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New Seahawks owner on moving the team: "Never say never"

The Seahawks' Lumen Field lease runs through 2032, with renewal options extending through 2062.

News

New Seahawks owner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vinod Khosla" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/08/27/seahawks-sale-khosla-family-9-billion-allen-ownership" data-vars-content-id="fa0271b9-06eb-4d59-a1ec-17e911e74094" data-vars-headline="New Seahawks owner on moving the team: &quot;Never say never&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/08/27/seahawks-sale-khosla-family-9-billion-allen-ownership" target="_self">Vinod Khosla</a> told Axios this week that he has no plans to move the team out of Seattle — but he &quot;will never say never.&quot; Why it matters: Seattleites, who are still stinging over the loss of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sonics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/26/seattle-officials-cheer-potential-return-of-sonics" data-vars-content-id="fa0271b9-06eb-4d59-a1ec-17e911e74094" data-vars-headline="New Seahawks owner on moving the team: &quot;Never say never&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/26/seattle-officials-cheer-potential-return-of-sonics" target="_self">Sonics</a> nearly 20 years ago, have a strong interest in keeping the reigning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl champs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="fa0271b9-06eb-4d59-a1ec-17e911e74094" data-vars-headline="New Seahawks owner on moving the team: &quot;Never say never&quot;" 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 champs</a> in town.

Washington's sick season appears to be starting early

ER visits are climbing as flu spreads early and Seattle wastewater shows high COVID activity.

Health

Winter may be months away, but cold season in Washington doesn&#x27;t seem to be waiting.Driving the news: Emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses are rising as October begins, while COVID is also showing up increasingly in wastewater and hospitals, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state data" data-vars-click-url="https://doh.wa.gov/data-and-statistical-reports/diseases-and-chronic-conditions/communicable-disease-surveillance-data/respiratory-illness-data-dashboard" data-vars-content-id="4656f36a-ef1f-45c1-8443-9b5c5d769aff" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s sick season appears to be starting early" 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/diseases-and-chronic-conditions/communicable-disease-surveillance-data/respiratory-illness-data-dashboard" target="_blank">state data</a>.

UW fentanyl vaccine moves closer to human testing

Researchers are preparing for human trials after years of work on the experimental vaccine.

University of Washington researchers are closing in on a vaccine that could help prevent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fentanyl overdoses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/30/fentanyl-overdoses-rise-portland-oregon" data-vars-content-id="4f39f9aa-2b80-454b-8249-0dd92987ba85" data-vars-headline="UW fentanyl vaccine moves closer to human testing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/30/fentanyl-overdoses-rise-portland-oregon" target="_self">fentanyl overdoses</a> by teaching the immune system to stop the drug before it reaches the brain. Why it matters: Washington has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hit hard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/09/27/opioid-overdoses-washington-king-county" data-vars-content-id="4f39f9aa-2b80-454b-8249-0dd92987ba85" data-vars-headline="UW fentanyl vaccine moves closer to human testing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/09/27/opioid-overdoses-washington-king-county" target="_self">hit hard</a> by the fentanyl crisis in recent years. And though overdose deaths involving the drug <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have fallen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/16/washington-overdose-deaths-decline-2024" data-vars-content-id="4f39f9aa-2b80-454b-8249-0dd92987ba85" data-vars-headline="UW fentanyl vaccine moves closer to human testing" 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">have fallen</a> since 2023, they <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="remain" data-vars-click-url="https://adai.uw.edu/wadata/major_drug_deaths.htm" data-vars-content-id="4f39f9aa-2b80-454b-8249-0dd92987ba85" data-vars-headline="UW fentanyl vaccine moves closer to human testing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://adai.uw.edu/wadata/major_drug_deaths.htm" target="_blank">remain</a> well above pre-pandemic levels.

Washington ranks third in U.S. for library checkouts

Library checkouts in Washington remain far above the national average.

In case you needed more evidence that we&#x27;re a state full of bookworms: Washington ranks third in the nation for public library checkouts per person, federal data shows.Why it matters: Libraries remain a heavily used public resource in Washington, whether readers are borrowing from shelves or screens.

