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Seattle's famous naked bike parade rides again

The Fremont Solstice Parade brings nude cyclists, giant puppets and quirky Seattle art.

Culture

Seattle is about to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bare" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/18/seattle-naked-cyclists-fremont-history" data-vars-content-id="1282eb56-bdf9-44ef-88ed-13be983ce13c" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s famous naked bike parade rides again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/18/seattle-naked-cyclists-fremont-history" target="_self">bare</a> itself to the world.The big picture: World Cup visitors (and us locals) looking for a hilariously authentic experience this weekend can count a slew of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="naked cyclists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/21/naked-bike-parade-turns-33" data-vars-content-id="1282eb56-bdf9-44ef-88ed-13be983ce13c" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s famous naked bike parade rides again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/21/naked-bike-parade-turns-33" target="_self">naked cyclists</a> pedaling through Fremont as one uniquely Seattle option.

King County homelessness rises as unsheltered numbers jump

More than 11,800 people were living unsheltered this year, a nearly 21% increase since 2024.

News

The number of people experiencing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homelessness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/01/09/washington-homeless-2024-count-report" data-vars-content-id="fe58967d-1df9-4f12-b52f-33ae2a86cec3" data-vars-headline="King County homelessness rises as unsheltered numbers jump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/01/09/washington-homeless-2024-count-report" target="_self">homelessness</a> in King County rose 9% between 2024 and 2026, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="point-in-time count" data-vars-click-url="http://kcrha.org/news-2026-point-in-time-pit-count-initial-report/" data-vars-content-id="fe58967d-1df9-4f12-b52f-33ae2a86cec3" data-vars-headline="King County homelessness rises as unsheltered numbers jump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://kcrha.org/news-2026-point-in-time-pit-count-initial-report/" target="_blank">point-in-time count</a> released Tuesday.The big picture: The continued rise in homelessness in the Seattle area comes after years of efforts to get people into housing — and 11 years after Seattle and King County declared homelessness a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public emergency" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cascadepbs.org/politics/2015/11/mayor-county-executive-declare-homelessness-state-of-emergency/" data-vars-content-id="fe58967d-1df9-4f12-b52f-33ae2a86cec3" data-vars-headline="King County homelessness rises as unsheltered numbers jump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cascadepbs.org/politics/2015/11/mayor-county-executive-declare-homelessness-state-of-emergency/" target="_blank">public emergency</a>.

How to prepare for that big hike

Popular Cascade trails are entering peak season. Here's how to avoid becoming a rescue call.

The weather&#x27;s warming up, the backcountry is calling, and there are some simple things you can do to prevent your next adventure from becoming a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="search-and-rescue mission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/10/seattle-search-rescue-hikers-safety-fines" data-vars-content-id="ca0e8391-02a2-4236-92ec-a164f10cfacd" data-vars-headline="How to prepare for that big hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/07/10/seattle-search-rescue-hikers-safety-fines" target="_self">search-and-rescue mission</a>.Why it matters: More and more people get lost, injured or stranded in the backcountry every year because they failed to plan or didn&#x27;t bring the right equipment.

Seattle thrust into World Cup travel dispute

Both Iran and Egypt say World Cup travel decisions put their teams at a disadvantage.

A brief soccer brouhaha erupted this week over how much time Iran and Egypt could spend in Seattle ahead of their Friday faceoff, though both teams have now been granted extra time in the city.Why it matters: The back-and-forth briefly put Seattle at the center of a World Cup travel controversy, with both teams publicly arguing that tournament travel arrangements created an unfair competitive burden, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="KING 5 reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.king5.com/article/sports/soccer/world-cup/dhs-eases-rules-for-iran-ahead-of-seattle-match/281-b0b24e8b-2e7e-4726-8b51-05df288fcf53" data-vars-content-id="b98285f0-18cb-4577-a683-e61e5523dd05" data-vars-headline="Seattle thrust into World Cup travel dispute" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.king5.com/article/sports/soccer/world-cup/dhs-eases-rules-for-iran-ahead-of-seattle-match/281-b0b24e8b-2e7e-4726-8b51-05df288fcf53" target="_blank">KING 5 reported</a>.

