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Mariners fans abandon ship after historic 22-0 loss 

A 22-0 drubbing turned Mariners Reddit into a baseball-free refuge filled with ships, sailors and maritime lore.

Sports

After a historic humiliation at the hands of the Brewers, Mariners fans have abandoned baseball for the high seas.Driving the news: When the M&#x27;s suffered the worst loss in franchise history Tuesday — a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="22-0 annihilation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/news/brewers-tie-franchise-record-22-runs-in-win-over-mariners" data-vars-content-id="194aed66-baf3-4861-9c47-a180b7467069" data-vars-headline="Mariners fans abandon ship after historic 22-0 loss " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/news/brewers-tie-franchise-record-22-runs-in-win-over-mariners" target="_blank">22-0 annihilation</a> — fans on Reddit commandeered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="r/Mariners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Mariners/" data-vars-content-id="194aed66-baf3-4861-9c47-a180b7467069" data-vars-headline="Mariners fans abandon ship after historic 22-0 loss " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Mariners/" target="_blank">r/Mariners</a> and dedicated it to the other kind of mariners: sailors, ships and seafaring.

Minigolf at Olympic Sculpture Park mixes art and views

Local artists created the whimsical Olympic Sculpture Park course, complete with Elliott Bay views.

Things to Do

<figure><img alt="Sunny urban park with a large stacked-rock sculpture and minigolf station at left, and a tall red arched sculpture right. A child in purple plays mini-golf on green turf, with modern buildings, trees, and a blue sky." height="4284" id="421b1390-b7d9-4df2-971b-b3a784b42ece" src="https://images.axios.com/k4buw3AzVTGJfwqcUqIO6ttkb5Y=/2026/08/20/1787193851993.jpeg" width="5712"/><figcaption>Art, views and minigolf at Olympic Sculpture Park. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>It’s hard not to love Seattle when strolling through the Olympic Sculpture Park, surrounded by art and views of Elliott Bay. Now, you can add <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="minigolf" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/whats-on/events/mini-golf-at-olympic-sculpture-park-jun-17-26?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23872437095&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAolTx1PRWphKuXkRbHS3cOqPnJMyf&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwy5rUBhB5EiwAIoAtClUIugzJrY-9V3LloszpN9lr6JTelIk1JSnS0J8B9iYp8Ir3GPbWjhoCUV4QAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="17ca63f6-880e-47e6-918e-d4aba56fd182" data-vars-headline="Minigolf at Olympic Sculpture Park mixes art and views" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/whats-on/events/mini-golf-at-olympic-sculpture-park-jun-17-26?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23872437095&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAolTx1PRWphKuXkRbHS3cOqPnJMyf&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwy5rUBhB5EiwAIoAtClUIugzJrY-9V3LloszpN9lr6JTelIk1JSnS0J8B9iYp8Ir3GPbWjhoCUV4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">minigolf</a> to the experience.Why it matters: Playing on an artist-designed course at one of the city’s coolest outdoor spaces is peak Seattle summer — and you’ve still got a few weeks to give it a try.

School cellphone bans show mixed results in new study

Restrictions sharply cut phone use, but researchers found virtually no effect on student test scores.

Education

Schools in Seattle and across the U.S. are cracking down on student <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cellphone use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/no-screen-school-technology-parents-ai" data-vars-content-id="36cb7506-55d5-4ce3-8a2e-e5f65d04066f" data-vars-headline="School cellphone bans show mixed results in new study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/no-screen-school-technology-parents-ai" target="_self">cellphone use</a>, but a recent study finds the restrictions bring mixed results.The big picture: Schools that require students to lock away their phones during class have seen phone use decline substantially, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w35132/w35132.pdf" data-vars-content-id="36cb7506-55d5-4ce3-8a2e-e5f65d04066f" data-vars-headline="School cellphone bans show mixed results in new study" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w35132/w35132.pdf" target="_blank">study</a> shared by the National Bureau of Economic Research in April.<ul><li>Student well-being also appears to improve the longer the rules remain in place.</li></ul>

Recess makes a comeback in Washington and across the U.S.

After decades of declines, more states are requiring schools to protect time for children's play.

News

After decades of diminished recess time, a dozen states — including Washington — now require it by law.Why it matters: Yes, recess is literally <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="child&#x27;s play" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/01/playroom-custom-cost" data-vars-content-id="b058736d-9be8-464e-9008-a4a2970bbd6a" data-vars-headline="Recess makes a comeback in Washington and across the U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/01/playroom-custom-cost" target="_self">child&#x27;s play</a>. But researchers, pediatricians and parents say it&#x27;s crucial for young students&#x27; physical and mental health.

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.

Scoop: Ferguson's office delayed climate data correction

Inflated claims about the state's cap-and-trade program lingered even after officials caught the error.

