime</a>.The big picture: The debate over the proposed center — part of a package of walk-in treatment facilities King County voters <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved in 2023" data-vars-click-url="https://info.kingcounty.gov/kcelections/Vote/contests/ballotmeasures.aspx?lang=en-US&amp;cid=100765&amp;groupname=County" data-vars-content-id="88568ac1-f548-44e8-8799-d5ccc7fe7290" data-vars-headline="Planned crisis clinic in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill sparks debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://info.kingcounty.gov/kcelections/Vote/contests/ballotmeasures.aspx?lang=en-US&amp;cid=100765&amp;groupname=County" target="_blank">approved in 2023</a> — underscores the difficulty of locating drug and mental health services, even in communities that supported them at the ballot box.

Seattle residents look abroad for psilocybin healing

Some locals are booking magic mushroom retreats overseas for therapeutic breakthroughs.

Seattleites chasing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="psychedelic breakthroughs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/11/veterans-psychedelic-mental-health-therapies" data-vars-content-id="7eb4e59a-1fde-4e64-8284-de7d9ea40466" data-vars-headline="Seattle residents look abroad for psilocybin healing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/11/veterans-psychedelic-mental-health-therapies" target="_self">psychedelic breakthroughs</a> are packing passports for psilocybin retreats abroad, where the trip is about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="therapy not tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/26/luxury-magic-mushroom-seattle-vancouver" data-vars-content-id="7eb4e59a-1fde-4e64-8284-de7d9ea40466" data-vars-headline="Seattle residents look abroad for psilocybin healing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/26/luxury-magic-mushroom-seattle-vancouver" target="_self">therapy not tourism</a>.Why it matters: Psilocybin retreats aren&#x27;t just a travel fad — they reflect a larger shift in mental health care with a slew of studies, including from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Washington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/05/study-magic-mushroom-therapy" data-vars-content-id="7eb4e59a-1fde-4e64-8284-de7d9ea40466" data-vars-headline="Seattle residents look abroad for psilocybin healing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/05/study-magic-mushroom-therapy" target="_self">University of Washington</a>, suggesting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="psychedelic therapy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/09/30/psychedelic-therapy-science-funding" data-vars-content-id="7eb4e59a-1fde-4e64-8284-de7d9ea40466" data-vars-headline="Seattle residents look abroad for psilocybin healing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/09/30/psychedelic-therapy-science-funding" target="_self">psychedelic therapy</a> can ease depression, anxiety and trauma.

🏃🏻‍♂️ Committed to cardio

Washington’s heart health ranks 8th in U.S., per Apple Watch data

A scatterplot showing average resting heart rate and daily exercise minutes, by state, based on a study of 146k Apple Watch users with five or more VO2 max readings between January 2021 and February 2025. States with residents that spend more time exercising tend to have lower average resting heart rates. Mississippi and West Virginia had the highest resting heart rates, and Hawaii the lowest. Mississippi had the fewest exercise minutes and D.C. the most. Washington had an average of 35.3 minutes of daily exercise and an average resting heart rate of 62.

Average resting heart rate and daily exercise minutes, by state

A map showing the measles vaccination rates for Washington state kindergarteners by county for the 2024-25 school year. Only 4 counties have reached the herd immunity threshold of at least 95% of their students vaccinated: Adams, Garfield, Wahkiakum and Yakima.

Health 🩺

Measles outbreak in Washington likely to grow

Washington’s heart health ranks 8th in U.S., per Apple Watch data

AI therapy is booming — Seattle is helping set the guardrails

Seattle doctors pioneer stroke recovery breakthrough

Most Washington counties fall short of measles herd immunity