Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Justin Timberlake Concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Clarence B. Bagley

• Seattle Kraken's GM Ron Francis indicates potential team changes

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"There is no substitute for hard work."

- Thomas Edison

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Seattle's annual event, "Hempfest," is focused on advocating for what?

A) Technology and Innovation

B) Cannabis Reform

C) Environmental Protection

D) Music and Arts

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The name of the Seattle-based airline that was founded in 1932 and is known for its customer service is B) Alaska Airlines.

News

💼 Business

Washington's sustainable business accelerator is now backing new initiatives including solar panel recycling, sustainable diaper processing, and compostable packaging to help reduce landfill waste. (Link)

Recent data from Indeed highlights Seattle, San Francisco, and San Jose as leading cities in America for AI job opportunities, with Seattle alone having over 3,000 listings. (Link)

The Texas Attorney General is resolving a legal dispute with a Seattle hospital over allegations related to providing puberty blockers or hormone treatments to Texan minors. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Jeff Passan analyzes why the Seattle Mariners are unlikely to get fair trade value for their young pitchers due to their promising talents. (Link)

Seattle Kraken's GM Ron Francis indicates potential team changes are under evaluation after missing the playoffs. (Link)

Washington State considers joining either the AAC or the Mountain West as realignment discussions continue within the Pac-12. (Link)

🏦 Finance

WunderLand Group has named Bryce Kisker to manage its service offerings in the Greater Seattle area, expanding its influence in the digital, creative, and marketing sectors. (Link)

Airbus Group inaugurated the Airbus Experience Center in Washington, D.C., a multimedia showcase of its people and technologies. (Link)

BioSpace reports that companies like Tessera, BMS, and Pfizer are among those reducing their workforce, as detailed in the 2024 Biopharma Layoff Tracker. (Link)

Sundar Pichai has instructed Google employees to refrain from engaging in political debates at work, following the dismissal of 28 employees over protests related to an Israeli contract. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Seattle Reign FC vs. San Diego Wave FC
Lumen Field, Seattle
Friday, May 3rd | 7:00 PM | More Info

🏉 Seattle Seawolves vs. Houston SaberCats
Starfire Sports Complex, Seattle
Friday, May 3rd | 7:30 PM | More Info

🏁 May The 4th Be With You Racing Event
Evergreen Speedway, Monroe
Saturday, May 4th | 6:00 PM | More Info

⚽ Seattle Sounders FC vs. LA Galaxy
Lumen Field, Seattle
Sunday, May 5th | 3:30 PM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎤 Justin Timberlake
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Thursday, May 2nd | 7:30 PM | More Info

🎸 Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening
Pantages Theatre, Tacoma
Thursday, May 2nd | 7:30 PM | More Info

🎷 The Mission UK
El Corazon, Seattle
Thursday, May 2nd | 8:00 PM | More Info

🎹 Adam Ant & The English Beat
The Neptune Theatre, Seattle
Thursday, May 2nd | 8:00 PM | More Info

Family Friendly events:

🎪 Skagit County Tulip Festival
Skagit County, WA
April 29-30 | 9:00AM-7:00 PM | More Info

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Urban landscape of Seattle with advanced public transport systems.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Seattle Historical Events

WTO Protests (1999) - Massive protests against the World Trade Organization meetings, highlighting anti-globalization movements.

In late November 1999, Seattle became the epicenter of a massive public outcry against the World Trade Organization (WTO) as it hosted the WTO Ministerial Conference. This event, often referred to as the "Battle of Seattle," marked a significant moment in the history of anti-globalization movements. Thousands of protesters from around the world converged on the city, representing a diverse coalition of labor unions, environmental groups, human rights organizations, and anti-capitalist movements. Their unified goal was to oppose what they saw as the negative consequences of globalization, which they attributed to the policies and practices endorsed by the WTO. The protesters argued that such policies favored multinational corporations at the expense of workers, the environment, and sovereign nations' rights.

The demonstrations started peacefully with marches and rallies, highlighted by speeches, educational workshops, and non-violent actions. However, as tensions escalated, segments of the protests turned confrontational. A small number of activists resorted to vandalism, blocking traffic, and clashes with the police, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. The city of Seattle declared a state of emergency, and a curfew was imposed, turning the downtown area into what many described as a warzone. The chaos disrupted the opening ceremonies of the conference and led to the cancellation of several meetings, with some delegates unable to attend sessions due to the blockades.

