Commemorating WWII, new leadership in King County, and a busy weekend ahead in Seattle

Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Friday, May 9, 2025. We start the day with a look back and a look ahead. All around the city, local veterans and their families are attending ceremonies marking 80 years since the end of World War Two, joining a global moment of reflection and remembrance today. Meanwhile, City Hall is buzzing as Acting King County Executive Shannon Braddock takes the reins, facing immediate questions on sanctuary city policies and services for those in need. On the streets, the Seattle Police are investigating a shooting early this morning near Northwest Carkeek Park Road. No word yet on injuries, but officers also made an arrest in Belltown after a man assaulted an officer during a welfare check. Please stay alert if you’re near these areas as the investigations continue. In nearby Chehalis, a manhunt is underway for Damien Madison, accused of firing an AR-15 at a sheriff’s deputy; though it’s outside Seattle, the search is putting neighboring law enforcement agencies on high alert, so expect a heavier police presence on the highways and in South Seattle neighborhoods today. Turning to the skies, we’re in for a classic May day. Broken clouds will drift over most of the city, but temperatures are spring-perfect, with a high reaching about 68 degrees and a mild breeze off Elliott Bay. If you’re heading outside for lunch along Alki or Green Lake, a light jacket should be all you need. The weekend forecast holds steady with a little cooling on Saturday and a chance of a late sprinkle, though the month overall remains drier than usual. Seattle’s real estate market continues to tighten. The median home price for April hovered near one million dollars, and a notice of trustee sale was posted for a property at First Avenue South, signaling that the competition for homes remains fierce for buyers and investors alike. The job market is also active, especially in construction and tech, with several leading companies posting new listings for the downtown and South Lake Union areas. In campus news, the University of Washington is facing protests and national scrutiny following this week’s unrest. Calls are growing for the university to reconsider charges and suspensions related to Monday’s demonstration, as leaders urge calm and dialogue. In a lighter moment for Seattle’s students, Garfield High’s robotics team advanced to the national finals this week, bringing pride to the Central District. Music lovers, the city is alive this weekend. Catch local indie bands at Neumos tonight, or head to the Fremont Sunday Market for a mix of live jazz and handmade crafts. The Seattle Sounders return to Lumen Field tomorrow night, and the Mariners continue their home stand against the Angels. And for a feel-good story, volunteers gathered yesterday in Rainier Beach to build a new playground at Mapes Creek Park, completing the project in just one day thanks to local donations and a few determined kids. This has been Seattle Local Pulse This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.