Melissa Santos

Seattle

Seattle-based reporter @axios. Past: Covered WA politics/government for @Crosscut, @thenewstribune, @SeaTimesOpinion. [email protected]; DM for Signal

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Articles

7 challengers aim to unseat Seattle's mayor in 2025

1 day ago | axios.com | Melissa Santos

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/AxiosSeven people are competing to unseat Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, including a progressive activist, a former T-Mobile executive and a resident who has recently experienced homelessness. Why it matters: This year's election will decide whether Harrell — a lawyer who previously served three terms on the city council — will be the latest in Seattle's string of one-term mayors or if he will break that political cycle, which dates back to 2010.
Washington state now requires baby changing tables for all parents — not just moms

1 day ago | axios.com | Melissa Santos

Changing tables aren't always available, especially in men's restrooms. Photo: Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesA new Washington state law aims to give parents — especially dads — more places to change their babies' diapers. Why it matters: Many buildings don't have changing tables in men's restrooms, while others provide no changing tables at all, leading to parents changing diapers on bathroom floors, in the corners of rooms, or the seats of their cars.
New Caffe Vita opens in Smith Tower, bringing vintage charm

1 day ago | axios.com | Melissa Santos

It's got an old-school vibe, but with ample outlets. Photo: Melissa Santos/AxiosCaffe Vita's 10th location is now open on the ground floor of Seattle's Smith Tower, channeling the old-school charm of the 1914 skyscraper it calls home. Zoom in: Thanks to the corner location's floor-to-ceiling windows, the space is expansive and full of light. Throughout the store, vintage-style tiles mingle with wood paneling and wrought iron accents for an art-deco throwback feel.
Washington governor signs law targeting private jails and Tacoma ICE facility

2 days ago | axios.com | Melissa Santos
Washington state sues over Trump's energy emergency declaration

2 days ago | axios.com | Melissa Santos
Seattle farmers markets expand for summer 2025 with more locations and dates

6 days ago | axios.com | Melissa Santos

People look at bouquets at the Columbia City farmers market on Wednesday. Photo: Melissa Santos/AxiosGrab your favorite oversized tote — it's farmers market season in Seattle. Why it matters: Summer markets are starting up this month in several Seattle neighborhoods, offering more options for shopping local (not to mention spotting cute dogs). Zoom in: This week, the Columbia City Farmers Market switched from a monthly to a weekly schedule, drawing hundreds of people outside Wednesday afternoon.
New Washington law limits rent hikes for many tenants

1 week ago | axios.com | Melissa Santos

Illustration: Maura Losch/AxiosWashington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a measure into law Wednesday limiting annual rent increases to no more than 10% per year for many tenants statewide. Why it matters: With the signing of House Bill 1217, Washington becomes the third state in the nation to enact a state-level rent stabilization law, after Oregon and California, according to advocacy groups who track such measures.
Bumbershoot's 2025 lineup includes Weezer, Janelle Monáe

1 week ago | axios.com | Melissa Santos
Seattle author Tessa Hulls wins Pulitzer Prize for memoir "Feeding Ghosts"

1 week ago | axios.com | Melissa Santos
Washington state brews win big at World Beer Cup

1 week ago | axios.com | Melissa Santos

Illustration: Maura Losch/AxiosWashington breweries won 24 medals in this year's World Beer Cup, bringing home the third-most awards of any U.S. state. Why it matters: For the layperson, the prestigious awards can serve as a guide to this year's must-try beers in Seattle and around the region. They also fuel our sense of local pride — sure, the sun is a rarity here, but at least we have good beer.