Grocery workers facing 'so much uncertainty' protest proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger "State of the Cart" is a four-part series looking at the proposed $25 billion merger of two of the nation's biggest grocery chains — Albertsons and Kroger — with each story focusing on a different group — the merger's potential impact on consumers, on workers, on the communities themselves, and on our shopping habits. Ruby de Luna
A grocery store merger made this Bellingham neighborhood a food desert. Are others next? "State of the Cart" is a four-part series that examines the proposed $25 billion merger of two of the nation's largest supermarket chains — Albertsons and Kroger — through a different lens: Its impact on consumers, on workers, on the communities themselves, and on our shopping habits. Ruby de Luna
Are we nearing the end of the grocery store experience? For Northwest shoppers, already worn down with supply chain issues and rising food costs, news of the Kroger and Albertsons merger last fall brought new worries. But the companies say the nearly $25 billion merger is a significant step to assure their long-term survival. Ruby de Luna
South Lake Union businesses welcome Amazon workers' return to office It’s the news that downtown businesses have been waiting for: the return of thousands of Amazon workers to the office, after three years of working remotely. And shops that cater to the lunch crowd hope their presence signals a return to life before the pandemic. Ruby de Luna
Seattle employers beckon workers back to the office. Downtown can’t wait The era of unlimited remote work is over, at least for some major Seattle employers. Monica Nickelsburg
Seattle mayor plans to allow sip 'n stroll to bring people back downtown Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s set of actions to address the fentanyl crisis is a mix of public health and public safety policies. And if approved, it would allow people to carry alcoholic drinks while gallery hopping during First Thursday Art Walk. Ruby de Luna
'Social equity' cannabis licenses aim to repair drug law harms to BIPOC communities One bill headed to Governor Inslee’s desk this session, SB 5080, aims to increase racial diversity in the state’s licensed cannabis businesses – and to support the communities most harmed by past drug laws. Amy Radil
Soundside goes to the movies: How do we get productions set in WA to actually film here? There are lots of movies set in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest, like "Sleepless in Seattle," or "Twilight." But many aren't actually filmed here. Soundside spent a day at the movies talking local classics and how we can get more movies produced in the region. Jason Burrows
The high environmental cost of cheap cruises Next month, it begins again. Tourists flooding Pike Place Market, plonking their luggage onto precious light rail seats, crowding downtown bars and restaurants. Yes, we’re talking about the start of the Alaska cruise season. Libby Denkmann
Fisher Investments pulls out of Washington in wake of capital gains tax decision In a seemingly sarcastic statement, Fisher Investments says: "In honor of the Washington State Supreme Court's wisdom and knowledge of the law, and in recognition of whatever it may do next, Fisher Investments is immediately moving its headquarters from Washington state to Texas." Dyer Oxley