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.

Business

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.

Moto Pizza expands into Seattle's Pioneer Square

The local chain has grown fast, but its founder says its Detroit-style pies aren't skimping on quality.

Moto Pizza has opened a new location in Seattle&#x27;s Pioneer Square neighborhood, further expanding its foothold in the local pizza scene.The big picture: In five years, Moto Pizza has grown from a pandemic experiment in West Seattle to a local chain with more than a half dozen stores — plus more slated to open in California later this year.

Seattle office values plunge even as crowds return

A new report shows commercial property values plunged even as visitors and residents returned.

Downtown Seattle is drawing more residents, local visitors and event crowds, but its office economy is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still struggling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/12/02/office-slump-hits-seattle-hard" data-vars-content-id="b1c2790a-816e-4f8e-a192-8fdaa0520267" data-vars-headline="Seattle office values plunge even as crowds return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/12/02/office-slump-hits-seattle-hard" target="_self">still struggling</a>, according to a report released last week.By the numbers: The 10 highest-value downtown office properties have seen assessed values drop by more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="50% since 2021" data-vars-click-url="https://downtownseattle.org/programs-services/research/economic-report/2025-at-a-glance/" data-vars-content-id="b1c2790a-816e-4f8e-a192-8fdaa0520267" data-vars-headline="Seattle office values plunge even as crowds return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtownseattle.org/programs-services/research/economic-report/2025-at-a-glance/" target="_blank">50% since 2021</a>, according to the Downtown Seattle Association&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual economic report" data-vars-click-url="https://downtownseattle.org/programs-services/research/economic-report/" data-vars-content-id="b1c2790a-816e-4f8e-a192-8fdaa0520267" data-vars-headline="Seattle office values plunge even as crowds return" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtownseattle.org/programs-services/research/economic-report/" target="_blank">annual economic report</a>.

Seattle Mariners fans head to Arizona spring training

For many Seattle fans, the season begins not at T-Mobile Park, but under the Arizona sun.

Sports

Baseball fans from Seattle and across the country are flocking to the desert as the Cactus League season kicks off throughout the Phoenix area.The big picture: This year marks the 79th season of the Cactus League — Major League Baseball&#x27;s Arizona spring training circuit — with 15 teams playing at 10 stadiums just miles apart.

Washington state lawmakers take on data center costs

Lawmakers warn that unchecked data center growth could drive up power bills for other Washington customers.

Politics

Washington lawmakers are taking aim at power-hungry <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" data-vars-content-id="507d5810-28ca-47e5-b151-3f0c7bf9dc37" data-vars-headline="Washington state lawmakers take on data center costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" target="_self">data centers</a>, pushing to make them shoulder more of the costs their growth is expected to place on the state&#x27;s electric system.Why it matters: Without new rules, some lawmakers warn the expense of serving massive new data centers could spill onto everyone else&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/28/data-centers-will-cause-higher-electricity-prices-study-finds-north-carolina-state" data-vars-content-id="507d5810-28ca-47e5-b151-3f0c7bf9dc37" data-vars-headline="Washington state lawmakers take on data center costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/28/data-centers-will-cause-higher-electricity-prices-study-finds-north-carolina-state" target="_self">electric bills</a> — and complicate Washington&#x27;s transition away from fossil fuels.

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.

"Stickiness score" for select U.S. downtowns, 2026

Data: Gensler Research Institute; Table: Alex Fitzpatrick/Axios

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Average new-car payment in Washington hits $772

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Business 🏦

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

Average new-car payment in Washington hits $772

REI union pushes boycott during anniversary sale

Gloom Coffee brightens up Seattle's Pioneer Square

Barnes & Noble returns to downtown Seattle