Choose your location
Axios Seattle
Bird flu found in Washington wildlife, including in King County
Data: USDA; Map: Danielle Alberti/AxiosWashington is among the states with wild animals that have contracted the highly pathogenic bird flu, including a bobcat in King County, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Why it matters: The bird flu outbreak in dairy cattle that's swept across nine states and has infected at least one person is posing perplexing questions about how the virus is spreading between animals and the risk it poses to humans.Driving the news: Originally found mainly in wild birds and backyard flocks, the H5N1 virus was detected in dairy cows in the U.S. on March 25, in commercial...
Bird flu found in Washington wildlife, including in King County
Data: USDA; Map: Danielle Alberti/AxiosWashington is among the states with wild animals that have contracted the highly pathogenic bird flu, including a bobcat in King County, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Why it matters: The bird flu outbreak in dairy cattle that's swept across nine states and has infected at least one person is posing perplexing questions about how the virus is spreading between animals and the risk it poses to humans.Driving the news: Originally found mainly in wild birds and backyard flocks, the H5N1 virus was detected in dairy cows in the U.S. on March 25, in commercial...
As pickleball gains momentum, so do injuries
From overuse traumas such as "pickleball elbow" to sprains and even fractures, medical personnel are seeing more injuries as Washington's official state sport becomes mainstream, according to a study earlier this year. Why it matters: Although pickleball has smaller courts and may require less ball chasing, players can still get traumatic injuries, like broken wrists and ankles. They also face problems like tendonitis from repetitive pounding on a hard surface, the Mayo Clinic study — presented in February to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons — found.By the numbers: Nearly 87% of all reported pickleball-related injuries occurred in participants over...
No Mow May: Seattleites embrace lawns less and wildflowers more
Some Seattle gardeners are moving away from grass and instead aiming to landscape or "rewild" their yards by planting wildflowers, clovers and other cover crops, such as vetch, local experts say.Why it matters: No-mow (or low-mow) lawns have been popular in the Pacific Northwest for decades but demand continues to grow as people seek yard solutions that require less maintenance while also benefiting birds and bees, said Kristin Jackson, co-owner of Urban Earth Nursery in Fremont.Yards that feature native plants and other specimens with deeper roots than lawn grass can help soil retain water and fend off erosion.In addition to...
Recognizing the Seattle "Smug"
In a city that's got a chilly reputation for being a place where it's hard to make friends, add the Seattle "Smug" to the list of things newcomers and old-timers alike must navigate.Why it matters: We knew we weren't the only ones feeling the sting, and we're glad so many of you validated our experiences when we asked you to share them.Zoom in: Clients who are new to the area and other counseling professionals have told Seattle-based psychologist Sheppard Salusky that Seattle and Portland are the "epicenter of judgmentalism.""There are so many rules about what you can and cannot say...
The future of flag football for girls in Washington state
The Seattle Seahawks are backing an effort to make girls flag football a sanctioned sport in Washington.Why it matters: The push to recognize and support the sport is growing as interest in women's sports skyrockets nationally.Money is pouring into women's sports, including through new deals and partnerships, and there's been a recent shift in media to broaden coverage of women's sports.State of play: Late last month, the Emerald Ridge High School girls flag football team appeared onstage with Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett when he announced the NFL team's third-round pick.The Jaguars were chosen by the Seahawks to be the...
Hottest Seattle area ZIP codes for home appreciation
Data: Zillow; Note: Typical home value refers to the average of the middle third of Zillow home value estimates for every home in a given region with a county record, including single-family, condominium and co-operative homes; Table: Axios VisualsKirkland ZIP code 98034, which includes Totem Lake, Kingsgate and Inglewood-Finn Hill, saw the highest jump in typical home values compared to a year ago in the greater Seattle metro area, per Zillow data shared with Axios.Why it matters: With fewer homes on the market, prices continued to grow in most areas, even as affordability dwindled, according to Zillow chief economist Skylar...
