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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 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 behind Rams in national power rankings

Despite the Hawks' Super Bowl win, new ranking favors a reloaded Rams roster.

Even fresh off a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="54d58f81-5158-43a3-8ddf-187ad30d871c" data-vars-headline="Seattle behind Rams in national power rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" target="_self">Super Bowl win</a>, the Seahawks still aren&#x27;t getting the respect they deserve. State of play: A new NFL power ranking from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pro Football Focus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-post-free-agency-power-rankings-rams-seahawks-2026" data-vars-content-id="54d58f81-5158-43a3-8ddf-187ad30d871c" data-vars-headline="Seattle behind Rams in national power rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-post-free-agency-power-rankings-rams-seahawks-2026" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus</a> slots Seattle at No. 2 — behind the despised Los Angeles Rams — even though the Hawks beat L.A. twice last season, including in the NFC Championship.

Seattle Children's nurse returns to Paralympics

Erin Martin, one of 68 U.S. athletes, will compete in three para-Nordic skiing events in Milan.

Sports

<figure><img alt="Erin Martin sits in a knit hat, white jacket and USA flag sweater in front of a sign that says &quot;US Paralympic Team.&quot; " height="3514" id="7077dd0d-d3fa-4477-9801-77afe28b474c" src="https://images.axios.com/AQ1LCXjr3MDd5X71_sy3gX60aOI=/2026/03/05/1772737055594.jpeg" width="5022"/><figcaption>Para Nordic athlete Erin Martin at a welcome event this week for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympics. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Seattle Children&#x27;s nurse Erin Martin is headed to her second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Paralympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" data-vars-content-id="120ab4e5-0c82-4a82-b4ba-f07d990a7b9e" data-vars-headline="Seattle Children&#x27;s nurse returns to Paralympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" target="_self">Winter Paralympics</a> in para-Nordic skiing — just seven years after first trying the sport.The big picture: The 2026 Winter Paralympics begin Friday in Milan-Cortina, where Martin will compete among 68 U.S. athletes on the world&#x27;s biggest stage for winter para-sports.

War casts doubts on Iran's World Cup matches

Iranian officials say tensions make playing in the U.S. unlikely, but FIFA has not confirmed a change.

Iran&#x27;s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including a scheduled match in Seattle — is in doubt amid escalating geopolitical tensions.Why it matters: Iran&#x27;s potential withdrawal adds <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new complications" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/11/ice-will-be-at-the-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="94860232-2c76-4b64-ab6a-f605242c4fb6" data-vars-headline="War casts doubts on Iran&#x27;s World Cup matches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/11/ice-will-be-at-the-world-cup" target="_self">new complications</a> to Seattle&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="yearslong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/12/seattle-center-unveils-world-cup-countdown-clock" data-vars-content-id="94860232-2c76-4b64-ab6a-f605242c4fb6" data-vars-headline="War casts doubts on Iran&#x27;s World Cup matches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/12/seattle-center-unveils-world-cup-countdown-clock" target="_self">yearslong</a> World Cup preparations.

Seattle Mariners fans head to Arizona spring training

For many Seattle fans, the season begins not at T-Mobile Park, but under the Arizona sun.

Baseball fans from Seattle and across the country are flocking to the desert as the Cactus League season kicks off throughout the Phoenix area.The big picture: This year marks the 79th season of the Cactus League — Major League Baseball&#x27;s Arizona spring training circuit — with 15 teams playing at 10 stadiums just miles apart.

Hilary Knight sets 2 Olympic records in U.S. gold win

The Seattle Torrent captain's 15th Olympic goal tied the game and helped lift the U.S. past Canada.

