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Axios Seattle
Seattle debates gunfire detection technology — again
Seattle officials are once again debating whether to install gunshot detection technology such as ShotSpotter, which is designed to alert police to gunfire.Why it matters: Critics, such as the ACLU of Washington, say the technology has a history of falsely identifying unrelated sounds as gunfire, potentially sending police into neighborhoods on high alert and increasing the likelihood of violent encounters between officers and the people living there.Meanwhile, ShotSpotter's parent company, SoundThinking, says the technology has a 97% accuracy rate and can help first responders arrive more quickly to collect evidence or render first aid, even when no one calls 911.What's...
Seattle's former Cinerama theater reopens Dec. 14
The historic Seattle theater formerly known as Cinerama will reopen after nearly four years with a new name in December.Why it matters: Famed for its 97-foot giant screen, chocolate popcorn and special events like the May 4 celebration of "Star Wars," the movie house is among the city's cultural icons.Driving the news: The theater — renamed SIFF Cinema Downtown — will reopen on Dec. 14 with a showing of "Wonka," the newest of several movies based on "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."Catch up quick: First opened in 1963, the theater at Fourth Avenue and Lenora Street closed in 2020 following...
Heat pump rules in Washington state hit a hurdle
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has pledged — along with other governors — to quadruple the number of electric heat pumps in U.S. homes by 2030, calling them "almost a miraculous solution" in the fight against climate change.But here in Washington, efforts to require heat pumps in new buildings have faced a bumpy road, in part due to legal concerns.Why it matters: Government officials see electric heat pumps as a crucial tool for decarbonizing buildings, which produce an estimated 25% to 28% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions globally.Heat pumps cool and heat buildings more efficiently than coal- or gas-burning furnaces, producing...
How long it takes to break even on your home in the Seattle area
Get comfy, Seattle-area homeowners. It can take nearly 11 years to break even on your purchase, per Zillow data exclusively shared with Axios.Why it matters: That's how long you have to stay in your house before you can sell and make a profit.Context: Historically, experts have said you need to stay in your home at least five years to break even.But with mortgage rates inching toward 8%, new homeowners will need to stay put longer to avoid going underwater.Between the lines: Zillow used typical price increases for each market to forecast the value of a median home and compare it to equity based on down payments of 3% to 20%.For people in the Seattle metro area who put down only 3%, the time needed to break even is estimated at 10.8 years.The bright side: Seattle-area homebuyers who put down 20% can recoup their costs in 8.8 years, 2.5 years faster than the national estimate.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.
How long it takes to break even on your home in the Seattle area
Get comfy, Seattle-area homeowners. It can take nearly 11 years to break even on your purchase, per Zillow data exclusively shared with Axios.Why it matters: That's how long you have to stay in your house before you can sell and make a profit.Context: Historically, experts have said you need to stay in your home at least five years to break even.But with mortgage rates inching toward 8%, new homeowners will need to stay put longer to avoid going underwater.Between the lines: Zillow used typical price increases for each market to forecast the value of a median home and compare it to equity based on down payments of 3% to 20%.For people in the Seattle metro area who put down only 3%, the time needed to break even is estimated at 10.8 years.The bright side: Seattle-area homebuyers who put down 20% can recoup their costs in 8.8 years, 2.5 years faster than the national estimate.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.
Best dog Halloween costumes from Axios Seattle readers
There's nothing better than pictures of cute dogs (and other animals) in costumes to help smooth the "ruff" edges off life. So here are some photos of adorable local dogs dressed for Halloween sent in by Axios Seattle readers. First, Dragon Lass, a yellow Lab, is seen in her devilish garb. Here's Harley dressed as a jack-o'-lantern. Jerry is dressed (we think) as the most stylish grandmother we remember from our childhood. Purse, glasses and all. By day, this next superhero goes by Baker, but his vigilante alias is Batdog. And last, but definitely not least: Meet Zuko, who is dressed up as a taco for his favorite holiday, which also happens to be his human companion's birthday. If these don't put you in the mood to have a great holiday, we don't know what will.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.
