Seattle

Seattle Alerts

Alert

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Seattle with Melissa Santos and Christine Clarridge.

Axios Seattle

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Seattle.

Axios Seattle Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Seattle Partners

Seattle Members

Membership

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;

6 Washington residents monitored after rare hantavirus exposure

News

The public is at low risk for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hantavirus exposure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/hantavirus-response-raises-readiness-concerns" data-vars-content-id="5449003f-accf-4213-b144-7168116f0ced" data-vars-headline="6 Washington residents monitored after rare hantavirus exposure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/hantavirus-response-raises-readiness-concerns" target="_self">hantavirus exposure</a> even though six state residents are being monitored after last month&#x27;s outbreak on a cruise ship.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andes strain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/07/hantavirus-cruise-outbreak-covid-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="5449003f-accf-4213-b144-7168116f0ced" data-vars-headline="6 Washington residents monitored after rare hantavirus exposure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/07/hantavirus-cruise-outbreak-covid-pandemic" target="_self">Andes strain</a> is the only known type of hantavirus that spreads <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="person-to-person" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/05/13/utahns-exposed-hantavirus-cruise-ship" data-vars-content-id="5449003f-accf-4213-b144-7168116f0ced" data-vars-headline="6 Washington residents monitored after rare hantavirus exposure" 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/2026/05/13/utahns-exposed-hantavirus-cruise-ship" target="_self">person-to-person</a>.

The AI backlash is growing in Seattle and beyond

From local data center fights to fears about jobs and energy use, resistance to AI is mounting.

If AI were a candidate for political office, it would be losing in a landslide.Why it matters: The AI hype cycle would have you believe the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="technology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/technology" data-vars-content-id="e1ae6bc3-3714-46a1-a6ec-be1a6b0a0132" data-vars-headline="The AI backlash is growing in Seattle and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/technology" target="_self">technology</a> is inevitable. But AI backlash is growing, as people worry it will steal their jobs, jack up electricity rates and further enrich the wealthy, all while hurting the environment.

Seattle area receives failing grades for air pollution

The Seattle-Tacoma area ranked 8th worst nationally for short-term particle pollution.

The Seattle area&#x27;s air quality is generally better than in many parts of the U.S. — but the region <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still experiences" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/29/seattle-air-pollution-rankings-2025-report" data-vars-content-id="7a498051-e89f-44d8-b196-395d617829f7" data-vars-headline="Seattle area receives failing grades for air pollution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/29/seattle-air-pollution-rankings-2025-report" target="_self">still experiences</a> unhealthy levels of soot and smog pollution, according to the American Lung Association (ALA).Why it matters: Exposure to smog and fine-particle pollution can harm lung function and contribute to diseases including strokes, heart attacks and diabetes, the group says.

Help us find Seattle's best bánh mì

We're building a Seattle bánh mì bracket. Send us your favorite spot to include in the vote.

Food and Drink

I stopped by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saigon Drip" data-vars-click-url="https://saigondripcafe.com/" data-vars-content-id="df6fd332-19a9-4c49-bd69-b8a1849df594" data-vars-headline="Help us find Seattle&#x27;s best bánh mì" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://saigondripcafe.com/" target="_blank">Saigon Drip</a> cafe in Pioneer Square the other day and picked up this beautiful grilled pork <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bánh mì" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/05/31/seattle-spelling-bee-banh-mi" data-vars-content-id="df6fd332-19a9-4c49-bd69-b8a1849df594" data-vars-headline="Help us find Seattle&#x27;s best bánh mì" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/05/31/seattle-spelling-bee-banh-mi" target="_self">bánh mì</a>.It got me thinking about all the great banh mi offerings in the city, and how hard it is to pick a favorite.

MariPili offers one of Seattle's most satisfying tasting menus

The Capitol Hill tapas bar delivers inventive small bites and dessert for $75 per person.

I have a bumpy relationship with restaurant tasting menus. Sometimes, I get full by the third course, which is a bummer if you&#x27;ve already dropped $150.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MariPili Tapas Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://maripili-tapas-bar.com/" data-vars-content-id="8c1d05dd-83c4-4b83-af6e-277924391845" data-vars-headline="MariPili offers one of Seattle&#x27;s most satisfying tasting menus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://maripili-tapas-bar.com/" target="_blank">MariPili Tapas Bar</a> offers a more economical $75 five-course spread with a wide variety of bites — and it won&#x27;t have you feeling overstuffed by the end.

