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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.

News

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.

Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots

New laws will require AI labels on altered media and set limits on chatbot interactions with minors.

Washington is policing artificial intelligence, with new laws signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson setting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="guardrails" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/09/washington-ai-regulation-chatbots-kids-deepfakes" data-vars-content-id="dd4f90d9-9445-4028-998b-133531765ca8" data-vars-headline="Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/09/washington-ai-regulation-chatbots-kids-deepfakes" target="_self">guardrails</a> for companion chatbots and requiring disclosure when images are made or edited by AI.Why it matters: The new Washington laws highlight how policymakers are responding as AI use rapidly expands in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/02/ai-jobs-mit-study-workforce-impact" data-vars-content-id="dd4f90d9-9445-4028-998b-133531765ca8" data-vars-headline="Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/02/ai-jobs-mit-study-workforce-impact" target="_self">business</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="everyday life" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/chatgpt-pulse-ai-assistant-moms" data-vars-content-id="dd4f90d9-9445-4028-998b-133531765ca8" data-vars-headline="Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/30/chatgpt-pulse-ai-assistant-moms" target="_self">everyday life</a>.What&#x27;s inside: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="House Bill 1170" data-vars-click-url="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1170-S2.SL.pdf?q=20260402093407" data-vars-content-id="dd4f90d9-9445-4028-998b-133531765ca8" data-vars-headline="Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1170-S2.SL.pdf?q=20260402093407" target="_blank">House Bill 1170</a> will require large AI companies to identify when images, video, or audio are altered or created using their systems &quot;to the extent commercially and technically reasonable.&quot;<ul><li>A watermark imposed on an image, or data embedded in the digital file, could meet the mandatory disclosure requirement.</li><li>Companies must also offer tools to help detect AI-modified content.</li></ul><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="House Bill 2225" data-vars-click-url="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2225&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" data-vars-content-id="dd4f90d9-9445-4028-998b-133531765ca8" data-vars-headline="Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=2225&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">House Bill 2225</a> takes aim at companion chatbots — AI systems designed to mimic human conversation and build ongoing relationships with users.<ul><li>Companies that run them must tell users upfront that they&#x27;re talking to a machine and must remind them every three hours. </li><li>If the user is a minor, those reminders must come every hour, and the company must prevent the chatbot from using manipulative tactics to deepen emotional attachment.</li><li>Companies must have a plan for flagging users who express suicidal thoughts or self-harm and directing them to a crisis line or other resources.</li></ul>A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="separate law" data-vars-click-url="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5886&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" data-vars-content-id="dd4f90d9-9445-4028-998b-133531765ca8" data-vars-headline="Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5886&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">separate law</a> allows people to sue over unauthorized AI-generated uses of their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voice or image" data-vars-click-url="https://mattboehnke.src.wastateleg.org/news-sen-matt-boehnke-bill-protecting-washingtonians-ai-deepfakes-signed-law/" data-vars-content-id="dd4f90d9-9445-4028-998b-133531765ca8" data-vars-headline="Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mattboehnke.src.wastateleg.org/news-sen-matt-boehnke-bill-protecting-washingtonians-ai-deepfakes-signed-law/" target="_blank">voice or image</a>, including so-called &quot;deepfakes.&quot;What they&#x27;re saying: The chatbot regulations are partly in response to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stories" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5545749/ai-chatbots-safety-openai-meta-characterai-teens-suicide" data-vars-content-id="dd4f90d9-9445-4028-998b-133531765ca8" data-vars-headline="Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5545749/ai-chatbots-safety-openai-meta-characterai-teens-suicide" target="_blank">stories</a> of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="teens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/us/openai-chatgpt-suicide-lawsuit-invs-vis" data-vars-content-id="dd4f90d9-9445-4028-998b-133531765ca8" data-vars-headline="Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/us/openai-chatgpt-suicide-lawsuit-invs-vis" target="_blank">teens</a> &quot;turning to these chatbots in times of distress before quite tragically ultimately ending their lives,&quot; Ferguson said at last week&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bill signing ceremony" data-vars-click-url="https://tvw.org/video/gov-bob-ferguson-bill-signing-2026031263/?eventID=2026031263" data-vars-content-id="dd4f90d9-9445-4028-998b-133531765ca8" data-vars-headline="Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tvw.org/video/gov-bob-ferguson-bill-signing-2026031263/?eventID=2026031263" target="_blank">bill signing ceremony</a>. <ul><li>When it comes to digital media, the governor added, it is important to &quot;know what is human-made and what is machine-generated.&quot;</li><li>&quot;By making it clear when AI generates media, Washingtonians are better protected against confusion, deception and misinformation,&quot; he said.</li></ul>The other side: Some critics object to the chatbot law allowing private individuals to sue over violations, arguing enforcement should be left to state regulators.<ul><li>&quot;Allowing these standards to be defined through private lawsuits, rather than through agency rulemaking or coordinated enforcement, may create uncertainty for responsible actors seeking to comply in good faith,&quot; the Washington Liability Reform Coalition <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wrote in a letter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27998214-2225-regulating-artificial-intelligence-companion-chatbots-dana-bieber-washington-liability-reform-coalition-032026-vr/" data-vars-content-id="dd4f90d9-9445-4028-998b-133531765ca8" data-vars-headline="Washington to require AI labels and set limits on chatbots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27998214-2225-regulating-artificial-intelligence-companion-chatbots-dana-bieber-washington-liability-reform-coalition-032026-vr/" target="_blank">wrote in a letter</a> asking Ferguson to veto part of the legislation.</li><li>Ferguson ultimately signed the chatbot bill without changes.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: The AI disclosure law will take effect in February 2027, while the chatbot regulation law will take effect in January. <ul><li>The anti-deepfake law targeting AI-generated impersonations will take effect in June.</li></ul>

