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Tens of thousands expected at No Kings Seattle

Seattle organizers say Saturday's march could exceed last year's 90,000 attendees.

News

Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to flood Seattle streets Saturday as part of a nationwide No Kings day of action spanning more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="3,000 events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="7047f0d9-04be-464d-82dd-9f0f878dade4" data-vars-headline="Tens of thousands expected at No Kings Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" target="_self">3,000 events</a>.Why it matters: The protest is part of what organizers hope will be one of the largest single-day demonstrations in recent U.S. history — reflecting opposition to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" data-vars-content-id="7047f0d9-04be-464d-82dd-9f0f878dade4" data-vars-headline="Tens of thousands expected at No Kings Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a> and broader economic and political concerns.

Light rail opens from Seattle to Bellevue this weekend

New East Link service connects Seattle and Bellevue across I-90 after nearly two decades of waiting.

Light rail over Lake Washington will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="become a reality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90" data-vars-content-id="53bfc036-f358-4011-a0bd-37a617905162" data-vars-headline="Light rail opens from Seattle to Bellevue this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90" target="_self">become a reality</a> on Saturday, nearly 18 years after Puget Sound voters first approved it.Why it matters: The completion of Sound Transit&#x27;s East Link extension will connect Bellevue to Seattle, creating a roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="60-mile" data-vars-click-url="https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/crosslake-connection-opens-march-28" data-vars-content-id="53bfc036-f358-4011-a0bd-37a617905162" data-vars-headline="Light rail opens from Seattle to Bellevue this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/crosslake-connection-opens-march-28" target="_blank">60-mile</a> network stretching from the Eastside to Lynnwood to Federal Way.

Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities

New officers in Seattle earn nearly $118K to start, boosted by recent contract raises.

Editor&#x27;s note: This is part two of a three-part deep dive into Seattle&#x27;s contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go here to read part one" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-union-contract-accountability-reforms-opa-oversight-discipline" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-union-contract-accountability-reforms-opa-oversight-discipline" target="_self">Go here to read part one</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here for part three" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-guild-contract-care-program-restrictions-encampments-drug-calls" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-guild-contract-care-program-restrictions-encampments-drug-calls" target="_self">here for part three</a>.Seattle police earn some of the highest starting salaries for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="officers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/28/seattle-police-officer-hiring-surge-2025" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/28/seattle-police-officer-hiring-surge-2025" target="_self">officers</a> in the country, an Axios analysis finds.The big picture: Entry-level pay for Seattle police officers is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly $118,000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kuow.org/stories/new-seattle-police-contract-includes-pay-boost-increased-use-of-unarmed-crisis-response" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/new-seattle-police-contract-includes-pay-boost-increased-use-of-unarmed-crisis-response" target="_blank">nearly $118,000</a> — far exceeding starting pay in New York City and Los Angeles, larger cities with similar or higher costs of living.

Ferguson signs Washington income tax targeting millionaires

The 9.9% tax on income over $1M starts in 2028 and is expected to face a court challenge.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house" data-vars-content-id="097d3f7d-40d1-443a-ae66-8c858596a5c2" data-vars-headline="Ferguson signs Washington income tax targeting millionaires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house" target="_self">new tax</a> on high earners into law Monday, ending Washington&#x27;s run as one of the few states without an income tax on the books.Why it matters: The tax, which won&#x27;t be imposed for nearly two years, is likely to face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legal and political" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" data-vars-content-id="097d3f7d-40d1-443a-ae66-8c858596a5c2" data-vars-headline="Ferguson signs Washington income tax targeting millionaires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" target="_self">legal and political</a> challenges, even as supporters say it will make the state&#x27;s tax code fairer.

Seattle choir unites through gospel and justice

The interfaith group takes music to people in prisons and shelters and those who "don't usually get sung to."

As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black History Month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/12/black-history-months-60-year-anniversaries" data-vars-content-id="36c152c7-1849-46a2-a43c-0c089646b8f8" data-vars-headline="Seattle choir unites through gospel and justice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/12/black-history-months-60-year-anniversaries" target="_self">Black History Month</a> begins, Resounding Love Center for the Arts choir will perform a fundraiser concert Sunday at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rentonschools.us/locations/ripac" data-vars-content-id="36c152c7-1849-46a2-a43c-0c089646b8f8" data-vars-headline="Seattle choir unites through gospel and justice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rentonschools.us/locations/ripac" target="_blank">Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center</a>, using music rooted in Black traditions to bring singers and audiences together.Why it matters: With loneliness and isolation <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/youth-mental-health-gen-z-hopelab-survey-2025" data-vars-content-id="36c152c7-1849-46a2-a43c-0c089646b8f8" data-vars-headline="Seattle choir unites through gospel and justice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/16/youth-mental-health-gen-z-hopelab-survey-2025" target="_self">on the rise</a>, a growing number of Washington residents are searching for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="something deeper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/05/seattle-freeze-friendship-loneliness-community" data-vars-content-id="36c152c7-1849-46a2-a43c-0c089646b8f8" data-vars-headline="Seattle choir unites through gospel and justice" 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/seattle-freeze-friendship-loneliness-community" target="_self">something deeper</a> than entertainment or ideology: a place <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to belong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/01/30/newcomers-seattle-freeze-loneliness-transplants-tech" data-vars-content-id="36c152c7-1849-46a2-a43c-0c089646b8f8" data-vars-headline="Seattle choir unites through gospel and justice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/01/30/newcomers-seattle-freeze-loneliness-transplants-tech" target="_self">to belong</a> and find purpose outside traditional churches, civic groups or political spaces.