New Medicaid rules cut coverage for 11,000 in Washington state

At least 200,000 more Washington residents could lose Medicaid by 2027 as new work rules take effect.

About 11,000 Washington residents lost <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Medicaid coverage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/09/washington-medicaid-cuts-healthcare-losses" data-vars-content-id="fc9876cb-58ea-4cba-aa96-eb9bf3bf8693" data-vars-headline="New Medicaid rules cut coverage for 11,000 in Washington state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/09/washington-medicaid-cuts-healthcare-losses" target="_self">Medicaid coverage</a> this month because of changes Congress approved last year, with many more expected to lose health insurance in the coming months.The big picture: State officials predict at least 200,000 more Washington residents will be kicked off Medicaid by the end of 2027 because of H.R. 1, which President Trump dubbed the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big, beautiful bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/04/trump-signs-big-beautiful-bill-tax-spending-budget" data-vars-content-id="fc9876cb-58ea-4cba-aa96-eb9bf3bf8693" data-vars-headline="New Medicaid rules cut coverage for 11,000 in Washington state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/04/trump-signs-big-beautiful-bill-tax-spending-budget" target="_self">big, beautiful bill</a>.&quot;

Seattle targets "AI-assisted price gouging" at grocery stores

The rules bar grocers from using personal data to charge different prices — a 1st for a U.S. city.

Seattle is set to become the first U.S. city to ban <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grocery stores" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/27/inside-seattles-grocery-price-spike" data-vars-content-id="53453252-f4d8-4d67-ae2d-cf744a68e5f1" data-vars-headline="Seattle targets &quot;AI-assisted price gouging&quot; at grocery stores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/27/inside-seattles-grocery-price-spike" target="_self">grocery stores</a> from using personal data to charge customers different prices for the same items, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Consumer Reports" data-vars-click-url="https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_release/seattle-city-council-votes-to-ban-surveillance-pricing-in-sale-of-groceries/" data-vars-content-id="53453252-f4d8-4d67-ae2d-cf744a68e5f1" data-vars-headline="Seattle targets &quot;AI-assisted price gouging&quot; at grocery stores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_release/seattle-city-council-votes-to-ban-surveillance-pricing-in-sale-of-groceries/" target="_blank">Consumer Reports</a>.Why it matters: Supporters of the ban say companies are using algorithms to charge shoppers different prices, driving up costs for some without their knowledge.<ul><li>Opponents argue the new rules will keep retailers from offering individually tailored discounts.</li></ul>

Washington Supreme Court strikes down natural gas initiative

The court said I-2066 improperly combined distinct subjects, invalidating the entire measure.

Washington&#x27;s Supreme Court has struck down <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Initiative 2066" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/11/15/washington-natural-gas-ballot-measure-lawsuit-2066" data-vars-content-id="6509d0a3-3564-49da-b0fb-88494fb0ef33" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court strikes down natural gas initiative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/11/15/washington-natural-gas-ballot-measure-lawsuit-2066" target="_self">Initiative 2066</a>, a natural gas ballot measure approved by voters two years ago.Why it matters: The ruling invalidates the initiative, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="which sought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/15/washington-natural-gas-initiative-fight" data-vars-content-id="6509d0a3-3564-49da-b0fb-88494fb0ef33" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court strikes down natural gas initiative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/15/washington-natural-gas-initiative-fight" target="_self">which sought</a> to roll back the state&#x27;s energy-efficient <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="building codes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/12/04/heat-pumps-building-codes-washington-state" data-vars-content-id="6509d0a3-3564-49da-b0fb-88494fb0ef33" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court strikes down natural gas initiative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/12/04/heat-pumps-building-codes-washington-state" target="_self">building codes</a> and to bar state and local governments from discouraging the use of natural gas.The latest: The court found the initiative violated a constitutional rule that requires laws to stick to a single subject.

Scoop: Equity director quits WA child welfare agency, alleging racial bias

The agency's equity director resigned and 5 others raised concerns about treatment of employees of color.

The equity director at Washington state&#x27;s child welfare agency resigned last week, citing &quot;discriminatory and biased leadership&quot; at the department.The big picture: Washington&#x27;s Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) lists advancing racial equity as one of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top priorities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pubs/COMM_0058%20DCYF_Strategic_Priorities_2021-2026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="681e14c5-33bb-491d-b4df-ab0083369ca3" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Equity director quits WA child welfare agency, alleging racial bias" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pubs/COMM_0058%20DCYF_Strategic_Priorities_2021-2026.pdf" target="_blank">top priorities</a>. But the former director of the department&#x27;s equity office, Patricia Colemon, says the agency is failing to live up to that goal.

Seattle sues over Trump rule on immigrants' use of public benefits

Officials warn the rule could drive immigrant families away from health, food and housing programs.

Seattle and King County are suing to block a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="59837e14-619d-4ca7-b2dd-8a5a5ceef705" data-vars-headline="Seattle sues over Trump rule on immigrants&#x27; use of public benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration rule they say will drive immigrant families away from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public benefits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/21/ai-snap-medicaid-unemployment-benefits" data-vars-content-id="59837e14-619d-4ca7-b2dd-8a5a5ceef705" data-vars-headline="Seattle sues over Trump rule on immigrants&#x27; use of public benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/21/ai-snap-medicaid-unemployment-benefits" target="_self">public benefits</a> they can legally receive.Why it matters: Local officials warn the rule could push hundreds of thousands of immigrants out of health, food and housing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="programs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/09/immigrants-taxes-benefits-cato-institute" data-vars-content-id="59837e14-619d-4ca7-b2dd-8a5a5ceef705" data-vars-headline="Seattle sues over Trump rule on immigrants&#x27; use of public benefits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/09/immigrants-taxes-benefits-cato-institute" target="_self">programs</a>, increasing homelessness and shifting millions in costs to local hospitals and governments.

Seattle's civil rights laws could soon cover polyamory

The proposal would bar discrimination based on family and relationship structure in Seattle.

Seattle officials are weighing a proposal that would extend civil rights protections to people in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="polyamorous" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/14/polyamory-laws-nonmonogamy-stigma" data-vars-content-id="2cd9b187-a4a3-4862-bd6c-4033615560cc" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s civil rights laws could soon cover polyamory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/14/polyamory-laws-nonmonogamy-stigma" target="_self">polyamorous</a> relationships.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measure" data-vars-click-url="https://seattle.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8175165&amp;GUID=01C70EAD-3964-4E26-8DDF-E42FD2C8AB8F" data-vars-content-id="2cd9b187-a4a3-4862-bd6c-4033615560cc" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s civil rights laws could soon cover polyamory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://seattle.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=8175165&amp;GUID=01C70EAD-3964-4E26-8DDF-E42FD2C8AB8F" target="_blank">measure</a> would make people who engage in consensual nonmonogamy, including polyamory, a protected class that can&#x27;t be discriminated against in areas such as housing or employment.

Washington officials urge use of ballot drop boxes amid mail delays

Late-postmark ballot rejections rose in the August primary, prompting new warnings about voting by mail.

Washington election officials are telling voters to bypass the mailbox in this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vote-by-mail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2022/11/01/washington-leader-vote-by-mail" data-vars-content-id="df3be5e3-6301-43c4-8c57-df524ff1cd45" data-vars-headline="Washington officials urge use of ballot drop boxes amid mail delays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2022/11/01/washington-leader-vote-by-mail" target="_self">vote-by-mail</a> election, citing delays caused by the U.S. Postal Service.Why it matters: A higher share of mail-in ballots were rejected because of late postmarks in the state&#x27;s August primary, prompting officials to remind voters to use <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballot drop boxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/10/30/ballot-box-security-washington-state" data-vars-content-id="df3be5e3-6301-43c4-8c57-df524ff1cd45" data-vars-headline="Washington officials urge use of ballot drop boxes amid mail delays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/10/30/ballot-box-security-washington-state" target="_self">ballot drop boxes</a> to ensure their votes are counted.

