Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Saturday, July 19, 2025.

We start today with a fresh look at the weather. After a short cool-down yesterday, we’re warming back up. Our skies will be mostly clear, and we can expect highs reaching into the low to mid 80s, near perfect for all the outdoor activities around town. It’ll stay comfortable this evening with lows in the 60s, but it has been a dry stretch, so we should all stay mindful of fire risk if we’re heading out to enjoy city parks or Mount Si this weekend.

This weekend’s big story in town is the Capitol Hill Block Party. For the first time, the festival is now 21 and older, a move organizers say will improve safety and the overall experience for everyone attending. The change comes after past security concerns, and festivalgoers can expect new protocols in place as music returns to Pike Street. If you’re in the area, expect bigger crowds and some detours through the weekend on the Hill.

On the real estate front, Seattle’s market shows no signs of cooling. Median home prices have climbed past $900,000 as of mid-July, with bidding wars returning in Ballard, Green Lake, and Columbia City. Renters are feeling the squeeze too, with the average one-bedroom now hitting about $2,200 per month. Some city council members are calling for expanded renter protections and more affordable housing initiatives, which could see debate in City Hall next week.

For job seekers, the local job market is buzzing, especially in tech, healthcare, and hospitality. The city has added roughly 5,000 new jobs this quarter, and Amazon, Swedish Medical, and several startups along South Lake Union are actively hiring. There’s also a noticeable uptick in food service and retail positions, as businesses prepare for late-summer tourism.

Sports are front and center this weekend. The Mariners have a Saturday night game against the Rangers at T-Mobile Park and again Sunday afternoon. The Sounders are taking on Vancouver at Lumen Field this evening, and the Seattle Reign face the Orlando Pride tomorrow at lunchtime, also at Lumen. Transit will be busy, so Metro advises giving yourself a little extra time. Remember, Route 50 and 128 are detoured Saturday morning for the West Seattle Grand Parade, so plan ahead if you’re headed to California Avenue or Alki Beach.

On the crime front, public safety is top of mind after a driver on I-90 near Rainier Avenue narrowly avoided serious injury yesterday morning when someone threw a cement block through his windshield. The Washington State Patrol is looking for dashcam footage to identify the suspect, and they remind us that while these kinds of attacks have dropped compared to past years, vigilance is necessary. Fencing has been added along parts of I-90, but some trouble spots remain.

In happier news, community spirit shines bright at Green Lake and Seattle Center, where families are gathering to beat the heat. For those looking to cool off, the fountains are busy and lifeguard

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Friday, July 18, 2025.

We start with major traffic news that is set to impact thousands. The northbound lanes of I-5 through downtown Seattle are now fully closed from the I-90 interchange all the way to Northeast 45th Street. This closure began just before midnight and will last until early Monday morning. It is only the kickoff to a month of rolling lane reductions on the Ship Canal Bridge, as crews work around-the-clock replacing old expansion joints, fixing drainage, and resurfacing the bridge deck to extend its lifespan. The express lanes are running northbound day and night through August 18, but major backups are expected. If you need to get around, consider State Route 99, I-405, or local routes around South Lake Union and Eastlake instead.

On the weather front, our stretch of summer heat is getting a welcome break. Clouds roll in this morning, keeping us much cooler. Highs sit comfortably in the low to mid-70s, and we might see a bit of sunshine by late afternoon. If you’re heading to the Mariners game against the Astros at T-Mobile Park tonight, it should be perfect ballgame weather in the low 70s and dry skies. This cooler pattern continues through the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday bringing more morning clouds and gentle breezes. Expect highs in the 70s and a gradual warmup back toward the 80s next week.

In city news, Seattle’s effort to tackle homelessness faces another test. After progress clearing encampments on Meyers Way South, neighbors are seeing clusters of RVs and tents return near senior apartments, raising concerns about crime and open drug activity. Just yesterday, police recovered fentanyl, meth, handguns, and nearly 80 stolen bikes after breaking up a nearby encampment. Community members are pressing City Hall for a stronger action plan to keep these areas secure, and a judge has now ordered the city to address illegal activity at Denny Blaine Park.