Gloom Coffee brightens up Seattle's Pioneer Square

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

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.

Canon in Seattle's Capitol Hill is a whiskey lover's paradise

Towering spirits shelves and inventive cocktails make Canon one of Seattle's most memorable bars.

<figure><img alt="Dimly lit bar interior with dark wood shelves full of bottles, warm hanging bulbs, and patrons seated at the counter chatting and smiling." height="4284" id="ca2a8819-8ba6-41b2-b5f3-54721d0d75a0" src="https://images.axios.com/Q846c-2_2xcVovSslMsr3b_kV_E=/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg" width="5712" srcset="https://images.axios.com/iLlspoK_FlLBhlQ-43EkL9AeC00=/0x0:5712x4284/1920x1440/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/AFjrJl65iQWAS_M0aSSEXz3lM6I=/0x0:5712x4284/1600x1200/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/tozfqmgTPSu9Onff6jScbedJ9SI=/0x0:5712x4284/1366x1024/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/ee24QxQ_olhH_rR6ke_TqBv4WfE=/0x0:5712x4284/1024x768/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/v_nS2e6cM6SMf3irjWiNXZ13XkE=/0x0:5712x4284/768x576/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/bravxNj-yoU12kzYed8gOa3lmaY=/0x0:5712x4284/640x480/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/mOKAE6htfxKJk81uP5onjmmNrW4=/0x0:5712x4284/320x240/2026/05/12/1778627441718.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Canon prides itself on offering more than 4,000 spirits. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>If you love spirits, your biggest problem when visiting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Canon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.canonseattle.com/" data-vars-content-id="fcc531f2-e555-4ac8-a5ad-416ecde28628" data-vars-headline="Canon in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill is a whiskey lover&#x27;s paradise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.canonseattle.com/" target="_blank">Canon</a> will be deciding what to order first.Zoom in: The small bar in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill boasts a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="186-page spirits list" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/643e09a58e53b57a6af92794/t/69790b3bdecabf0fde6a8b83/1769540411187/Captain%27s+List+Jan+2026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="fcc531f2-e555-4ac8-a5ad-416ecde28628" data-vars-headline="Canon in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill is a whiskey lover&#x27;s paradise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/643e09a58e53b57a6af92794/t/69790b3bdecabf0fde6a8b83/1769540411187/Captain%27s+List+Jan+2026.pdf" target="_blank">186-page spirits list</a> — more than 4,000 bottles — in addition to a renowned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="menu" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/643e09a58e53b57a6af92794/t/6a02757ef2b4304f6ec0c5bf/1778546046984/Summer+2026.pdf" data-vars-content-id="fcc531f2-e555-4ac8-a5ad-416ecde28628" data-vars-headline="Canon in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill is a whiskey lover&#x27;s paradise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/643e09a58e53b57a6af92794/t/6a02757ef2b4304f6ec0c5bf/1778546046984/Summer+2026.pdf" target="_blank">menu</a> of creative <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cocktails" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/happy-hour-the-tramp-cocktail-from-seattles-canon-bar" data-vars-content-id="fcc531f2-e555-4ac8-a5ad-416ecde28628" data-vars-headline="Canon in Seattle&#x27;s Capitol Hill is a whiskey lover&#x27;s paradise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/happy-hour-the-tramp-cocktail-from-seattles-canon-bar" target="_blank">cocktails</a>.

How whiskey tastings became our Mother's Day tradition

She smoked cigars in Rome, ate raw mussels in Naples and taught me that adventure never ages.

<figure><img alt="Two women take a selfie in a bright cafe, smiling. Left: curly-haired woman with red glasses; right: blonde with sunglasses on her head. A child and wine glasses are in the foreground." height="2468" id="110eb59b-01eb-4b92-8c66-96f949811072" src="https://images.axios.com/tqjER12dO_B9mAie2vGV5MjoZog=/2026/05/06/1778092581334.jpeg" width="3779"/><figcaption>Cheers to Mom. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>My mom prefers that I celebrate her not with flowers, but with scotch.Nineteen years ago, she came to visit me while I was studying abroad — and promptly asked if she could smoke a cigar on the bedroom balcony of my Italian apartment. I&#x27;d never seen her smoke a cigar in my life.<ul><li>She&#x27;s been surprising me ever since.</li></ul>

Four Seattle breweries strike gold at World Beer Cup

Cloudburst won twice as four Seattle breweries combined for five gold medals at the global contest.

