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King County officials propose $18.99 minimum wage

The higher hourly wage would be phased in over time for smaller employers.

Politics

Traces of fentanyl and meth linger on Seattle public transit, study finds

Samples from buses and trains in the Pacific Northwest almost all showed small traces of drugs.

News

From Seattle to Westminster Abbey, the Slow Flower movement grows

Connecting flower lovers to growers, florists and designers specializing in locally-grown blossoms.

Seattle-area hikes for kids

In addition to parks and preserves, some small cities and towns are built to explore by foot.

Things to Do

High hopes for Seahawks with Geno Smith at the helm

With Smith in place as quarterback, the Seahawks reloaded their roster with young, exciting talent.

Sports

Many pundits expected the Seahawks to tumble last season after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trading franchise quarterback Russell Wilson to Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33454258/sources-seattle-seahawks-trade-qb-russell-wilson-denver-broncos" data-vars-content-id="604ff218-1336-421b-bf36-98433bf89cc8" data-vars-headline="High hopes for Seahawks with Geno Smith at the helm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33454258/sources-seattle-seahawks-trade-qb-russell-wilson-denver-broncos" target="_blank">trading franchise quarterback Russell Wilson to Denver</a> and replacing him with veteran castoff Geno Smith.<ul><li>What happened next instead changed the trajectory of the franchise.</li></ul>

Geno Smith in a home jersey with No. 7 emblazoned on it looks downfield while holding the football.

Vote on whether the Huskies have the best college football traditions

Don't let the University of Washington fall to CU Boulder in our game day traditions bracket.

In honor of college football season getting underway, we&#x27;re <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holding a contest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/21/vote-best-college-gameday-traditions-united-states" data-vars-content-id="8e82c213-0516-478d-865a-f8140c0c8fc5" data-vars-headline="Vote on whether the Huskies have the best college football traditions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/21/vote-best-college-gameday-traditions-united-states" target="_self">holding a contest</a> to see which school has the best game day traditions.Details: Our bracket includes colleges and universities in cities that are home to an Axios Local newsroom, or that have one of our newsrooms nearby.

The Pac-12's disintegration, explained

Long billed as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Conference of Champions" data-vars-click-url="https://pac-12.com/champions" data-vars-content-id="333d4480-38c6-4f61-a409-6363d5f8ed1d" data-vars-headline="The Pac-12&#x27;s disintegration, explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pac-12.com/champions" target="_blank">Conference of Champions</a> for winning the most National Collegiate Athletic Association team crowns, the 108-year-old Pac-12 appears to be unraveling after the University of Washington and the University of Oregon announced earlier this month they are leaving for the Big Ten.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a massive change for University of Washington athletes who will travel more often and further for games and face heightened competition in their new league.

A red WSU flag is waving in the air in front of a crowded stadium in the background.

Geno Smith's star rises, while Russell Wilson's falls in new quarterback rankings

Smith has "solidified as a legitimate starter," while Wilson was labeled as "out of shape" last year, per The Athletic.

The Seattle Seahawks&#x27; Geno Smith had a big jump in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Athletic&#x27;s Quarterback Tiers rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://theathletic.com/4723809/2023/07/31/nfl-quarterback-tiers-rankings-2023/?campaign_id=190&amp;emc=edit_ufn_20230807&amp;instance_id=99458&amp;nl=from-the-times&amp;regi_id=71822018&amp;segment_id=141343&amp;te=1&amp;user_id=905c50f282a8ac96e2ca363e51d56d1b" data-vars-content-id="53387329-b7aa-4355-a97e-c0c6bdc68226" data-vars-headline="Geno Smith&#x27;s star rises, while Russell Wilson&#x27;s falls in new quarterback rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theathletic.com/4723809/2023/07/31/nfl-quarterback-tiers-rankings-2023/?campaign_id=190&amp;emc=edit_ufn_20230807&amp;instance_id=99458&amp;nl=from-the-times&amp;regi_id=71822018&amp;segment_id=141343&amp;te=1&amp;user_id=905c50f282a8ac96e2ca363e51d56d1b" target="_blank">The Athletic&#x27;s Quarterback Tiers rankings</a> this year. Meanwhile, former Seahawk-turned-Bronco Russell Wilson had the biggest drop in the history of the ratings.Why it matters: While both players are ranked within Tier 3 — middle of the pack — it&#x27;s good to be in the city with the quarterback who&#x27;s on the upswing.

