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Why Seattle gas could hit $10 a gallon

Rising gas prices hit Washington drivers harder than most.

News

If global disruptions continue, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/01/crude-oil-costs-explain-convert-gas-prices" data-vars-content-id="4c756662-a3ee-441c-87ab-3464aef19b57" data-vars-headline="Why Seattle gas could hit $10 a gallon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/01/crude-oil-costs-explain-convert-gas-prices" target="_self">gas prices</a> here could climb as high as $10 a gallon.Why it matters: Washington drivers already pay among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highest gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/27/washington-gas-tax-increase-july-1" data-vars-content-id="4c756662-a3ee-441c-87ab-3464aef19b57" data-vars-headline="Why Seattle gas could hit $10 a gallon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/27/washington-gas-tax-increase-july-1" target="_self">highest gas prices</a> in the country — so when prices rise, the pain hits harder.

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 jobless rate keeps climbing

Seattle's unemployment rate now exceeds the state's, a reversal typically seen during downturns.

Seattle&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unemployment rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/jobs-february-unemployment-trump" data-vars-content-id="4e2d0b28-0f91-4451-9459-b506595b015b" data-vars-headline="Seattle jobless rate keeps climbing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/jobs-february-unemployment-trump" target="_self">unemployment rate</a> is higher than the state&#x27;s — a rare reversal for the region&#x27;s job market.The big picture: Seattle&#x27;s unemployment rate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surpassed the state&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/21/seattle-unemployment-jobless-rate-rise-2025-tech-layoffs" data-vars-content-id="4e2d0b28-0f91-4451-9459-b506595b015b" data-vars-headline="Seattle jobless rate keeps climbing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/21/seattle-unemployment-jobless-rate-rise-2025-tech-layoffs" target="_self">surpassed the state&#x27;s</a> in November and has continued rising, reaching 5.2% in January versus 5.0% statewide, according to state data shared with Axios.

Washington sues Trump over vote-by-mail restrictions

State officials warn the order could block ballots for voters not on a federal list.

Washington state is fighting President Trump&#x27;s latest attempt to give the federal government <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more control" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/24/trump-order-voting-proof-of-citizenship-blocked" data-vars-content-id="137d1466-a1dc-4d17-ba05-a6dda11e5367" data-vars-headline="Washington sues Trump over vote-by-mail restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/24/trump-order-voting-proof-of-citizenship-blocked" target="_self">more control</a> over vote-by-mail elections.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s March 31 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="executive order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/03/ensuring-citizenship-verification-and-integrity-in-federal-elections/" data-vars-content-id="137d1466-a1dc-4d17-ba05-a6dda11e5367" data-vars-headline="Washington sues Trump over vote-by-mail restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/03/ensuring-citizenship-verification-and-integrity-in-federal-elections/" target="_blank">executive order</a> aims to bar the U.S. Postal Service from mailing federal election ballots to anyone not on a federally approved list — a shift state officials say would disenfranchise many Washington voters.

Ferry line rules: What not to do this summer

There's no printed rulebook, but ferry culture comes with its own code.

There&#x27;s no printed rulebook, but longtime riders know: Ferry culture comes with its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own code" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/05/15/washington-ferry-guide-2024" data-vars-content-id="2a453467-f7d6-42c4-93f6-fa6a0f15fb06" data-vars-headline="Ferry line rules: What not to do this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/05/15/washington-ferry-guide-2024" target="_self">own code</a>.Why it matters: Every summer, ferry life turns into a clash with irritable commuters, delighted but clueless tourists and staff just trying to get through the day.

What to know about ferry reservations in Washington

Reserve a spot if you're bringing a car to the San Juan Islands — or you might not get on at all.

Heading to the San Juan Islands this spring or summer? If you&#x27;re bringing a car, you need to reserve your spot — or you might not get on at all.Why it matters: Washington State Ferries&#x27; most popular routes fill up fast during peak travel season and without a reservation, drivers risk getting turned away or stuck in multi-hour waits.

Seattle's urban fishing scene casts wide appeal

Trout season is on. Here's where to fish, what to bring, and how to get started.

Things to Do

Seattle&#x27;s urban landscapes offer surprisingly rich <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fishing opportunities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/05/pinterest-2025-trends" data-vars-content-id="fdd013f9-1d61-4c87-98b5-78957385970c" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s urban fishing scene casts wide appeal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/05/pinterest-2025-trends" target="_self">fishing opportunities</a> for beginners and pros alike, all without having to leave the city.Why it matters: Casting a line can deliver a mental reset, a deeper connection to the outdoors — and maybe even <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a trout dinner" data-vars-click-url="https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/fish/trout#" data-vars-content-id="fdd013f9-1d61-4c87-98b5-78957385970c" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s urban fishing scene casts wide appeal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/fish/trout#" target="_blank">a trout dinner</a>.

Helping newcomers feel at home in Seattle

The tech boom has drawn thousands, but deepened social divides, says Chamber of Connection founder.

