Seattle

Seattle Alerts

Alert

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Seattle with Melissa Santos and Christine Clarridge.

Axios Seattle

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Seattle.

Axios Seattle Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Seattle Partners

Seattle Members

Membership

Tens of thousands expected at No Kings Seattle

Seattle organizers say Saturday's march could exceed last year's 90,000 attendees.

News

Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to flood Seattle streets Saturday as part of a nationwide No Kings day of action spanning more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="3,000 events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="7047f0d9-04be-464d-82dd-9f0f878dade4" data-vars-headline="Tens of thousands expected at No Kings Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" target="_self">3,000 events</a>.Why it matters: The protest is part of what organizers hope will be one of the largest single-day demonstrations in recent U.S. history — reflecting opposition to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" data-vars-content-id="7047f0d9-04be-464d-82dd-9f0f878dade4" data-vars-headline="Tens of thousands expected at No Kings Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a> and broader economic and political concerns.

Light rail opens from Seattle to Bellevue this weekend

New East Link service connects Seattle and Bellevue across I-90 after nearly two decades of waiting.

Light rail over Lake Washington will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="become a reality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90" data-vars-content-id="53bfc036-f358-4011-a0bd-37a617905162" data-vars-headline="Light rail opens from Seattle to Bellevue this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/23/seattle-bellevue-light-rail-opening-east-link-delay-i90" target="_self">become a reality</a> on Saturday, nearly 18 years after Puget Sound voters first approved it.Why it matters: The completion of Sound Transit&#x27;s East Link extension will connect Bellevue to Seattle, creating a roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="60-mile" data-vars-click-url="https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/crosslake-connection-opens-march-28" data-vars-content-id="53bfc036-f358-4011-a0bd-37a617905162" data-vars-headline="Light rail opens from Seattle to Bellevue this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.soundtransit.org/get-to-know-us/news-events/news-releases/crosslake-connection-opens-march-28" target="_blank">60-mile</a> network stretching from the Eastside to Lynnwood to Federal Way.

Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities

New officers in Seattle earn nearly $118K to start, boosted by recent contract raises.

Editor&#x27;s note: This is part two of a three-part deep dive into Seattle&#x27;s contract with the Seattle Police Officers Guild. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go here to read part one" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-union-contract-accountability-reforms-opa-oversight-discipline" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-union-contract-accountability-reforms-opa-oversight-discipline" target="_self">Go here to read part one</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here for part three" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-guild-contract-care-program-restrictions-encampments-drug-calls" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-guild-contract-care-program-restrictions-encampments-drug-calls" target="_self">here for part three</a>.Seattle police earn some of the highest starting salaries for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="officers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/28/seattle-police-officer-hiring-surge-2025" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/28/seattle-police-officer-hiring-surge-2025" target="_self">officers</a> in the country, an Axios analysis finds.The big picture: Entry-level pay for Seattle police officers is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly $118,000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kuow.org/stories/new-seattle-police-contract-includes-pay-boost-increased-use-of-unarmed-crisis-response" data-vars-content-id="e21e33b3-520c-4a32-88fc-1d4516ef7d59" data-vars-headline="Seattle police starting salary tops most major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/new-seattle-police-contract-includes-pay-boost-increased-use-of-unarmed-crisis-response" target="_blank">nearly $118,000</a> — far exceeding starting pay in New York City and Los Angeles, larger cities with similar or higher costs of living.

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 readers share their takes on tipping

With $21.30 minimum wage and constant prompts, some Seattle readers are rethinking when to tip.

&quot;Tip fatigue&quot; has spread across America, and Axios Seattle readers are far from unified on what to do when the tipping screen is spun toward them.The big picture: A 2025 Bankrate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/tipping-culture-survey/#negative-views" data-vars-content-id="a2f31eb6-8800-41f3-9cfe-33c6035d4a09" data-vars-headline="Seattle readers share their takes on tipping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/tipping-culture-survey/#negative-views" target="_blank">survey</a> found that 41% of Americans think tip culture is &quot;out of control&quot; and that request screens actually prompt many Americans to tip less, not more.

Here are Seattle's 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists

The semifinalists span neighborhoods and styles, from bakeries to cocktail bars.

