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Seattle opens residential areas to small cafes, corner markets

New zoning rules aim to boost walkability and support local shops across Seattle neighborhoods.

News

Seattle now allows small cafes and markets throughout residential neighborhoods, ending decades-old zoning rules that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largely banned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/02/10/neighborhood-cafe-law-washington-state" data-vars-content-id="692b0cd2-15f9-49ba-bd6c-109786ba15c5" data-vars-headline="Seattle opens residential areas to small cafes, corner markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/02/10/neighborhood-cafe-law-washington-state" target="_self">largely banned</a> new businesses in those areas.Why it matters: The goal is to create walkable neighborhoods where people can buy groceries, grab a bite to eat or run errands on foot — a strategy that also helps support small local retailers, Seattle City Council president Joy Hollingsworth told Axios.

Washington eyes limits on license plate data

The bipartisan bill would require agencies to delete most plate scans within 21 days.

Washington state lawmakers are advancing a bill that would set the state&#x27;s first ground rules for regulating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="automated license plate readers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/14/seattle-surveillance-technology-cameras-license-plates-cctv" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/14/seattle-surveillance-technology-cameras-license-plates-cctv" target="_self">automated license plate readers</a> (ALPR).Why it matters: Washington has positioned itself as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safe haven" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/14/washington-surveillance-data-ice-abortion-immigrants-rights" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/14/washington-surveillance-data-ice-abortion-immigrants-rights" target="_self">safe haven</a> for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigrants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/08/19/ferguson-rejects-doj-sanctuary-law-threat-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/08/19/ferguson-rejects-doj-sanctuary-law-threat-immigrants" target="_self">immigrants</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abortion patients" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/03/06/washington-state-abortion-protections-patients-doctors-data" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2023/03/06/washington-state-abortion-protections-patients-doctors-data" target="_self">abortion patients</a> and those seeking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gender-affirming care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/28/washington-state-transgender-healthcare" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/28/washington-state-transgender-healthcare" target="_self">gender-affirming care</a>, but privacy advocates warn these protections and others <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="can ring hollow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/14/washington-surveillance-data-ice-abortion-immigrants-rights" data-vars-content-id="7cf12eba-a5c5-4fe9-b1d7-0afad57022da" data-vars-headline="Washington eyes limits on license plate data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/14/washington-surveillance-data-ice-abortion-immigrants-rights" target="_self">can ring hollow</a> when surveillance data is tapped by federal or out-of-state agencies.

Hilary Knight sets 2 Olympic records in U.S. gold win

The Seattle Torrent captain's 15th Olympic goal tied the game and helped lift the U.S. past Canada.

Sports

Seattle Torrent captain <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hilary Knight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/10/washington-olympians-milan-cortina-seattle-hockey-speed-skating" data-vars-content-id="b57894ec-23bb-4e1b-b035-30873f5515dd" data-vars-headline="Hilary Knight sets 2 Olympic records in U.S. gold win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/10/washington-olympians-milan-cortina-seattle-hockey-speed-skating" target="_self">Hilary Knight</a> set two U.S. Olympic records Thursday while leading the U.S. women&#x27;s hockey team to a gold medal win over Canada.Zoom in: Knight, Team USA&#x27;s captain, scored a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late tying goal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/19/hilary-knight-us-record-olympics-womens-hockey-goals/88584567007/" data-vars-content-id="b57894ec-23bb-4e1b-b035-30873f5515dd" data-vars-headline="Hilary Knight sets 2 Olympic records in U.S. gold win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/19/hilary-knight-us-record-olympics-womens-hockey-goals/88584567007/" target="_blank">late tying goal</a> that sent the championship game into overtime and helped lift the U.S. to a 2-1 victory.

The Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale

The sale aligns with late owner Paul Allen's directive to sell his sports holdings, the team says.