Hop onboard as the Seattle Sounders surge into the MLS Playoffs
If grief over the Mariners' disappointing season or a long-lasting grudge over the loss of the SuperSonics make it simply too painful to tune into the World Series or celebrate the new NBA season, turn your attention to the Sounders.Driving the news: No. 2 seed Seattle Sounders FC head into round one of the MLS playoffs against seventh-seed FC Dallas at Lumen Field Monday night.After a roller coaster start to the regular season, the Sounders finished on a nine-game unbeaten streak.With 14 wins, 9 losses and 11 draws, Seattle is favored to win against Dallas and is considered a top...
Updated "infertility" definition could help more hopeful LGBTQ+ parents in Washington
A new, more expansive definition of "infertility" could lead to more help for hopeful LGBTQ+ or single parents in Washington state.Why it matters: The broader definition could bolster efforts in Washington's Legislature to pass a law requiring many large insurance plans to cover infertility treatments, including for same-sex couples, state Rep. Monica Stonier (D-Vancouver) told Axios.Coverage for treatments like egg freezing and in vitro fertilization remains limited in Washington, one of more than two dozen states that don't mandate that insurers cover fertility care.Plus: Even without a state mandate, the definition change could prod insurers to extend infertility coverage to...
Seattle District 6 council candidates square off over experience
Voters in Seattle's District 6 will choose between a political veteran and an entrepreneur who says he's running to help the everyday resident.Why it matters: With seven open seats on the nine-member council — and at least four seats certain to be filled by new people — the results of the Nov. 7 election could dramatically change the political direction of the city.State of play: Incumbent Dan Strauss and challenger Pete Hanning have identified public safety, homelessness and housing as key issues facing District 6.Catch up quick on Strauss: Before his election in 2019, he had been an aide to...
The fall of Convoy, explained: Why the "Uber for trucking" startup shut down
The future of Convoy, a digital freight startup once hailed as the "Uber for trucking," is in doubt after rumors of a potential buyer emerged just days after the company closed abruptly.Driving the news: The Seattle Times reported on Tuesday there could be a last-minute buyer for the unicorn darling. Axios could not confirm the potential sale through emails to the pressroom or calls to the main office.But CEO Dan Lewis said on LinkedIn Wednesday that he was "heads down working on a deal that will include some of the Convoy team and our tech/services."Earlier this week the company notified...
A quarter of Idaho residents think they live in the Midwest, survey finds
A new poll finds that roughly a quarter of Idahoans think they live in the Midwest — to which we say, "What?"Details: Emerson College Polling and Middle West Review asked 11,000 people across 22 states, "Do you consider yourself to currently live in the Midwest?"Just over 25% of Idaho respondents said yes.Our thought bubble: We've always considered Idaho a part of the Pacific Northwest, even if many of its residents don't feel that way.Midwest feels like … a major stretch.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.
A quarter of Idaho residents think they live in the Midwest, survey finds
A new poll finds that roughly a quarter of Idahoans think they live in the Midwest — to which we say, "What?"Details: Emerson College Polling and Middle West Review asked 11,000 people across 22 states, "Do you consider yourself to currently live in the Midwest?"Just over 25% of Idaho respondents said yes.Our thought bubble: We've always considered Idaho a part of the Pacific Northwest, even if many of its residents don't feel that way.Midwest feels like … a major stretch.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.
A quarter of Idaho residents think they live in the Midwest, survey finds
A new poll finds that roughly a quarter of Idahoans think they live in the Midwest — to which we say, "What?"Details: Emerson College Polling and Middle West Review asked 11,000 people across 22 states, "Do you consider yourself to currently live in the Midwest?"Just over 25% of Idaho respondents said yes.Our thought bubble: We've always considered Idaho a part of the Pacific Northwest, even if many of its residents don't feel that way.Midwest feels like … a major stretch.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.