Turning to public safety, Seattle Police made several notable arrests in the past day. In Burien, they detained a suspect in a major child exploitation investigation after coordination with law enforcement out of Maine. Downtown, officers quickly subdued and arrested a man who was wanted on a no-bail felony warrant after witnessing an assault in progress around 3rd Avenue and Pike Street. These efforts reflect ongoing commitment to tackling violent and organized crime.

Power was also a headline this week, as over 21,000 Seattle City Light customers in North Seattle lost electricity following a vault fire Wednesday night. Crews responded quickly, and most service was restored by midday Thursday.

Looking to our cultural scene, the Capitol Hill Block Party will be 21 and older for the first time ever this weekend, aiming to ease congestion and improve the experience in the heart of Pike-Pine. Local businesses on Capitol Hill are gearing up for the crowds and new safety protocols. Meanwhile, new graffiti laws are causing deba

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Thursday, July 17.

We wake up today in the midst of Seattle’s hottest stretch so far this year, as the heat wave continues. Our high should land around 85 degrees, with clear skies and a warm breeze, so if you’re heading out, make sure to hydrate, wear sunscreen, and check on neighbors, especially those without air conditioning. Relief is on the way though, as forecasters expect a steady cool down starting tomorrow, settling us comfortably back in the 70s for the weekend. Just a reminder—because of the dry heat, the National Weather Service has kept a heat advisory active through this evening and extended a red flag warning for fire danger on the slopes of the Cascades. Burning outdoors definitely isn’t recommended as even a small spark could get out of control in today’s conditions.

Now turning to breaking news overnight on the West Seattle crime watch, where police responded just after 4 a.m. Tuesday to a commercial burglary in the 4200 block of Southwest Morgan. Witnesses say a man, apparently in crisis and not wearing any clothes, used a rock to break into a restaurant, believed to be Ezell’s, and sprayed a fire extinguisher inside. He left on foot but was found nearby, uncooperative and still clutching a rock. After setting off a building fire alarm and approaching officers, he was subdued with a 40-millimeter projectile. The 27-year-old Delridge resident is now in custody at King County Jail, with bail set at $10,500. Police say he faces multiple charges and had previously been held this month for resisting arrest and transit-related offenses.

Shifting gears to city hall, there’s a bit of controversy brewing this week after the city removed the Hot Rat Summer mosaic at Cal Anderson Park as part of tougher new graffiti fines. Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth is calling for more conversation, standing up for public art and those who create it. We’ll be following how that debate affects graffiti policy and artist protections across Seattle.

If you’re on the job hunt, tech and healthcare sectors continue to drive most of the open positions around South Lake Union and downtown, with several hundred reported new openings this week. On the real estate front, median home prices are still holding around 860 thousand across King County, as rising mortgage rates see buyers moving fast but extra cautiously.

Looking ahead, we have the Ballard SeafoodFest taking over Market Street this weekend, and ZooTunes continues with an outdoor concert tonight at Woodland Park Zoo. High schoolers at Garfield are celebrating big news as the debate team secured a state title—well done to those students.

In sports last night, fans at Lumen Field watched the Seattle Sounders draw three-three against Colorado in a match that went down to the wire. Over at T-Mobile Park, the Mariners are preparing for their weekend series, hoping to build on their impressive home record.

Closing on a high note, let’s celebrate a slice o

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Sunday, July 13th, bringing you everything you need to know today in our city.

We start with breaking news from Wallingford. Seattle police have arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the tragic house fire that claimed the life of a 72-year-old woman last month. The department says this arrest is a major development in a case that shook the neighborhood. Meanwhile, an AMBER Alert issued Thursday for an abducted child in the area has ended with the child safely found.

If you’re getting around the city this weekend, heads up: The Washington State Department of Transportation warns of significant road closures throughout Puget Sound. Plan extra time if you’re headed out, and consider alternatives like transit or biking, especially with events drawing crowds.

