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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 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.

Washington counties warn of mounting public defense crisis

County officials say they're "going backwards" after funding was stripped from an income tax bill.

Washington state lawmakers rejected a plan to use a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new income tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/12/washington-income-tax-clears-legislature-faces-challenges" data-vars-content-id="d5789f15-b90c-4835-9e32-97ac6750c050" data-vars-headline="Washington counties warn of mounting public defense crisis" 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">new income tax</a> to help pay for lawyers for criminal defendants, despite warnings of a growing public defense crisis.Why it matters: Rising public defense costs — driven by new state caseload standards — could push county governments toward bankruptcy and bring the state&#x27;s criminal justice system to a standstill, county officials say.

Seattle and nearby cities move to block ICE detention centers

Seattle and nearby cities passed moratoriums as ICE explores adding detention space in the region.

Politics

As federal officials <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seek to add" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/ice-immigrant-detention-warehouses-spending" data-vars-content-id="ee763c25-04b6-45f0-ba7a-381470ac59e4" data-vars-headline="Seattle and nearby cities move to block ICE detention centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/13/ice-immigrant-detention-warehouses-spending" target="_self">seek to add</a> immigration detention space, Seattle and other nearby cities are pushing back.The big picture: Several local governments have approved measures to block new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="detention centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/immigrant-detentions-record-trump-deportations" data-vars-content-id="ee763c25-04b6-45f0-ba7a-381470ac59e4" data-vars-headline="Seattle and nearby cities move to block ICE detention centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/immigrant-detentions-record-trump-deportations" target="_self">detention centers</a> in recent weeks — part of a broader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resistance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/08/seattle-resists-trump-troops-immigration" data-vars-content-id="ee763c25-04b6-45f0-ba7a-381470ac59e4" data-vars-headline="Seattle and nearby cities move to block ICE detention centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/08/seattle-resists-trump-troops-immigration" target="_self">resistance</a> to the Trump administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mass deportation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/04/trump-ice-immigration-arrests-deportations" data-vars-content-id="ee763c25-04b6-45f0-ba7a-381470ac59e4" data-vars-headline="Seattle and nearby cities move to block ICE detention centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/04/trump-ice-immigration-arrests-deportations" target="_self">mass deportation</a> policy.

Washington's new income tax faces hurdles

The tax on millionaires passed the Legislature, but is almost certain to face court and ballot fights.

An <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="income tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/11/washington-income-tax-millionaires-clears-house" data-vars-content-id="852f383b-8737-41a0-9e28-a9d4389251ba" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s new income tax faces hurdles" 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">income tax</a> that Washington&#x27;s Legislature passed Wednesday night will likely face several challenges — both legal and political — before it can be collected.Why it matters: State court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rulings" data-vars-click-url="https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/Appendix_B.pdf" data-vars-content-id="852f383b-8737-41a0-9e28-a9d4389251ba" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s new income tax faces hurdles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/Appendix_B.pdf" target="_blank">rulings</a> have interpreted Washington&#x27;s constitution to bar income taxes that target the wealthy, and Washington voters have repeatedly shot down income tax proposals at the ballot box.

Washington House approves income tax after 24-hour debate

The proposal would tax income over $1M, raising $3.5B a year and setting up a constitutional fight.

An <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="income tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/12/washington-state-millionaire-tax-ferguson-democrats-proposal" data-vars-content-id="fd0bfbe8-fcb5-4aa0-be6c-c48945a721c6" data-vars-headline="Washington House approves income tax after 24-hour debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/12/washington-state-millionaire-tax-ferguson-democrats-proposal" target="_self">income tax</a> on high earners is one step away from final passage in Washington state after the House approved it 51-46 Tuesday, capping a marathon floor debate.Why it matters: If enacted, the tax would test long-standing legal and political <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="barriers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/05/washington-income-tax-ban-legislature-initiative-2111-millionaire-tax" data-vars-content-id="fd0bfbe8-fcb5-4aa0-be6c-c48945a721c6" data-vars-headline="Washington House approves income tax after 24-hour debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/05/washington-income-tax-ban-legislature-initiative-2111-millionaire-tax" target="_self">barriers</a> to personal income taxes in Washington.

Washington Legislature passes police face mask ban aimed at ICE

The vote positions Washington among states pushing back on federal immigration enforcement tactics.

Washington&#x27;s Legislature approved new limits Monday on law enforcement officers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wearing face coverings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/19/states-cities-bans-ice-agents-masks-id" data-vars-content-id="787a10b8-be96-4ea3-ab4a-a741b5567510" data-vars-headline="Washington Legislature passes police face mask ban aimed at ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/19/states-cities-bans-ice-agents-masks-id" target="_self">wearing face coverings</a> — a measure <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="designed to target" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/15/washington-ice-mask-ban-school-access-worker-notice-bills-immigration" data-vars-content-id="787a10b8-be96-4ea3-ab4a-a741b5567510" data-vars-headline="Washington Legislature passes police face mask ban aimed at ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/15/washington-ice-mask-ban-school-access-worker-notice-bills-immigration" target="_self">designed to target</a> masked federal immigration agents.Why it matters: The vote positions Washington among states pushing back on federal immigration <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enforcement tactics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/ice-border-patrol-lyons-scott-trump-house-panel" data-vars-content-id="787a10b8-be96-4ea3-ab4a-a741b5567510" data-vars-headline="Washington Legislature passes police face mask ban aimed at ICE" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/ice-border-patrol-lyons-scott-trump-house-panel" target="_self">enforcement tactics</a>.

Revised Washington millionaire's tax wins Ferguson's support

The governor says he'd sign the updated plan, which shifts more money to child care and tax credits.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="income tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/17/washington-senate-oks-income-tax-on-millionaires" data-vars-content-id="52e3b59b-40fb-4ff2-bbb8-abd89b983901" data-vars-headline="Revised Washington millionaire&#x27;s tax wins Ferguson&#x27;s support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/17/washington-senate-oks-income-tax-on-millionaires" target="_self">income tax</a> on high earners is looking more likely in Washington state, after Gov. Bob Ferguson said on Friday he&#x27;s willing to sign the latest version of the proposal. Why it matters: Washington is one of only nine states that doesn&#x27;t tax personal income — a status that would change if the so-called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="millionaire&#x27;s tax" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/12/washington-state-millionaire-tax-ferguson-democrats-proposal" data-vars-content-id="52e3b59b-40fb-4ff2-bbb8-abd89b983901" data-vars-headline="Revised Washington millionaire&#x27;s tax wins Ferguson&#x27;s support" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/12/washington-state-millionaire-tax-ferguson-democrats-proposal" target="_self">millionaire&#x27;s tax</a> is enacted.

Washington weighs cash rounding as pennies fade

A bill would let retailers round cash totals to the nearest nickel amid a penny shortage.

The federal government&#x27;s decision to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stop minting pennies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/22/penny-coins-end-production-2026" data-vars-content-id="2d80951d-758e-4e8a-bdf4-02e185b751d5" data-vars-headline="Washington weighs cash rounding as pennies fade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/22/penny-coins-end-production-2026" target="_self">stop minting pennies</a> is making it hard for Washington state retailers to give exact change — so state lawmakers may let them round to the nearest nickel.Why it matters: The legislation to allow rounding on cash transactions aims to clarify how customers and stores should operate in an increasingly penniless world.

Politics 🇺🇸

Ferguson signs Washington income tax targeting millionaires

Seattle police contract leaves accountability gaps

Seattle police contract undercuts civilian response teams

Washington counties warn of mounting public defense crisis

Seattle and nearby cities move to block ICE detention centers