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REI union pushes boycott during anniversary sale

Union organizers are asking customers to avoid REI stores through May 25 after contract talks stalled.

Business

Union workers at REI are urging customers to boycott the outdoor retailer&#x27;s anniversary sale this week — including in markets without unionized stores.The big picture: The boycott comes after the co-op and its union failed to reach a contract agreement last month, with the union calling management&#x27;s latest offer &quot;unacceptable.&quot;

6 Washington residents monitored after rare hantavirus exposure

News

The public is at low risk for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hantavirus exposure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/hantavirus-response-raises-readiness-concerns" data-vars-content-id="5449003f-accf-4213-b144-7168116f0ced" data-vars-headline="6 Washington residents monitored after rare hantavirus exposure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/hantavirus-response-raises-readiness-concerns" target="_self">hantavirus exposure</a> even though six state residents are being monitored after last month&#x27;s outbreak on a cruise ship.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andes strain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/07/hantavirus-cruise-outbreak-covid-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="5449003f-accf-4213-b144-7168116f0ced" data-vars-headline="6 Washington residents monitored after rare hantavirus exposure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/07/hantavirus-cruise-outbreak-covid-pandemic" target="_self">Andes strain</a> is the only known type of hantavirus that spreads <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="person-to-person" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/13/utahns-exposed-hantavirus-cruise-ship" data-vars-content-id="5449003f-accf-4213-b144-7168116f0ced" data-vars-headline="6 Washington residents monitored after rare hantavirus exposure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/13/utahns-exposed-hantavirus-cruise-ship" target="_self">person-to-person</a>.

The AI backlash is growing in Seattle and beyond

From local data center fights to fears about jobs and energy use, resistance to AI is mounting.

If AI were a candidate for political office, it would be losing in a landslide.Why it matters: The AI hype cycle would have you believe the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="technology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology" data-vars-content-id="e1ae6bc3-3714-46a1-a6ec-be1a6b0a0132" data-vars-headline="The AI backlash is growing in Seattle and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology" target="_self">technology</a> is inevitable. But AI backlash is growing, as people worry it will steal their jobs, jack up electricity rates and further enrich the wealthy, all while hurting the environment.

Seattle area receives failing grades for air pollution

The Seattle-Tacoma area ranked 8th worst nationally for short-term particle pollution.

The Seattle area&#x27;s air quality is generally better than in many parts of the U.S. — but the region <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still experiences" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/29/seattle-air-pollution-rankings-2025-report" data-vars-content-id="7a498051-e89f-44d8-b196-395d617829f7" data-vars-headline="Seattle area receives failing grades for air pollution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/29/seattle-air-pollution-rankings-2025-report" target="_self">still experiences</a> unhealthy levels of soot and smog pollution, according to the American Lung Association (ALA).Why it matters: Exposure to smog and fine-particle pollution can harm lung function and contribute to diseases including strokes, heart attacks and diabetes, the group says.

Seattle council OKs larger tiny home villages

City leaders say bigger shelter sites could move more people indoors faster this year.

Politics

The Seattle City Council voted Tuesday to temporarily allow larger tiny home villages and safe lots for people living in vehicles — a key part of Mayor Katie Wilson&#x27;s plan to address homelessness.The big picture: The measure is one way Wilson is trying to fulfill her pledge of adding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1,000 shelter units" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/06/seattle-homelessness-plan-1000-shelter-beds-tiny-home-villages-2026" data-vars-content-id="802db9b7-0c07-4e1d-8281-a7846c1607a2" data-vars-headline="Seattle council OKs larger tiny home villages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/06/seattle-homelessness-plan-1000-shelter-beds-tiny-home-villages-2026" target="_self">1,000 shelter units</a> by the end of the year.

Washington Gov. Ferguson fined over state plane ethics violation

Ferguson was fined after inviting ex-adviser Mike Webb on a state plane — a trip first reported by Axios.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson violated state ethics law last summer by allowing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former aide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/31/ferguson-2019-audit-concerns-mike-webb-aide" data-vars-content-id="bcfb2f45-bed5-4bcc-ba7c-e31d4aeedad5" data-vars-headline="Washington Gov. Ferguson fined over state plane ethics violation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/31/ferguson-2019-audit-concerns-mike-webb-aide" target="_self">former aide</a> to ride on a state plane, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="settlement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28097519-ferguson-ethics-stipulation/" data-vars-content-id="bcfb2f45-bed5-4bcc-ba7c-e31d4aeedad5" data-vars-headline="Washington Gov. Ferguson fined over state plane ethics violation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28097519-ferguson-ethics-stipulation/" target="_blank">settlement</a> the state Executive Ethics Board approved Friday.<ul><li>The former aide, Mike Webb, had resigned months earlier amid allegations of creating a hostile workplace.</li></ul>

Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax

Opponents will have to pursue a citizen initiative if they want to overturn the tax at the ballot box.