Fresh off a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl victory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="8fc35250-0034-455e-ba4c-7eb4c4c3dd0b" data-vars-headline="The Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" target="_self">Super Bowl victory</a>, the Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale, the team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Wednesday." data-vars-click-url="https://www.seahawks.com/news/estate-of-paul-g-allen-begins-sale-process-for-seattle-seahawks" data-vars-content-id="8fc35250-0034-455e-ba4c-7eb4c4c3dd0b" data-vars-headline="The Seattle Seahawks are being put up for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seahawks.com/news/estate-of-paul-g-allen-begins-sale-process-for-seattle-seahawks" target="_blank">announced Wednesday.</a>The big picture: Selling the team aligns with directions laid out by late Seahawks owner Paul Allen, whose estate continues to own the team, the Seahawks said in Wednesday&#x27;s announcement.

Seattle's best spots for a quiet cry

Skip the roses. Try a mossy bridge, gray skyline or ferry ride for a therapeutic sob.

Guides

Valentine&#x27;s Day can be painful for people who&#x27;ve lost a loved one, had a bad break-up or been ghosted. Why it matters: Some of us want wind, water and an emotional release instead of candlelight and chocolates. <ul><li>That&#x27;s why we&#x27;ve pulled together some of our favorite places to cry.</li></ul>

Spot shrimp season hits Seattle — but blink and you'll miss it

It's so popular — and the delicacy so limited — that the season is down to just four hours in Elliott Bay.

A fleet of small boats on Elliott Bay on Wednesday is a sign that Seattle&#x27;s short but oh-so-sweet <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spot shrimp season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/18/seattle-urban-guide-fishing-trout-greenlake" data-vars-content-id="5b56cc1f-f6fb-4652-89ff-7dcc1618f87f" data-vars-headline="Spot shrimp season hits Seattle — but blink and you&#x27;ll miss it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/04/18/seattle-urban-guide-fishing-trout-greenlake" target="_self">spot shrimp season</a> is on.Why it matters: It&#x27;s so popular — and the delicacy so limited — that the shrimping season is down to just four hours in Seattle, as the state works to prevent overharvesting and to protect future hauls.

Polar bear plunges, Seattle style

Join one of the region's many New Year's Day polar bear plunges or create your own.

Things to Do

Ready for a brisk and exhilarating start to 2025? State of play: Join one of the region&#x27;s many New Year&#x27;s Day polar bear plunges or create your own to kick off the new year with a splash.

Last-minute local gift ideas for Seattle shoppers

Shopping local helps you get gifts in hand fast, plus boosts Seattle businesses.

Business

<figure><img alt="A display of colorful pottery from Orna&#x27;s Pottery, including pendants, ceramic plates, mugs and more imprinted with leaves and other plant designs." height="3024" id="4a6c2b3a-b698-4469-aadf-ccef8478118b" src="https://images.axios.com/gP04ad4_Bc0Gqurwq5hP3NIOjFo=/2024/12/19/1734640744002.jpg" width="4032" srcset="https://images.axios.com/o0Fx2rp9jqzlWWJuJfz3i3_Q-H4=/1920x1440/smart/2024/12/19/1734640744002.jpg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/2oqolLojd2RcSRnQqQk8F4_h_mQ=/1600x1200/smart/2024/12/19/1734640744002.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/WbqeSzngluDllJekQYI2ei4MV7I=/1366x1024/smart/2024/12/19/1734640744002.jpg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/qojrdhOTWfIXxVx4mVEYppeDHlE=/1024x768/smart/2024/12/19/1734640744002.jpg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/nMxOM67AW-gGzT6bbcF-yiHUS5s=/768x576/smart/2024/12/19/1734640744002.jpg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/1f7w1ycq799X3dDj5dQK3MaUwxs=/640x480/smart/2024/12/19/1734640744002.jpg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/QxS7rTXhjhP04H_fA7tcaHmCR8A=/320x240/smart/2024/12/19/1734640744002.jpg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Orna&#x27;s Pottery sells ceramic mugs, vases, plates and more at Pike Place Market. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>If you&#x27;re still scrambling to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="get gifts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/12/07/christmas-gift-holiday-shopping-2023" data-vars-content-id="985de5f1-884b-4ee1-a4a3-6d7cc8c1d2ca" data-vars-headline="Last-minute local gift ideas for Seattle shoppers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/12/07/christmas-gift-holiday-shopping-2023" target="_self">get gifts</a> for your loved ones, we see you — and we know plenty of Seattle shops where you can still find thoughtful gifts with local flair.Why it matters: Shopping local is not only good for local businesses. It also helps last-minute shoppers get gifts in hand fast — a huge benefit when both Christmas and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hanukkah" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/hanukkah-holiday-when-meaning-jewish-calendar" data-vars-content-id="985de5f1-884b-4ee1-a4a3-6d7cc8c1d2ca" data-vars-headline="Last-minute local gift ideas for Seattle shoppers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/13/hanukkah-holiday-when-meaning-jewish-calendar" target="_self">Hanukkah</a> are less than a week away.