Soundgarden honor Chris Cornell during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction

The band was inducted during a Nov. 8 ceremony at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater.

Music

The Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame welcomed another one of Seattle&#x27;s grunge titans on Saturday night.Why it matters: Soundgarden&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="induction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/28/soundgarden-rock-hall-of-fame-2025" data-vars-content-id="1745e1f8-d894-4883-935f-09ec12fc1ed5" data-vars-headline="Soundgarden honor Chris Cornell during Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame induction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/28/soundgarden-rock-hall-of-fame-2025" target="_self">induction</a> cements the band&#x27;s legacy as one of the most impactful rock acts of the past 40 years, which was at the forefront of the early-1990s grunge revolution.

One photo, one post, one heartwarming return

What happens in Vegas can end up on Facebook and back in your mailbox.

Culture

What happens in Vegas ... sometimes ends up on Facebook and back in your mailbox.Driving the news: Jane Moon of Seattle thought a treasured photo of her and her boyfriend at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="EDC Las Vegas" data-vars-click-url="https://lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com/" data-vars-content-id="981cbdf0-894a-4846-ba3a-abf545f7c42b" data-vars-headline="One photo, one post, one heartwarming return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com/" target="_blank">EDC Las Vegas</a> 2025 — an electronic music festival held last month — was gone for good after she lost the Polaroid at the airport.

Weezer is among the acts headlining Bumbershoot in 2025

Performers will include Weezer, Car Seat Headrest, Janelle Monáe and Sylvan Esso, among others.

This year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bumbershoot festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/31/bumbershoot-2023" data-vars-content-id="40b97087-dc79-4e60-ad75-5ad7f0e576e3" data-vars-headline="Weezer is among the acts headlining Bumbershoot in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/31/bumbershoot-2023" target="_self">Bumbershoot festival</a> will feature performances from Weezer, Bright Eyes and Car Seat Headrest, among other acts.The latest: Organizers released the music lineup Wednesday for the longrunning Seattle arts festival, which will be held at Seattle Center Aug. 30-31.

Soundgarden gets inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The band, which formed in Seattle in the 1980s, shaped the city's grunge scene.

Soundgarden has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="finally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/02/12/soundgarden-rock-hall-nomination-2025" data-vars-content-id="09e56725-34fe-497d-9259-9c546e4a3e5f" data-vars-headline="Soundgarden gets inducted into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/02/12/soundgarden-rock-hall-nomination-2025" target="_self">finally</a> made it into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame.Why it matters: The band, a pioneer in Seattle&#x27;s grunge scene, was one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seven acts inducted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/04/28/outkast-cyndi-lauper-rock-hall-2025" data-vars-content-id="09e56725-34fe-497d-9259-9c546e4a3e5f" data-vars-headline="Soundgarden gets inducted into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/04/28/outkast-cyndi-lauper-rock-hall-2025" target="_self">seven acts inducted</a> into the Rock Hall Sunday night in the performer category.

Soundgarden gets 3rd shot at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The band formed in Seattle in the 1980s and was a pioneer in the city's grunge-rock scene.

Soundgarden is one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="14 acts nominated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/02/12/rock-hall-nominees-2025-mariah-outkast" data-vars-content-id="1a91ccb4-73dc-4e9e-b355-210886f0a2b3" data-vars-headline="Soundgarden gets 3rd shot at Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/02/12/rock-hall-nominees-2025-mariah-outkast" target="_self">14 acts nominated</a> for the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame this year.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the third time the grunge-rock band, formed in Seattle <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in the 1980s" data-vars-click-url="https://rockhall.com/artists/soundgarden/#:~:text=In%201984%2C%20bassist%20Hiro%20Yamamoto,Deep%20Six%20Seattle%20grunge%20compilation." data-vars-content-id="1a91ccb4-73dc-4e9e-b355-210886f0a2b3" data-vars-headline="Soundgarden gets 3rd shot at Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rockhall.com/artists/soundgarden/#:~:text=In%201984%2C%20bassist%20Hiro%20Yamamoto,Deep%20Six%20Seattle%20grunge%20compilation." target="_blank">in the 1980s</a>, has gotten a nod — so maybe 2025 is the year the group will win a spot in the Cleveland-based pantheon of rock legends.

