Seattle Paine Field’s Passenger Terminal has been awarded the prestigious Newsweek Reader’s Choice Award for Best Small Airport in the U.S., securing third place. This recognition highlights the airport’s exceptional customer service, tranquil atmosphere, and premium amenities, making it a standout amongst established airports.
Seattle continues to be a beacon of inclusivity and LGBTQIA+ celebration, as 56 couples from around the world gathered aboard the Love For All Boat for a vow renewal ceremony. The historic event, led by Drag Race star BenDeLaCreme and officiated by Justice Mary Yu, set a new world record. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell proclaimed May 30 as Love For All Day, further solidifying the city’s commitment to diversity and unity.
Seattle, Washington, has become a haven for individuals seeking low- or non-alcoholic beverage experiences. The city is home to The Pathfinder Hemp and Root, a renowned non-alcoholic spirit and cocktail modifier that has gained widespread recognition. With over 580 locations across Washington, including numerous establishments in Seattle, The Pathfinder offers a sophisticated and flavorful alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
AAA forecasts over 43.8 million travelers during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, a 4% increase from last year and nearly matching the 2005 record. Road trips are expected to dominate, with 38.4 million people projected to drive. Airports will also be busy, with 3.51 million air travelers anticipated, a 4.8% rise over last year. Other modes of transportation, such as buses, cruises, and trains, are expected to accommodate nearly 2 million travelers. Travelers are advised to avoid peak congestion times when driving, and to check traffic updates regularly.
Hundreds of asylum seekers have established an encampment at Powell Barnett Park in Seattle after funding for their hotel accommodations in nearby Kent dried up. The group, which includes individuals from Venezuela, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, had previously camped outside a church in Tukwila before securing hotel stays. They are now seeking permanent housing and assistance from the government.
Two University of Washington football players have been charged with misdemeanor assault after an alleged attack on a bicyclist in Seattle. Just weeks prior, one of the players, Tylin “Tybo” Tamis Rogers, was charged with second-degree and third-degree rape. The victim in the assault case stated that the players harassed, pushed, struck him, and damaged his bicycle. The suspects were identified through surveillance footage, which captured them wearing UW athletics clothing. Both players have been suspended from the team while the case is ongoing.
Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative ordinance, adopted in April 2023, places the initiative under the Seattle Office of Civil Rights and mandates all city departments to implement changes to end institutional racism. This unprecedented ordinance highlights the pervasive inequities faced by people of color in Seattle and sets a precedent for other cities seeking to address systemic racism. Seattle’s sustained commitment to racial equity through professional development trainings, step-by-step guides, and a racial equity toolkit offers valuable lessons for cities looking to create more equitable places.
