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Seattle's smoky skies are back

Shifting winds will carry wildfire smoke west, with the worst air quality expected through midweek.

News

Smoke is headed to the Seattle area this week as shifting winds carry haze from wildfires burning across the Pacific Northwest into Western Washington.Why it matters: Forecasters expect air quality to worsen through midweek as smoke filters down to surface level, with potentially <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unhealthy air quality" data-vars-click-url="https://pscleanair.gov/" data-vars-content-id="9db78954-28d3-4460-bbb2-064c76177406" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s smoky skies are back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pscleanair.gov/" target="_blank">unhealthy air quality</a> today, tomorrow and possibly Thursday, Jacob DeFlitch of the National Weather Service in Seattle said.

Seattle to pay ex-police chief Shon Barnes nearly $600K

The agreement includes 18 months' salary and clears the way for Seattle's search for a new chief.

Former Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes will receive nearly $600,000 after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agreeing to resign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/07/30/seattle-police-chief-resigns-after-shooting-travel-schedule-reporter" data-vars-content-id="c4304f32-0890-44cc-a9c0-ac6cbc3d03e7" data-vars-headline="Seattle to pay ex-police chief Shon Barnes nearly $600K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/07/30/seattle-police-chief-resigns-after-shooting-travel-schedule-reporter" target="_self">agreeing to resign</a> and waive potential legal claims against the city.The big picture: The settlement attempts to give Seattle a clean break from its former police chief <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="less than two years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/07/31/seattle-police-chief-search-barnes-resigns-spd-leadership-turnover" data-vars-content-id="c4304f32-0890-44cc-a9c0-ac6cbc3d03e7" data-vars-headline="Seattle to pay ex-police chief Shon Barnes nearly $600K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/07/31/seattle-police-chief-search-barnes-resigns-spd-leadership-turnover" target="_self">less than two years</a> after hiring him.

Dating show comedian shares Seattle quirks

Seattle crowds boo software engineers, love magicians and eventually thaw, one touring comic says.

Seattle audiences have a curious habit when comedian Allison Goldberg introduces a dating game contestant who&#x27;s a software engineer: They boo.<ul><li>&quot;I&#x27;m sorry, are we booing a man with a job?&quot; says Goldberg. &quot;I live in Los Angeles, where I would love to meet a man with a job and benefits.&quot;</li></ul>

E-bike and e-scooter injuries keep climbing, Harborview says

The Seattle hospital treated 252 people with e-bike and e-scooter injuries last year, up from 77 in 2021.

Injuries involving e-scooters and e-bikes have spiked locally in recent years, according to data from Harborview Medical Center.The big picture: As the vehicles become <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more popular," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/06/25/seattle-transit-and-scooters-set-world-cup-records" data-vars-content-id="eb5e1025-c78a-40d5-bd29-9c5425d96c8f" data-vars-headline="E-bike and e-scooter injuries keep climbing, Harborview says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/06/25/seattle-transit-and-scooters-set-world-cup-records" target="_self">more popular,</a> they&#x27;re contributing to a rising number of serious injuries — and, in some cases, deaths.

Seattle bookstores turn a fresh page

New bookstores are opening as Seattle's longtime reading culture meets a nationwide retail revival.

Business

While Americans may be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reading fewer books" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" data-vars-content-id="bdf0cc6b-f3dd-44d3-997b-95f6a39ae134" data-vars-headline="Seattle bookstores turn a fresh page" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/08/ai-america-literacy" target="_self">reading fewer books</a> these days, there&#x27;s a plot twist: Bookstores are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staging a comeback" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/bookstores-barnes-noble-james-daunt" data-vars-content-id="bdf0cc6b-f3dd-44d3-997b-95f6a39ae134" data-vars-headline="Seattle bookstores turn a fresh page" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/bookstores-barnes-noble-james-daunt" target="_self">staging a comeback</a>.Why it matters: Once left for dead in the wake of Amazon&#x27;s rise and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="death of Borders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" data-vars-content-id="bdf0cc6b-f3dd-44d3-997b-95f6a39ae134" data-vars-headline="Seattle bookstores turn a fresh page" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.annarbor.com/business-review/borders-liquidation-chapter-11-ann-arbor-bookstore-chain-borders-group-e-books/" target="_blank">death of Borders</a>, Barnes &amp; Noble and independent booksellers have pulled off a stunning turnaround, opening new stores and reporting higher sales.

