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Belgium ends U.S. World Cup run before Seattle crowd

Thousands of U.S. fans packed downtown Seattle before the city's final World Cup match.

Sports

The U.S. men&#x27;s World Cup run ended Monday as Belgium defeated the Americans 4-1 before a sellout crowd in Seattle.The big picture: The match was Seattle&#x27;s sixth and final FIFA World Cup game, capping three weeks that saw the city emerge as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top host site" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/07/06/seattle-world-cup-host-city-fan-festival-tourism-fifa26" data-vars-content-id="511a569e-5cd8-499d-a4b9-7a7791a33e1e" data-vars-headline="Belgium ends U.S. World Cup run before Seattle crowd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/07/06/seattle-world-cup-host-city-fan-festival-tourism-fifa26" target="_self">top host site</a>.

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.

Business

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 brought out Seattle's best

Sold-out crowds, packed fan festivals and glowing reviews gave Seattle a global moment beyond soccer.

News

Seattle&#x27;s biggest World Cup win wasn&#x27;t on the pitch. It was showing visitors — and maybe even Seattleites — what this city looks like at its best.Why it matters: For three weeks, Seattle has been a global gathering place, full of unity and joy, even as much of the world feels <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasingly divided" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/america-social-media-polarization" data-vars-content-id="e0bf5410-ed99-4850-9e55-0bffd7db2464" data-vars-headline="World Cup brought out Seattle&#x27;s best" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/america-social-media-polarization" target="_self">increasingly divided</a>.

New Italian restaurant opens beneath Seattle's Pioneer Square

Casa Gabriele offers pasta dishes, rotating specials and wine pairings in a cozy basement.

Food and Drink

The owners of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bottega Gabriele" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/08/bottega-gabriele-steps-up-seattle-s-sandwich-game" data-vars-content-id="d5e84669-37eb-4148-af83-7e00634fc238" data-vars-headline="New Italian restaurant opens beneath Seattle&#x27;s Pioneer Square" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/08/bottega-gabriele-steps-up-seattle-s-sandwich-game" target="_self">Bottega Gabriele</a>, the popular Pioneer Square sandwich shop, have a new restaurant that serves pasta and is open for dinner. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Casa Gabriele" data-vars-click-url="https://bottega-gabriele.com/#casa-menu" data-vars-content-id="d5e84669-37eb-4148-af83-7e00634fc238" data-vars-headline="New Italian restaurant opens beneath Seattle&#x27;s Pioneer Square" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bottega-gabriele.com/#casa-menu" target="_blank">Casa Gabriele</a> is in a warmly lit basement, making it feel like a tucked away special spot.

Broke in Seattle? Try these cheap weekend ideas

From Folklife to ferry rides, here are some Seattle outings that won't wreck your budget.

Guides

I&#x27;m feeling broke. Other people are feeling broke. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/02/washington-gas-prices-10-dollars-gallon-strait-of-hormuz-oil-supply-iran-war" data-vars-content-id="07647d9e-146b-42f0-8c8f-76e8446f1b53" data-vars-headline="Broke in Seattle? Try these cheap weekend ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/04/02/washington-gas-prices-10-dollars-gallon-strait-of-hormuz-oil-supply-iran-war" target="_self">Gas</a> is hovering around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$6 a gallon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gasbuddy.com/usa/wa" data-vars-content-id="07647d9e-146b-42f0-8c8f-76e8446f1b53" data-vars-headline="Broke in Seattle? Try these cheap weekend ideas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gasbuddy.com/usa/wa" target="_blank">$6 a gallon</a> and a staycation may be about all some of us can pull off right now.Why it matters: Thankfully, many of Seattle&#x27;s most iconic experiences are still available for free — or almost free — if you know where to look.

How to avoid Washington's Memorial Day traffic

Travel times on I-5 and I-90 could nearly double during peak holiday getaway periods.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/memorial-day-weekend-best-worst-drive-times" data-vars-content-id="e65a2bb6-8739-49a7-aaf4-59b54429ae45" data-vars-headline="How to avoid Washington&#x27;s Memorial Day traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/memorial-day-weekend-best-worst-drive-times" target="_self">Memorial Day weekend</a> marks the unofficial start of summer travel season — and AAA expects roughly 1.23 million Washingtonians to head out of town during the holiday weekend.Why it matters: Your departure time could<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" make or break" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" data-vars-content-id="e65a2bb6-8739-49a7-aaf4-59b54429ae45" data-vars-headline="How to avoid Washington&#x27;s Memorial Day traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/23/travel-delays-shutdown-security-airfare-prices" target="_self"> make or break</a> your trip.

Seattle's best spots for a quiet cry

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

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.

<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.

Guides

Seattle readers ace our Fremont photo challenge

Where are we: Seattle stones hold steady

Broke in Seattle? Try these cheap weekend ideas

How to avoid Washington's Memorial Day traffic

Seattle's best spots for a quiet cry