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Seattle opens residential areas to small cafes, corner markets

New zoning rules aim to boost walkability and support local shops across Seattle neighborhoods.

News

Seattle now allows small cafes and markets throughout residential neighborhoods, ending decades-old zoning rules that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largely banned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/02/10/neighborhood-cafe-law-washington-state" data-vars-content-id="692b0cd2-15f9-49ba-bd6c-109786ba15c5" data-vars-headline="Seattle opens residential areas to small cafes, corner markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/02/10/neighborhood-cafe-law-washington-state" target="_self">largely banned</a> new businesses in those areas.Why it matters: The goal is to create walkable neighborhoods where people can buy groceries, grab a bite to eat or run errands on foot — a strategy that also helps support small local retailers, Seattle City Council president Joy Hollingsworth told Axios.

Washington eyes limits on license plate data

The bipartisan bill would require agencies to delete most plate scans within 21 days.

Washington state lawmakers are advancing a bill that would set the state&#x27;s first ground rules for regulating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="automated license plate readers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/14/seattle-surveillance-technology-cameras-license-plates-cctv" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" 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">automated license plate readers</a> (ALPR).Why it matters: Washington has positioned itself as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safe haven" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/14/washington-surveillance-data-ice-abortion-immigrants-rights" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" 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/washington-surveillance-data-ice-abortion-immigrants-rights" target="_self">safe haven</a> for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigrants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/08/19/ferguson-rejects-doj-sanctuary-law-threat-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/08/19/ferguson-rejects-doj-sanctuary-law-threat-immigrants" target="_self">immigrants</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion patients" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/03/06/washington-state-abortion-protections-patients-doctors-data" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/03/06/washington-state-abortion-protections-patients-doctors-data" target="_self">abortion patients</a> and those seeking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gender-affirming care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/28/washington-state-transgender-healthcare" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/28/washington-state-transgender-healthcare" target="_self">gender-affirming care</a>, but privacy advocates warn these protections and others <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="can ring hollow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/14/washington-surveillance-data-ice-abortion-immigrants-rights" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" 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/washington-surveillance-data-ice-abortion-immigrants-rights" target="_self">can ring hollow</a> when surveillance data is tapped by federal or out-of-state agencies.

Hilary Knight sets 2 Olympic records in U.S. gold win

The Seattle Torrent captain's 15th Olympic goal tied the game and helped lift the U.S. past Canada.

Sports

Seattle Torrent captain <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hilary Knight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/10/washington-olympians-milan-cortina-seattle-hockey-speed-skating" data-vars-content-id="b57894ec-23bb-4e1b-b035-30873f5515dd" data-vars-headline="Hilary Knight sets 2 Olympic records in U.S. gold win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/10/washington-olympians-milan-cortina-seattle-hockey-speed-skating" target="_self">Hilary Knight</a> set two U.S. Olympic records Thursday while leading the U.S. women&#x27;s hockey team to a gold medal win over Canada.Zoom in: Knight, Team USA&#x27;s captain, scored a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late tying goal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/19/hilary-knight-us-record-olympics-womens-hockey-goals/88584567007/" data-vars-content-id="b57894ec-23bb-4e1b-b035-30873f5515dd" data-vars-headline="Hilary Knight sets 2 Olympic records in U.S. gold win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/19/hilary-knight-us-record-olympics-womens-hockey-goals/88584567007/" target="_blank">late tying goal</a> that sent the championship game into overtime and helped lift the U.S. to a 2-1 victory.

The Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale

The sale aligns with late owner Paul Allen's directive to sell his sports holdings, the team says.

Fresh off a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl victory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="8fc35250-0034-455e-ba4c-7eb4c4c3dd0b" data-vars-headline="The Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale" 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 victory</a>, the Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale, the team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Wednesday." data-vars-click-url="https://www.seahawks.com/news/estate-of-paul-g-allen-begins-sale-process-for-seattle-seahawks" data-vars-content-id="8fc35250-0034-455e-ba4c-7eb4c4c3dd0b" data-vars-headline="The Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seahawks.com/news/estate-of-paul-g-allen-begins-sale-process-for-seattle-seahawks" target="_blank">announced Wednesday.</a>The big picture: Selling the team aligns with directions laid out by late Seahawks owner Paul Allen, whose estate continues to own the team, the Seahawks said in Wednesday&#x27;s announcement.

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.

Health

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.

WA braces for coverage loss without ACA subsidies

With subsidies set to expire, WA leaders emphasize risk of unaffordable coverage and rising premiums.

Democrats in Washington state and Congress are urging Republicans to extend Biden-era <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health insurance subsidies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/10/health-costs-soar-without-aca-subsidies" data-vars-content-id="7e0dcb59-df91-446b-90ee-55887903563e" data-vars-headline="WA braces for coverage loss without ACA subsidies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/10/health-costs-soar-without-aca-subsidies" target="_self">health insurance subsidies</a>, while warning of the consequences if those credits are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="allowed to expire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/trump-aca-catastrophic-health-insurance-plans" data-vars-content-id="7e0dcb59-df91-446b-90ee-55887903563e" data-vars-headline="WA braces for coverage loss without ACA subsidies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/trump-aca-catastrophic-health-insurance-plans" target="_self">allowed to expire</a> at the end of the year.Why it matters: Without the subsidies, an estimated 80,000 Washingtonians are expected to no longer buy health insurance on the individual market, leading to higher premiums for other policyholders, state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told reporters Friday" data-vars-click-url="https://tvw.org/video/us-house-leaders-governor-bob-ferguson-press-conference-2025091155/?eventID=2025091155" data-vars-content-id="7e0dcb59-df91-446b-90ee-55887903563e" data-vars-headline="WA braces for coverage loss without ACA subsidies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tvw.org/video/us-house-leaders-governor-bob-ferguson-press-conference-2025091155/?eventID=2025091155" target="_blank">told reporters Friday</a>.

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