Holiday guide: 12 festive things to do around Seattle this winter

Meet Santa, admire light displays, go ice skating, or take in a holiday performance.

Seattle may or may not get snow this winter, but you can still find plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit.State of play: Here are a dozen of our favorite things to do this time of year, including Santa photo ops, Christmas tree lightings, holiday performances, craft markets and Hanukkah celebrations.

Seattle streaming guide: "Perfect Match" and "Clipped"

Seattle reality stars (and criminals) feature prominently on Netflix.

Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s new on Netflix and Hulu this week.What we&#x27;re watching: The Netflix reality universe combines to crown another couple the &quot;perfect match&quot; (with a Seattleite in the running), a local criminal gets the documentary treatment and Laurence Fishburne elevates a limited series on the worst owner in sports.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Our picks</h2>&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Perfect Match" data-vars-click-url="https://www.netflix.com/title/81497817" data-vars-content-id="a480e397-ac19-48bb-b17c-cc0ee9cfa0bd" data-vars-headline="Seattle streaming guide: &quot;Perfect Match&quot; and &quot;Clipped&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81497817" target="_blank">Perfect Match</a>&quot; season 2 — Available Friday on NetflixThe intrigue: The show that combines finding love with daily challenges is back with standouts including part-time Seattleite Micah Lussier (&quot;Love is Blind&quot;), plus Harry Jowsey (&quot;Too Hot To Handle&quot;), Jessica Vestal (&quot;Love Is Blind&quot;) and season one winner Dom Gabriel.<ul><li>Think of it as &quot;Bachelor in Paradise&quot; combined with the unserious vibes of &quot;FBoy Island.&quot;</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;I came [on the show] hoping to find love, but I knew that something I would enjoy was the competitions,&quot; Lussier told Axios.<ul><li>&quot;It was fun to be able to take the edge off from the stress of dating and literally play.&quot;</li></ul>&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clipped" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hulu.com/series/9ecd1618-78d0-4daa-b891-5ebbff43001f" data-vars-content-id="a480e397-ac19-48bb-b17c-cc0ee9cfa0bd" data-vars-headline="Seattle streaming guide: &quot;Perfect Match&quot; and &quot;Clipped&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hulu.com/series/9ecd1618-78d0-4daa-b891-5ebbff43001f" target="_blank">Clipped</a>&quot; — Available now on HuluFlashback: Laurence Fishburne and Ed O&#x27;Neill star in this new series based on ESPN&#x27;s &quot;30 for 30&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="podcast" data-vars-click-url="https://30for30podcasts.com/sterling/" data-vars-content-id="a480e397-ac19-48bb-b17c-cc0ee9cfa0bd" data-vars-headline="Seattle streaming guide: &quot;Perfect Match&quot; and &quot;Clipped&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://30for30podcasts.com/sterling/" target="_blank">podcast</a> about the Los Angeles Clippers and their disgraced former owner Donald Sterling, &quot;the worst owner in sports.&quot; Available now💭 Megan&#x27;s thought bubble: I watched the first episode of &quot;Clipped&quot; this week, and while I generally care more about the WNBA than the NBA (and know absolutely zero about LA sports), it was a treat to see Fishburne, who once performed at Seattle Rep before becoming a bona fide movie star, going head to head with O&#x27;Neill&#x27;s absolutely insufferable Sterling.&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="How To Rob a Bank" data-vars-click-url="https://www.netflix.com/title/81427740" data-vars-content-id="a480e397-ac19-48bb-b17c-cc0ee9cfa0bd" data-vars-headline="Seattle streaming guide: &quot;Perfect Match&quot; and &quot;Clipped&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81427740" target="_blank">How To Rob a Bank</a>&quot; — Available now on NetflixZoom out: When it comes to crime documentaries (and movies based on real crimes) the Pacific Northwest looms large: From Mary Kay Letourneau to Ted Bundy to D.B. Cooper to Rajneeshpuram in Oregon, our region&#x27;s most infamous residents have gotten a lot of screen time in recent years.<ul><li>But this new documentary focuses on one you likely haven&#x27;t heard of: pre-med student Scott Scurlock, who became Seattle&#x27;s most prolific bank robber during the &#x27;90s. </li></ul>&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hit Man" data-vars-click-url="https://www.netflix.com/title/81728840" data-vars-content-id="a480e397-ac19-48bb-b17c-cc0ee9cfa0bd" data-vars-headline="Seattle streaming guide: &quot;Perfect Match&quot; and &quot;Clipped&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81728840" target="_blank">Hit Man</a>&quot; — Available Friday on NetflixThe intrigue: Frequent rom-com leading man Glen Powell (&quot;Set it Up,&quot; &quot;Anyone But You&quot;) joins forces with legendary art house director Richard Linklater (&quot;Boyhood,&quot; &quot;Before Sunrise,&quot; &quot;Slacker,&quot; &quot;Dazed and Confused&quot;) in a movie featuring Powell as a fake hit man who falls in love with a client.Fun fact: This film was inspired by the story of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="real" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texasmonthly.com/video/story-behind-hit-man/#:~:text=True%20Crime-,The%20Story%3A%20A%20Houston%20Man&#x27;s%20Double%20Life%20That%20Became%20the,mannered%20part%2Dtime%20college%20professor." data-vars-content-id="a480e397-ac19-48bb-b17c-cc0ee9cfa0bd" data-vars-headline="Seattle streaming guide: &quot;Perfect Match&quot; and &quot;Clipped&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texasmonthly.com/video/story-behind-hit-man/#:~:text=True%20Crime-,The%20Story%3A%20A%20Houston%20Man&#x27;s%20Double%20Life%20That%20Became%20the,mannered%20part%2Dtime%20college%20professor." target="_blank">real</a> professor in Houston who posed as a hit man for the cops.

