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Inside Seattle's 70,000-square-foot thrifting behemoth

You never know what you'll find with about 10,000 new items hitting the racks daily.

News

Seattle is home to the world&#x27;s largest Goodwill — a 70,000-square-foot thrifting behemoth hiding in plain sight at the edge of the Chinatown-International District.Why it matters: The Dearborn Street flagship is a treasure hunt on an almost absurd scale, with about 10,000 new items hitting the sales floor every day, per Evergreen Goodwill.

Washington schools start later than in most of the U.S.

Nearly half of Washington schools start after Aug. 31, compared with fewer than 16% nationwide.

Even without the threat of a strike delaying the start of school in Seattle, classes here will begin later than in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most of the country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/school-start-dates-span-two-months" data-vars-content-id="eabd5f7c-af11-461a-80ac-067f815c8734" data-vars-headline="Washington schools start later than in most of the U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/08/school-start-dates-span-two-months" target="_self">most of the country</a>.Zoom in: Fewer than 1% of schools in Washington started before Aug. 16 this year, compared with nearly half of schools nationally, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MDR Education" data-vars-click-url="https://mdreducation.com/public-school-open-and-close-dates/" data-vars-content-id="eabd5f7c-af11-461a-80ac-067f815c8734" data-vars-headline="Washington schools start later than in most of the U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mdreducation.com/public-school-open-and-close-dates/" target="_blank">MDR Education</a>, a data company.

Trump tariffs have cost Washington importers $7.1 billion

Washington's tariff burden works out to $2,257 per household, with cars and trucks hit hardest.

President Trump&#x27;s trade actions have cost Washington importers billions since the start of 2025, giving the state the nation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="15th-highest" data-vars-click-url="https://tariffs.org/rankings/" data-vars-content-id="f397205d-2246-4e61-840f-93dfd8201f6c" data-vars-headline="Trump tariffs have cost Washington importers $7.1 billion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tariffs.org/rankings/" target="_blank">15th-highest</a> tariff burden. By the numbers: Washington importers paid an estimated $7.1 billion in Trump <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tariffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" data-vars-content-id="f397205d-2246-4e61-840f-93dfd8201f6c" data-vars-headline="Trump tariffs have cost Washington importers $7.1 billion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" target="_self">tariffs</a> through June, according to National Taxpayers Union Foundation data.<ul><li>That&#x27;s the equivalent of $2,257 per household.</li></ul>

Washington's roadless forests face new threat

The affected lands could include Washington Pass, Baker Lake, Lake Chelan and 231 miles of the PCT.

The Trump administration is moving to scrap a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="25-year-old rule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/05/trump-roadless-rule-utah-wildfires-logging-national-forests" data-vars-content-id="05b7e8bf-bd24-47cc-8b77-393f9a566e30" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s roadless forests face new threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/09/05/trump-roadless-rule-utah-wildfires-logging-national-forests" target="_self">25-year-old rule</a> that limits roadbuilding and logging, potentially opening Washington&#x27;s national forests to development. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roadless Rule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless/archive" data-vars-content-id="05b7e8bf-bd24-47cc-8b77-393f9a566e30" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s roadless forests face new threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless/archive" target="_blank">Roadless Rule</a> protects roughly 2 million acres of some of the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national forests" data-vars-click-url="https://outdooralliance.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=bffb3fe5fdfb43519a84c6a0cf4f8ff5" data-vars-content-id="05b7e8bf-bd24-47cc-8b77-393f9a566e30" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s roadless forests face new threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://outdooralliance.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=bffb3fe5fdfb43519a84c6a0cf4f8ff5" target="_blank">national forests</a>.

Seattle says goodbye to 8pm sunsets

Seattle is losing more than two minutes of daylight a day as the Big Dark creeps closer.

Say goodbye to our last <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="8pm sunset" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/late-summer-sunsets-earlier-map" data-vars-content-id="5f057afb-a808-4f0d-bbb6-6816c255a173" data-vars-headline="Seattle says goodbye to 8pm sunsets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/late-summer-sunsets-earlier-map" target="_self">8pm sunset</a> of the year.Why it matters: Long summer evenings are one of the great rewards for enduring Seattle winters — and losing them is a sure sign that our season in the sun is winding down.

Inside Seattle's dark serial killer exhibit

The immersive Pacific Place exhibit explores notorious killers, their victims and the people who caught them.