Seattle data center ban mirrors wider AI backlash

Nearly half of Americans back a pause on new data centers as concerns about AI continue to grow.

About half of Americans support a temporary ban on new data centers like the one recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="passed in Seattle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/05/15/seattle-data-center-moratorium-ai-energy" data-vars-content-id="914691b8-fa4f-42fe-b7f5-5195c0715c0d" data-vars-headline="Seattle data center ban mirrors wider AI backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/05/15/seattle-data-center-moratorium-ai-energy" target="_self">passed in Seattle</a>, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="survey finds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/22/ai-data-center-backlash-poll" data-vars-content-id="914691b8-fa4f-42fe-b7f5-5195c0715c0d" data-vars-headline="Seattle data center ban mirrors wider AI backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/22/ai-data-center-backlash-poll" target="_self">survey finds</a>.Why it matters: Data centers are becoming a stand-in for broader anger at an AI future — one many Americans don&#x27;t want but fear they&#x27;ll have to pay for.

Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs, including 605 in Washington

The latest layoffs affect hundreds of workers in Redmond and elsewhere. More changes may be ahead.

Microsoft is cutting 4,800 jobs — roughly 2% of its global workforce — including hundreds of jobs in Washington state.Why it matters: Layoffs at the Redmond-based company, one of the Seattle area&#x27;s largest employers, will add to the steady stream of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tech job losses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/02/amazon-layoffs-washington-seattle-tech-jobs-2026-expedia-tmobile-zillow" data-vars-content-id="30d14f0a-eb2f-4368-a2e1-22d985174c53" data-vars-headline="Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs, including 605 in Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/02/amazon-layoffs-washington-seattle-tech-jobs-2026-expedia-tmobile-zillow" target="_self">tech job losses</a> that have rolled across the Puget Sound region since last year.

World Cup crowds boost Seattle restaurant sales

Toast found beer sales jumped 212% while hot dog orders more than tripled near the Seattle stadium.

Soccer fans in Seattle are drinking a lot of beer and eating a lot of hot dogs during the World Cup, new data from restaurant technology company Toast suggests.State of play: To get a snapshot of the tournament&#x27;s impact on businesses near Lumen Field, Toast <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analyzed transactions" data-vars-click-url="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/world-cup-2026-impact-restaurants-bars-tipping-data" data-vars-content-id="edad1696-a777-4398-a72d-f2d8e73bb766" data-vars-headline="World Cup crowds boost Seattle restaurant sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/world-cup-2026-impact-restaurants-bars-tipping-data" target="_blank">analyzed transactions</a> from June 19, when the U.S. played Australia.

Seattle's downtown ranks among nation's "stickiest"

The city's downtown scored highly in a survey measuring visit frequency and length of stay.

Seattle has one of the &quot;stickiest&quot; downtowns among U.S. cities, according to a new survey that asked residents how often they visit and how long they stay.Why it matters: The findings are another sign of how Seattle is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/05/26/seattle-crowds-and-spending-surge" data-vars-content-id="dc21b683-8f4b-40d7-a465-cd2cb000f758" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s downtown ranks among nation&#x27;s &quot;stickiest&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/05/26/seattle-crowds-and-spending-surge" target="_self">drawing people</a> downtown after years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="slow post-pandemic recovery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/08/seattle-downtown-recovery-spring-2023" data-vars-content-id="dc21b683-8f4b-40d7-a465-cd2cb000f758" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s downtown ranks among nation&#x27;s &quot;stickiest&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/08/08/seattle-downtown-recovery-spring-2023" target="_self">slow post-pandemic recovery</a>.

REI union pushes boycott during anniversary sale

Union organizers are asking customers to avoid REI stores through May 25 after contract talks stalled.

Union workers at REI are urging customers to boycott the outdoor retailer&#x27;s anniversary sale this week — including in markets without unionized stores.The big picture: The boycott comes after the co-op and its union failed to reach a contract agreement last month, with the union calling management&#x27;s latest offer &quot;unacceptable.&quot;

Gloom Coffee brightens up Seattle's Pioneer Square

The colorful Pioneer Square cafe pairs balanced pour overs with giant French Guys pastries.

