Seattle Local — 2026-03-30#

Top Story#

Gov. Bob Ferguson officially signed the “millionaires tax” into law on Monday morning, imposing a 9.9% income tax on earnings over $1 million. The sweeping measure is designed to address a multi-billion dollar budget gap and fund programs like tax credits and free school meals, though opponents have already stated plans to challenge the law in court.

Local News#

World’s first railway over a floating bridge opens in Washington state · KIRO 7 The highly anticipated Crosslake Connection is officially open, connecting the Eastside to downtown Seattle via light rail for the first time. The 7.4-mile Link 2 Line extension carries riders across Lake Washington, marking the world’s first railway to operate over a floating bridge. Monday provided the first major test for the new line as commuters packed the trains to head to work.

Organizers estimate over 100,000 people marched in Seattle for a series of “No Kings” protests · FOX 13 An estimated 75,000 to 100,000 demonstrators took to the streets of downtown Seattle on Saturday for a “No Kings” protest opposing the Trump administration. The march traveled from Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill to Seattle Center, shutting down several streets along Fifth Avenue. Despite the massive crowds demonstrating amid a partial government shutdown and overseas conflicts, local police reported no major incidents or crowd issues.

Over 100 shots fired in deadly Tacoma shootout, police say · KIRO 7 A homicide investigation is underway in Tacoma after nearly 100 rounds were fired during a large house party on East 91st Street early Sunday morning. A young woman was killed in the gunfire, and a second woman was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Police are currently asking neighbors for surveillance video to help identify the shooter.

Three men hospitalized after ambush at West Seattle encampment · The Seattle Times Three men were ambushed and violently robbed at a West Seattle tent encampment on Sunday afternoon. Suspects reportedly set off a fire extinguisher inside the victims’ tent before attacking them with metal tools as they attempted to flee. All three men were hospitalized with serious head injuries, with two listed in critical condition.

Washington spending audit finds improvements, flags weak oversight of child care payments · KOMO News A recent state audit estimates that Washington made $37 million in questionable subsidized child care payments in 2025. The Office of the Washington State Auditor found weaknesses in the system used by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to detect improper payments involving federal Child Care Development Funds. While overall compliance with federal requirements has improved across the board, this specific oversight failure has raised concerns among auditors.

Nearly 70 Starbucks employees laid off after Seattle store closures · KIRO 7 Nearly 70 Starbucks employees have lost their jobs following a wave of recent store closures across Seattle.

Community & Lifestyle#

Seattle is facing an unusually late cold snap this week, with near-freezing temperatures, frost, and patchy fog expected on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Despite the chill, spring is in full swing around the region: the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is now underway with early blooms appearing at local farms, while time is running out to catch the famous cherry blossoms at the University of Washington. In sports news, the Seattle Mariners have officially partnered with KING 5 to bring 10 regular-season games to fans over-the-air for free this year, following a dominant 8-0 opening weekend win highlighted by Emerson Hancock’s six hitless innings.