1,000-plus buildings in Seattle could collapse in an earthquake
A city department is developing new requirements for earthquake retrofits in Seattle's most vulnerable buildings, and they could come before the City Council by the end of this year.Why it matters: The Northwest is earthquake country, and seismic hazard modeling from the U.S. Geological Survey shows Seattle is at high risk of damaging shaking caused by earthquakes within the next 100 years.Between the lines: A big earthquake would be especially damaging to Seattle's unreinforced masonry buildings, where brick construction predates 1945.While fireproof, those buildings contain no reinforcing steel, according to Amanda Hertzfeld, unreinforced masonry program manager with the Department of...
Pro-Palestinian emcampments arrive in Washington state
Data: Axios research; Note: Universities with joint encampments reported separately; Locations approximated for clarity; Map: Kavya Beheraj, Tory Lysik and Will Chase/AxiosStudents at the University of Washington in Seattle, Evergreen State College in Olympia and the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma have set up protest encampments, joining young people across the country calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and divestment from Israel.Why it matters: Inspired by the protests at Columbia University, thousands of students have established protest encampments at more than 100 college campuses across the U.S. to protest Israel's actions in the war with Hamas.The demonstrations have sparked...
From "Star Wars" to Opening Day to Cinco de Mayo and more, here are some things to try this weekend.
From "Star Wars" celebrations and boating season's Opening Day to Cinco de Mayo, there's lots to do in Seattle inside and outside this weekend.Thursday🎨 First Thursday Art Walk takes over Pioneer Square. Check out fresh exhibitions at open galleries throughout the neighborhood, with live programming from noon to 10pm. Check ahead to see if your preferred gallery is participating.🪕 Tune into the Wisconsin band Armchair Boogie with its so-called jamgrass, newgrass, funkgrass tunes at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard. 8pm. Tickets are about $26.🛻 If country hip-hop is more your jam, check out the Tractor Tavern, also on Ballard Avenue...
City council considering bill to revise new delivery pay law
The Seattle City Council is considering overhauling its newly adopted PayUp wage standard that boosts driver pay and mileage reimbursements from app delivery companies.Why it matters: The law, which went into effect in January, was intended to ensure that delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Instacart pay their workers at least minimum wage.But a $5 fee tacked onto orders increased customer costs and decreased business for some restaurants and delivery drivers, per Eater Seattle.Driving the news: In introducing a reconsideration bill last week, Council President Sara Nelson said the result of rushing such worker protections was the "implementation of...
A small sunny reprieve for Seattle before a half month of rain
Any outside activities that need a dry day should be tackled Thursday when Seattle will likely see its sunniest day in the first two weeks of May, per the National Weather Service of Seattle.Driving the news: A few days of sun will precede a series of "moody" weather systems that will bring more rain and cooler than average temperatures over the next two weeks, said NWS meteorologist Reid Wolcott.With a high of 64 degrees, even Thursday will not be perfectly clear, Wolcott told Axios, but it may be the driest day in the two-week foreseeable future. And by Friday night, rain is back in the picture, he said. The intrigue: A frost advisory was in play Tuesday night, with overnight lows that dropped into the mid-30s in some areas of Western Washington.Flashback: Last year, Seattle saw record-brushing highs near 90 degrees in early May.What they're saying: "I think most of us who live around here are OK with gray skies and not getting into the 90s," Wolcott said.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.
Streetcars once ruled Seattle
Here's a look at some of the April historical events in the city, sourced from state history encyclopedia HistoryLink and local newspaper and agency archives.April 30, 1910: Interurban rail service began between Everett and Seattle. The route started near what is now Westlake Center, traveled through Fremont and along Phinney and Greenwood avenues to what is now Highway 99, linking North Seattle to downtown.The city abandoned its streetcar system in the 1930s, with the last Seattle-Everett trip in 1939.April 28, 1940: Syvilla Fort, the first Black student at Cornish College of the Arts, gave a dance performance at Seattle's Repertory Playhouse. She was accompanied by John Cage and his "prepared piano," an atonal instrument made by altering a conventional piano.Fort and Cage went on to become influential figures in contemporary art: Fort for her Afro-modern dance technique, and Cage for his experimental compositions.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.
