Choose your location
Axios Seattle
Snapshot of abortion landscape in Washington state
Planned Parenthood in Washington is paying to fly nurse practitioners into the state to meet staffing needs and accommodate providers who no longer feel safe practicing in their state.Driving the news: Recent data from Planned Parenthood clinics in Central and Eastern Washington, the Washington State Department of Health and the Northwest Abortion Access Fund shows the impact of out-of-state patients on Washington clinics, according to U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell's office.The reverberations of the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade have been profound at Eastern and Central Washington clinics, per the data.What they're saying: Abortion providers in Washington face "unique...
Seattle freezes hiring as budget shortfall looms
The city of Seattle has implemented a hiring freeze for about 2,000 temporary and permanent jobs to reduce expenses and offset an impending budget shortfall, according to the mayor's office.Why it matters: The freeze, effective immediately, is necessary to keep costs down this year and address the $229 million financial gap forecast for 2025, Jamie Housen, the director of communications for Mayor Bruce Harrell, told Axios.The city faces more significant fiscal challenges in 2024 than were forecast when the budget was adopted, requiring immediate action, Housen told Axios.Based on 2023 numbers, the city would have likely hired 800–900 regular (non-temporary)...
GOP ballot measures target Washington state capital gains tax, cap-and-trade
Conservatives are pushing several ballot measures to try to roll back laws recently passed in Washington state, including the new carbon pricing law and capital gains tax.Why it matters: If the efforts to repeal those two laws pass, it would mean billions of dollars less revenue for the state in the coming years.That would upend majority Democrats' plans to invest more in clean energy projects, transit and child care programs, among other priorities.Plus: The initiatives — among six backed by the state GOP — could drive up turnout among conservative voters in November, benefiting Republican candidates up and down the...
Washingtonians sleep more than most, but still not enough, study shows
Data: Apple Heart and Movement Study; Map: Alice Feng/AxiosWashingtonians are getting more sleep than most, but it's still not enough, according to a study that tracked the sleep of nearly 60,000 Apple Watch users from February to June 2022.Why it matters: Experts say sleeping seven or more hours is crucial for your health, but many people try to fix broken sleep habits the wrong way.Driving the news: The study found that almost 62% of Washingtonians got fewer than seven hours of sleep. Americans logged less than six and a half hours of sleep per night on average.Sleep experts told Axios...
Why it took police hours to shut down I-5 protest in Seattle
The response by the Washington State Patrol (WSP) to the protest that blocked Interstate 5 on Jan. 6 was slowed by weather, a lack of advance intelligence and a commitment to de-escalating tensions, according to state police. Why it matters: The highly coordinated protest shut down the freeway in Seattle for five hours, causing a 6-mile backup that frustrated drivers and angered many who saw the police response to the protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as lenient and lethargic.The level of fury was such that WSP spokesperson Chris Loftis said people asked police to use water cannons, sticks,...
Mount Rainier will soon require reservations
Many visitors to Mount Rainier National Park must make reservations if they plan to drive there this summer.Driving the news: The park is testing a new reservation system to reduce crowding and hopefully "spread visitation throughout the day," park superintendent Greg Dudgeon said in a news release.Details: From May 24 to Sept. 2, reservations will be required to reach the Paradise Corridor through the park's Nisqually or Stevens Canyon entrances from 7am–3pm.Similarly, from July 3 to Sept. 2, visitors will need a reservation to enter the Sunrise Corridor at the White River Entrance via State Route 410, also from 7am–3pm.The...
Seattle weekend events: Snowy disco, waterfront firepit and more
A few ideas for how you could spend your Seattle weekend:🪩 Party in the snow at Crystal Mountain Resort's Snow Glo Disco, where you're encouraged to dance outside wearing your best LED or light-up accessories. 5-8pm Saturday at the resort.✒️ Watch five animators face off in an improvised drawing contest at Scribble After Dark. 8pm Friday at the Moore Theatre. Doors open at 7pm.🛍️ Browse items from dozens of local vendors while sampling beer gardens and food trucks at the Columbia City Night Market. 6-10pm Saturday.37th Avenue South, between South Hudson and South Edmonds streets.🎭 Check out standup comedy from former Saturday Night Live cast member Alex Moffat, known for impersonating Joe Biden and others during his six years on the show.Showtimes at 7:15pm and 9:45pm both Friday and Saturday at Laughs Comedy Club in the U District. Tickets here.🎶 Go back in time with a three-hour tribute to the music of Pink Floyd and Heart. 1-4pm Sunday at the Tractor Tavern in Ballard.🔥 Admire Seattle's waterfront sunset while warming yourself by a 10-foot-wide fire pit. 3-6pm Sunday at Pier 62, weather permitting.Sign up for Axios Seattle for free.
How Seattle police failed to connect kids with lawyers, despite new law
Seattle police failed to comply with a new law requiring them to connect kids to lawyers about 96% of the time between early 2021 and late 2022, a recent audit found.Now the police department says it's working to improve its practices.Why it matters: Supporters of the new law say children are less likely than adults to understand their constitutional right to remain silent and more prone to make false confessions or incriminating statements under pressure.That makes it critical that youths questioned by police have access to a lawyer who can explain their rights, King County Public Defender Anita Khandelwal said...
Scoop: New owner of Beth's Cafe says night hours are coming back
Seattle's iconic breakfast joint is returning to "its full glory" with expanded hours and more dining options, Mason Reed, the new owner of Beth's Cafe, told Axios.Driving the news: Reed, a musician and chef who also owns White Center's rising live music spot Tim's Tavern, took ownership of the cafe known for its 12-egg omelet on Jan. 1.Why it matters: The popular Seattle destination spot, which used to be open 24 hours, floundered during and after the pandemic when hours were cut sharply, Reed said.What they're saying: "Breakfast is hot and it's getting hotter; doesn't matter what time of day,"...
Where Washington wolverines roam
Washington's wolverines were nearly rooted out in the mid-1900s due to predator control. Still, the biggest threat to the largest member of the weasel family is climate change, according to state and federal wildlife agencies.Why it matters: Our state's Gulo gulo population is small but mighty, according to Jeff Lewis, the mesocarnivore conservation biologist for the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW).When people complained to Lewis about the University of Michigan Wolverines' win over the Huskies, Lewis pointed out that Michigan has never really had wolverines in the first place."We have some tremendous spots for this species and if...
What's next for the Pac-12 conference and its last 2 schools, OSU and WSU
It will be a different kind of year for Oregon State and Washington State, the two universities that remain in the Pac-12 beyond this summer.Why it matters: The impending departure of the league's other 10 members leaves WSU and OSU with the task of rebuilding the decades-old athletic conference.With the league's demise, the schools each stand to lose tens of millions of dollars in athletics revenue, which could hurt their ability to pay for programs like women's sports, OSU president Jayathi Murthy told NPR in November.Catch up quick: Four Pac-12 schools — Oregon, Washington, USC and UCLA — will leave...
What to know about Seattle schools' settlement with Juul
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is expecting its second installment of funds from the $1.75 million settlement of a lawsuit against vape manufacturers for allegedly marketing to teenagers.Driving the news: The first payment of $761,877 was received in December, and the district told Axios it expects to get the second payment of approximately $150,000 later this month.The balance will be paid in installments over four years, per SPS.Catch up quick: The district filed a federal lawsuit in 2019 against Juul Labs, Altria and other companies and individuals involved in the manufacture, distribution and marketing of vaping products.Why it matters: SPS is...
5 gun control bills to watch in Washington's Legislature this year
State lawmakers are looking at ways to beef up Washington's gun control laws, such as banning firearms in more public places and possibly requiring gun buyers to get permits.Why it matters: Last year, Washington saw its highest number of mass shootings in at least a decade.The state's firearm death rate has ticked upward in recent years, from 8.8 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2005 to 11.2 per 100,000 in 2021, per the CDC.Zoom in: Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is urging the Legislature to adopt several gun control measures, including the gun permitting bill and a proposal to ban guns in...
This adorable flamingo chick at Woodland Park Zoo needs a name
Woodland Park Zoo wants help naming this adorable fluffy female flamingo chick, which was among a batch of eggs that hatched last year.How it works: Vote online from among four selections chosen by the zoo's flamingo keepers to represent the national parks of Patagonia, where Chilean flamingos live:TorresLaucaPatagoniaMagdalenaOf note: Voting will run through noon Thursday.Catch up quick: The zoo currently has 42 Chilean flamingos, including the chicks, which hatched from eggs donated by Zoo Atlanta because the existing flock in Seattle is aging and no longer breeding, according to Woodland Park Zoo.The intrigue: When first hatched, Chilean flamingo chicks are whitish-gray. At about one year, pink feathering may be found mixed with the birds' gray-brown contour feathers. By the time they're 2 to 3 years old, they will usually have a fully pink coat. The change in color comes from the carotenoid pigments they consume as part of their diet.1 fun thing: As part of the flamingos' wellness program, the keepers take the chicks on daily walks throughout the zoo to stretch and strengthen their legs.Sign up for Axios Seattle for free.
Washington football coach Kalen DeBoer will be replaced by Arizona's Jedd Fisch
The University of Washington has hired a new head football coach after Kalen DeBoer agreed last week to take over head coaching duties at the University of Alabama.Driving the news: The UW announced Sunday it would replace DeBoer with Jedd Fisch, who has spent the past three seasons as the University of Arizona's head football coach.Why it matters: DeBoer recently led the Washington Huskies to the College Football Playoff championship game, helping the team win 25 of its 28 matchups the past two seasons.That's a big turnaround from the 4–8 season the Huskies had in 2021 (even though they ultimately...
Washington football coach Kalen DeBoer leaving for Alabama, per reports
The University of Washington is in the market for a new head football coach, after Kalen DeBoer agreed to take over head coaching duties at the University of Alabama, ESPN reported Friday.Why it matters: DeBoer recently led the Washington Huskies to the national college football championship game, helping the team win 25 of its 28 matchups the past two seasons.That's a big turnaround from the 4-8 season the Huskies had in 2021 (even if they ultimately lost this year's championship game to Michigan).Details: In Alabama, DeBoer will replace Nick Saban, who announced his retirement Wednesday, per ESPN.Under Saban, Alabama won...
Seattle-area housing crunch predicted to last for decades
The Seattle area will face a continued critical housing shortage for at least the next two decades, according to an analysis by the Urban Institute.Driving the news: Based on recent construction trends, rising housing costs, limited funding for subsidies and restrictive zoning laws, the Institute projects a gap of about 140,000 units over the next 20 years.The gap in housing that's affordable to low-income families will be even larger, per the analysis that was released in December.Why it matters: People cannot afford to live near their work, schools or amenities, an increasing number of people are paying an unsustainable amount...
Mass shootings rose in Washington state in 2023
Data: Gun Violence Archive; Note: Mass shootings are defined as instances of at least four victims killed or injured by gunfire, not including a shooter. Data is as of Jan. 4, 2023; Chart: Axios VisualsWashington had 15 mass shootings last year, the highest number in at least a decade.That's according to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks shootings nationwide.By the numbers: Mass shootings in Washington killed 21 people and injured 53 others in 2023.That's up from 2022, when 12 mass shootings in the state killed six and injured 51.It's also higher than in 2021, when eight shootings statewide killed 15 and injured 20.Of note: The Gun Violence Archive defines mass shootings as incidents when at least four people besides the shooter are hurt or killed by gunfire.Zoom out: Nationally, 656 mass shootings took place in 2023. Since 2014, the only year higher than this was 2021, when there were 689, the group says.What we're watching: Washington banned sales of assault weapons last April in an effort to prevent mass shootings.Sign up for Axios Seattle for free.
Mass shootings rose in Washington state in 2023
Data: Gun Violence Archive; Note: Mass shootings are defined as instances of at least four victims killed or injured by gunfire, not including a shooter. Data is as of Jan. 4, 2023; Chart: Axios VisualsWashington had 15 mass shootings last year, the highest number in at least a decade.That's according to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks shootings nationwide.By the numbers: Mass shootings in Washington killed 21 people and injured 53 others in 2023.That's up from 2022, when 12 mass shootings in the state killed six and injured 51.It's also higher than in 2021, when eight shootings statewide killed 15 and injured 20.Of note: The Gun Violence Archive defines mass shootings as incidents when at least four people besides the shooter are hurt or killed by gunfire.Zoom out: Nationally, 656 mass shootings took place in 2023. Since 2014, the only year higher than this was 2021, when there were 689, the group says.What we're watching: Washington banned sales of assault weapons last April in an effort to prevent mass shootings.Sign up for Axios Seattle for free.
How to protect plants from the cold
While Seattle may not see snow this weekend, temperatures will still be low enough that your plants could need some help.To nurse them through the cold, we asked local gardening expert and writer Erica Browne Grivas for advice.What they're saying: Water plants well before the frost and surround the bases with leaves, evergreens or boughs to insulate them.Move large containers against the house wall, especially under the eaves, as it's warmer there than in the open.Bring in small containers or marginally tender potted plants, like geraniums and citrus.Cover larger plants that are borderline hardy with permeable frost cloth, cotton fabric or even plastic for shorter periods of time.If there is snow, brush it off plants once it's stopped, check for broken branches and prune if necessary.Of note: Ravenna Gardens is holding an "Arctic Blast" sale on houseplants, tropicals and succulents. Blossoms are sensitive to frost, even on cold-hardy plants like this Hamamelis cultivar at the Center for Urban Horticulture. Photo: Courtesy of Erica Browne GrivasSign up for Axios Seattle for free.
Axios Seattle
1K+
Posts
7M+
Views
Axios Seattle is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.