Ed Sheeran, Macklemore fans outshake "Swift Quake" in Seattle

Swift fans no longer hold the honor of causing the most seismic activity at  Lumen Field.

Taylor Swift no longer holds the honor of having caused the most seismic activity at Seattle&#x27;s Lumen Field, per researchers at Western Washington University.Catch up quick: Fans at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Swift&#x27;s Eras Tour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/19/seattle-taylor-swift-eras-impact" data-vars-content-id="c1d44695-8343-4d42-822f-f46971b8b000" data-vars-headline="Ed Sheeran, Macklemore fans outshake &quot;Swift Quake&quot; in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/19/seattle-taylor-swift-eras-impact" target="_self">Swift&#x27;s Eras Tour</a> concert last July made the ground move more than the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Beast Quake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/how-marshawn-lynchs-beast-quake-which-just-turned-10-helped-prepare-scientists-for-actual-earthquakes/" data-vars-content-id="c1d44695-8343-4d42-822f-f46971b8b000" data-vars-headline="Ed Sheeran, Macklemore fans outshake &quot;Swift Quake&quot; in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/how-marshawn-lynchs-beast-quake-which-just-turned-10-helped-prepare-scientists-for-actual-earthquakes/" target="_blank">Beast Quake</a>&quot; that followed a Marshawn Lynch touchdown in 2011, WWU geology professor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jackie Caplan-Auerbach said" data-vars-click-url="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/27/entertainment/taylor-swift-seismic-activity/index.html" data-vars-content-id="c1d44695-8343-4d42-822f-f46971b8b000" data-vars-headline="Ed Sheeran, Macklemore fans outshake &quot;Swift Quake&quot; in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/27/entertainment/taylor-swift-seismic-activity/index.html" target="_blank">Jackie Caplan-Auerbach said</a> after Swift&#x27;s 2023 performance.

Seattle's most-streamed artist on Spotify

Plus: Spotify Wrapped unlocks Taylor Swift Easter eggs.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taylor Swift" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/artist/06HL4z0CvFAxyc27GXpf02?si=QqLijF8dRcqFZs9IMCrkCg" data-vars-content-id="2957a861-01b8-41a1-a09a-802f3413cf4d" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s most-streamed artist on Spotify" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/06HL4z0CvFAxyc27GXpf02?si=QqLijF8dRcqFZs9IMCrkCg" target="_blank">Taylor Swift</a> is the most-streamed artist on Spotify this year in Seattle, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Drake" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3TVXtAsR1Inumwj472S9r4?si=I5ldKwaMSrqwd5WlFIlVlQ" data-vars-content-id="2957a861-01b8-41a1-a09a-802f3413cf4d" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s most-streamed artist on Spotify" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3TVXtAsR1Inumwj472S9r4?si=I5ldKwaMSrqwd5WlFIlVlQ" target="_blank">Drake</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Morgan Wallen" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oUHIQIBe0LHzYfvXNW4QM?si=pUaSJ2mWQUK05r_IiwwMIA" data-vars-content-id="2957a861-01b8-41a1-a09a-802f3413cf4d" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s most-streamed artist on Spotify" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oUHIQIBe0LHzYfvXNW4QM?si=pUaSJ2mWQUK05r_IiwwMIA" target="_blank">Morgan Wallen</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Weeknd" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Xyo4u8uXC1ZmMpatF05PJ?si=9mvrNDR8QMe5pGak44gg2Q" data-vars-content-id="2957a861-01b8-41a1-a09a-802f3413cf4d" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s most-streamed artist on Spotify" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Xyo4u8uXC1ZmMpatF05PJ?si=9mvrNDR8QMe5pGak44gg2Q" target="_blank">The Weeknd</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SZA" data-vars-click-url="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tYKF4w9nC0nq9CsPZTHyP?si=60ZlnOoyQJWYRYX1llGjDg" data-vars-content-id="2957a861-01b8-41a1-a09a-802f3413cf4d" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s most-streamed artist on Spotify" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tYKF4w9nC0nq9CsPZTHyP?si=60ZlnOoyQJWYRYX1llGjDg" target="_blank">SZA</a> rounding out the city&#x27;s top five.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spotify Wrapped" data-vars-click-url="https://www.spotify.com/us/wrapped/" data-vars-content-id="2957a861-01b8-41a1-a09a-802f3413cf4d" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s most-streamed artist on Spotify" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.spotify.com/us/wrapped/" target="_blank">Spotify Wrapped</a> dropped yesterday, unlocking over 574 million listeners&#x27; top songs, artists, albums and podcasts of 2023 and naming <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Swift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/01/taylor-swift-2023-billionaire-eras-tour-movie" data-vars-content-id="2957a861-01b8-41a1-a09a-802f3413cf4d" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s most-streamed artist on Spotify" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/01/taylor-swift-2023-billionaire-eras-tour-movie" target="_self">Swift</a> the most-streamed artist globally. Drake, Morgan Wallen, The Weeknd and Bad Bunny are also among the top 10 in the U.S.