Trial testing therapeutic use of magic mushroom moves forward
A study on the therapeutic value of psychedelic mushrooms for treating addiction and trauma is on track to begin at the University of Washington School of Medicine early next year.Why it matters: The results of the trial will likely determine whether Washingtonians who qualify for the treatment are able to access therapeutic psychedelics in the near future, said UW addiction psychiatrist Nathan Sackett, who is overseeing the study.The big picture: Research into the role of psychedelics, including psilocybin, LSD and MDMA in treating a range of addictions and mental health disorders is entering a broader new phase, thanks to more...
Spring cleaning out the clutter
Spring (cleaning) fever is hitting Seattle, right on time with longer days lending themselves nicely to the task of decluttering winter buildup and prepping space for the sunny days ahead, say some local pros.Why it matters: A messy environment can make us anxious and hurt our ability to relax, focus or sleep, while a clear home can lead to a clearer mind and better health.Spring is a great time to start on a slow, steady and sustainable path to a cleaner, less cluttered life, experts say.What they're saying: Just 10 minutes a day of decluttering adds up, according to Seattle-based...
Spring cleaning out the clutter
Spring (cleaning) fever is hitting Seattle, right on time with longer days lending themselves nicely to the task of decluttering winter buildup and prepping space for the sunny days ahead, say some local pros.Why it matters: A messy environment can make us anxious and hurt our ability to relax, focus or sleep, while a clear home can lead to a clearer mind and better health.Spring is a great time to start on a slow, steady and sustainable path to a cleaner, less cluttered life, experts say.What they're saying: Just 10 minutes a day of decluttering adds up, according to Seattle-based...
What the FTC ban on noncompetes means for Seattle
A nationwide ban on noncompete agreements might not have as much of an impact in Seattle as other cities, a University of Washington employment expert says, noting there's a high percentage of tech and other workers who may make too much to be affected.Why it matters: Critics of the agreements say they stifle innovation and wage growth by restricting workers' ability to take new jobs that pay higher wages or offer some other opportunity.The Federal Trade Commission says the nation should see an increase in workers' wages of up to $488 billion over the next decade if the ban goes...
Coffee without the beans from Seattle's Atomo
A Seattle-based startup is offering a sustainable "beanless espresso" as Americans' coffee consumption hits record highs and concerns about climate change grow.Driving the news: Atomo's coffee product, made from plant waste, became available in several coffee shops across the U.S. on Earth Day.In Seattle, you can try it at Heard Coffee on S. Jackson Street.Why it matters: Coffee farming and shipping is linked to deforestation and high carbon emissions, and research suggests climate change could impact the global coffee supply.How it works: Instead of coffee beans, Atomo Coffee uses millet, guava, fructose, date seeds, ramon seeds, pea protein, baking soda, sunflower seeds, lemon and fenugreek to get a coffee-like flavor.Some of those ingredients would otherwise become plant waste, according to Atomo.The company, which raised $50 million as of last year, claims its brews use 94% less water and 93% less carbon emissions than conventional coffee.Don't worry, there's caffeine, which comes from green tea — 100 milligrams per double shot.The intrigue: Atomo is one of the latest startups to try selling pricier foods and drinks with a "better for the environment" message.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.
New light rail line from Bellevue to Redmond opens
The Sound Transit 2 Line that connects Redmond with Bellevue is ready to roll, nearly eight years after breaking ground.Why it matters: The 6.5-mile line connects several Eastside communities with each other and will eventually link up with Seattle.Driving the news: The eight-stop line from South Bellevue to the Redmond Technology Station opens midday Saturday.Earlier this week, a new highway-straddling bridge that connects the Redmond Technology station to local streets opened to bikes and foot traffic.Riders should be able to get from South Bellevue to BelRed or from the Redmond Technology Station to downtown Bellevue in 13 minutes, per Sound...
Some Kraken and Reign games will be free to watch on TV
Some Seattle Kraken and Reign games are coming to your TV for free.Driving the news: Nine upcoming Reign games will be broadcast on KONG-TV and streamable on KING 5's app, and this fall, all Kraken games that aren't broadcast nationally will be available on either KONG or KING 5, per the teams.Kraken games will also be available on Amazon Prime Video.Why it matters: We love our Seattle teams, but without accessible broadcasting, it can be challenging to keep up if you don't have the money or time to attend games in person or pay for streaming or cable — or...
Axios Seattle
1K+
Posts
7M+
Views
Axios Seattle is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.