Seattle Newsletter (September 16th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Seahawks VP preps corporate brands for bright lights of Lumen Field.

  • Upcoming Seattle Storm match

  • A deep-dive into the life of Edward R. Murrow

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.” 

—Michele Ruiz

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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!

In Seattle, the annual "Light Up the Night" event takes place at which location, featuring holiday lights and decorations?

A) Seattle Waterfront

B) Woodland Park Zoo

C) Pike Place Market

D) Kerry Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Seattle park famous for its “Troll under the Bridge” sculpture, located under the Aurora Bridge, is B) Fremont Troll.

News

💼 Business

With promotion, women now make up half of Kidder Mathews' exec leadership team. (Link)

Boeing agrees to build its next all-new jet in Washington as contract deadline nears. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The Seahawks played their best defensive game in years. (Link)

Macdonald shares how Seahawks’ Witherspoon excels in key facet. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Seahawks VP preps corporate brands for bright lights of Lumen Field. (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

NJ/NY Gotham FC at Seattle Reign FC
Lumen Field, Seattle
Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 | (More info)

🏀 Las Vegas Aces at Seattle Storm
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Testament and Kreator
Showbox SoDo, Seattle
Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 | (More info)

🎶 Wave To Earth
Showbox SoDo, Seattle
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🎤 GIRL BAND – Ten Years @ Fremont Abbey
4272 Fremont Ave N, Seattle
Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 | (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 urban zoo in Seattle with holographic animals” 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

First AIDS Cases Reported in Seattle (Early 1980s) - Significant in the city's and nation's medical and social history.

In the early 1980s, Seattle found itself at the forefront of an emerging global health crisis with the reporting of its first cases of AIDS. This was a pivotal moment not only for the city but also for the entire United States, as the disease was still largely misunderstood and surrounded by fear and stigma. The initial cases in Seattle mirrored those in other parts of the country, presenting in young gay men who were suddenly falling ill with rare and aggressive infections. These early instances of AIDS in Seattle marked the beginning of a challenging chapter in the city's medical and social history, signaling the start of a long battle against a disease that was yet to be fully comprehended.

The response in Seattle to the early cases was a mix of fear, confusion, and mobilization. The medical community, while initially puzzled by the unfamiliar disease, quickly sought to understand and combat its spread. Concurrently, the gay community in Seattle, despite facing discrimination and heightened stigma, rallied to support its members, establishing organizations and support networks that would eventually lead the way in AIDS advocacy and care. These grassroots efforts were crucial in providing not just medical support but also a voice to a marginalized community during a time of heightened fear and ignorance about the disease. This period was significant as it laid the groundwork for Seattle's progressive and community-driven approach to the AIDS crisis.

As the 1980s progressed, Seattle's experience with the early cases of AIDS would significantly contribute to the city's and nation's approach to handling the epidemic. The city became a beacon for AIDS research, education, and compassionate care, with organizations such as the Gay Men's Health Crisis and Lifelong AIDS Alliance emerging as key players in the fight against AIDS. Seattle's response to the early days of the AIDS epidemic reflects a notable chapter in its history, highlighting resilience in the face of adversity and the power of community mobilization. This experience left an indelible mark on Seattle, shaping its public health policies and community support systems in profound ways.

Famous People From Seattle

Edward R. Murrow (1908–1965)

Edward R. Murrow was a towering figure in the history of American journalism, renowned for his integrity, courage, and pioneering work in broadcast news. His career spanned some of the most tumultuous times in modern history, including World War II, the Cold War, and the early years of television.

Early Life and Education in Washington (1908–1926)

Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1908, Murrow and his family moved to Washington state when he was a young child. Growing up in the timber country near Blanchard and later in Skagit County, Murrow's early life was marked by economic hardship but enriched by the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. He attended Washington State University (WSU), where he majored in speech and debate, laying the groundwork for his future in broadcasting.

Rising Star in Broadcasting (1935–1941)

After working various jobs post-graduation, including as the assistant director of the Institute of International Education and serving as the secretary of the National Advisory Council on Radio in Education, Murrow's broadcasting career began in earnest when he joined CBS in 1935. Initially tasked with executive duties, he soon found his calling as a reporter.

Voice of London Blitz (1941–1945)

Murrow's coverage of the Blitz in London during World War II brought the realities of war into the living rooms of Americans. His reports, starting with This...is London, were characterized by vivid, human-focused storytelling, setting a new standard for war correspondence and elevating him to national hero status.

Pioneering Television Journalism (1946–1950)

After the war, Murrow returned to the United States and soon ventured into television, a medium still in its infancy. With shows such as See It Now, which debuted in 1951, he tackled complex issues and showcased his commitment to investigative journalism, setting the tone for future TV news broadcasts.

Challenging McCarthyism (1951–1954)

Murrow is perhaps best remembered for his critical report on Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-Communist witch hunts, aired in 1954. In a time of fear and silence, Murrow's bold stance and pointed questioning of McCarthy's methods exemplified journalistic integrity and bravery, significantly contributing to the senator's eventual censure.

Connection to Seattle (1950s)

While Murrow's work took him around the globe, he maintained connections to Washington State, including Seattle. His reporting and public appearances in the city, especially in academic and journalistic circles, left a lasting impact on the Pacific Northwest's media landscape, inspiring a generation of journalists.

Later Career and Political Involvement (1955–1961)

Following his groundbreaking work in the 1950s, Murrow served in a more administrative capacity within CBS and later took on a role as the head of the United States Information Agency under President Kennedy. In this position, Murrow worked to present the American narrative abroad during the peak years of the Cold War, leveraging his journalistic skills for diplomatic purposes.

Final Years and Legacy (1962–1965)

Murrow's health declined in the early 1960s, culminating in his death from lung cancer in 1965. Nevertheless, his legacy as a pioneering broadcast journalist who valued integrity, accuracy, and fairness above all else remains a benchmark for the industry.

Key Achievements of Edward R. Murrow:

  • Revolutionized war correspondence with his live broadcasts from London during the Blitz.

  • Became a pioneer of television journalism, particularly with the groundbreaking show See It Now.

  • Played a critical role in raising public awareness about the excesses of McCarthyism, contributing to the eventual downfall of Senator McCarthy.

  • Broadened the role of broadcast media in public diplomacy as head of the United States Information Agency under President Kennedy.

  • Left an indelible mark on the journalism and broadcasting fields, inspiring countless reporters and journalists with his commitment to truth and integrity.

Edward R. Murrow's life and career were a testament to the power of journalism and the responsibility of those who report the news. His unwavering commitment to integrity, even in the face of extreme pressure and adversity, set a standard that continues to inspire. As a pioneer of both radio and television journalism, he showed that the medium could be used not just to inform but to challenge and engage the public in critical issues of the day. Murrow's legacy is a guiding light for journalists around the world, reminding them of the crucial role they play in safeguarding democracy and truth.

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-Matthew Larsen

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