Seattle Local — 2026-04-10#

Top Story#

Opponents of Washington’s newly passed “millionaires tax” have filed a legal challenge in Klickitat County, arguing that the income tax violates the state constitution. This lawsuit sets up a major court battle over the state’s effort to tax its highest earners and is expected to shape future tax policy statewide.

Local News#

Lawsuit Challenges New Millionaires Tax · KOMO News A lawsuit aiming to block Washington’s recently approved “millionaires tax” was filed Thursday by the Citizen Action Defense Fund. Supporters argue the tax could fix an inequitable system, while opponents claim it is an unconstitutional income tax. The case’s filing in rural Klickitat County positions it for a potentially lengthy legal battle.

Seattle Sweeps Homeless Encampments in Beacon Hill · KOMO News City and state crews removed a network of homeless encampments from Daejon, Lewis, and Sturgus parks in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. Removal notices were posted earlier this week at the sites, which outreach workers described as drug-fueled environments situated close to dealers.

Violent Crime Spike Highlighted by Belltown Apartment Shooting · KOMO News Seattle police are investigating an early morning shooting and robbery at an apartment on 4th Avenue in Belltown that left one man in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head and another pistol-whipped. The incident highlights a recent spike in violent crime in the neighborhood, and police are currently searching for the suspect.

Remains Found at JBLM Identified as Missing Tacoma Woman · KIRO 7 Human remains discovered in January in a remote area of Joint Base Lewis-McChord have been identified as Aidan Spear, a 21-year-old Native American woman who went missing in Tacoma in January 2022. Pierce County and U.S. Army authorities are actively investigating the case.

Alaska Airlines Increases Checked Baggage Fees · KOMO News Citing soaring jet fuel prices and an uncertain global environment, Sea-Tac-based Alaska Airlines is raising its checked baggage fees. Starting Friday, customers will be charged $45 for a first checked bag, $55 for a second, and $200 for each additional bag.

Community & Lifestyle#

The Seattle Mariners celebrated franchise icon Ichiro Suzuki by unveiling a bronze statue outside T-Mobile Park on Friday, though the bat accidentally broke during the reveal. In transit news, city leaders are praising an “impressive” surge in ridership driven by a major increase in light rail service connecting into Redmond. Additionally, thousands of area residents will have the opportunity to receive free medical, dental, and vision care at a large clinic coming to the Seattle Center later this month.