Food and Drink

More than a dozen Seattle chefs and restaurants were named James Beard Award semifinalists Wednesday, giving the city a shot at ending its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="yearslong drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/11/seattle-james-beard-winners-2024" data-vars-content-id="04ea7c68-9613-46be-a203-291f9afe3e64" data-vars-headline="Here are Seattle&#x27;s 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/11/seattle-james-beard-winners-2024" target="_self">yearslong drought</a> in the prestigious food awards.Why it matters: The awards are the culinary industry&#x27;s highest honor — but a Seattle chef or restaurant hasn&#x27;t won <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="since 2020" data-vars-click-url="https://seattle.eater.com/restaurant-news/87020/seattle-chefs-restaurants-2025-james-beard-awards" data-vars-content-id="04ea7c68-9613-46be-a203-291f9afe3e64" data-vars-headline="Here are Seattle&#x27;s 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://seattle.eater.com/restaurant-news/87020/seattle-chefs-restaurants-2025-james-beard-awards" target="_blank">since 2020</a>.

Vote for Seattle's favorite Girl Scout cookie

Seattle readers can weigh in as cookie season starts, with a new flavor arriving and one exiting.

It&#x27;s Girl Scout <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cookie season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/girl-scout-cookies-exploremores-cookie" data-vars-content-id="8ae44ba9-cb1c-4dbf-9e4a-14ef8c43c65f" data-vars-headline="Vote for Seattle&#x27;s favorite Girl Scout cookie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/girl-scout-cookies-exploremores-cookie" target="_self">cookie season</a>, and we want to know which cookie you think is the best in 2026.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Girl Scouts of Western Washington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.girlscoutsww.org/" data-vars-content-id="8ae44ba9-cb1c-4dbf-9e4a-14ef8c43c65f" data-vars-headline="Vote for Seattle&#x27;s favorite Girl Scout cookie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.girlscoutsww.org/" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Western Washington</a> began accepting online orders for cookie deliveries this week, and, yes, we&#x27;ve already ordered a few boxes for the office. (Who cares if we work from home?)

3 new Renee Erickson restaurants opening in Pioneer Square

The Pioneer Square beer hall, pizza counter and sit-down restaurant all open this month in Seattle.

Three new spots from James Beard award-winning chef Renee Erickson are set to open in Pioneer Square in the coming days.The big picture: The trio is part of a wave of recent business openings that have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="helped rejuvenate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/09/12/seattle-pioneer-square-restaurant-boom-revival-2025" data-vars-content-id="7bd7c9c4-0377-4cb6-a0e6-fcffe0c2036a" data-vars-headline="3 new Renee Erickson restaurants opening in Pioneer Square" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/09/12/seattle-pioneer-square-restaurant-boom-revival-2025" target="_self">helped rejuvenate</a> Seattle&#x27;s oldest neighborhood.

Pizza slices at Tivoli are a great Seattle lunchtime find

No need to order an entire 16" pie to get your pizza fix. (But don't sleep on the rest of the menu.)

Finding pizza by the slice isn&#x27;t always simple in Seattle — particularly at lunch time.<ul><li>That&#x27;s why I&#x27;m a big fan of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tivoli" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tivoliseattle.com/" data-vars-content-id="71b959fb-05c8-4176-9483-581279d2f606" data-vars-headline="Pizza slices at Tivoli are a great Seattle lunchtime find" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tivoliseattle.com/" target="_blank">Tivoli</a> in Fremont, where you can snag slices (along with a range of other items) for a midday meal.</li></ul>

Where to find Seattle's best old-school coffee shops

These cafes channel a creative, nostalgic Seattle energy that's getting harder to find.

<figure><img alt="Cozy coffee shop with wooden tables and metal chairs, several people working or sitting, burlap coffee bags stacked near a green mural, hanging lights, and a counter with stools." height="4284" id="6e9b5f3a-52ae-4949-8fce-c4c80be2a0f7" src="https://images.axios.com/2Qjp9BpkxpR6DUlPTc9grGJJDdw=/2025/11/20/1763674679689.jpeg" width="5712" srcset="https://images.axios.com/UlU7GXaI5v0pnTvtbfOr2rgZAFE=/0x0:5712x4284/1920x1440/2025/11/20/1763674679689.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/n0qlWFpXJjZ2rvACOrbCoZCKQoM=/0x0:5712x4284/1600x1200/2025/11/20/1763674679689.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/oi7EoFIHB-sPJauKJB0rCfgFtIc=/0x0:5712x4284/1366x1024/2025/11/20/1763674679689.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/S-vDzxkNibsHZmfDABokazSQbLI=/0x0:5712x4284/1024x768/2025/11/20/1763674679689.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/9lo1ctOxowFAA8RImjv3PtRzPPA=/0x0:5712x4284/768x576/2025/11/20/1763674679689.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/kAXDOVe60hBGyzKwC1cJC4hGaHE=/0x0:5712x4284/640x480/2025/11/20/1763674679689.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/xPwy7F8whPAlBasbY99rrdkNjRI=/0x0:5712x4284/320x240/2025/11/20/1763674679689.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Seattle&#x27;s Lighthouse Roasters got its start in 1993. Don&#x27;t expect Wi-Fi. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>Seattle has no shortage of modern coffee shops with gleaming white counters and industrial-chic vibes. The rarer find is a cafe that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="feels like old Seattle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/01/searching-for-classic-seattle-coffee-shops" data-vars-content-id="00b3fe73-243c-4972-8b22-a58b3c35565f" data-vars-headline="Where to find Seattle&#x27;s best old-school coffee shops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/01/searching-for-classic-seattle-coffee-shops" target="_self">feels like old Seattle</a> — warm, scrappy, analog and humming with creative potential.The big picture: We set off in search of such places a few months ago. And, with guidance from Axios Seattle readers, we&#x27;ve developed a list of coffee shops we think fit the bill.

