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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.

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 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.

Seattle Mariners open 2026 with World Series buzz

With Raleigh, Rodríguez, Naylor and elite pitching, Seattle enters 2026 focused on winning it all.

After arguably the best season in franchise history, 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="cef1cf67-ab5b-4581-a88d-23270cb35f7e" data-vars-headline="Seattle Mariners open 2026 with World Series buzz" 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> enter 2026 with something they&#x27;ve never really had before: a legitimate World Series run expectation.Why it matters: This isn&#x27;t just a young team with promise anymore. The M&#x27;s are building on a 90-win season, an AL West title and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Game 7 ALCS run" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/21/seattle-mariners-lose-game-7-blue-jays-world-series" data-vars-content-id="cef1cf67-ab5b-4581-a88d-23270cb35f7e" data-vars-headline="Seattle Mariners open 2026 with World Series buzz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/10/21/seattle-mariners-lose-game-7-blue-jays-world-series" target="_self">Game 7 ALCS run</a>, with some national analysts calling the Mariners to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="win it all" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/seattle-mariners/news/mariners-receive-bold-prediction-follows-seahawks-footsteps/7e480716526386d9640a06e6" data-vars-content-id="cef1cf67-ab5b-4581-a88d-23270cb35f7e" data-vars-headline="Seattle Mariners open 2026 with World Series buzz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/seattle-mariners/news/mariners-receive-bold-prediction-follows-seahawks-footsteps/7e480716526386d9640a06e6" target="_blank">win it all</a>.

NBA votes to explore adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas

The NBA's latest move advances Seattle's bid to land a team for the first time since 2008.

The NBA&#x27;s Board of Governors voted Wednesday to explore potentially adding professional basketball teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.Why it matters: Seattle has been without an NBA team since the SuperSonics left in 2008 — and Vegas has never had an NBA franchise.

Seattle behind Rams in national power rankings

Despite the Hawks' Super Bowl win, new ranking favors a reloaded Rams roster.

Even fresh off a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="54d58f81-5158-43a3-8ddf-187ad30d871c" data-vars-headline="Seattle behind Rams in national power rankings" 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 win</a>, the Seahawks still aren&#x27;t getting the respect they deserve. State of play: A new NFL power ranking from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pro Football Focus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-post-free-agency-power-rankings-rams-seahawks-2026" data-vars-content-id="54d58f81-5158-43a3-8ddf-187ad30d871c" data-vars-headline="Seattle behind Rams in national power rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-post-free-agency-power-rankings-rams-seahawks-2026" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus</a> slots Seattle at No. 2 — behind the despised Los Angeles Rams — even though the Hawks beat L.A. twice last season, including in the NFC Championship.

Seattle Children's nurse returns to Paralympics

Erin Martin, one of 68 U.S. athletes, will compete in three para-Nordic skiing events in Milan.

Sports

<figure><img alt="Erin Martin sits in a knit hat, white jacket and USA flag sweater in front of a sign that says &quot;US Paralympic Team.&quot; " height="3514" id="7077dd0d-d3fa-4477-9801-77afe28b474c" src="https://images.axios.com/AQ1LCXjr3MDd5X71_sy3gX60aOI=/2026/03/05/1772737055594.jpeg" width="5022"/><figcaption>Para Nordic athlete Erin Martin at a welcome event this week for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympics. Photo: Elsa/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Seattle Children&#x27;s nurse Erin Martin is headed to her second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winter Paralympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" data-vars-content-id="120ab4e5-0c82-4a82-b4ba-f07d990a7b9e" data-vars-headline="Seattle Children&#x27;s nurse returns to Paralympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" target="_self">Winter Paralympics</a> in para-Nordic skiing — just seven years after first trying the sport.The big picture: The 2026 Winter Paralympics begin Friday in Milan-Cortina, where Martin will compete among 68 U.S. athletes on the world&#x27;s biggest stage for winter para-sports.

War casts doubts on Iran's World Cup matches

Iranian officials say tensions make playing in the U.S. unlikely, but FIFA has not confirmed a change.

Iran&#x27;s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including a scheduled match in Seattle — is in doubt amid escalating geopolitical tensions.Why it matters: Iran&#x27;s potential withdrawal adds <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new complications" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/11/ice-will-be-at-the-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="94860232-2c76-4b64-ab6a-f605242c4fb6" data-vars-headline="War casts doubts on Iran&#x27;s World Cup matches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/02/11/ice-will-be-at-the-world-cup" target="_self">new complications</a> to Seattle&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="yearslong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/12/seattle-center-unveils-world-cup-countdown-clock" data-vars-content-id="94860232-2c76-4b64-ab6a-f605242c4fb6" data-vars-headline="War casts doubts on Iran&#x27;s World Cup matches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/12/seattle-center-unveils-world-cup-countdown-clock" target="_self">yearslong</a> World Cup preparations.

Seattle Mariners fans head to Arizona spring training

For many Seattle fans, the season begins not at T-Mobile Park, but under the Arizona sun.

Baseball fans from Seattle and across the country are flocking to the desert as the Cactus League season kicks off throughout the Phoenix area.The big picture: This year marks the 79th season of the Cactus League — Major League Baseball&#x27;s Arizona spring training circuit — with 15 teams playing at 10 stadiums just miles apart.

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.

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.

Sports 🏅

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