What Seattle locals love most about Pike Place Market
It turns out I'm not the only Seattle local who loves to visit Pike Place Market.What's happening: Many readers of Axios Seattle had a bone to pick with USA Today, which recently labeled Pike Place Market one of the world's worst tourist traps.Why it matters: The market is a core part of Seattle's history, a landmark that also offers rare items from eccentric shops and tables operated by local artists. (Plus some great food.) Pro tip: For the optimal experience, readers recommended visiting before noon to avoid the early afternoon peak, when tourists typically crowd the area.Here are some...
Ways to celebrate Halloween in Seattle this year
We've rounded up a few activities around town to help you celebrate Halloween in the coming days.🍺 Join a Halloween bar crawl with drink specials and Halloween-themed dance music. Starts at Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub in Post Alley. 5pm–9pm Saturday and 4–8pm Sunday. Tickets here.👟 Sweat it out while showing off your costume at Run Scared, a zombie-themed race held in Seward Park. Race options include a 2-mile route, a 5K or a 10K. There's also a kids' dash and a prize for best costume. Race day activities begin at 8am Sunday.🎃 Watch animals smash pumpkins at the Woodland...
Here comes Western Washington's first frost
Get ready for fall's first strong cold front and the chilliest nights of the season so far.Driving the news: A winter storm warning is in effect through 5pm Wednesday after a cold front arrived Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, significant mountain snow and a 5-degree temperature drop.Why it matters: Up to 20 inches of snow could accumulate in the mountain passes, potentially causing dangerous driving conditions, according to the National Weather Service.Details: Freezing overnight temperatures are expected tonight in much of inland Western Washington, weather service meteorologist Matthew Cullen told Axios.Gusts of up to 20 miles per hour are also possible.A second weather front, drier but colder, is likely to arrive Thursday, he said.That could bring overnight lows in the mid-30s to Seattle and the mid-20s to foothills and valleys in the Puget Sound region, said meteorologist Kayla Mazurkiewicz.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.
TSA investigating how Washington state lawmaker got gun on plane
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is investigating how a Washington state lawmaker got a gun past the security checkpoint at Portland International Airport.Catch up quick: Washington state Sen. Jeff Wilson (R-Longview) was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport after flying there for vacation late last week with an unloaded gun in his carry-on bag, his office said Monday in a statement.Wilson's statement said he became aware of the firearm mid-flight, after boarding a connecting flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong.Wilson has been charged in Hong Kong with possessing an unregistered firearm and was released Sunday after posting bail, his...
Why the four-day work week is here to stay in Seattle
Kiss Fridays goodbye, Seattle. The four-day work week is here to stay, according to research on remote and hybrid work that was updated this month.Driving the news (literally): Vehicle and foot traffic data shows a notable decrease in the number of people commuting on roads and occupying downtown offices on Mondays and Fridays as opposed to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.That's according to data released earlier this year by the Downtown Seattle Association, the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Commute Seattle and Kirkland-based Inrix.Why it matters: Seattle emerged in the early stages of the pandemic as a city to monitor for insights...
Seattle voters to pick Kshama Sawant's successor in District 3
Voters in Seattle's District 3 will soon pick who they want to succeed socialist City Councilmember Kshama Sawant, who is not running again.Why it matters: With seven open seats on the nine-member council and at least four seats certain to be filled by newcomers, the results of the Nov. 7 election will be pivotal to the city's future.What's happening: Political newcomers Joy Hollingsworth and Alex Hudson are vying to represent the district, which includes Eastlake, Capitol Hill and the Central District.A veteran of her family's cannabis business, Hollingsworth now works with the Food Access Network team at Northwest Harvest.Hudson spent...
What to know about Seattle's $970 million housing levy
Seattle voters will soon decide whether to approve a new citywide housing levy, raising about $970 million for affordable housing projects and rental assistance over the next seven years.Why it matters: Seattle is becoming increasingly unaffordable, pushing out many workers, longtime residents and families.A 2021 analysis commissioned by the city found that Seattle had a shortage of about 21,000 affordable housing units.Driving the news: The ballot measure, Proposition No. 1, would renew an expiring property tax levy that voters last approved in 2016.It would also roughly triple the levy's tax rate — from about $0.14 per $1,000 in assessed property...
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