Rob Smith
Amazon Now Sells Cars. What’s Next?
The Seattle retail giant is seemingly on a quest to sell virtually everything
You can now buy a car on Amazon. But it must be a Hyundai (at least for now), and it’s only available in major metros in 48 states, Seattle included. Amazon Autos also allows buyers to trade in their existing cars and secure financing. It sounds odd, but consumers have bought cars online for years…
Groundbreaking Survey Seeks to Understand LGBTQ+ Population
Washington state effort aims to reach 10,000 residents
A first-of-its-kind survey in Washington state seeks to understand the unique characteristics and experiences of LGBTQ+ youth and adults. The survey — sponsored by the state LGBTQ Commission and led by Washington State University and a queer and trans research team — will help inform policies and legislation, with the ultimate goal of promoting equality,…
Westland Again Nabs Spot on Top Whiskey List
More ‘proof’ that Washington whiskies rank among world’s best
Move over, aerospace and tech. Whiskey wants a word with you. Seattle may have another defining characteristic. For the second consecutive year, Seattle’s Westland Distillery has achieved international acclaim. Whiskey Advocated named Westland’s Wine Cask Finish American Single Malt Whiskey No. 20 on its prestigious Top 20 Whiskeys of 2024 list. Westland is the only Seattle…
Reformed Nigerian Scammer: ‘You Can Lose All Your Money’
‘Once I get access, I can manipulate them’
On the Dr. Phil show, a woman named Karla said she had sent more than $100,000 to a man she insisted was Tyler Perry. She said they were married, and he was raising their child together, even though they had never met. Extreme, yes, but an example of a classic romance scam. Christopher Maxwell understands….
Kraken Founding Owner David Bonderman Dies
Bonderman worked as a security guard at the Space Needle while attending college at UW
It was only my fourth day on the job in a new city, and I found myself sitting across a table from David Bonderman. This was back in 2003. I was the newly minted editor of the Portland Business Journal, and Bonderman’s private investment group — Texas Pacific Group, known as TPG — had just…
Judges Block Kroger-Albertsons Merger
Decision effectively ends plans that effect more than 300 grocery stores across Washington state
A woman named Kerry (she asked that her last name not be used) was perusing the canned goods section at the Magnolia QFC when she was asked if she had heard that a federal judge in Oregon had blocked parent company Kroger’s proposed merger with Albertsons. (About an hour later, a King County Superior Court…
Upcoming World Cup ‘A Massive Economic Driver’ for Seattle
The six matches could create almost 21,000 jobs
Seattle will take its place on the global stage while hosting several 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, and will be rewarded handsomely for doing so. Visit Seattle projects the event to generate at least $929 million in King County over the six World Cup matches at Lumen Field between June and July 2026. That includes…
Back Page: Nature Therapy
Washington state is among the leaders in outdoor recreation
The headline in the June 1970 issue of Seattle magazine sounds provocative, perhaps even a bit pugnacious: “Why WASP’s Camp: The quest for a Lost America.” The article had less to do with Presbyterians and more with the challenges of conservation and outdoor recreation. Written by David Brewster, who went on to found both Seattle…
Tacoma Mall Goes Upscale
It joins several other properties in recreating the mall experience
Many malls across the United States are struggling. So, why is Tacoma Mall investing tens of millions of dollars in a massive renovation? Mall owner Simon Property Group — best known locally as the redeveloper of Northgate Mall, now known as Northgate Station — has launched plans for a multi-million-dollar revitalization of the mall, which…
A Big Week For Atoma
Year-old Wallingford hotspot nabs best new restaurant awards
It’s only Wednesday, but it’s been quite a week for Atoma. The Wallingford restaurant has racked up some impressive honors this week, including being named Esquire’s Best New Restaurant in America. Earlier this week, Eater also named the year-old Wallingford hotspot its Best New Restaurant. “When I learned that Johnny Courtney had peeled off from…
Backyard Exploring in Seattle
Some favorite unusual places in Seattle for out-of-town guests
My father-in-law is coming to town this weekend, and we’re trying to figure out what to do and where to go. It’s kind of overwhelming, but not in a way you might think. There’s so much to do here in Seattle that it’s a real challenge to create an itinerary for just four days. It…
Seattle Shines on Giving Tuesday
Explore a multitude of ways to give back to the community
Did you know that Giving Tuesday is a global movement? Or that it was started in 2012 via a partnership with the United Nations Foundation and the 92nd Street Y in New York City? Today, Dec. 3, is Giving Tuesday, a day meant to amplify good causes and help nonprofits raise awareness and money. Seattle,…