Washington state sues again over Trump's mail-in voting rule

The new lawsuit comes as Washington and other states prepare to send ballots to voters in September.

Washington and 24 other states are again trying to block President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="219658e1-75ac-4512-b0fc-d519320323fb" data-vars-headline="Washington state sues again over Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting rule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s</a> sweeping Postal Service rule on mail-in voting, just days after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supreme Court" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/supreme-court-legal-decisions" data-vars-content-id="219658e1-75ac-4512-b0fc-d519320323fb" data-vars-headline="Washington state sues again over Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting rule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/supreme-court-legal-decisions" target="_self">Supreme Court</a> lifted a lower court&#x27;s injunction against his executive order.The big picture: The Supreme Court&#x27;s decision this week essentially said the states sued too early. Now, they&#x27;re hoping the timing is right to kneecap the plan ahead of the midterms.

Washington vows to fight Trump's mail-in voting order

The decision could have sweeping effects in Washington, where elections are conducted entirely by mail.

President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="f8d29953-3dff-4cfd-b4bd-7958d8820a24" data-vars-headline="Washington vows to fight Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> can implement an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="executive order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/trump-mail-in-voting-order-blocked" data-vars-content-id="f8d29953-3dff-4cfd-b4bd-7958d8820a24" data-vars-headline="Washington vows to fight Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/25/trump-mail-in-voting-order-blocked" target="_self">executive order</a> restricting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mail-in" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/mail-in-voting-trump-pew-poll" data-vars-content-id="f8d29953-3dff-4cfd-b4bd-7958d8820a24" data-vars-headline="Washington vows to fight Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/mail-in-voting-trump-pew-poll" target="_self">mail-in</a> ballots just months before the midterm elections, the Supreme Court said Monday.Why it matters: The decision could upend this year&#x27;s elections, particularly in vote-by-mail states like Washington. But the legal battle is far from over, and the ruling&#x27;s exact impact remains unclear.

Seattle weighs new limits on overnight RV parking

The proposal pairs tighter street parking rules with $5 million for outreach and safe lots.

Seattle officials are weighing a crackdown on RVs and motorhomes, which would include banning them from parking overnight on city streets without a permit.The big picture: City officials estimate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a quarter" data-vars-click-url="https://council.seattle.gov/2026/08/07/councilmember-strauss-announces-legislation-to-create-pathways-to-housing-for-people-living-in-their-vehicles/" data-vars-content-id="5ef3b604-c4ae-4070-b814-8116a1ec02c9" data-vars-headline="Seattle weighs new limits on overnight RV parking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://council.seattle.gov/2026/08/07/councilmember-strauss-announces-legislation-to-create-pathways-to-housing-for-people-living-in-their-vehicles/" target="_blank">a quarter</a> of people living <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unsheltered" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/06/23/king-county-homelessness-count-2026-unsheltered-growth-point-in-time" data-vars-content-id="5ef3b604-c4ae-4070-b814-8116a1ec02c9" data-vars-headline="Seattle weighs new limits on overnight RV parking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/06/23/king-county-homelessness-count-2026-unsheltered-growth-point-in-time" target="_self">unsheltered</a> in the Seattle area live in vehicles. But the city&#x27;s only safe parking lot for RVs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/seattles-only-homeless-rv-parking-lot-makes-way-for-pickleball-complex/" data-vars-content-id="5ef3b604-c4ae-4070-b814-8116a1ec02c9" data-vars-headline="Seattle weighs new limits on overnight RV parking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/seattles-only-homeless-rv-parking-lot-makes-way-for-pickleball-complex/" target="_blank">closed last year</a> to make way for a pickleball complex.

Politics 🇺🇸

New Medicaid rules cut coverage for 11,000 in Washington state

Seattle targets "AI-assisted price gouging" at grocery stores

Washington Supreme Court strikes down natural gas initiative

Scoop: Equity director quits WA child welfare agency, alleging racial bias

Seattle sues over Trump rule on immigrants' use of public benefits