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 lifeguards are on duty at local beaches. Seattle Public Schools are celebrating a group of Franklin High debate students who just won regional honors—congratulations to them and their coaches.
Closing on a feel-good note, a Beacon Hill neighborhood group is holding a block-wide garage sale this Saturday, donating all proceeds to relief efforts for wildfire victims in Eastern Washington. If you’re in the area, it’s a great chance to pick up something unique and support neighbors in need.
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