OL Reign's Sofia Huerta helps make World Cup history

Before now, only two Latina players had represented the U.S. at the Women's World Cup.

<figure><img alt="Image of a soccer player on the field. " height="2880" id="fa903fe0-b09f-4f62-bb26-b8cbe6cb8720" src="https://images.axios.com/mSdt-xznXTdMRa7Rf4NxWhrhU9c=/2023/07/14/1689373945609.jpg" width="4320"/><figcaption>OL Reign forward Sofia Huerta in action during a game between the Kansas City Current and the OL Reign at Lumen Field in Seattle. Photo:Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Only two Latina soccer players have represented the United States at the Women&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/24/womens-world-cup-field-set-uswnt" data-vars-content-id="025c3ef5-d3d4-4b91-a9e2-808ac1cbfcb2" data-vars-headline="OL Reign&#x27;s Sofia Huerta helps make World Cup history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/24/womens-world-cup-field-set-uswnt" target="_self">World Cup</a>. But that number is about to double, and half the reason is OL Reign&#x27;s Sofia Huerta.Driving the news: Huerta, a defender for the Seattle team, and midfielder Ashley Sanchez, are both Mexican American. They make up the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most diverse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/world-cup-soccer-uswnt-black-lgbtq-roster-20230705.html" data-vars-content-id="025c3ef5-d3d4-4b91-a9e2-808ac1cbfcb2" data-vars-headline="OL Reign&#x27;s Sofia Huerta helps make World Cup history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/world-cup-soccer-uswnt-black-lgbtq-roster-20230705.html" target="_blank">most diverse</a> roster in the U.S Women&#x27;s National Team&#x27;s history — a reflection of the changing U.S. demographics, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Latino reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/13/world-cup-women-uswnt-huerta-sanchez-mexico" data-vars-content-id="025c3ef5-d3d4-4b91-a9e2-808ac1cbfcb2" data-vars-headline="OL Reign&#x27;s Sofia Huerta helps make World Cup history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/13/world-cup-women-uswnt-huerta-sanchez-mexico" target="_self">Axios Latino reports</a>.

Sofia Huerta stands with hands on her hips during a break from play. Photo: Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Photos: MLB All-Star Week wraps up in Seattle

Tuesday's game wrapped up a week of baseball-themed festivities in the Emerald City.

After nine straight losses to the American League, the National League won the 93rd MLB All-Star Game Tuesday night, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wrapping up a week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/05/seattle-all-star-week-2023" data-vars-content-id="bef09a6f-5ae4-4985-9f69-550270c1b00d" data-vars-headline="Photos: MLB All-Star Week wraps up in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/05/seattle-all-star-week-2023" target="_self">wrapping up a week</a> of baseball <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="festivities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/07/all-star-week-seattle-events-free" data-vars-content-id="bef09a6f-5ae4-4985-9f69-550270c1b00d" data-vars-headline="Photos: MLB All-Star Week wraps up in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/07/07/all-star-week-seattle-events-free" target="_self">festivities</a> in Seattle. Among the highlights:<ul><li>Los Angeles&#x27; starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani, who will be a free agent soon, got a lot of love from the Emerald City and was greeted with cheers and the chant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Come to Seattle&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/shohei-ohtani" data-vars-content-id="bef09a6f-5ae4-4985-9f69-550270c1b00d" data-vars-headline="Photos: MLB All-Star Week wraps up in Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/shohei-ohtani" target="_blank">&quot;Come to Seattle&quot;</a> from the minute he stepped into the batter&#x27;s box.</li></ul>

Julio Rodriguez looks over his shoulder while moving on the baseball field with the crowd blurred in the background. He has a helmet and All-Star Jersey on. 

Seattle preps for MLB All-Star Week with cleaning, murals and events

Residents may notice increased graffiti and litter removal, along with new public art.

