Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Friday, May 30th, 2025.
We start today with breaking news out of West Seattle overnight, where police responded to an armed robbery at the 7-Eleven on Admiral Way. Reports say officers converged quickly on the scene. There are no reports of injuries, but the suspect remains at large. Police are asking anyone in the area with security footage or tips to come forward as the investigation continues. In other safety news, more than 30 people have been arrested over the last few days in connection with protests surrounding conservative Christian rallies in Capitol Hill and at City Hall. Tensions remain high as Mayor Bruce Harrell faces calls from some groups to apologize for his comments labeling the gatherings extreme right-wing. Police continue to monitor the situation and urge all participants to remain peaceful.
Turning to weather, we are waking up to a cool morning, but expect a pleasant day ahead. Highs will reach about 18 degrees Celsius, or the mid-60s if you prefer Fahrenheit, with up to eight hours of sunshine expected. There is only a slight chance of showers later this evening, so daytime outdoor plans are looking great. The weekend forecast calls for a mix of sun and clouds, with temperatures a bit cooler on Saturday.
Shifting to City Hall, Mayor Harrell and several council members are demanding the King County assessor's resignation following recent misconduct claims. While no official decision has been made, the conversation about city leadership is front and center this week, with potential impacts to property assessments and housing programs.
Speaking of housing, Seattle’s real estate market is still tight. The median home price in King County is hovering around 830 thousand dollars, with new listings up slightly compared to last month. First-time homebuyers are finding some relief as more condos come on the market downtown and in neighborhoods like Ballard and Rainier Valley. On the job front, several major employers, including local tech companies along South Lake Union, have announced modest hiring plans heading into summer. Open roles in healthcare, logistics, and hospitality are also on the rise, especially as tourism ticks up.
On the cultural front, this weekend brings a packed schedule. The Northwest Folklife Festival kicks off at Seattle Center, offering live music, food trucks, and crafts through Sunday. Over in Fremont, the annual Solstice Parade takes to the streets, promising its usual mix of color and creativity. Music fans can catch the Seattle Symphony tonight at Benaroya Hall, and several breweries in Ballard are hosting local band showcases.
For sports, the Mariners are regrouping after a tough 9-3 loss to the Washington Nationals last night. Meanwhile, the Kraken are making headlines, announcing Lane Lambert as the new head coach. High school students across the city are celebrating graduation week, and Roosevelt High recently took home the state title in girls’ soccer.
One feel-good story to close out our roundup: a group of local veterans in Ballard have been painting portraits of rescue pets as part of an art therapy program. Their work is now on display at the community center, bringing joy to neighbors and raising funds for animal shelters.
This has been Seattle Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.