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Why Seattle gas could hit $10 a gallon

Rising gas prices hit Washington drivers harder than most.

News

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.

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 jobless rate keeps climbing

Seattle's unemployment rate now exceeds the state's, a reversal typically seen during downturns.

Seattle&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unemployment rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/jobs-february-unemployment-trump" data-vars-content-id="4e2d0b28-0f91-4451-9459-b506595b015b" data-vars-headline="Seattle jobless rate keeps climbing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/jobs-february-unemployment-trump" target="_self">unemployment rate</a> is higher than the state&#x27;s — a rare reversal for the region&#x27;s job market.The big picture: Seattle&#x27;s unemployment rate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surpassed the state&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/21/seattle-unemployment-jobless-rate-rise-2025-tech-layoffs" data-vars-content-id="4e2d0b28-0f91-4451-9459-b506595b015b" data-vars-headline="Seattle jobless rate keeps climbing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/21/seattle-unemployment-jobless-rate-rise-2025-tech-layoffs" target="_self">surpassed the state&#x27;s</a> in November and has continued rising, reaching 5.2% in January versus 5.0% statewide, according to state data shared with Axios.

Seattle has 6 big AI advantages but needs a strategy

But  Washington trails rivals in federal funding despite six key AI advantages, a new report finds.

Seattle has the talent, tech and infrastructure to be a top AI hub — but a roundtable last week showed civic and industry leaders are split on how to turn those advantages into global dominance.Why it matters: AI is quickly becoming a key driver of economic growth, and regions that lead could capture high-paying jobs, attract billions in investment, and anchor the next generation of tech companies.

How to enjoy Puget Sound's low tides

Bring waterproof boots, sunscreen, a fleece or poncho and a change of clothes for kids.

Things to Do

Lower than average tides <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over the weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/fishing/shellfishing/WDFWBestClamOysterHarvestTides.pdf" data-vars-content-id="ec5d5714-c8b3-4ab4-8f85-e00451be6bb8" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy Puget Sound&#x27;s low tides" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/fishing/shellfishing/WDFWBestClamOysterHarvestTides.pdf" target="_blank">over the weekend</a> will make for good <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="clam hunting" data-vars-click-url="https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/fishing/shellfishing/WDFWAnnualBeachSeasonsBarChart.pdf" data-vars-content-id="ec5d5714-c8b3-4ab4-8f85-e00451be6bb8" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy Puget Sound&#x27;s low tides" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/fishing/shellfishing/WDFWAnnualBeachSeasonsBarChart.pdf" target="_blank">clam hunting</a>, beachcombing and critter watching.Driving the news: Tomorrow, the low tide in the Seattle area is forecast to be -2.9 feet at 12:45pm and -2.3 feet on Sunday at 1:28pm, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="US Harbors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usharbors.com/harbor/washington/seattle-wa/tides/?tide=2024-06#monthly-tide-chart" data-vars-content-id="ec5d5714-c8b3-4ab4-8f85-e00451be6bb8" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy Puget Sound&#x27;s low tides" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usharbors.com/harbor/washington/seattle-wa/tides/?tide=2024-06#monthly-tide-chart" target="_blank">US Harbors</a>.Zoom in: The Seattle Aquarium will have beach naturalists at Carkeek, Golden Gardens, Lincoln Park and Dash Point and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seven other Puget Sound beaches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattleschild.com/8-great-seattle-area-beaches-for-families-to-explore-at-low-tide/" data-vars-content-id="ec5d5714-c8b3-4ab4-8f85-e00451be6bb8" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy Puget Sound&#x27;s low tides" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattleschild.com/8-great-seattle-area-beaches-for-families-to-explore-at-low-tide/" target="_blank">seven other Puget Sound beaches</a> both days.<ul><li>They can identify animals, explain what sea stars eat and why barnacles stand on their heads, and show how to interact gently with the sea creatures and their homes, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the aquarium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattleaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/programs/beach-naturalist/" data-vars-content-id="ec5d5714-c8b3-4ab4-8f85-e00451be6bb8" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy Puget Sound&#x27;s low tides" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattleaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/programs/beach-naturalist/" target="_blank">the aquarium</a>.</li><li>See the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="schedule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattleaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/programs/beach-naturalist/" data-vars-content-id="ec5d5714-c8b3-4ab4-8f85-e00451be6bb8" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy Puget Sound&#x27;s low tides" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattleaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/programs/beach-naturalist/" target="_blank">schedule</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=19L5HSkkgOqupPxo2Cyws2SCVEQSPoQc&amp;ll=47.56014872866787%2C-122.41447980096628&amp;z=8" data-vars-content-id="ec5d5714-c8b3-4ab4-8f85-e00451be6bb8" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy Puget Sound&#x27;s low tides" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=19L5HSkkgOqupPxo2Cyws2SCVEQSPoQc&amp;ll=47.56014872866787%2C-122.41447980096628&amp;z=8" target="_blank">map</a>.</li></ul>Before you go: Wear waterproof boots and bring a marine guide, sunscreen, a fleece or poncho and perhaps a change of clothes for kids.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Trails Association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wta.org/go-outside/kids/kids-hikes/tidepooling-with-kids" data-vars-content-id="ec5d5714-c8b3-4ab4-8f85-e00451be6bb8" data-vars-headline="How to enjoy Puget Sound&#x27;s low tides" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wta.org/go-outside/kids/kids-hikes/tidepooling-with-kids" target="_blank">Washington Trails Association</a> recommends getting there about an hour before the lowest tide.</li><li>Because the tide pool environment is fragile, kids should be taught to be careful about the sea creatures under their feet and to touch animals lightly with a wet finger.</li><li>Clean up after yourself and leave shells and animals on the beach.</li></ul>

Cold water safety tips ahead of the warm weekend

Most drownings in Western Washington happen in May and June, when warm weather draws people to the water.

With hot weather expected this Mother&#x27;s Day weekend, local water safety experts are sounding the alarm about two of the most important tools in the water safety arsenal: life jackets and cold water awareness.The big picture: Last year there were 23 recreational fatalities reported in Washington&#x27;s waters, Rob Sendak, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boating recreation programs" data-vars-click-url="https://parks.wa.gov/about/rules-and-safety/boater-education-safety" data-vars-content-id="c612f551-31fc-4870-820a-e344d0953452" data-vars-headline="Cold water safety tips ahead of the warm weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://parks.wa.gov/about/rules-and-safety/boater-education-safety" target="_blank">boating recreation programs</a> manager at Washington State Parks, told Axios.

Water

Why we love our water

How to enjoy Puget Sound's low tides

Cold water safety tips ahead of the warm weekend

Pic to go: New baby Bigg's

What's next for Columbia River salmon restoration efforts