Seattle is readying itself for the influx of tens of thousands of visitors expected for Major League Baseball&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="All-Star Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mlb.com/all-star/schedule" data-vars-content-id="f3e5a179-6a0d-4354-8e6d-1a5a40089057" data-vars-headline="Seattle preps for MLB All-Star Week with cleaning, murals and events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mlb.com/all-star/schedule" target="_blank">All-Star Week</a>, which is starting Friday.Why it matters: This year marks only the third time Seattle has ever hosted the All-Star Game and related events, which are expected to draw more than 100,000 people and generate at least $50 million in economic impact, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to Visit Seattle" data-vars-click-url="https://visitseattle.org/press/press-releases/mlb-all-star-week-economic-projections/" data-vars-content-id="f3e5a179-6a0d-4354-8e6d-1a5a40089057" data-vars-headline="Seattle preps for MLB All-Star Week with cleaning, murals and events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://visitseattle.org/press/press-releases/mlb-all-star-week-economic-projections/" target="_blank">according to Visit Seattle</a>.

Illustration of the "206" area code embroidered on a baseball.

Not nice to boo despite Mariners' dimming playoff prospects

If you’re not going to support your team in the tough moments, just stay home, one pro sports player says.

Hey now, Seattle sports fans, it&#x27;s rude to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boo your own team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/want-to-know-just-how-dismal-the-ms-are-right-now-just-listen-to-the-boos/" data-vars-content-id="426ab07b-cc0e-40fa-aeb7-08b22f1ffdfc" data-vars-headline="Not nice to boo despite Mariners&#x27; dimming playoff prospects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/want-to-know-just-how-dismal-the-ms-are-right-now-just-listen-to-the-boos/" target="_blank">boo your own team</a>.Why it matters: With Seattle getting ready to host the 2023 MLB All-Star Game and a week of related festivities in July, the Mariners are in the spotlight.

Photo of Jose Caballero #76 of the Seattle Mariners at bat against the Washington Nationals at T-Mobile Park.

Adventure motorcycle rally is coming to Washington

New riders welcome at rally with 12 routes from beginner to "super advanced."

One of the largest rallies in the country for adventure motorcycles is coming at the end of the month to Washington state.Driving the news: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Touratech Rally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.touratechrally.com/" data-vars-content-id="c0727cb3-00f5-4afe-96b4-e14af1bce2b7" data-vars-headline="Adventure motorcycle rally is coming to Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.touratechrally.com/" target="_blank">Touratech Rally</a> runs June 22 to 25 in Plain, Washington, north of Leavenworth. Tickets are running out fast for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overnight camping spots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-touratech-rally-west-tickets-466586531877" data-vars-content-id="c0727cb3-00f5-4afe-96b4-e14af1bce2b7" data-vars-headline="Adventure motorcycle rally is coming to Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-touratech-rally-west-tickets-466586531877" target="_blank">overnight camping spots</a>, but there are still $60 day passes that will be available <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on site each day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.touratechrally.com/q-a" data-vars-content-id="c0727cb3-00f5-4afe-96b4-e14af1bce2b7" data-vars-headline="Adventure motorcycle rally is coming to Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.touratechrally.com/q-a" target="_blank">on site each day</a>.

A line of motorcycle riders in helmets on a grassy field, with tents behind. 

Seattle's No. 1 in pickleball courts

Seattle is No. 1, probably because the sport was invented on Bainbridge Island.

There&#x27;s been a sixfold increase in the number of public <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball" data-vars-click-url="https://charlotte.axios.com/292109/the-rise-of-pickleball/" data-vars-content-id="d440c404-a3e2-4f6f-8435-e3742c57878e" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s No. 1 in pickleball courts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://charlotte.axios.com/292109/the-rise-of-pickleball/" target="_blank">pickleball</a> courts in the 100 biggest U.S. cities since 2017 — from 420 to 2,788 — but municipal leaders say they still can&#x27;t come close to meeting demand from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleheads" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pickleheads.com/" data-vars-content-id="d440c404-a3e2-4f6f-8435-e3742c57878e" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s No. 1 in pickleball courts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pickleheads.com/" target="_blank">pickleheads</a>.Driving the news: With pickleball becoming a way of life, the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a pro-parks nonprofit, ranked U.S. cities by pickleball courts per capita.<ul><li>Seattle is No. 1, probably because the sport was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="invented on Bainbridge Island" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2022/08/23/inslee-espn-pickleball-bainbridge-island-invented" data-vars-content-id="d440c404-a3e2-4f6f-8435-e3742c57878e" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s No. 1 in pickleball courts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2022/08/23/inslee-espn-pickleball-bainbridge-island-invented" target="_self">invented on Bainbridge Island</a>.</li></ul>

Chart showing number of pickleball courts per capital in large U.S. cities 

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