Seattle restaurant hacks: Artusi's antipasto platter

Artusi's antipasto misto is a Capitol Hill bar snack that doubles as a full dinner — for just $33.

The antipasto misto at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artusi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/artusibar/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="c93a68b4-32e9-4503-8a67-e56cce4f69a5" data-vars-headline="Seattle restaurant hacks: Artusi&#x27;s antipasto platter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/artusibar/?hl=en" target="_blank">Artusi</a> — the sister bar to Italian joint <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spinasse" data-vars-click-url="https://spinasse.com/" data-vars-content-id="c93a68b4-32e9-4503-8a67-e56cce4f69a5" data-vars-headline="Seattle restaurant hacks: Artusi&#x27;s antipasto platter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://spinasse.com/" target="_blank">Spinasse</a> — is my new Seattle dinner hack.Zoom in: For $33, you get a generous plate of appetizers that can serve as a light dinner for two (depending on how hungry you and your dining companion are).

Gala is Washington state's top apple this season

Gala remains Washington's most-grown apple, but a new variety is quickly gaining ground in orchards.

The top <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="apple" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/12/sunflare-wsu-new-apple" data-vars-content-id="2479dc48-0b81-499e-8cec-13ae7eefc351" data-vars-headline="Gala is Washington state&#x27;s top apple this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/12/sunflare-wsu-new-apple" target="_self">apple</a> produced in Washington state remains the trusty Gala apple, followed by the Honeycrisp and Granny Smith varieties.<ul><li>At the same time, Cosmic Crisp, which was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bred at Washington State University" data-vars-click-url="https://foundation.wsu.edu/2019/12/01/cosmic-crisp/" data-vars-content-id="2479dc48-0b81-499e-8cec-13ae7eefc351" data-vars-headline="Gala is Washington state&#x27;s top apple this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://foundation.wsu.edu/2019/12/01/cosmic-crisp/" target="_blank">bred at Washington State University</a> and released in 2019, is climbing up the ranks.</li></ul>

Pan de La Selva brings pan dulce to Seattle City Hall

The new pop-up blends Latin baking traditions with local ingredients for a modern Seattle twist.

A panadería that built a following at local farmers markets is now serving pan dulce five days a week at Seattle City Hall.What to expect: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pan de La Selva" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/pandelaselva_/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="4c6eab84-9ce3-42e8-b5b8-7a6fe93e2ac1" data-vars-headline="Pan de La Selva brings pan dulce to Seattle City Hall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/pandelaselva_/?hl=en" target="_blank">Pan de La Selva</a> specializes in &quot;blending Mexican and Central American flavors with local ingredients,&quot; its website says.

Café Calaveras gets a permanent home on Yesler Way

Café Calaveras serves drinks like café de olla and matcha with strawberry foam in a vibrant space.

I had a chance last week to check out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Café Calaveras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/cafe.calaveras/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="5325e4de-baa7-4b36-a020-7b3718b7d4a3" data-vars-headline="Café Calaveras gets a permanent home on Yesler Way" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/cafe.calaveras/?hl=en" target="_blank">Café Calaveras</a>&#x27; new brick and mortar location across from Yesler Terrace Park — and it may have just changed my mind about matcha.Catch up quick: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former pop-up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cafecalaveras.com/about" data-vars-content-id="5325e4de-baa7-4b36-a020-7b3718b7d4a3" data-vars-headline="Café Calaveras gets a permanent home on Yesler Way" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cafecalaveras.com/about" target="_blank">former pop-up</a> had its soft launch late last month in Tougo Coffee&#x27;s old space, serving creative twists on your favorite drinks.

Food and Drink 🍽

2 Seattle chefs make James Beard shortlist

Seattle readers share their takes on tipping

Seattle's Toasted expands with Pioneer Square spot

Here are Seattle's 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists

Vote for Seattle's favorite Girl Scout cookie