Share your Seattle bug horror stories

Share which pests you hate most and your wildest bug encounters.

Spring is here! The sun is finally shining in Seattle, and as temperatures rise, so do uninvited houseguests — ants patrolling the countertops, spiders setting up shop in forgotten corners, and mystery flies emerging from drains. We want to hear from you: Have you ever had a weird encounter with a stinkbug? Surrendered to an ant invasion? Woken up with mysterious bites?

Why Seattle gas could hit $10 a gallon

Rising gas prices hit Washington drivers harder than most.

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.

How the I-5 bridge saga led to a $14B price tag

Delays, rising costs and a plan that fell apart in 2013 shaped today's $14B price tag.

The soaring price tag for a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Interstate 5 bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2022/07/26/interstate-5-bridge-washington-oregon" data-vars-content-id="be970270-b761-4661-a2a7-13a5c65dd63a" data-vars-headline="How the I-5 bridge saga led to a $14B price tag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2022/07/26/interstate-5-bridge-washington-oregon" target="_self">Interstate 5 bridge</a> connecting Washington and Oregon is only the latest stumble in a decades-long effort to replace the aging crossing.Why it matters: The total project cost has more than<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" quadrupled" data-vars-click-url="http://interstatebridge.org/resources/program-news/governors-ferguson-and-kotek-recommit-to-replacing-columbia-river-bridge/" data-vars-content-id="be970270-b761-4661-a2a7-13a5c65dd63a" data-vars-headline="How the I-5 bridge saga led to a $14B price tag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://interstatebridge.org/resources/program-news/governors-ferguson-and-kotek-recommit-to-replacing-columbia-river-bridge/" target="_blank"> quadrupled</a> since an earlier replacement plan fell apart in 2013, now topping $14 billion — all while the bridge continues to snarl traffic and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could collapse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.columbian.com/news/2021/nov/09/video-shows-what-earthquake-would-do-to-interstate-5-bridge/" data-vars-content-id="be970270-b761-4661-a2a7-13a5c65dd63a" data-vars-headline="How the I-5 bridge saga led to a $14B price tag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.columbian.com/news/2021/nov/09/video-shows-what-earthquake-would-do-to-interstate-5-bridge/" target="_blank">could collapse</a> in a major earthquake.

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.

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 conversion therapy ban in doubt after SCOTUS ruling

A Supreme Court decision on a similar ban in Colorado is forcing a closer look at Washington's law.

