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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Lease brings new Bellevue office tower to 80% occupancy.

• Upcoming Seattle Mariners match

• A deep-dive into the life of Henry M. Jackson

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” 

— Arthur Ashe

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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!

Which Seattle neighborhood is famous for its statue of Vladimir Lenin, quirky art, and the annual Fremont Solstice Parade?

A) Capitol Hill

B) Fremont

C) Ballard

D) Green Lake

Answer to Week 35's Trivia:

The annual Seattle event that celebrates the start of the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony, star lighting on Macy's, and a fireworks show is C) The Westlake Center Holiday Celebration.

News

💼 Business

Federal judge throws out jury verdict against Boeing in trade secrets case. (Link)

Lease brings new Bellevue office tower to 80% occupancy. (Link)

🏒 Sports

New NFL kickoffs bring 2 long returns and plenty of confusion. (Link)

Wyman’s Seahawks Takeaways: A strong start to the Macdonald era. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Korean hydrogen startup comes to Seattle's K-Startup Center. (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

⚾ San Francisco Giants at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Fri, Aug 23rd - Sun, Aug 25th | (More info)

⚽ North Carolina Courage at Seattle Reign FC
Lumen Field, Seattle
Sunday, Aug 25th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Hot Freaks
Barboza, Seattle
Monday, Aug 19th | (More info)

🎵 Elle King
Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle
Wednesday, Aug 21st | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

🧘 Teen Yurt Yoga
6535 51st Avenue South, Seattle
Tuesday, Aug 20th | (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 “Futuristic Seattle with advanced weather control 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

Seattle Supersonics Win NBA Championship (1979) - The city's only NBA championship to date.

The Seattle SuperSonics, affectionately known as the Sonics to their ardent fans, carved a historic mark in the annals of basketball by clinching the NBA Championship in 1979. This victory not only symbolized the pinnacle of professional basketball supremacy but also remains, to this day, the city's sole NBA title, embedding itself as a cherished chapter in Seattle’s sports legacy. Under the astute leadership of head coach Lenny Wilkens, a Hall of Famer both as a player and coach, the SuperSonics showcased a remarkable season that was both thrilling and skillful, culminating in a triumph that is celebrated by the city and its basketball enthusiasts even decades later.

The SuperSonics' journey to the 1979 championship was a narrative of redemption and determination. Following a heartbreaking defeat in the 1978 NBA Finals to the Washington Bullets, the team returned with a fortified resolve and a precise focus on the ultimate prize. The roster, brimming with talent and teamwork, was spearheaded by stars such as Jack Sikma, Gus Williams, and Dennis Johnson, whose standout performances throughout the season and playoffs were pivotal to the team’s success. The harmonious blend of Wilkens’ strategic acumen and the players’ execution on the court propelled the SuperSonics through the regular season and into a dominant playoff run.

The climax of their 1978-1979 campaign was reached in the NBA Finals against the Washington Bullets, a rematch that would serve as both a challenge and an opportunity for redemption. The intensity of the series was palpable, with both teams showcasing their desire to emerge victorious. However, it was the SuperSonics who, through grit, teamwork, and an unyielding defense, managed to clinch the title in five games. This victory on June 1, 1979, not only avenged their previous year's loss but also solidified their place in basketball history, bringing immense pride to the city of Seattle. The 1979 NBA Championship stands as a testament to the SuperSonics' excellence, a cherished memory that fans hold onto with hope for the future return of NBA action to their beloved city.

Famous People From Seattle

Henry M. Jackson (1912–1983)

Henry Martin Jackson, a pillar of American politics, served as a U.S. Senator from Washington for over three decades. His political journey significantly shaped the legislative landscape of the United States, with a profound impact on his home state of Washington and, notably, the city of Seattle.

Early Years and Education (1912–1935)

Born in Everett, Washington, to Norwegian immigrants, Henry M. Jackson grew up during challenging times marked by the First World War and the Great Depression. These early experiences instilled in him a deep sense of public service and an understanding of the hardships faced by working families. Jackson excelled in his studies, later attending the University of Washington, where he earned a law degree, setting the stage for his political journey.

The Path to Politics (1935–1940)

After practicing law in Everett, Jackson's interest in politics led him to run for prosecuting attorney in Snohomish County. His victory marked the beginning of a public service career characterized by an unyielding commitment to justice and community welfare. These foundational years were crucial in shaping his political ideology and approach to governance.

Service in World War II (1940–1945)

With the onset of World War II, Jackson took a break from politics to serve in the U.S. Army, where he witnessed the global impact of authoritarianism and conflict. His military service not only fostered his staunch anti-communist stance but also reinforced his belief in strong national defense and international cooperation for peace and security.

Rise to Congress (1945–1952)

After the war, Jackson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he quickly made a name for himself as a diligent and effective legislator. His focus on national defense, labor rights, and energy policy distinguished his tenure in the House, laying the groundwork for his influential career in the Senate.

U.S. Senator for Washington (1952–1983)

In 1952, Jackson was elected to the U.S. Senate, beginning a remarkable career that would span over 30 years. He became a leading figure in key policy areas, including national defense, environmental protection, and energy. Jackson's dedication to public service and his ability to work across the aisle helped pass critical legislation that shaped the nation's future.

Advocate for Environmental Protection (1960s–1970s)

Jackson's passion for the environment led to landmark legislation, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which set the standard for environmental impact assessments. His commitment to protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable development earned him the nickname the environmental senator.

Strong National Defense and Foreign Policy (1970s–1980s)

A staunch advocate for a strong national defense, Jackson played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. His efforts to support allies, counter Soviet influence, and promote human rights abroad underscored his belief in the United States' role as a leader on the global stage.

Connection to Seattle (Throughout Career)

Jackson's career had a significant impact on Seattle and the state of Washington. His work in securing federal funding for local projects, including transportation and infrastructure development, contributed to Seattle's growth and prosperity. His advocacy for environmental conservation also resonated with the region's values, preserving the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest for future generations.

Final Years and Legacy (1980–1983)

In his final years, Jackson continued to advocate for national security, environmental protection, and energy independence. His death in 1983 marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through the legislation he championed and the impact he had on his state and country.

Key Achievements of Henry M. Jackson:

• Served in the U.S. Senate for over 30 years, significantly influencing national defense, environmental policy, and energy independence.

• Key architect of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), promoting environmental protection and sustainability.

• Influential in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, advocating for human rights and countering Soviet influence.

• Championed federal funding for Seattle's infrastructure, contributing to the city's development and growth.

• Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, recognizing his contributions to the nation's welfare and security.

Henry M. Jackson's political career exemplifies dedicated public service and a commitment to bipartisan cooperation. His lasting impact on environmental legislation, national defense, and his contributions to Seattle’s development highlight his significant role in American politics. Jackson's legacy as a forward-thinking leader and advocate for the common good continues to inspire future generations.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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