Outdoor guide: Cool hikes crush the summer heat

Yes, you can get out on the trail — and out of the sun.

If you&#x27;re a hiker, summer in the Pacific Northwest is the most wonderful time of year, when a paradise of trails to explore opens up after the spring melt.Yes, but: On scorching hot days, hiking in direct sunlight is probably the last thing you want to do.

Best places to swim in Seattle

From outdoor pools to scenic beaches, here's where to cool off.

Whether you&#x27;re a weekend warrior at lap swim or a casual pool partier, swimming is better when it&#x27;s outside, and Seattle has no shortage of outdoor pools and beaches to get your flutter kicks.Yes, but: These places aren&#x27;t open year-round in our soggy city — or necessarily safe to swim in when it&#x27;s cold out — so summer is the best time to enjoy them.

Drive-ins are a nostalgic alternative for movie night

Wear pajamas and bring snacks, kids and dogs if you want to visit these  drive-in options.

Washington is home to a few drive-in theaters that offer the nostalgic charm of 1950s Americana and outdoor spaces for kids to play as a fun alternative for movie night.You can bring pets too, and no one cares where you put your feet or if you chat it up during the climax.

Guides

Seattle's best spots for a quiet cry

Fish Tales: Courthouse art worth exploring

Spot shrimp season hits Seattle — but blink and you'll miss it

Seattle's dream bike: A haiku challenge

U-District photo mystery: readers nailed it