The WTO protests in Seattle in 1999 had lasting impacts on both the global trade landscape and the future of protest movements. They brought significant attention to the debates surrounding globalization, influencing public opinion and policy discussions worldwide. The event is remembered as a turning point that galvanized the anti-globalization movement, showing that a wide-ranging coalition of activists could come together to challenge global financial and trade institutions. The "Battle of Seattle" remains a touchstone for discussions on globalization, free trade agreements, and the role of public protest in shaping global economic policies.

Famous People From Seattle

Clarence B. Bagley (1843–1932)

Clarence Bagley, a pivotal figure in the preservation of the Pacific Northwest's history, particularly Seattle, led an extraordinary life as a historian, publisher, and chronicler. His dedication to documenting early Seattle and Washington state history has left an indelible mark on how we understand the region's past.

Early Life and Westward Journey (1843-1852)

Born in western Ohio, Clarence B. Bagley was a child of settlers with a spirit inclined towards the vast and, then, largely unexplored American West. In 1852, at the tender age of nine, Bagley embarked on a formidable overland journey with his family to Oregon, setting the stage for a lifelong connection with the Pacific Northwest.

Settling in Washington Territory (1853-1860)

By 1853, Bagley's family moved north to what would become Washington Territory, settling near what is now Olympia. These early years in the burgeoning territory imbued in young Clarence a profound appreciation for the region's history, peoples, and the transformative power of pioneering spirit.

Seattle: A Growing Community (1860s)

In his teenage years, Bagley moved to Seattle, a nascent community on the cusp of significant growth. His various roles, from clerk to early government worker, positioned him at the heart of Seattle's development during a critical period in its history, allowing him unique insights into the settlement's evolution.

Journalism and Public Life (1870s-1880s)

Bagley's career pivoted to journalism in the 1870s, a period marked by his ownership and operation of the Seattle Post, one of the city's earliest newspapers. His editorial work and publications became instrumental in shaping public opinion and discourse, cementing his role as a key figure in Seattle's intellectual and civic life.

A Pivot to History and Publishing (1890s-1900s)

As the 19th century closed and a new century dawned, Bagley shifted his focus towards history, dedicating himself to the preservation and documentation of the Pacific Northwest's past. His efforts during these decades included compiling critical works on early Seattle history, Native American cultures, and the broader tapestry of the region's development.

The Klondike Gold Rush and Seattle (1890s)

The Klondike Gold Rush marked a transformative era for Seattle, and Bagley was at the forefront of chronicling this pivotal time. His work captured the explosive growth and economic boom that the Gold Rush brought to Seattle, highlighting the city's role as a gateway to the Yukon.

Establishing Historical Societies and Preservation (1900s-1920s)

Bagley's dedication to history saw him involved in establishing historical societies and advocating for the preservation of historical sites across Washington. His leadership in these endeavors helped ensure that future generations would have access to the state's rich historical legacy.

Legacy Works and Publications (1920s-1932)

In his later years, Bagley continued to produce significant historical works, including detailed narratives of the Indian Wars, early settlers, and the formation of Washington's governmental structures. His magnum opuses served as foundational texts for understanding the Pacific Northwest's history.

Final Years and Legacy (1930-1932)

Clarence B. Bagley passed away in 1932, leaving behind a legacy as a foremost historian and preservationist of Seattle and Washington state's history. His life's work provided a comprehensive record of the region's formative years, serving as an invaluable resource for historians, scholars, and anyone interested in the Pacific Northwest.

Reflections on a Storied Life (Post-1932)

The decades following Bagley's death have only seen his contributions to the Pacific Northwest's historiography grow in appreciation. His detailed accounts and narrative style have inspired subsequent generations of historians, while his efforts in preservation have ensured that Washington's historical landmarks continue to enlighten and educate.

Key Achievements of Clarence B. Bagley:

• - Chronicled early Seattle history, capturing the essence of its settlement, growth, and pivotal events like the Klondike Gold Rush.

• - Established and contributed to several historical societies, playing a critical role in promoting historical research and preservation in Washington.

• - Published numerous influential works on the Pacific Northwest, contributing significantly to our understanding of the region's past.

• - Served as an early journalist and publisher in Seattle, influencing public opinion and contributing to the city's intellectual and cultural development.

• - Advocated for the preservation of historical sites, ensuring that the legacy of Washington's early years would be preserved for future generations.

Clarence B. Bagley’s contributions to documenting and preserving the history of Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest region cannot be overstated. Through his tireless research, writing, and advocacy, he ensured that the story of the region’s early years would not be forgotten. His works remain crucial resources for those interested in the Pacific Northwest’s history, and his legacy as a historian and preservationist endures, inspiring those who value and continue his work of chronicling the past.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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