Washington state officials are assessing what a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Supreme Court ruling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/supreme-court-colorado-conversion-therapy-ban" data-vars-content-id="f7ee3c3d-f52d-4fa2-b82a-a56c2a89c676" data-vars-headline="Washington conversion therapy ban in doubt after SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/supreme-court-colorado-conversion-therapy-ban" target="_self">U.S. Supreme Court ruling</a> against Colorado&#x27;s conversion therapy ban could mean for a similar law here.Why it matters: The 8-1 ruling could limit Washington&#x27;s ability to enforce <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/07/scotus-case-could-shake-washington-conversion-therapy-ban" data-vars-content-id="f7ee3c3d-f52d-4fa2-b82a-a56c2a89c676" data-vars-headline="Washington conversion therapy ban in doubt after SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/07/scotus-case-could-shake-washington-conversion-therapy-ban" target="_self">its ban</a> on conversion therapy, even as leading <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="medical associations" data-vars-click-url="https://usjs.org/" data-vars-content-id="f7ee3c3d-f52d-4fa2-b82a-a56c2a89c676" data-vars-headline="Washington conversion therapy ban in doubt after SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://usjs.org/" target="_blank">medical associations</a> say the practice <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is ineffective and likely harmful" data-vars-click-url="https://www.psychiatry.org/getattachment/3d23f2f4-1497-4537-b4de-fe32fe8761bf/Position-Conversion-Therapy.pdf" data-vars-content-id="f7ee3c3d-f52d-4fa2-b82a-a56c2a89c676" data-vars-headline="Washington conversion therapy ban in doubt after SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.psychiatry.org/getattachment/3d23f2f4-1497-4537-b4de-fe32fe8761bf/Position-Conversion-Therapy.pdf" target="_blank">is ineffective and likely harmful</a> to LGBTQ people.

3 Seattle ties to blockbuster "Project Hail Mary"

Two Seattle filmmakers and a local teacher helped shape the sci-fi movie starring Ryan Gosling.

&quot;Project Hail Mary,&quot; the new sci-fi film starring Ryan Gosling, has a few Seattle connections you may not know about.<ol><li>Two of the film&#x27;s key creators are locals. Co-director Christopher Miller and producer Aditya Sood graduated from Seattle&#x27;s Lakeside School, where they were childhood friends, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Seattle Times reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/christopher-millers-project-hail-mary-wouldnt-exist-without-the-muppets/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=owned_echobox_f&amp;utm_source=Facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawQ6QzhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFoa3dBV1cxV2FpQXhobHhSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlQ5_24-tmKXXYlBNNYcBw64rqhnuanlS2vuSMtp3QaQiOnwA_BdAFMvqSuR_aem_ojg5NNzbabqwmGsaWxWLAg#Echobox=1773768167" data-vars-content-id="ef640b6b-b98e-4000-a370-e560db0f61fa" data-vars-headline="3 Seattle ties to blockbuster &quot;Project Hail Mary&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/christopher-millers-project-hail-mary-wouldnt-exist-without-the-muppets/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=owned_echobox_f&amp;utm_source=Facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawQ6QzhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFoa3dBV1cxV2FpQXhobHhSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlQ5_24-tmKXXYlBNNYcBw64rqhnuanlS2vuSMtp3QaQiOnwA_BdAFMvqSuR_aem_ojg5NNzbabqwmGsaWxWLAg#Echobox=1773768167" target="_blank">The Seattle Times reports</a>.</li></ol>

Seattle could rename former Chávez park for Dolores Huerta

Seattle removed the Chávez name and is now taking suggestions, including honoring Dolores Huerta.

Seattle Parks and Recreation is accepting suggestions to rename the former César Chávez Park — and some would like a name that honors labor leader Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers alongside Chávez.The big picture: The push to rename the park follows a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York Times investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html" data-vars-content-id="a31e65ce-d4a6-452f-aaef-dec676bb6e66" data-vars-headline="Seattle could rename former Chávez park for Dolores Huerta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html" target="_blank">New York Times investigation</a> last month that detailed reports of Chávez sexually abusing women and girls, including Huerta.

News 🗞

How the I-5 bridge saga led to a $14B price tag

Share your Seattle bug horror stories

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

Washington sues Trump over vote-by-mail restrictions

Seattle jobless rate keeps climbing