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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.

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.

Ferguson signs Washington income tax targeting millionaires

The 9.9% tax on income over $1M starts in 2028 and is expected to face a court challenge.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house" data-vars-content-id="097d3f7d-40d1-443a-ae66-8c858596a5c2" data-vars-headline="Ferguson signs Washington income tax targeting millionaires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house" target="_self">new tax</a> on high earners into law Monday, ending Washington&#x27;s run as one of the few states without an income tax on the books.Why it matters: The tax, which won&#x27;t be imposed for nearly two years, is likely to face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legal and political" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" data-vars-content-id="097d3f7d-40d1-443a-ae66-8c858596a5c2" data-vars-headline="Ferguson signs Washington income tax targeting millionaires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" target="_self">legal and political</a> challenges, even as supporters say it will make the state&#x27;s tax code fairer.

Seattle police contract leaves accountability gaps

A new Seattle police union deal boosts pay but leaves out long-promised oversight reforms.

Editor&#x27;s note: This is part one of a three-part deep dive into Seattle&#x27;s contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go here to read part two" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-starting-salary-ranking-us-cities-cost-of-living-contract-raises" data-vars-content-id="0770709f-d967-48ff-86f4-89bc3646fbb0" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract leaves accountability gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-starting-salary-ranking-us-cities-cost-of-living-contract-raises" target="_self">Go here to read part two</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here for part three" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-guild-contract-care-program-restrictions-encampments-drug-calls" data-vars-content-id="0770709f-d967-48ff-86f4-89bc3646fbb0" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract leaves accountability gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-guild-contract-care-program-restrictions-encampments-drug-calls" target="_self">here for part three</a>.Seattle&#x27;s latest contract with its rank-and-file <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="police union" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/07/seattle-police-guild-leadership-change-mike-solan-exits-2026" data-vars-content-id="0770709f-d967-48ff-86f4-89bc3646fbb0" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract leaves accountability gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/07/seattle-police-guild-leadership-change-mike-solan-exits-2026" target="_self">police union</a> continues to block accountability measures the City Council approved nearly a decade ago.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new contract" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27760610-spog-2024-27-contract-documents/" data-vars-content-id="0770709f-d967-48ff-86f4-89bc3646fbb0" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract leaves accountability gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27760610-spog-2024-27-contract-documents/" target="_blank">new contract</a>, which runs through 2027, awards big raises to officers, but doesn&#x27;t implement several long-promised reforms intended to boost civilian oversight and ensure timely police discipline.

Seattle police contract undercuts civilian response teams

The limits blunt one of Seattle's main alternatives to traditional policing.

Editor&#x27;s note: This is part three of a three-part deep dive into Seattle&#x27;s contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go here to read part one" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-union-contract-accountability-reforms-opa-oversight-discipline" data-vars-content-id="5fff6967-23ec-43d0-91de-75aa4c69f03a" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract undercuts civilian response teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-union-contract-accountability-reforms-opa-oversight-discipline" target="_self">Go here to read part one</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here for part two" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-starting-salary-ranking-us-cities-cost-of-living-contract-raises" data-vars-content-id="5fff6967-23ec-43d0-91de-75aa4c69f03a" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract undercuts civilian response teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-starting-salary-ranking-us-cities-cost-of-living-contract-raises" target="_self">here for part two</a>.Seattle&#x27;s new police guild contract allows the city to grow its civilian <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crisis response teams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/17/civilian-911-response-teams-expand" data-vars-content-id="5fff6967-23ec-43d0-91de-75aa4c69f03a" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract undercuts civilian response teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/17/civilian-911-response-teams-expand" target="_self">crisis response teams</a> — but sharply limits when and where they can operate.Why it matters: The limits blunt one of Seattle&#x27;s main alternatives to traditional policing, even as the city works to grow the program.

Washington counties warn of mounting public defense crisis

County officials say they're "going backwards" after funding was stripped from an income tax bill.

Washington state lawmakers rejected a plan to use a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new 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="d5789f15-b90c-4835-9e32-97ac6750c050" data-vars-headline="Washington counties warn of mounting public defense crisis" 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">new income tax</a> to help pay for lawyers for criminal defendants, despite warnings of a growing public defense crisis.Why it matters: Rising public defense costs — driven by new state caseload standards — could push county governments toward bankruptcy and bring the state&#x27;s criminal justice system to a standstill, county officials say.

Seattle and nearby cities move to block ICE detention centers

Seattle and nearby cities passed moratoriums as ICE explores adding detention space in the region.

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As federal officials <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seek to add" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/ice-immigrant-detention-warehouses-spending" data-vars-content-id="ee763c25-04b6-45f0-ba7a-381470ac59e4" data-vars-headline="Seattle and nearby cities move to block ICE detention centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/ice-immigrant-detention-warehouses-spending" target="_self">seek to add</a> immigration detention space, Seattle and other nearby cities are pushing back.The big picture: Several local governments have approved measures to block new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="detention centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/immigrant-detentions-record-trump-deportations" data-vars-content-id="ee763c25-04b6-45f0-ba7a-381470ac59e4" data-vars-headline="Seattle and nearby cities move to block ICE detention centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/immigrant-detentions-record-trump-deportations" target="_self">detention centers</a> in recent weeks — part of a broader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resistance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/08/seattle-resists-trump-troops-immigration" data-vars-content-id="ee763c25-04b6-45f0-ba7a-381470ac59e4" data-vars-headline="Seattle and nearby cities move to block ICE detention centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/08/seattle-resists-trump-troops-immigration" target="_self">resistance</a> to the Trump administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mass deportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/04/trump-ice-immigration-arrests-deportations" data-vars-content-id="ee763c25-04b6-45f0-ba7a-381470ac59e4" data-vars-headline="Seattle and nearby cities move to block ICE detention centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/04/trump-ice-immigration-arrests-deportations" target="_self">mass deportation</a> policy.

Washington's new income tax faces hurdles

The tax on millionaires passed the Legislature, but is almost certain to face court and ballot fights.

An <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="852f383b-8737-41a0-9e28-a9d4389251ba" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s new income tax faces hurdles" 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> that Washington&#x27;s Legislature passed Wednesday night will likely face several challenges — both legal and political — before it can be collected.Why it matters: State court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rulings" data-vars-click-url="https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/Appendix_B.pdf" data-vars-content-id="852f383b-8737-41a0-9e28-a9d4389251ba" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s new income tax faces hurdles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/Appendix_B.pdf" target="_blank">rulings</a> have interpreted Washington&#x27;s constitution to bar income taxes that target the wealthy, and Washington voters have repeatedly shot down income tax proposals at the ballot box.

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