In Washington, a teenager was killed in Parkland and the shooter remains at large. In Olympia, people are protesting a "millionaires' tax." Seattle Kraken captain Jordan Eberle has signed a new contract.
Tragedy in Parkland: 18-year-old killed, shooter at large
A brutal killing that shocked the local community occurred in Pierce County, Washington. On Saturday morning, an 18-year-old was found shot to death in the Parkland area, and the suspected shooter is still evading justice.
The Seattle Times, citing the Pierce County sheriff’s office, reports that the tragedy happened in the 500 block of East 112th Street. The teen’s body, with a gunshot wound, was discovered around 9 a.m. on Saturday. According to law enforcement, the shooter fled the scene immediately, and despite the passage of time, his whereabouts remain unknown. Pierce County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Joshua Mills said in a Sunday statement that investigators have “several leads that are currently being worked,” but the suspect has not yet been apprehended. Authorities are urging the public to assist the investigation and to provide any information by calling the sheriff’s office at 253-287-4455, the anonymous tip line at 800-222-TIPS, or simply calling 911. This tragic event raises renewed concerns about gun violence and safety in local communities. The murder of a young person who had barely entered adulthood leaves a deep wound in Parkland and serves as a grim reminder of the work law enforcement must do to catch the perpetrator and ensure justice. More details are available in The Seattle Times article.
Millionaires' tax in Washington: protests and political disagreement
In Olympia, the state capital, passions flared over the proposed “millionaires’ tax” as the legislative session neared its end. Dozens of people took to the streets to express categorical opposition to bill SB 6346, which they say is not only unfair but unconstitutional under state law.
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, protesters lined the Capitol Way carrying signs with slogans like “Read our lips: no new taxes” and “We the people say no.” FOX 13 Seattle reports the rally targeted a proposed wealth tax that would affect the state’s wealthiest residents. Demonstrators and those gathered at the Capitol hoped their voices would be heard inside the building where the bill’s fate is being decided. Sheri Suter, one of the protesters, expressed the common sentiment, saying that while she didn’t believe the authorities would necessarily listen, silence would be complicity and she was not going to be silent.
A central argument of the bill’s opponents is its alleged unconstitutionality. Jim Walsh, who spoke at the rally and is also chair of the Washington State Republican Party, said the bill creates a precedent for a state-level income tax, which he argues conflicts with Article VII of the Washington Constitution. That article requires taxes to be uniform and applied evenly to all people. Walsh emphasized that the proposed tax violates this principle by taxing some families but not others. His remarks aimed to inform the public about the potential consequences of the bill.
The situation was complicated by a change in position from Governor Bob Ferguson. He had previously said he could not support the millionaires’ tax in its original form. However, after additional amendments were made, the governor changed his stance. In a statement issued Friday, Ferguson said the latest amendment achieves critical goals and will help make life in the state more affordable, and therefore he will sign that version of the bill. That statement likely galvanized protesters, since it increased the likelihood the bill could become law.
The anti-tax rally was one of two gatherings held at the Capitol that day, reflecting the high political tension at the end of the legislative session. The protest highlights deep ideological divisions over taxation, fairness and constitutional rights. It’s important to note that Washington historically has no state income tax, and introducing one through a high-income or wealth tax is seen by many as a fundamental shift in tax policy. Opponents view it not only as a financial burden but as a dangerous precedent that violates the principle of uniform taxation. Supporters, including the governor after the amendments, see it as a way to address affordability and fund public needs by asking more from the wealthiest citizens. The outcome of this debate will shape the state’s fiscal policy and could influence similar debates elsewhere in the country.
Seattle Kraken captain Jordan Eberle signs new contract
In professional hockey, key decisions are often made off the ice as much as on it. One notable deal is the contract extension for Seattle Kraken captain Jordan Eberle, reported by KOMO News. The move highlights not only the veteran player’s value to the team but also the franchise’s strategic focus on building a stable, competitive roster.
Kraken general manager Jason Botterill officially announced a two-year contract extension with team captain Jordan Eberle. The deal runs through the end of the 2027–28 season and carries an average annual value of $5.5 million. For those less familiar with hockey contract terms, “average annual value” (AAV) is a key financial figure in the NHL calculated as the total contract value divided by the number of years; it matters for salary-cap compliance and directly affects a team’s financial flexibility. Botterill did not hide his enthusiasm: “When you have the opportunity to sign your captain for another two years, your leading scorer, a player who embodies so much of what the Seattle Kraken are, we’re excited he’ll remain part of our organization.” He also highlighted Eberle’s leadership, which is especially important for the team’s younger players.
Eberle, 35, who joined the Kraken in their inaugural 2021–22 season, expressed a deep attachment to the city and the club. “My family and I love Seattle. The organization is top-notch, the culture here is incredible, and the fans have been amazing since day one. We want to win here, and I truly believe we’re building something special in Seattle,” the forward said. This season Eberle is producing strong numbers, leading the team with 22 goals and 42 points in 59 games. It’s his best goal total since the 2021–22 season, and he’s closing in on his personal best of 34 goals set in 2011–12 with the Edmonton Oilers. In the short history of the young Kraken franchise, Eberle ranks second in goals scored (89) and third in assists (130) and total points (219).
This contract sends an important signal to the team and the league. Despite being at a veteran age for professional sports, Eberle remains a core player whose experience and consistency are invaluable to a growing club. His extension reflects the management’s faith in the current roster and development strategy, and a desire to keep a team nucleus necessary for playoff contention and, ultimately, a Stanley Cup run. For Eberle—who was drafted 22nd overall in the 2008 NHL Draft and has amassed 770 points in 1,119 career games—this agreement could be one of his last in the NHL, adding symbolic weight to the deal. Thus, signing the new contract is more than a formality; it’s a significant step in strengthening the identity and ambitions of the Seattle Kraken as one of the league’s newer but increasingly prominent teams.