The Washington state Supreme Court ruled Monday that the state&#x27;s newly passed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="income tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" 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">income tax</a> cannot be overturned through a referendum campaign.Why it matters: Opponents of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" 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">tax</a> — which targets people who make more than $1 million a year — now face a tougher path to repeal it at the ballot box. <ul><li>They would need to pursue a citizen initiative, which requires more signatures to qualify for the ballot.</li></ul>Catch up quick: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Senate Bill 6346" data-vars-click-url="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=6346&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=6346&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">Senate Bill 6346</a>, which Washington lawmakers approved in March, will impose a 9.9% tax on annual incomes over $1 million starting in 2028.<ul><li>In passing the tax, the Legislature declared it &quot;necessary for the support of the state government and its existing public institutions.&quot; </li><li>That language led Secretary of State Steve Hobbs to reject a referendum petition to repeal the law earlier this year, saying the tax is exempt from the referendum process.</li></ul>Yes, but: Brian Heywood, founder of Let&#x27;s Go Washington, which filed the referendum petition, challenged Hobbs&#x27; decision in court. <ul><li>He and other plaintiffs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="argued" data-vars-click-url="https://letsgowashington.com/lgw-takes-rejected-referendum-case-to-supreme-court/" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://letsgowashington.com/lgw-takes-rejected-referendum-case-to-supreme-court/" target="_blank">argued</a> that laws can be exempt from referenda only if they relate to the immediate preservation of public health, peace or safety.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: The high court rejected that claim Monday, writing that the state constitution also allows laws to be protected from referendum campaigns if those laws support state government.<ul><li>&quot;We have long held that such laws are not subject to popular referendum,&quot; Chief Justice Debra Stephens wrote in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monday&#x27;s decision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.courts.wa.gov/content/publicUpload/Supreme%20Court%20Orders/1052201%20Public%20Order%20Terminating%20Review%2005042026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.courts.wa.gov/content/publicUpload/Supreme%20Court%20Orders/1052201%20Public%20Order%20Terminating%20Review%2005042026.pdf" target="_blank">Monday&#x27;s decision</a>.</li></ul>By the numbers: Referendum petitions, which ask voters to approve or reject a recently passed law, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="require" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/initiatives-referenda/filing-initiative/frequently-asked-questions-about-circulating-initiative-and-referendum-petitions" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/initiatives-referenda/filing-initiative/frequently-asked-questions-about-circulating-initiative-and-referendum-petitions" target="_blank">require</a> 154,455 signatures to qualify for the ballot in Washington.<ul><li>A citizen initiative, by contrast, requires 308,911 signatures to qualify.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Another court case <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenging the constitutionality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/09/washington-millionaires-tax-lawsuit-constitution-income-property-uniform-rate" data-vars-content-id="b5645bd6-557a-4960-a30b-5dcad385df0a" data-vars-headline="Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/09/washington-millionaires-tax-lawsuit-constitution-income-property-uniform-rate" target="_self">challenging the constitutionality</a> of the income tax is still active. The high court did not weigh in on that issue in Monday&#x27;s ruling.<ul><li>For an initiative to overturn the income tax to go before voters this fall, opponents would need to gather the necessary signatures by early July.</li></ul>

Washington Gov. Ferguson limits press access, breaking precedent

Washington's governor skips regular open-ended press conferences, limiting chances for tough questions.

<figure><img alt="Bob Ferguson wears a light purple button up shirt rolled up to his elbows as he holds the Apple Cup, smiling, with a crowd in the stadium seats behind him. at night time. " height="3261" id="9b9e7d08-ad71-4ed5-b1ab-8e1eb727fc75" src="https://images.axios.com/Q_EfXikORo76y7CGfOWACfR73Ik=/2026/05/01/1777653793053.jpeg" width="5155"/><figcaption>Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson holds the Apple Cup trophy before presenting it to the Washington Huskies last fall. Photo: Oliver McKenna/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Since taking office, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has held more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seahawks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="0a368cc8-3625-4819-8238-e0a5c8c35e2b" data-vars-headline="Washington Gov. Ferguson limits press access, breaking precedent" 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">Seahawks</a> flag-raising ceremonies than press conferences dedicated to taking wide-ranging questions from reporters.Why it matters: Ferguson has departed from his predecessors&#x27; practice of holding regular, open-ended press availabilities — limiting public scrutiny of his administration.

Scoop: Governor sign-off rule snarls flow of information in Washington

Records show delays in public updates on vaccine access, measles exposure risk and more.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="requirement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28079274-policy-documentation/" data-vars-content-id="0ef91090-93e0-4dca-99c5-e6f47a2503a3" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Governor sign-off rule snarls flow of information in Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28079274-policy-documentation/" target="_blank">requirement</a> that Gov. Bob Ferguson&#x27;s office approve most state agency press releases and media responses is delaying information from reaching the public, drawing repeated concerns from state officials, records obtained by Axios show.Why it matters: The policy has held up multiple agency communications — from updates on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bridge repair plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28079279-carbon-river-bridge-plans/" data-vars-content-id="0ef91090-93e0-4dca-99c5-e6f47a2503a3" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Governor sign-off rule snarls flow of information in Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28079279-carbon-river-bridge-plans/" target="_blank">bridge repair plans</a> to public health guidance on vaccines to explanations of how a federal shutdown would affect Washington state.