Culture

Seattle&#x27;s &quot;Mind of a Serial Killer&quot; exhibit blends museum, immersive attraction and true-crime spectacle to fuel our morbid curiosity.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traveling exhibit" data-vars-click-url="https://mindofaserialkillerexpo.com/seattle/" data-vars-content-id="264b530b-ef26-4e0f-b4ae-77af07b4bdff" data-vars-headline="Inside Seattle&#x27;s dark serial killer exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mindofaserialkillerexpo.com/seattle/" target="_blank">traveling exhibit</a> at Pacific Place explores notorious serial killers — including several with Pacific Northwest ties — their victims and the investigators who tried to understand and catch them.

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>

Space Needle urged to restore Hollywood films to WA's biggest IMAX screen

Washington moviegoers now have to leave the state to see Hollywood films in the full-height IMAX format.

The Seattle Film Commission is urging the Space Needle to resume showing Hollywood movies on Washington state&#x27;s only <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="full-height IMAX screen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/07/24/why-the-odyssey-not-playing-boeing-imax-seattle-full-143-screen" data-vars-content-id="bda6812f-b657-409c-9eec-b45d096e691e" data-vars-headline="Space Needle urged to restore Hollywood films to WA&#x27;s biggest IMAX screen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/07/24/why-the-odyssey-not-playing-boeing-imax-seattle-full-143-screen" target="_self">full-height IMAX screen</a>.Why it matters: Washington moviegoers currently have to leave the state to see Hollywood films in the full-height 1.43:1 IMAX format.

Is this Seattle's most confusing parking sign(s)?

Sometimes Seattle drivers must sort through three or more different sets of instructions to park.

<figure><img alt="Urban street scene with a brick building and arched windows on the left, a tall green-and-white parking sign in the foreground reading &quot;2 HOUR 10AM-6PM Sundays&quot;, and parked cars under leafy trees." height="4202" id="21ffec04-a1bc-4a33-ae23-e68e97e1e6c1" src="https://images.axios.com/Ef5djVN7ycmSdF8Hlz7WbSGBSis=/2026/07/27/1785175331850.jpeg" width="5604"/><figcaption>Wait, which one is it? Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>I was driving in Pioneer Square recently and it hit me just how confusing some of the parking instructions are in our fair city.Take this sign on Occidental Avenue, which requires you to decode three different parking regulations based on time of day.

Google gives Jimothy his own Easter egg

Search Jimothy's name, tap the paw and watch Seattle's viral raccoon scamper across your screen.

<figure><img alt="Animated screen recording of a Google search for &quot;jimothy raccoon,&quot; showing an AI Overview with photos and text describing the viral Seattle raccoon, while a cartoon raccoon peeks in from the right side." height="518" id="1e926da9-5653-447b-84d7-5d347cbca499" src="https://images.axios.com/9kVNrVpoWEfM2F3S9_c7hqleIUI=/2026/07/23/1784837176089.gif" width="728"/><figcaption>Screenshot: Google </figcaption></figure>Google&#x27;s gone <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jimothy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/07/20/seattle-viral-raccoon-jimothy-mural-video-game-mariners-tattoos-fandom" data-vars-content-id="40bc6c96-330b-4b60-ae5d-04153ecffef7" data-vars-headline="Google gives Jimothy his own Easter egg" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/07/20/seattle-viral-raccoon-jimothy-mural-video-game-mariners-tattoos-fandom" target="_self">Jimothy</a>.Why it matters: Seattle&#x27;s favorite short-spined raccoon has officially made it to the big leagues: Google has given the viral critter his own Easter egg.

Jimothy, Seattle's viral raccoon, keeps adding to his legend

From a mural to an 8-bit video game, fans keep finding new ways to celebrate the quirky raccoon.

