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.

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.

Seattle lands top 10 park ranking — again

Nearly all Seattle residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, new rankings show.

If there&#x27;s one thing Seattle does well besides coffee and complaining about the weather, it&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/best-parks-cities-parkscore" data-vars-content-id="5d5f0475-5f8d-4bf9-90d2-0db1d29e0ec4" data-vars-headline="Seattle lands top 10 park ranking — again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/best-parks-cities-parkscore" target="_self">parks</a>.The latest: The city once again ranked among the nation&#x27;s best <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="park systems" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seattle.gov/parks" data-vars-content-id="5d5f0475-5f8d-4bf9-90d2-0db1d29e0ec4" data-vars-headline="Seattle lands top 10 park ranking — again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seattle.gov/parks" target="_blank">park systems</a>, landing at No. 8 in the Trust for Public Land&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 ParkScore index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" data-vars-content-id="5d5f0475-5f8d-4bf9-90d2-0db1d29e0ec4" data-vars-headline="Seattle lands top 10 park ranking — again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" target="_blank">2026 ParkScore index</a>.

Seattle may have found its newest baseball crush

The Mariners' new 20-year-old phenom hit a three-run homer and woke up T-Mobile Park.

<figure><img alt="A baseball player watches the ball after the swing. " height="3565" id="3e214095-be77-4b06-8767-c42406f31522" src="https://images.axios.com/uFHPfPB9_MRMfy-85PqtRA4y0TQ=/2026/05/19/1779214105665.jpg" width="5348"/><figcaption>The Colt effect. Photo: Maddy Grassy/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Three days in, and Colt Emerson is already looking like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mariners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/09/25/seattle-mariners-winning-streak-baseball-playoffs-world-series" data-vars-content-id="7010c0ec-2ba0-4f79-8738-28265b2757b6" data-vars-headline="Seattle may have found its newest baseball crush" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/09/25/seattle-mariners-winning-streak-baseball-playoffs-world-series" target="_self">Mariners</a>&#x27; next fan obsession.Why it matters: It&#x27;s been a frustratingly flat start to a season for a team that entered 2026 with legitimate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Series expectations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/26/seattle-mariners-2026-opening-day-roster-world-series-analysis" data-vars-content-id="7010c0ec-2ba0-4f79-8738-28265b2757b6" data-vars-headline="Seattle may have found its newest baseball crush" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/26/seattle-mariners-2026-opening-day-roster-world-series-analysis" target="_self">World Series expectations</a>.

Seattle council OKs larger tiny home villages

City leaders say bigger shelter sites could move more people indoors faster this year.

Politics

The Seattle City Council voted Tuesday to temporarily allow larger tiny home villages and safe lots for people living in vehicles — a key part of Mayor Katie Wilson&#x27;s plan to address homelessness.The big picture: The measure is one way Wilson is trying to fulfill her pledge of adding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="1,000 shelter units" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/06/seattle-homelessness-plan-1000-shelter-beds-tiny-home-villages-2026" data-vars-content-id="802db9b7-0c07-4e1d-8281-a7846c1607a2" data-vars-headline="Seattle council OKs larger tiny home villages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/03/06/seattle-homelessness-plan-1000-shelter-beds-tiny-home-villages-2026" target="_self">1,000 shelter units</a> by the end of the year.

Seattle braces for World Cup traffic and transit crunch

Fans will flood Seattle this summer, bringing street closures and crowded transit across the city.

<figure><img alt="Lumen Field is shown from above with grow lamps on part of the pitch, with the Seattle skyline in the background." height="3868" id="1913833c-266d-47ea-8282-24a81d0403e2" src="https://images.axios.com/Z73fB9BVJohmzgnXVJagz_HUPWY=/2026/05/13/1778702180809.jpeg" width="5068"/><figcaption>Grass grows beneath lamps at Lumen Field, which is hosting six FIFA World Cup matches this summer. Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Streets will be closed and trains and ferries may be packed — but for Seattle locals, daily life must still go on when FIFA brings six <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/05/world-cup-match-seattle-schedule-2026" data-vars-content-id="02aae621-b063-4ca9-b090-75e8dd3e4d93" data-vars-headline="Seattle braces for World Cup traffic and transit crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/02/05/world-cup-match-seattle-schedule-2026" target="_self">World Cup matches</a> to Lumen Field this summer.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup frenzy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/01/29/fifa-world-cup-2026-host-city" data-vars-content-id="02aae621-b063-4ca9-b090-75e8dd3e4d93" data-vars-headline="Seattle braces for World Cup traffic and transit crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/01/29/fifa-world-cup-2026-host-city" target="_self">World Cup frenzy</a> — while exciting for soccer fans and city boosters alike — will require Seattleites to make a few changes to their routines.

Most Washington police officers lag on required training

A new audit found many officers remain behind on deescalation and cultural awareness courses.

Most Washington police officers have yet to complete required deescalation and cultural awareness training, according to a new state audit.Why it matters: The training is required by Initiative 940, a police accountability law Washington voters approved in 2018.

News 🗞

Seattle 7th grader to compete in Scripps National Spelling Bee

Seattle pet spotlight: Meet Kubo

Broke in Seattle? Try these cheap weekend ideas

GIF to go: Icelandic geyser memories

The AI backlash is growing in Seattle and beyond