Washington state officials were ready to fess up: They&#x27;d vastly overestimated how much the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cap-and-trade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/02/28/cap-and-trade-auction-washington-state" data-vars-content-id="49aeb039-915f-447e-83cb-6ac4e762a2fa" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Ferguson&#x27;s office delayed climate data correction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/02/28/cap-and-trade-auction-washington-state" target="_self">cap-and-trade</a> projects would cut greenhouse gas emissions.<ul><li>They prepped a news release to correct the error in December, but the fix got held up by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Bob Ferguson&#x27;s office" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/05/04/bob-ferguson-press-access-washington-governor" data-vars-content-id="49aeb039-915f-447e-83cb-6ac4e762a2fa" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Ferguson&#x27;s office delayed climate data correction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/05/04/bob-ferguson-press-access-washington-governor" target="_self">Gov. Bob Ferguson&#x27;s office</a>, records obtained by Axios show. It didn&#x27;t go out until January, after a conservative critic blogged about the inflated numbers.</li></ul>Why it matters: Ferguson&#x27;s tight control over what state agencies can say to the public left inaccurate climate data out there for weeks — even after officials had already caught their mistake.

Seattle moves to block unwanted home buying pitches

A new city registry will shield homeowners from unwanted calls, texts, emails and mail from buyers.

Politics

Seattle City Council members have approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a do-not-call list" data-vars-click-url="https://seattle.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?GUID=F01B77D8-6D5C-4E1C-8C92-9F9632D99C7A&amp;ID=8141427&amp;Options=&amp;Search=&amp;" data-vars-content-id="6ce22c63-d8aa-4ed4-9f4a-61ee0b3eb481" data-vars-headline="Seattle moves to block unwanted home buying pitches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://seattle.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?GUID=F01B77D8-6D5C-4E1C-8C92-9F9632D99C7A&amp;ID=8141427&amp;Options=&amp;Search=&amp;" target="_blank">a do-not-call list</a> to let homeowners block unsolicited pitches from people trying to buy their homes.Why it matters: The plan is the latest step in Seattle&#x27;s effort to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="curb predatory" data-vars-click-url="https://harrell.seattle.gov/2025/07/23/mayor-harrell-announces-new-legislation-to-protect-homeowners-from-predatory-homebuying-practices/" data-vars-content-id="6ce22c63-d8aa-4ed4-9f4a-61ee0b3eb481" data-vars-headline="Seattle moves to block unwanted home buying pitches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://harrell.seattle.gov/2025/07/23/mayor-harrell-announces-new-legislation-to-protect-homeowners-from-predatory-homebuying-practices/" target="_blank">curb predatory</a> home buying.

A 2-minute guide to Seattle's Aug. 4 primary election

A quick guide to key races and ballot measures on the primary ballot for Seattle voters.

Tuesday&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" primary election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/15/washington-summer-primary-election-history-turnout-seattle" data-vars-content-id="f0a3dba8-a972-485b-b411-ca79b4aa7298" data-vars-headline="A 2-minute guide to Seattle&#x27;s Aug. 4 primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/15/washington-summer-primary-election-history-turnout-seattle" target="_self"> primary election</a> will decide which candidates advance in hundreds of races across Washington state, including several contests in Seattle.The big picture: In Washington&#x27;s top-two primary, the two candidates who get the most votes in each race face off in November — even if they&#x27;re from the same party.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s a look at some key contests.</li></ul>

Striking Seattle hotel workers seek jobless benefits under new law

A new Washington law lets workers collect up to 6 weeks of unemployment benefits while on strike.

Striking hotel workers in Seattle have applied for unemployment benefits under a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new state law" data-vars-click-url="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=5041&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" data-vars-content-id="0494e816-8ef6-4f26-83dc-2d4137618a8f" data-vars-headline="Striking Seattle hotel workers seek jobless benefits under new law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=5041&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">new state law</a>.Washington&#x27;s law, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="took effect" data-vars-click-url="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=5041&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" data-vars-content-id="0494e816-8ef6-4f26-83dc-2d4137618a8f" data-vars-headline="Striking Seattle hotel workers seek jobless benefits under new law" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=5041&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false" target="_blank">took effect</a> Jan. 1, allows workers to collect up to six weeks of unemployment benefits while on strike during a contract dispute.

2 DUIs can cost gun rights, WA court says

The 5-4 decision allows Washington to temporarily disarm some repeat drunk drivers.

The state&#x27;s highest court has upheld a law in which a second DUI within seven years can cost some Washington residents their right to possess a gun.The big picture: Thursday&#x27;s ruling shows how state courts are applying <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United States v. Rahimi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/06/24/high-court-rules-on-tarrant-county-case" data-vars-content-id="e3f5936d-501d-443a-9831-577f68deb953" data-vars-headline="2 DUIs can cost gun rights, WA court says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/06/24/high-court-rules-on-tarrant-county-case" target="_self">United States v. Rahimi</a> — a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision that upheld some firearm restrictions for those found to pose a danger to others — to other categories of people.

Seattle council OKs larger tiny home villages

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

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.

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