TVW, Washington'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's happening: TVW — the state's version of C-SPAN — has been running short ads that resemble 1980s used car commercials, urging viewers to "come on down" for its civic programming.

• "If you're one of the many folks who don't know what their government's up to, we have a deal for you!" Wild Bill Gavelston, decked out in sunglasses and a cowboy hat, declares in one of the ads.
• In the latest spot, Bill — whose real-life identity the network won't disclose — keeps up the pitch, telling viewers not to forget about TVW just because the legislative session is over.
• "Still think we hibernate during the interim? TVW ain't a bear, partner."

One of the retro-style ads (for the new Court TVW channel) is nominated for a regional Emmy.

What they're saying: The network is always looking at ways to draw viewers, including by using humor, Renee Radcliff Sinclair, TVW's president and CEO, told Axios.

• "So, the work we do at TVW is very serious, but we try not to take ourselves too seriously," Radcliff Sinclair wrote in an email.

One thing the network is serious about? Not revealing the man behind the mustache.

• "Do Superman, Spiderman, Captain America, Iron Man, or the Hulk reveal their true identities? No, they do not," she wrote. "In other words, he's every man."

What's next: Look for more kooky Wild Bill ads — TVW says they're probably not done yet.

Tell a civics nerd

A lawsuit filed yesterday challenges Washington state's new income tax on high earners as unconstitutional.

Why it matters: The legal challenge, which was widely anticipated, could stop the tax from taking effect.

• It could also cause Washington's highest court to revisit past rulings allowing only a flat income tax in the state.

Catch up quick: The new income tax — dubbed a "millionaires tax" by supporters — imposes a 9.9% tax on annual income exceeding $1 million, beginning in 2028.

• Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the measure into law March 30.

Zoom in: The new lawsuit, filed Thursday in Klickitat County Superior Court, alleges the Legislature "ignored the constitutional restraints" on its taxing power when approving the bill.

• Past state court rulings have found that income is property — and the state constitution says property must be taxed at a uniform rate, not exceeding 1% of the property's value.

The lawsuit's plaintiffs include married couples and individuals who expect to pay the tax, as well as groups representing small businesses and the construction industry.

What they're saying

Masked ICE agents arrested a man at Seattle's immigration court this week who his attorney says did not have a standing deportation order. (KUOW)

✈️ Alaska Airlines is raising checked bag fees by $5 for the first bag ($45) and $10 for the second ($55). (FOX 13)

⛺️ A homeless encampment in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood was cleared yesterday after residents were given 48 hours' notice. (MyNorthwest)

💰Washington ranks among the most expensive states for older adults, highlighting rising costs that can squeeze retirees across the region. (Seattle Times)

Seattle's Bar Miriam has been named the fifth-best cocktail bar in the U.S. by Food & Wine magazine.

• The laidback Queen Anne spot "has received plaudits for its lobster roll with celery confit and pretty-in-pink roasted beet tartine, but thoughtful cocktails are the star of the show," the magazine writes.

The review adds: "Don't miss Mai Tai Mondays."

See the full list