Weather-wise, it’s a gorgeous summer day. Expect sunshine and temperatures climbing into the low to mid-80s, with only a few clouds early on. It’s perfect festival weather, but fire officials remind us the risk of wildfires remains elevated, especially with burn bans in place for some surrounding counties. Stay cautious if you’re outdoors and keep those burn restrictions in mind. Looking ahead, we could see temps flirt with the 90s by midweek, so keep that sunscreen handy.

Now for some good news from city hall. This weekend marks the One Seattle Day of Service, and yesterday, volunteers joined Mayor Bruce Harrell downtown for a massive cleanup and block party. The city’s taken a positive tone, celebrating fewer shootings and overdoses compared to last year. Still, challenges linger, with downtown office vacancies over 30 percent and foot traffic slow to recover.

One Seattle institution, Nordstrom, is experimenting with new approaches to bring people back to the retail core, building on the momentum from community events like this weekend’s.

Summer is in full swing, and there’s truly something for everyone. West Seattle Summer Fest wraps up today, with live music, a bustling food court near KeyBank, family activities, and local merchants filling California Avenue through 5 p.m. The Kids Zone is a hit, and discounted ride options from LIME are available to help you skip the parking hassle. Over in Fremont, expect plenty of arts and food pop-ups as the neighborhood embraces the summer vibe.

On the sports front, the Seattle Mariners just crushed it last night, racking up a season-high 15 runs and 19 hits against the Detroit Tigers. That’s over 27 runs scored in just two games, something they haven’t done since 2021. Spirits are high as we root for another win today.

Job seekers and those interested in real estate may want to note that while the city has seen a nearly 10 percent population increase recently, office vacancies remain high and the job market, especially for downtown retail and service roles, is still in flux.

For education, a quick shout-out to local schools celebrating strong summer program turnout and to the high school rob

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Saturday, July 12, 2025.

We’re waking up to a beautiful and classic summer day in Seattle. The National Weather Service promises perfect summer weather ahead, clear skies and highs reaching the low 80s today. If you’re making plans for a picnic at Gas Works Park or a stroll along Alki Beach, this is the weekend for it. The dry, sunny pattern continues through next week, and we could see our second round of ninety-degree temperatures this year by Wednesday. Stay hydrated and remember, fire danger remains elevated across the state, so let’s all do our part to prevent new wildfires.

Turning to breaking news, the big story from overnight is the sentencing in a high-speed chase that ended in tragedy last year. The driver, who pleaded guilty to killing a father of two during a pursuit with deputies, has received eight and a half years behind bars. This case has weighed heavily on the Lake City community, and many neighbors expressed relief that there’s a sense of closure for the family.

In public safety alerts, Seattle police responded quickly to a shooting at the Renton Transit Center late last night. One person is hospitalized, but officers acted fast, detaining suspects and recovering a firearm within a mile of the scene. Police are urging anyone with more information to contact them as the investigation continues.

From City Hall, there’s a lot of buzz around decisions that will impact our daily routines. Councilmembers are reviewing proposals for additional cooling shelters as our region faces more frequent stretches of high heat. Look out for updates, especially if you’re caring for older adults or vulnerable neighbors.

Now to the feel-good stories. In Everett, just north of the city, a 13-year-old is being hailed as a hero this week for saving a young boy from drowning in Silver Lake. Quick thinking and courage made a life-saving difference—one of those moments that reminds us of the spirit in our communities.

On the cultural front, West Seattle is alive this weekend with Summer Fest in the Junction. The big draw is the local favorite band THEM, back on the main stage after a two-year hiatus. Food trucks, craft vendors, and family activities stretch all down California Avenue, so it’s a great place to soak up the sun and support local businesses.

Looking ahead, Seafair is gearing up soon, and we’re just a couple weeks away from the Torchlight Run on July 26. Registration is still open, so if you’re feeling active, this is a chance to join thousands for a scenic 5K along the waterfront.

The job market in Seattle continues to show resilience. Local listings are steady, with about 6,000 openings in tech, healthcare, and hospitality. In real estate, median home prices remain high, hovering around 900,000 dollars, though agents note a slightly slower pace as we move deeper into summer.