Food and Drink

I&#x27;m an aging dinosaur when it comes to coffee. I typically would prefer a dark roasted espresso over a fruity pour over — but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gloom" data-vars-click-url="https://gloom.coffee/" data-vars-content-id="936b729a-5c9a-40cc-8b20-3c48fd103c3b" data-vars-headline="Gloom Coffee brightens up Seattle&#x27;s Pioneer Square" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gloom.coffee/" target="_blank">Gloom</a> in Pioneer Square has me rethinking all of that.Zoom in: The roaster opened in the old Elm Coffee Roasters space late last month — and, contrary to its name, the new cafe is full of color and personality.

Barnes & Noble returns to downtown Seattle

The retailer previously had a location inside Pacific Place.

Barnes &amp; Noble has opened a new location in downtown Seattle, taking over the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pike Street spot" data-vars-click-url="https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/3592" data-vars-content-id="7aae2103-fc9d-4170-89b0-eebde4f7930f" data-vars-headline="Barnes &amp; Noble returns to downtown Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/3592" target="_blank">Pike Street spot</a> formerly occupied by The North Face.Why it matters: The bookseller&#x27;s return to the city center is a bright spot for downtown retail after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="several" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kuow.org/stories/ghost-mall-lululemon-is-latest-store-to-abandon-seattle-s-pacific-place" data-vars-content-id="7aae2103-fc9d-4170-89b0-eebde4f7930f" data-vars-headline="Barnes &amp; Noble returns to downtown Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/ghost-mall-lululemon-is-latest-store-to-abandon-seattle-s-pacific-place" target="_blank">several</a> high-profile <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.king5.com/article/news/downtown-seattle-macys-closes/281-1ff41116-bd3f-4abe-8978-5fca886556a0" data-vars-content-id="7aae2103-fc9d-4170-89b0-eebde4f7930f" data-vars-headline="Barnes &amp; Noble returns to downtown Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/downtown-seattle-macys-closes/281-1ff41116-bd3f-4abe-8978-5fca886556a0" target="_blank">closures</a> in recent years.

Seattle weighs 5 data center proposals amid power concerns

City Light says the projects could significantly increase electricity demand if they move forward.

Five large-scale <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/08/washington-state-trails-in-data-center-growth" data-vars-content-id="8adc296d-1527-4507-ab0c-46410634d744" data-vars-headline="Seattle weighs 5 data center proposals amid power concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/08/washington-state-trails-in-data-center-growth" target="_self">data centers</a> are being proposed in Seattle, which could potentially strain the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electricity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/08/12/washington-utility-bill-increase-electric-grid-energy-demand" data-vars-content-id="8adc296d-1527-4507-ab0c-46410634d744" data-vars-headline="Seattle weighs 5 data center proposals amid power concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/08/12/washington-utility-bill-increase-electric-grid-energy-demand" target="_self">electricity</a> supply, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seattle Times reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climate-lab/five-large-data-centers-eyed-for-seattle/" data-vars-content-id="8adc296d-1527-4507-ab0c-46410634d744" data-vars-headline="Seattle weighs 5 data center proposals amid power concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climate-lab/five-large-data-centers-eyed-for-seattle/" target="_blank">Seattle Times reports</a>.The big picture: Combined, the centers would have a maximum demand of 369 megawatts — about one-third of the electricity the city typically uses daily, according to the newspaper.

How to get the most out of spring in Seattle

Outdoor projects are moving to the top of Seattle to-do lists — and Lowe's spring deals events help maximize the budget.

Partners

In Seattle, the return of longer days means it&#x27;s finally time to get back outside after months of gray skies and steady rain.<ul><li>Homeowners are refreshing garden beds, clearing moss and getting their yards ready for sunnier days ahead.</li></ul>Why it&#x27;s important: Outdoor spaces can transform how you live and how you feel, from small refreshes to full backyard makeovers.

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Axios What's Next

A heat table that ranks select U.S. downtowns by 2026 stickiness score, a combined measure of visit frequency and dwell time. Detroit leads at 59.367, followed by Washington, D.C., at 58.125 and Boston at 57.484. Kansas City, Missouri, is lowest among those shown at 52.609.

Business 🏦

Seattle bookstores turn a fresh page

Seattle data center ban mirrors wider AI backlash

Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs, including 605 in Washington

World Cup crowds boost Seattle restaurant sales

Seattle's downtown ranks among nation's "stickiest"