Seattle&#x27;s short-spined <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raccoon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/11/20/seattle-raccoons-evolving-domestication-urban-wildlife-science" data-vars-content-id="c91b9977-0961-4dc9-b323-c44b1201c4c5" data-vars-headline="Jimothy, Seattle&#x27;s viral raccoon, keeps adding to his legend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/11/20/seattle-raccoons-evolving-domestication-urban-wildlife-science" target="_self">raccoon</a> Jimothy now has his own mural, a fan-made <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="video game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/8-bit-jimothy-viral-sensation-raids-trash-cans-eludes-paparazzi-in-seattle-creators-video-game/" data-vars-content-id="c91b9977-0961-4dc9-b323-c44b1201c4c5" data-vars-headline="Jimothy, Seattle&#x27;s viral raccoon, keeps adding to his legend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.geekwire.com/2026/8-bit-jimothy-viral-sensation-raids-trash-cans-eludes-paparazzi-in-seattle-creators-video-game/" target="_blank">video game</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stickers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.etsy.com/fi-en/listing/4539701803/jimothy-the-raccoon-badge-sticker" data-vars-content-id="c91b9977-0961-4dc9-b323-c44b1201c4c5" data-vars-headline="Jimothy, Seattle&#x27;s viral raccoon, keeps adding to his legend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.etsy.com/fi-en/listing/4539701803/jimothy-the-raccoon-badge-sticker" target="_blank">stickers</a> in his honor — all within a week of going viral.The big picture: The round raccoon — who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="experts say" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/WSUPullman/status/2078682916377579546" data-vars-content-id="c91b9977-0961-4dc9-b323-c44b1201c4c5" data-vars-headline="Jimothy, Seattle&#x27;s viral raccoon, keeps adding to his legend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/WSUPullman/status/2078682916377579546" target="_blank">experts say</a> likely has a spinal deformity — has quickly become more than an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="internet sensation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/19/us/video/jimothy-the-raccoon-seattle-short-spine-vrtc-digvid" data-vars-content-id="c91b9977-0961-4dc9-b323-c44b1201c4c5" data-vars-headline="Jimothy, Seattle&#x27;s viral raccoon, keeps adding to his legend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/19/us/video/jimothy-the-raccoon-seattle-short-spine-vrtc-digvid" target="_blank">internet sensation</a>, inspiring public art, a Mariners appearance and other tributes.

Seattle's adult puppetry scene is having a moment

From shadow theater to puppet punk, Seattle artists say audiences want live, human-made experiences.

If your idea of puppetry begins and ends with &quot;Sesame Street,&quot; Seattle has a surprise for you.Why it matters: Seattle&#x27;s adult puppetry scene is drawing new audiences as more people seek live performances that feel distinctly human in an era dominated by streaming and AI.

What Washington should have put in the nation's time capsule

Washington sent paperwork. We'd have packed a geoduck, a Dick's bag and other local icons.

<figure><img alt="Two large white industrial cylinders with a red-and-blue &#x27;250&#x27; logo and the word &quot;AMERICA&quot; on their fronts, placed on wooden pallets inside a factory or workshop." height="854" id="88c8261c-07dc-4f0b-8b5a-fdc6c584a35a" src="https://images.axios.com/Z_JY_3wV0AkieO4AZHTd1a70hMs=/2026/06/18/1781809875084.jpeg" width="1280"/><figcaption>The America 250 time capsule, left, and the bell jar that will fit on top of it. Photo: Courtesy of Rich Press/NIST</figcaption></figure>Every U.S. state contributed items to a time capsule marking the nation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" data-vars-content-id="85230a09-aa79-4d2f-a6f9-1e8313da7be8" data-vars-headline="What Washington should have put in the nation&#x27;s time capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" target="_self">250th anniversary</a> this year. Washington&#x27;s picks were … well, a little boring.The big picture: While states like New Mexico, Maine and West Virginia <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sent" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/time-capsule/contents/" data-vars-content-id="85230a09-aa79-4d2f-a6f9-1e8313da7be8" data-vars-headline="What Washington should have put in the nation&#x27;s time capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/time-capsule/contents/" target="_blank">sent</a> handmade art and cultural artifacts, Washington contributed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="just two things" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28351307-time-capsule-docs/" data-vars-content-id="85230a09-aa79-4d2f-a6f9-1e8313da7be8" data-vars-headline="What Washington should have put in the nation&#x27;s time capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28351307-time-capsule-docs/" target="_blank">just two things</a>: a gubernatorial proclamation and a letter from the lieutenant governor.<ul><li>To put that in perspective, Arkansas sent a diamond. California sent a fusion superconductor. </li><li>Washington sent paperwork.</li></ul>

Seattle's famous naked bike parade rides again

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

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.

Culture

Seattle says goodbye to 8pm sunsets

Inside Seattle's dark serial killer exhibit

In Seattle, aging sharpens what matters

Dating show comedian shares Seattle quirks

Space Needle urged to restore Hollywood films to WA's biggest IMAX screen