On the sports beat, Seattle soccer fans are celebrating a big Sounders win last night at Lumen Field, where a lat

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Friday, July 11, 2025.

We start today with a collective sigh of relief as the Amber Alert issued yesterday for a three-year-old girl abducted on Southwest 9th Street near White Center has been canceled. According to the Washington State Patrol, the child was safely found last evening around 6:50, and the circumstances leading to the abduction are still under investigation. It’s reassuring to know she is back with her family, and our gratitude goes out to everyone who spread the word and helped in the search.

In other city safety news, police have arrested two teenagers in connection with the violent stabbing of a 17-year-old girl in West Seattle last weekend. Both suspects are being held on investigation of attempted murder. The girl is recovering, and police continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Shifting to the weather, we can finally say the summer warmth is here. After a few cooler and breezy days, today we expect plenty of sunshine and temperatures rising into the low 80s across the city. The weekend looks even hotter, with similar clear skies and outdoor-friendly weather. Looking ahead, meteorologists warn that by the middle of next week, temperatures could soar into the 90s—possibly the hottest stretch of the year so far. With increasing wildfire concerns, especially near the Cascades, officials are asking everyone to stay vigilant and help prevent accidental fires.

For those planning a weekend in the city, this is the perfect time to enjoy our waterfront, and there’s big news from downtown. After more than 20 years and an $800 million investment, the crowning piece of Seattle’s waterfront redevelopment, Pier 58, is set to open in just two weeks on July 25. This marks a major milestone in transforming our city’s connection to Elliott Bay, so mark your calendars for the opening festivities.

On the jobs front, the local market is holding steady, with summer hiring in hospitality and logistics picking up. Home prices remain high, and Seattle still ranks as the priciest DoorDash market in the nation, so those foodie deliveries may sting your wallet even more.

Community events abound this weekend, from outdoor concerts at Green Lake to farmers markets on Ballard Avenue and Capitol Hill. Several neighborhood block parties are planned for Saturday—great chances to meet neighbors and support local small businesses.

In local sports, high school summer leagues are underway, and the Mariners continue their home stretch at T-Mobile Park. No major school achievements reported this week, but we’ll keep an ear out for student athletes and scholars making headlines.

For a feel-good story, a 13-year-old in Everett is being hailed as a hero for rescuing a younger boy from drowning at Silver Lake, reminding us of the power of quick thinking and courage in our community.

That wraps up today’s Seattle Local Pulse. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Thursday, July 10th. We’re starting the day with some cooler air and a cloudy sky across the city after light showers overnight. The high today will be just in the low seventies, and by this afternoon, sunshine should break through, giving us a pleasant finish. Tomorrow and into the weekend, high pressure returns, and we’ll warm up quickly. Expect temperatures climbing into the eighties by Friday, and by next week we could be flirting with ninety degrees, so summer is back on the horizon.

In breaking news, garbage collection is disrupted across Seattle and much of Western Washington due to a multi-state strike at Republic Services. The work stoppage began yesterday morning with workers protesting unfair labor practices. Many neighborhoods are seeing delayed or missed pickups, so we encourage everyone to leave bins out and check for updates from the city and Republic Services directly.

Now, let’s check in with City Hall. New middle housing legislation is officially in effect as of July first, opening the door for more accessory dwelling units and diverse housing options in our residential neighborhoods. This marks a push to address Seattle’s ongoing housing crunch, with city leaders hoping to see more flexible, affordable choices spring up over the coming months.

In real estate, the market continues to be fiercely competitive. Home prices in King County have averaged around nine hundred thousand dollars this month, while rental inventory remains tight. The city’s efforts to expand housing types should help, but for now, buyers and renters are still seeing bidding wars, especially near popular spots like Green Lake, Ballard, and Capitol Hill.

On the job front, Seattle’s unemployment rate remains below four percent. Tech, healthcare, and transportation roles are still leading new listings, and summer brings upticks in seasonal and gig job openings, especially downtown and along the waterfront.