How a plan to allow more passenger ferries fell apart in Olympia

The plan ran into concerns about taxes, costs and new rules, stalling efforts to allow more service.

An effort to allow more passenger-only <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ferries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/24/washington-travel-ferry-line-etiquette" data-vars-content-id="a35747ae-ecb8-46bb-b563-64194ca7a92e" data-vars-headline="How a plan to allow more passenger ferries fell apart in Olympia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/24/washington-travel-ferry-line-etiquette" target="_self">ferries</a> fizzled out in Washington&#x27;s Legislature this year, with the vision for new foot ferries on Puget Sound colliding with a top lawmaker&#x27;s concerns about the state budget.Why it matters: The dispute suggests adding more pedestrian-only ferries could remain politically difficult — particularly as Washington struggles with the cost of replacing the larger vessels that make up its aging ferry fleet.

Washington state gets F on school cellphone policy

Lawmakers chose a study over restrictions, drawing criticism from groups pushing classroom bans.

Washington&#x27;s lack of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statewide cellphone ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/school-cell-phone-bans-2025-legislation" data-vars-content-id="cefedee8-e948-4c46-a6a0-bf49e705b5b7" data-vars-headline="Washington state gets F on school cellphone policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/school-cell-phone-bans-2025-legislation" target="_self">statewide cellphone ban</a> in schools has earned it a failing grade from several national advocacy groups.Why it matters: Teachers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/06/12/72-percent-of-us-high-school-teachers-say-cellphone-distraction-is-a-major-problem-in-the-classroom/" data-vars-content-id="cefedee8-e948-4c46-a6a0-bf49e705b5b7" data-vars-headline="Washington state gets F on school cellphone policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/06/12/72-percent-of-us-high-school-teachers-say-cellphone-distraction-is-a-major-problem-in-the-classroom/" target="_blank">say</a> smartphones distract students and disrupt their education, and some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="research" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nber.org/papers/w34388" data-vars-content-id="cefedee8-e948-4c46-a6a0-bf49e705b5b7" data-vars-headline="Washington state gets F on school cellphone policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w34388" target="_blank">research</a> links school cellphone bans to better <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="academic outcomes" data-vars-click-url="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5370727" data-vars-content-id="cefedee8-e948-4c46-a6a0-bf49e705b5b7" data-vars-headline="Washington state gets F on school cellphone policy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5370727" target="_blank">academic outcomes</a>.

How Seattle and King County are pushing back on ICE

Local policies restrict ICE staging, limit data sharing and pause new detention facilities.

Seattle and King County are taking steps to limit the reach of federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" data-vars-content-id="a8636aa9-7d97-41e6-b702-657de74dc2f8" data-vars-headline="How Seattle and King County are pushing back on ICE" 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</a> agents, including by blocking them from operating on city- and county-owned property.Why it matters: The new laws reflect local officials&#x27; frustration with the Trump administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mass deportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" data-vars-content-id="a8636aa9-7d97-41e6-b702-657de74dc2f8" data-vars-headline="How Seattle and King County are pushing back on ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" target="_self">mass deportation</a> policy — and their efforts to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="push back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/08/19/ferguson-rejects-doj-sanctuary-law-threat-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="a8636aa9-7d97-41e6-b702-657de74dc2f8" data-vars-headline="How Seattle and King County are pushing back on ICE" 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">push back</a> where they can.

TVW mixes serious civics with goofy retro ads

TVW is using retro-style ads to keep viewers tuned to state government programming year-round.

TVW, Washington&#x27;s public affairs network, has stayed busy since the Legislature adjourned last month — and it has recruited a quirky, mustachioed super fan to tell you all about it.What&#x27;s happening: TVW — the state&#x27;s version of C-SPAN — has been running short ads that resemble 1980s used car commercials, urging viewers to &quot;come on down&quot; for its civic programming.

Washington "millionaires" tax hit with lawsuit

The suit argues the state's 9.9% tax on high earners violates long-standing constitutional limits.

A lawsuit filed Thursday challenges Washington state&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="income tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house" data-vars-content-id="46858ba3-ff53-42f0-946b-2e2c37f0bda4" data-vars-headline="Washington &quot;millionaires&quot; tax hit with lawsuit" 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">income tax</a> on high earners as unconstitutional.Why it matters: The legal challenge, which had been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="widely anticipated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" data-vars-content-id="46858ba3-ff53-42f0-946b-2e2c37f0bda4" data-vars-headline="Washington &quot;millionaires&quot; tax hit with lawsuit" 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">widely anticipated</a>, could stop the tax from taking effect.

Politics 🇺🇸

Seattle council OKs larger tiny home villages

Washington Gov. Ferguson fined over state plane ethics violation

Washington Supreme Court blocks referendum on new income tax

Washington Gov. Ferguson limits press access, breaking precedent

Scoop: Governor sign-off rule snarls flow of information in Washington