Seattle Torrent captain <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hilary Knight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/10/washington-olympians-milan-cortina-seattle-hockey-speed-skating" data-vars-content-id="b57894ec-23bb-4e1b-b035-30873f5515dd" data-vars-headline="Hilary Knight sets 2 Olympic records in U.S. gold win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/10/washington-olympians-milan-cortina-seattle-hockey-speed-skating" target="_self">Hilary Knight</a> set two U.S. Olympic records Thursday while leading the U.S. women&#x27;s hockey team to a gold medal win over Canada.Zoom in: Knight, Team USA&#x27;s captain, scored a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late tying goal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/19/hilary-knight-us-record-olympics-womens-hockey-goals/88584567007/" data-vars-content-id="b57894ec-23bb-4e1b-b035-30873f5515dd" data-vars-headline="Hilary Knight sets 2 Olympic records in U.S. gold win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/19/hilary-knight-us-record-olympics-womens-hockey-goals/88584567007/" target="_blank">late tying goal</a> that sent the championship game into overtime and helped lift the U.S. to a 2-1 victory.

The Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale

The sale aligns with late owner Paul Allen's directive to sell his sports holdings, the team says.

Fresh off a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl victory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="8fc35250-0034-455e-ba4c-7eb4c4c3dd0b" data-vars-headline="The Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" target="_self">Super Bowl victory</a>, the Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale, the team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Wednesday." data-vars-click-url="https://www.seahawks.com/news/estate-of-paul-g-allen-begins-sale-process-for-seattle-seahawks" data-vars-content-id="8fc35250-0034-455e-ba4c-7eb4c4c3dd0b" data-vars-headline="The Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seahawks.com/news/estate-of-paul-g-allen-begins-sale-process-for-seattle-seahawks" target="_blank">announced Wednesday.</a>The big picture: Selling the team aligns with directions laid out by late Seahawks owner Paul Allen, whose estate continues to own the team, the Seahawks said in Wednesday&#x27;s announcement.

Washington state athletes to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Washington and Seattle-area athletes are competing at the Winter Olympics through Feb. 22.

Washington state has already made its mark at the 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/2026-winter-olympics-opening-ceremony-ratings" data-vars-content-id="9dea1ba0-c785-46a0-8705-d91df6172f72" data-vars-headline="Washington state athletes to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/2026-winter-olympics-opening-ceremony-ratings" target="_self">Winter Olympics</a>, with Western Washington University alum Breezy Johnson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winning gold" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/milan-olympics-lindsey-vonn-ilia-malinin" data-vars-content-id="9dea1ba0-c785-46a0-8705-d91df6172f72" data-vars-headline="Washington state athletes to watch at the 2026 Winter Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/milan-olympics-lindsey-vonn-ilia-malinin" target="_self">winning gold</a> Sunday in women&#x27;s downhill skiing.<ul><li>But she&#x27;s not the only Olympic athlete to watch this year with ties to Washington.</li></ul>The big picture: Johnson&#x27;s win brought the U.S. its first Olympic medal this year — and there&#x27;s much more to come as the competition continues through Feb. 22.

Seattle's Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans

Up to 1 million fans are expected along Fourth Avenue as the Hawks celebrate downtown on Wednesday.

Up to 1 million people are expected to line Fourth Avenue on Wednesday as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seahawks fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" target="_self">Seahawks fans</a> flock to celebrate the team&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" target="_self">Super Bowl championship</a> with a parade running through the core of the city.Driving the news: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seahawks.com/super-bowl-lx/parade/" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seahawks.com/super-bowl-lx/parade/" target="_blank">parade</a> begins at 11am, starting near Lumen Field, traveling north up Fourth Avenue and ending near the Seattle Center.

⚾️ Donovan delivers early

Seattle falls 6-4 despite Donovan homer

"Seattle is ready"

Seattle officials cheer potential return of Sonics

🏈 Female football boom

Flag football gains ground in Washington state

A map showing the status of girls' high school flag football in the U.S. for 2026. It indicates that 17 states have sanctioned flag football as a varsity sport, while 22 states are currently running pilot seasons to evaluate full adoption.

Sports 🏅

Seattle falls 6-4 despite Donovan homer

Seattle officials cheer potential return of Sonics

Flag football gains ground in Washington state

Seattle Mariners open 2026 with World Series buzz

NBA votes to explore adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas