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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.

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 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.

Food and Drink

<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>

New Sasquatch ride roars to life along Elliott Bay

Don your virtual reality headset and go hunt Bigfoot, just steps away from the Seattle Great Wheel.

Things to Do

<figure><img alt="A GIF of Sasquatch roaring and moving his hands and feet outside a mountain-themed ride." height="450" id="c53ab36d-09c5-4b3f-8440-eb86ada58e72" src="https://images.axios.com/kwCFfJ1_e8Rh0UcggfJdFiafruU=/2026/05/04/1777928336863.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Sasquatch roars outside the Sasquatch Mountain ride on Seattle&#x27;s waterfront. Video: Melissa Santos/Axios</figcaption></figure>Head to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seattle waterfront" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/09/waterfront-park-draws-millions-in-debut-season" data-vars-content-id="9d3bb5e7-c9cc-484c-9f58-6314172b9480" data-vars-headline="New Sasquatch ride roars to life along Elliott Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/01/09/waterfront-park-draws-millions-in-debut-season" target="_self">Seattle waterfront</a> and you&#x27;ll find people waiting to take selfies with a roaring Sasquatch that towers over passersby.The big picture: The animatronic Bigfoot welcomes people to a new virtual reality ride, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sasquatch Mountain" data-vars-click-url="https://sasquatchmountain.com/" data-vars-content-id="9d3bb5e7-c9cc-484c-9f58-6314172b9480" data-vars-headline="New Sasquatch ride roars to life along Elliott Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sasquatchmountain.com/" target="_blank">Sasquatch Mountain</a> — one of a growing number of attractions on Seattle&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revamped" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/03/06/waterfront-projects-seattle-construction-playground-opening" data-vars-content-id="9d3bb5e7-c9cc-484c-9f58-6314172b9480" data-vars-headline="New Sasquatch ride roars to life along Elliott Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/03/06/waterfront-projects-seattle-construction-playground-opening" target="_self">revamped</a> Elliott Bay promenade.

Seattle's Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans

Up to 1 million fans are expected along Fourth Avenue as the Hawks celebrate downtown on Wednesday.

Up to 1 million people are expected to line Fourth Avenue on Wednesday as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seahawks fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" 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/seattle-seahawks-super-bowl-street-celebration-pioneer-square" target="_self">Seahawks fans</a> flock to celebrate the team&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2026/02/09/super-bowl-lx-results-seahawks-patriots" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" 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 championship</a> with a parade running through the core of the city.Driving the news: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seahawks.com/super-bowl-lx/parade/" data-vars-content-id="cbc392a4-4783-481e-af7a-0a08d35fa1c8" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s Super Bowl parade could draw a million fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seahawks.com/super-bowl-lx/parade/" target="_blank">parade</a> begins at 11am, starting near Lumen Field, traveling north up Fourth Avenue and ending near the Seattle Center.

Sober sipping atop Seattle's skyline

See Seattle from 35 floors up with alcohol‑free drinks at Smith Tower.

Going booze-free for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dry January" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/01/08/what-s-changed-about-dry-january" data-vars-content-id="7eaf53fd-a9d0-40cd-952a-196bdd928622" data-vars-headline="Sober sipping atop Seattle&#x27;s skyline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/01/08/what-s-changed-about-dry-january" target="_self">Dry January</a> doesn&#x27;t mean you have to stay grounded, especially if you&#x27;re atop one of Pioneer Square&#x27;s most iconic skyscrapers.Why it matters: What began as a modest month-long abstinence challenge has grown into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mainstream resolution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/24/dry-january-february-athletic-beer" data-vars-content-id="7eaf53fd-a9d0-40cd-952a-196bdd928622" data-vars-headline="Sober sipping atop Seattle&#x27;s skyline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/24/dry-january-february-athletic-beer" target="_self">mainstream resolution</a> — with interest in alcohol-free lifestyles <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continuing to climb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="7eaf53fd-a9d0-40cd-952a-196bdd928622" data-vars-headline="Sober sipping atop Seattle&#x27;s skyline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">continuing to climb</a>.

Seattle's white Christmas odds melt away

Seattle's Christmas will be wet — unless you head to the mountains.

There&#x27;s bad news for folks hoping for a white Seattle Christmas, but good news for those dying to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="get on the slopes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/23/peak-traffic-driving-snoqualmie-stevens-pass-skiing" data-vars-content-id="f98fe06e-5598-4e7d-b687-582f6144c275" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s white Christmas odds melt away" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/23/peak-traffic-driving-snoqualmie-stevens-pass-skiing" target="_self">get on the slopes</a>.The big picture: White Christmases are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rare in Western Washington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.weather.gov/images/arh/WhiteHoliday/Christmas/WA_Seattle_Tacoma.png" data-vars-content-id="f98fe06e-5598-4e7d-b687-582f6144c275" data-vars-headline="Seattle&#x27;s white Christmas odds melt away" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.weather.gov/images/arh/WhiteHoliday/Christmas/WA_Seattle_Tacoma.png" target="_blank">rare in Western Washington</a> and this year is unlikely to be an exception with next week&#x27;s forecast calling for rain.

Santa Lane moves indoors at downtown Seattle Nordstrom

Santa's not visible along the sidewalk this year — but the fourth-floor setup is still festive.

Visitors to downtown Seattle may have noticed something missing from this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/12/04/seattle-holiday-markets-shop-local-2025-gift-guide" data-vars-content-id="f0cd3b10-ffbe-4d24-a2b6-8c2427d3b5a3" data-vars-headline="Santa Lane moves indoors at downtown Seattle Nordstrom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/12/04/seattle-holiday-markets-shop-local-2025-gift-guide" target="_self">holiday</a> displays: the sidewalk North Pole setup at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nordstrom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nordstrom.com/store-details/united-states/wa/seattle/nordstrom-downtown-seattle?srsltid=AfmBOoq3t55mP9ASl_SDHoJGUKsSTk2UY7sH3sM6tsEIaN3A4ISsBKkv" data-vars-content-id="f0cd3b10-ffbe-4d24-a2b6-8c2427d3b5a3" data-vars-headline="Santa Lane moves indoors at downtown Seattle Nordstrom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nordstrom.com/store-details/united-states/wa/seattle/nordstrom-downtown-seattle?srsltid=AfmBOoq3t55mP9ASl_SDHoJGUKsSTk2UY7sH3sM6tsEIaN3A4ISsBKkv" target="_blank">Nordstrom</a>, where Santa has held court for years at Sixth Avenue and Pine Street, is no more.<ul><li>Instead, those looking to visit Santa are invited to the store&#x27;s fourth floor, where Saint Nick is stationed next to the Nordstrom Grill and a toy display.</li></ul>

10+ Seattle holiday markets where you can shop local

Support small businesses at these Seattle markets — plus a few nearby favorites.

<figure><img alt="Table display with folded sweaters, green and gray hats, small decorated green Christmas trees, boxes of Shriver&#x27;s Salt Water Taffy, and various packaged items on a white cloth." height="3840" id="a143e2eb-8058-40b5-82c4-73d48907059f" src="https://images.axios.com/mK6Fk3aX9YYpGVxOCT6v_g_Pf20=/2025/12/04/1764874194372.jpeg" width="5760"/><figcaption>Past goods for sale at the Holiday Bazaar in Pioneer Square. Photo: Courtesy of the Alliance for Pioneer Square</figcaption></figure>If you&#x27;re searching for unique, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locally made gifts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/19/christmas-shopping-local-gift-ideas" data-vars-content-id="2d0cde5b-34f2-4173-ad3c-4b0666b65ea1" data-vars-headline="10+ Seattle holiday markets where you can shop local" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/12/19/christmas-shopping-local-gift-ideas" target="_self">locally made gifts</a> this holiday season, look no further than one of Seattle&#x27;s many artisan markets.Why it matters: Hitting up a craft market with dozens of vendors makes it easy to support area artists and small businesses.

Puget Sound's top tacos al pastor revealed

One man's taco trek took two months and a whole lot of pineapple.

Eastside resident Jabil Kairuz set out this summer to find the best <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tacos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/02/mexican-food-growth-seattle" data-vars-content-id="f2777a4d-b2f7-42e4-bbdf-9516d041f5b6" data-vars-headline="Puget Sound&#x27;s top tacos al pastor revealed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/05/02/mexican-food-growth-seattle" target="_self">tacos</a> al pastor in Puget Sound, eating 121 tacos, spending $521 and logging 720 miles in an effort to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crown the region&#x27;s champs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/comments/1mvta18/i_tried_way_too_many_tacos_al_pastor_ranked_them/" data-vars-content-id="f2777a4d-b2f7-42e4-bbdf-9516d041f5b6" data-vars-headline="Puget Sound&#x27;s top tacos al pastor revealed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Seattle/comments/1mvta18/i_tried_way_too_many_tacos_al_pastor_ranked_them/" target="_blank">crown the region&#x27;s champs</a> on Reddit.Why it matters: Kairuz&#x27;s Western Washington taco odyssey is part of a growing wave of passionate amateurs who are reshaping the way <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="people discover food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/20/tiktok-trends-dirty-soda-cucumber-salad" data-vars-content-id="f2777a4d-b2f7-42e4-bbdf-9516d041f5b6" data-vars-headline="Puget Sound&#x27;s top tacos al pastor revealed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/20/tiktok-trends-dirty-soda-cucumber-salad" target="_self">people discover food</a> — one map, spreadsheet and social media post at a time.

Puget Sound Off: Why Seattle has a tiny Statue of Liberty at Alki

Seattle's replica has survived vandalism and storms —and served as a 9/11 tribute site.

Seattle&#x27;s Alki Beach is home to more than firepits, sand, and killer water views — it also hosts a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty.<ul><li>Today&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Puget Sound Off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/03/18/lake-washington-water-levels-dams-boats" data-vars-content-id="6728c551-37d6-43a1-b46f-ebbc86a60453" data-vars-headline="Puget Sound Off: Why Seattle has a tiny Statue of Liberty at Alki" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/03/18/lake-washington-water-levels-dams-boats" target="_self">Puget Sound Off</a> column explores how Seattle&#x27;s petite copy of the famous New York monument came to be.</li></ul>

Things to Do 🗓

Broke in Seattle? Try these cheap weekend ideas

Where Seattle families can find grief support

How whiskey tastings became our Mother's Day tradition

New Sasquatch ride roars to life along Elliott Bay

Escape to Bremerton for waterfront, warships and pastry