Four Seattle breweries have snagged gold medals at this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Beer Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/brewing-excellence-shines-at-2026-world-beer-cup-marking-30-years-of-global-competition/" data-vars-content-id="8c5a99bf-5557-4609-b4c0-9b30f277dfa0" data-vars-headline="Four Seattle breweries strike gold at World Beer Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brewersassociation.org/association-news/brewing-excellence-shines-at-2026-world-beer-cup-marking-30-years-of-global-competition/" target="_blank">World Beer Cup</a>.The big picture: Billed by organizers as the &quot;Olympics of beer,&quot; the contest is the industry&#x27;s most prestigious global competition.

Seattle's Hey Bagel just won big — twice

The local favorite just nabbed two awards at BagelFest West.

Seattle&#x27;s own <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hey Bagel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/01/14/hey-bagel-now-serving-hot-bagels-university-village" data-vars-content-id="10d52d1b-8361-405b-bd49-0fa425a65d99" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Hey Bagel just won big — twice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/01/14/hey-bagel-now-serving-hot-bagels-university-village" target="_self">Hey Bagel</a> took home Best Bagel at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 BagelFest West" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bagelfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="10d52d1b-8361-405b-bd49-0fa425a65d99" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Hey Bagel just won big — twice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bagelfest.com/" target="_blank">2026 BagelFest West</a> in Los Angeles this week — and also won Best Bagel (Sourdough).Why it matters: The double win puts a local favorite on a bigger stage — and adds to Seattle&#x27;s growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food cred" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/01/2-seattle-chefs-make-james-beard-shortlist" data-vars-content-id="10d52d1b-8361-405b-bd49-0fa425a65d99" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Hey Bagel just won big — twice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/01/2-seattle-chefs-make-james-beard-shortlist" target="_self">food cred</a> beyond coffee.

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 readers share their takes on tipping

With $21.30 minimum wage and constant prompts, some Seattle readers are rethinking when to tip.

&quot;Tip fatigue&quot; has spread across America, and Axios Seattle readers are far from unified on what to do when the tipping screen is spun toward them.The big picture: A 2025 Bankrate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/tipping-culture-survey/#negative-views" data-vars-content-id="a2f31eb6-8800-41f3-9cfe-33c6035d4a09" data-vars-headline="Seattle readers share their takes on tipping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/tipping-culture-survey/#negative-views" target="_blank">survey</a> found that 41% of Americans think tip culture is &quot;out of control&quot; and that request screens actually prompt many Americans to tip less, not more.

Here are Seattle's 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists

The semifinalists span neighborhoods and styles, from bakeries to cocktail bars.

More than a dozen Seattle chefs and restaurants were named James Beard Award semifinalists Wednesday, giving the city a shot at ending its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="yearslong drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/11/seattle-james-beard-winners-2024" data-vars-content-id="04ea7c68-9613-46be-a203-291f9afe3e64" data-vars-headline="Here are Seattle&#x27;s 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/06/11/seattle-james-beard-winners-2024" target="_self">yearslong drought</a> in the prestigious food awards.Why it matters: The awards are the culinary industry&#x27;s highest honor — but a Seattle chef or restaurant hasn&#x27;t won <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="since 2020" data-vars-click-url="https://seattle.eater.com/restaurant-news/87020/seattle-chefs-restaurants-2025-james-beard-awards" data-vars-content-id="04ea7c68-9613-46be-a203-291f9afe3e64" data-vars-headline="Here are Seattle&#x27;s 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://seattle.eater.com/restaurant-news/87020/seattle-chefs-restaurants-2025-james-beard-awards" target="_blank">since 2020</a>.

Food and Drink 🍽

Help us find Seattle's best bánh mì

MariPili offers one of Seattle's most satisfying tasting menus

Gloom Coffee brightens up Seattle's Pioneer Square

Canon in Seattle's Capitol Hill is a whiskey lover's paradise

How whiskey tastings became our Mother's Day tradition