Culture

Seattle is known for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="innovation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/05/23/seattle-economy-rank-city-oxford" data-vars-content-id="a724d442-f4e0-4924-8449-e73826a97b61" data-vars-headline="Helping newcomers feel at home 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/2024/05/23/seattle-economy-rank-city-oxford" target="_self">innovation</a>, stunning scenery and — for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="thousands of newcomers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/01/08/washington-state-population-county-census" data-vars-content-id="a724d442-f4e0-4924-8449-e73826a97b61" data-vars-headline="Helping newcomers feel at home 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/2025/01/08/washington-state-population-county-census" target="_self">thousands of newcomers</a> — a social climate that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="can feel isolating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/09/30/washington-loneliness-rates-lonely-isolation-health" data-vars-content-id="a724d442-f4e0-4924-8449-e73826a97b61" data-vars-headline="Helping newcomers feel at home 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/2024/09/30/washington-loneliness-rates-lonely-isolation-health" target="_self">can feel isolating</a>. But a new civic initiative wants to help transplants, from tech workers to retirees, find their footing.Why it matters: In a world grappling with an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="epidemic of loneliness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/27/lonliness-lonely-states-map" data-vars-content-id="a724d442-f4e0-4924-8449-e73826a97b61" data-vars-headline="Helping newcomers feel at home in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/27/lonliness-lonely-states-map" target="_self">epidemic of loneliness</a> and a city known for being <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="socially chilly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/04/07/seattle-loneliness-pandemic-isolation" data-vars-content-id="a724d442-f4e0-4924-8449-e73826a97b61" data-vars-headline="Helping newcomers feel at home 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/2023/04/07/seattle-loneliness-pandemic-isolation" target="_self">socially chilly</a>, some Seattleites are finding they have to work to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="break the ice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/05/seattle-freeze-friendship-loneliness-community" data-vars-content-id="a724d442-f4e0-4924-8449-e73826a97b61" data-vars-headline="Helping newcomers feel at home 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/2024/12/05/seattle-freeze-friendship-loneliness-community" target="_self">break the ice</a>.

Thawing the Seattle Freeze with fellowship

Seattleites are trying innovative ways to find community and make friends.

Seattleites are finding innovative approaches to form networks and make friends, and one new chapter of a growing secular fellowship is providing a sense of belonging.Why it matters: In a city often associated with the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seattle Freeze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/04/07/seattle-loneliness-pandemic-isolation" data-vars-content-id="e435c5ee-76b0-470b-9d12-ee987438ace0" data-vars-headline="Thawing the Seattle Freeze with fellowship" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/04/07/seattle-loneliness-pandemic-isolation" target="_self">Seattle Freeze</a>,&quot; where making connections can be difficult and a world where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="loneliness is epidemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/03/surgeon-general-vivek-murthy-fights-loneliness" data-vars-content-id="e435c5ee-76b0-470b-9d12-ee987438ace0" data-vars-headline="Thawing the Seattle Freeze with fellowship" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/03/surgeon-general-vivek-murthy-fights-loneliness" target="_self">loneliness is epidemic</a>, finding creative ways to foster relationships is increasingly important.

Top outdoor gear for Seattle's summers

Sunglasses, a water bottle and comfortable shoes are must-haves, local experts say.

Newcomers Guide

With summer just around the corner, it&#x27;s time to start thinking about the basics you may need to make the most of our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warmer weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/21/la-nina-watch-washington-seattle" data-vars-content-id="fdaa8f20-aff4-4a1c-b5da-df3b0cf614a9" data-vars-headline="Top outdoor gear for Seattle&#x27;s summers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/21/la-nina-watch-washington-seattle" target="_self">warmer weather</a>.Why it matters: With <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="so much gear" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/07/top-gear-picks-outdoor-adventures-overland-expo" data-vars-content-id="fdaa8f20-aff4-4a1c-b5da-df3b0cf614a9" data-vars-headline="Top outdoor gear for Seattle&#x27;s summers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/07/top-gear-picks-outdoor-adventures-overland-expo" target="_self">so much gear</a> out there, making choices can feel overwhelming to Seattle newcomers or even old-timers who&#x27;ve been hibernating too long.

Get to know your neighbors: otters, coyotes and bears

Don't be surprised to see black bears in WA. The whole state is bear country.

Every spring, when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington&#x27;s black bears" data-vars-click-url="https://wdfw.wa.gov/blackbears" data-vars-content-id="35b087f8-8447-46dd-a87e-aa4cff491fcf" data-vars-headline="Get to know your neighbors: otters, coyotes and bears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wdfw.wa.gov/blackbears" target="_blank">Washington&#x27;s black bears</a> emerge from their winter snoozes hungry and on the prowl, the state&#x27;s Department of Fish &amp; Wildlife (WDFW) gets a flurry of reports from residents surprised to see wild animals roaming in populated King County.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Urban wildlife" data-vars-click-url="http://urbanwildlifegroup.org/urban-wildlife-information" data-vars-content-id="35b087f8-8447-46dd-a87e-aa4cff491fcf" data-vars-headline="Get to know your neighbors: otters, coyotes and bears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://urbanwildlifegroup.org/urban-wildlife-information" target="_blank">Urban wildlife</a> is becoming an increasingly common sight in Seattle and King County, said WDFW spokesperson Chase Gunnell.

Newcomers Guide

Ferry line rules: What not to do this summer

What to know about ferry reservations in Washington

Seattle's urban fishing scene casts wide appeal

Quiet retreat at Town Hall's garden

Portland vs. Seattle: A brief history of a centuries-old feud