Moving to transportation, Seattle’s Bike and Scoot to Transit program has expanded for the summer. Our transit agencies are encouraging more residents to bike or scoot to light rail and bus connections, aiming to ease congestion and add flexibility for commuters.

Turning to crime and public safety, Seattle Police have not reported any major incidents overnight, though they continue to ask for vigilance in the downtown corridor after a brief uptick in car prowls along Pine Street. Please remember to secure your vehicles and report suspicious activities.

In the world of culture and music, the Capitol Hill Block Party kicks off this weekend, promising three days of live music and local food vendors. Don’t miss the Seattle Art Museum’s new exhibit opening tomorrow, and the Fremont Outdoor Movies series continues Saturday night.

For sports, the Mariners send three players to the All-Star Game this year, with Julio Rodriguez, Woo, and Munoz representing Seattle. The team continues its playoff push with a home sta

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Tuesday, July 8th.

We wake up to overcast skies and mild temperatures, with highs expected around 82 degrees and little chance of rain, making it a comfortable day for any outdoor plans. Looking ahead, this cloudy, warm stretch is likely to stick around for another day or two before we see more sunshine later in the week.

Our top local story today: Seattle city crews have announced a major closure for the 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 105th Street bridge near Northgate. Tomorrow, the bridge will be closed from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon for seismic retrofitting work. If you usually commute through that area, you'll want to plan for detours and expect delays. Also, starting Friday, drivers should note the I-90 off-ramp to southbound Rainier Avenue South will be closed until early Monday as workers install new accessible crosswalks and curb ramps. These projects are all part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and accessibility across the city.

In public safety news, police are investigating a troubling incident where a Seattle home may have been targeted in a shooting due to political and ideological signs displayed in the yard. Thankfully, no injuries were reported and no arrests have been made yet. Separately, there's been another shooting at a well-known homeless encampment in south Seattle, resulting in one fatality. The city continues to work closely with outreach groups to address these recurring issues and support safer neighborhoods.

Turning to business, Seattle's job market remains steady this summer, with unemployment rates hovering just below four percent. The local real estate market continues to adjust, with home prices in King County averaging just under eight hundred thousand dollars and inventory slowly increasing as more sellers enter the market.

On the cultural side, there’s no shortage of music in Seattle this week. Tonight, Live and Collective Soul play at White River, and acclaimed guitarist Leo Kottke performs two nights at Jazz Alley downtown. Looking ahead, My Chemical Romance will headline T-Mobile Park this Friday, and Barry Manilow brings his classic hits to Climate Pledge Arena on Saturday. Community events also include the historic Coast Guard Barque Eagle tall ship docking on the waterfront for public tours this week.

In sports, Mariners fans can look forward to a string of home games at T-Mobile Park as Seattle hosts the Pittsburgh Pirates through the weekend. And mark your calendars: University of Idaho Day is coming up on August third, giving local Vandals a chance to celebrate their school spirit at the ballpark.

A bit of good news to start the day: Volunteers from We Heart Seattle, including some formerly homeless neighbors, joined forces to clean up Kinnear Park, showing the strength of our community when we work together.

This has been Seattle Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Saturday, July 5th, 2025.

We’re waking up after a busy Fourth of July, and the city is buzzing with stories. Last night, thousands packed the shores of Lake Union for the Seafair fireworks show. The sky lit up over Gas Works Park, capping a day filled with music, food trucks, and a strong sense of community. Even as we celebrate, we saw our city’s first responders working overtime. Early yesterday morning, a Seattle man in a stolen car tried to ram into a gun shop, raising fresh concerns about public safety. Police responded quickly and made an arrest without injury, but incidents like this are a reminder to stay alert.

We also had a dramatic scene along I-5, where off-ramps were closed for the festivities, creating some traffic snarls but helping keep crowds safe. Remember, next weekend, northbound I-5 will close from I-90 to NE 45th Street starting July 18 for major road work, so plan ahead for detours especially if headed between downtown and Northgate. Closer to Northgate, the 15th Ave NE bridge at NE 105th will close for a one-day seismic retrofit on Wednesday, July 9th. Expect local detours and some extra drive time around Lake City Way.

