Congratulations on all your success; you smell terrific!Granted, the first wave of Washingtonians are hitting the end of their unemployment benefits. And unemployment continues to climb. But the Forbes Richest 400 Americans list must go on! And local billionaires once again make a strong showing.Topping the list is of course the godfather himself, Bill Gates. Net worth: $50 billion. Rhree other local tech kings crack the top 30: Steve Ballmer is 14th with $13.3 billion; Paul Allen is 17th with $11.5 billion; and Jeff Bezos is 28th with $8.8 billion. After that, it’s a long drop to the next local baller. Seattle boat-building magnate John Orin Edson is 371st with a net worth of an even $1 billion. While it might sound hard to live in the shadows of the men who precede him on the list, Edson apparently isn’t sweating it. Says Forbes, “Spends days flying helicopters, skiing, cruising in 164-foot yacht, Evviva.” Perhaps accompanied by T-Pain.
More Stories From This Author
National Weather Service issues wind advisory for Puget Sound region
A wind advisory remains in effect from 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 through 6 a.m. Thursday, March 12 throughout much…
By
Steve Hunter • March 11, 2026 12:41 pm
Federal Way murder suspect added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list
The FBI is offering a $1 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
By
Joshua Solorzano • March 10, 2026 3:00 pm
Foster youth guaranteed full-ride college tuition
OLYMPIA — A bill guaranteeing full‑ride college tuition for all foster youth and students who experienced homelessness passed both legislative…
By Annika Hauer, WNPA Foundation • March 10, 2026 10:53 am
