Seattle Morning Briefing: Millionaires Tax Advances, Renton Fire Tragedy, Beloved Reptile Zoo Closes

Seattle, WA — February 17, 2026 — A major tax vote in Olympia, a deadly condo fire in Renton, and the closure of a longtime roadside zoo are topping local headlines as the week begins.

Millionaires tax clears key hurdle in Olympia

State lawmakers have advanced a proposed “millionaires tax” that would create a new income tax on earnings above $1 million per year. The measure, backed by Seattle-area legislators, passed the Washington Senate on a narrow vote and now moves to the House.

Supporters say the tax would raise billions annually for schools, health care, childcare and other services, while also funding targeted tax cuts for many working families and small businesses. Only a small share of the state’s highest-income households would pay the new 9.9% tax on income over the $1 million threshold.

Opponents argue the plan could drive wealthy residents and their money out of Washington, and are already signaling legal and political challenges ahead. For Seattle residents, the debate raises familiar questions about how to pay for rapidly growing needs without adding pressure to already high sales and property taxes.

Renton condo fire leaves one dead, displaces families

In Renton, investigators are working to determine the exact cause of a fast-moving fire that tore through a condominium complex on Monday, leaving a young adult dead and displacing multiple households. Crews arrived within minutes but found flames already on several floors of the building.

Residents described pounding on neighbors’ doors and scrambling to escape as thick smoke filled the hallways. Fire officials believe an electrical issue likely sparked the blaze, but a detailed origin and damage estimate are still being developed.

Local agencies and community groups are coordinating to help families who lost homes and belongings. Anyone living in older multifamily buildings is being reminded to check smoke alarms, review escape plans, and report electrical problems early.

Monroe’s Reptile Zoo says goodbye after decades

North of the city, a quirky regional landmark is closing its doors. The Reptile Zoo along U.S. 2 in Monroe held its final public day on Monday after years of financial and regulatory strain.

The indoor attraction has long been known for its large collection of reptiles, including an albino alligator, venomous snakes and a two-headed turtle. Owners had previously considered closing in 2025 but managed a short reprieve before confirming this month’s permanent shutdown.

The site will not stay dark for long. A new operator plans to reopen the location as a more mammal-focused wildlife center, meaning families may still have a reason to stop in Monroe on trips over Stevens Pass, even as the reptile era comes to an end.

Looking ahead

Seattle-area residents can expect continued debate over the tax proposal as it moves through the Legislature, updates on the Renton fire investigation, and more details about what will replace the Reptile Zoo. With a chance of lowland snow in the forecast later this week, local agencies also urge people to keep an eye on weather updates and travel conditions.

Sources

• https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/blog/2026/02/16/millionaires-tax-passes-the-senate/
• https://wacities.org/news/2026/02/09/millionaires-tax-bill-includes-public-defense-funding-for-counties–but-not-cities
• https://www.governing.com/finance/why-washington-state-is-mulling-a-millionaires-tax
• https://www.archyde.com/renton-fire-1-dead-homes-damaged-in-condo-complex-blaze/
• https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/reptile-zoo-monroe-wa
• https://www.thereptilezoo.org/