On the weather front, we’re looking at partly cloudy skies with afternoon highs near 77. There’s a fresh breeze off the Sound, so it’ll be perfect for the Saturday markets at Pike Place and Fremont, or a stroll through Discovery Park. No rain in sight until late next week.

Turning to city hall, changes are coming fast. New state laws kicked in just days ago, including higher minimum wages and new tenant protections. These moves are aiming to help ease the cost of living, but we know some families will feel the pinch with increased costs for daily necessities. City staff are also working on new ADA upgrades along Rainier Avenue South, with construction on I-90 off-ramps through Monday, July 14—keep that in mind for your commute if you’re near Mount Baker or heading to the Central District.

Let’s talk jobs and real estate. Seattle’s unemployment rate is holding steady at just over four percent. Tech hiring is a bit slower than last year, but healthcare and hospitality are seeing steady openings. Home values remain high, and while mortgage rates are dipping slightly, affordability remains the city’s biggest housing challenge.

In sports, the Mariners host the Pittsburgh Pirates tonight at T-Mobile Park at 7:10. Fans are hoping for a win streak as we head into the heart of summer baseball. High school athletes brought home several medals from last week’s state track meet, with Garfield and Roosevelt runners finishing strong.

And here’s a feel-good story: A bald eagle found injured in Tacoma finally returned to the wild after a month of rehab, just in time for Independence Day. Our community came together to celebrate the moment, reminding us what makes this city special.

That wraps up our local news for today. This has been Seattle Local Pulse. We’ll see you

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Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Let’s start with today’s weather. We have overcast skies above us, temperatures sitting around a comfortable seventy degrees, and just a one percent chance of rain, so it’s a great day to be outside, whether you’re prepping for the Fourth or heading downtown for work or play. The outlook for the rest of the week calls for mild temperatures, with sunshine expected to return after a few cloudy days.

Turning to breaking news, Microsoft has announced another round of layoffs, impacting about eight hundred thirty jobs here in Washington. This continues the trend of tech reshuffling across the region, and while it’s tough news for those affected, local job boards are still showing healthy demand in sectors like healthcare, green tech, and logistics.

Real estate is keeping its steady pace, with average home prices hovering just under eight hundred thousand dollars in the city proper. Tight inventory is still a factor, especially in neighborhoods like Ballard and Beacon Hill, but brokers say they’re seeing more listings hit the market as we move deeper into summer.

City Hall has been busy this week, with several new state laws now in effect since July first. Higher gas taxes and increased utility fees top the list, so we may all feel a small pinch next time we fuel up or pay our bills. In a notable settlement, the family of Manny Ellis reached a six-million-dollar agreement with the city of Tacoma over his 2020 death, a decision drawing regional attention and sparking more conversation about police accountability.

On the crime front, Seattle police responded yesterday to a shooting at a known homeless encampment in south Seattle. Tragically, one man died after a shootout. Detectives are continuing their investigation, and there’s an increased patrol presence along Rainier Avenue today. Meanwhile, regional alerts are out for two women using sleight-of-hand tricks to steal gold along I-5. Police urge caution, especially when approached by strangers on the interstate.

For personal interest, we’re shining a spotlight today on Sara Barnes, a local embroidery artist whose detailed Pacific Northwest landscapes have been turning heads at Pike Place Market. If you’re near the Market this afternoon, stop by her booth for a look.

Midsummer is keeping our music scene vibrant. Tonight, Benaroya Hall hosts a free patriotic concert, and Jazz Alley features Acoustic Alchemy through Sunday. Looking ahead, Pink Martini will play at Chateau Ste. Michelle on Saturday, and Pier 62 is bringing the high-energy beats of P-Lo this weekend. Of course, fireworks and family fun are on tap tomorrow at Gas Works Park, South Lake Union, and multiple neighborhoods across the city.

On the sports front, the Mariners secured a dramatic 3-2 win over the Royals last night, with Julio Rodriguez delivering the go-ahead RBI single. Our local high schools just wrapped up their summer league basketball tournaments, wit

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