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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 could rename former Chávez park for Dolores Huerta

Seattle removed the Chávez name and is now taking suggestions, including honoring Dolores Huerta.

Seattle Parks and Recreation is accepting suggestions to rename the former César Chávez Park — and some would like a name that honors labor leader Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers alongside Chávez.The big picture: The push to rename the park follows a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New York Times investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html" data-vars-content-id="a31e65ce-d4a6-452f-aaef-dec676bb6e66" data-vars-headline="Seattle could rename former Chávez park for Dolores Huerta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.html" target="_blank">New York Times investigation</a> last month that detailed reports of Chávez sexually abusing women and girls, including Huerta.

King County contract fight could lengthen jail stays

Union leaders say staffing changes could slow cases, increase jail time and strain defense.

King County public defenders have been working without a new contract since Jan. 1, in an unprecedented dispute centered more on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="caseload" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/17/washington-millionaires-tax-public-defense-funding-cut-counties-caseload-costs" data-vars-content-id="4916a90a-0b58-468d-a862-f0bd5b37ca5f" data-vars-headline="King County contract fight could lengthen jail stays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/17/washington-millionaires-tax-public-defense-funding-cut-counties-caseload-costs" target="_self">caseload</a> and staffing levels than pay.Why it matters: Public defenders represent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="90%" data-vars-click-url="https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dpd/about-public-defense/divisions#" data-vars-content-id="4916a90a-0b58-468d-a862-f0bd5b37ca5f" data-vars-headline="King County contract fight could lengthen jail stays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dpd/about-public-defense/divisions#" target="_blank">90%</a> of criminal defendants in King County. Their workloads affect how quickly cases move, the quality of the defense, how long defendants stay behind bars before trial and how much taxpayers spend to keep them there.

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.

Seattle Mariners open 2026 with World Series buzz

With Raleigh, Rodríguez, Naylor and elite pitching, Seattle enters 2026 focused on winning it all.

After arguably the best season in franchise history, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mariners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/09/25/seattle-mariners-winning-streak-baseball-playoffs-world-series" data-vars-content-id="cef1cf67-ab5b-4581-a88d-23270cb35f7e" data-vars-headline="Seattle Mariners open 2026 with World Series buzz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/09/25/seattle-mariners-winning-streak-baseball-playoffs-world-series" target="_self">Mariners</a> enter 2026 with something they&#x27;ve never really had before: a legitimate World Series run expectation.Why it matters: This isn&#x27;t just a young team with promise anymore. The M&#x27;s are building on a 90-win season, an AL West title and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Game 7 ALCS run" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/21/seattle-mariners-lose-game-7-blue-jays-world-series" data-vars-content-id="cef1cf67-ab5b-4581-a88d-23270cb35f7e" data-vars-headline="Seattle Mariners open 2026 with World Series buzz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/21/seattle-mariners-lose-game-7-blue-jays-world-series" target="_self">Game 7 ALCS run</a>, with some national analysts calling the Mariners to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="win it all" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/seattle-mariners/news/mariners-receive-bold-prediction-follows-seahawks-footsteps/7e480716526386d9640a06e6" data-vars-content-id="cef1cf67-ab5b-4581-a88d-23270cb35f7e" data-vars-headline="Seattle Mariners open 2026 with World Series buzz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/seattle-mariners/news/mariners-receive-bold-prediction-follows-seahawks-footsteps/7e480716526386d9640a06e6" target="_blank">win it all</a>.

NBA votes to explore adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas

The NBA's latest move advances Seattle's bid to land a team for the first time since 2008.

Business

The NBA&#x27;s Board of Governors voted Wednesday to explore potentially adding professional basketball teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.Why it matters: Seattle has been without an NBA team since the SuperSonics left in 2008 — and Vegas has never had an NBA franchise.

Seattle police contract leaves accountability gaps

A new Seattle police union deal boosts pay but leaves out long-promised oversight reforms.

Editor&#x27;s note: This is part one 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 two" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-starting-salary-ranking-us-cities-cost-of-living-contract-raises" data-vars-content-id="0770709f-d967-48ff-86f4-89bc3646fbb0" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract leaves accountability gaps" 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-starting-salary-ranking-us-cities-cost-of-living-contract-raises" target="_self">Go here to read part two</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="0770709f-d967-48ff-86f4-89bc3646fbb0" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract leaves accountability gaps" 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&#x27;s latest contract with its rank-and-file <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="police union" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/07/seattle-police-guild-leadership-change-mike-solan-exits-2026" data-vars-content-id="0770709f-d967-48ff-86f4-89bc3646fbb0" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract leaves accountability gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/07/seattle-police-guild-leadership-change-mike-solan-exits-2026" target="_self">police union</a> continues to block accountability measures the City Council approved nearly a decade ago.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new contract" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27760610-spog-2024-27-contract-documents/" data-vars-content-id="0770709f-d967-48ff-86f4-89bc3646fbb0" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract leaves accountability gaps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27760610-spog-2024-27-contract-documents/" target="_blank">new contract</a>, which runs through 2027, awards big raises to officers, but doesn&#x27;t implement several long-promised reforms intended to boost civilian oversight and ensure timely police discipline.

Seattle police contract undercuts civilian response teams

The limits blunt one of Seattle's main alternatives to traditional policing.

Editor&#x27;s note: This is part three 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="5fff6967-23ec-43d0-91de-75aa4c69f03a" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract undercuts civilian response teams" 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 two" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/25/seattle-police-starting-salary-ranking-us-cities-cost-of-living-contract-raises" data-vars-content-id="5fff6967-23ec-43d0-91de-75aa4c69f03a" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract undercuts civilian response teams" 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-starting-salary-ranking-us-cities-cost-of-living-contract-raises" target="_self">here for part two</a>.Seattle&#x27;s new police guild contract allows the city to grow its civilian <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crisis response teams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/17/civilian-911-response-teams-expand" data-vars-content-id="5fff6967-23ec-43d0-91de-75aa4c69f03a" data-vars-headline="Seattle police contract undercuts civilian response teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/17/civilian-911-response-teams-expand" target="_self">crisis response teams</a> — but sharply limits when and where they can operate.Why it matters: The limits blunt one of Seattle&#x27;s main alternatives to traditional policing, even as the city works to grow the program.

News 🗞

2 Seattle chefs make James Beard shortlist

Seattle could rename former Chávez park for Dolores Huerta

King County contract fight could lengthen jail stays

Seattle has 6 big AI advantages but needs a strategy

Ferguson signs Washington income tax targeting millionaires