Shooting in U-District, Rent Caps Advance, Seahawks Prep for Draft: Seattle Local Pulse for April 11, 2025

Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Friday, April 11, 2025. We start with breaking news out of the University District, where Seattle police are investigating an early morning shooting near the 4700 block of 19th Avenue Northeast. A young man interrupted a suspected car prowl, leading to a chaotic scene where the suspects fled and later fired shots, one of which struck a second-story window of a nearby sorority house. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the suspects remain at large. Police are urging anyone with information to call the Violent Crimes Tip Line. Turning to City Hall, Mayor Bruce Harrell is doubling down after President Trump announced plans to target sanctuary cities like Seattle by threatening to cut federal funds. In response, Harrell vowed to fight back, citing past legal victories for the city. This could have big implications for local programs relying on federal dollars, and we'll be keeping an eye on developments. In housing news, state lawmakers are closer than ever to passing rent caps, which would limit how much landlords can increase rents annually. With record-high evictions in King County, this legislation could provide relief to renters struggling with inflation and post-pandemic challenges. Meanwhile, the real estate market in Seattle remains competitive, with median home prices hovering around $850,000 and only slight increases in housing inventory this spring. Over in sports, the Seahawks are gearing up for the NFL Draft later this month, and analysts are buzzing about the team's potential to snag a top-tier running back from this year’s talented class. On the local high school front, congratulations to Garfield High School’s basketball team for clinching the state championship this week. Well done, Bulldogs! The weather today will be mostly cloudy with scattered showers throughout the day and a high of 57 degrees. If you’re heading to outdoor events like the Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley or planning a stroll through Gas Works Park, bring a jacket and maybe an umbrella. The weekend looks a bit brighter, with sunnier skies expected by Sunday. Looking ahead, there’s plenty happening in the city. The Ballard Jazz Festival kicks off tonight, promising great music for all jazz lovers. For families, the Woodland Park Zoo will host Earth Day activities this Saturday. And if you’re in South Lake Union, check out the grand opening of a new artisanal bakery, Baker’s Retreat, on Westlake Avenue—just in time for weekend morning pastries. Lastly, a feel-good story: a group of Seattle middle schoolers from Queen Anne just launched a community garden project to provide fresh produce to local food banks. Their efforts show the best of our city’s spirit—neighbor helping neighbor. This has been Seattle Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.