Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Thursday, May 15. We wake up to a classic May morning in the Northwest with a little drizzle, temperatures hovering in the mid-50s, and a light gray sky overhead. Expect it to stay cool and a bit damp through the afternoon, with occasional breaks in the clouds. Looking ahead, the weekend brings warmer temps and some sun, so hang in there if you’re longing for blue skies.
Now, turning to breaking news, the FBI and Seattle police are searching for a woman suspected of a string of bank robberies across the city. The task force urges anyone with information to call their tip line and advises businesses downtown and along Capitol Hill to remain vigilant as the investigation continues. In other public safety news, a man accused of attacking Thurston County deputies is now in custody, and police have also arrested a notorious animal abuser after a week-long search.
Public health officials are alerting us to a recent case of measles reported in a visitor to King County. Potential exposures may have occurred at several locations, particularly near major transit hubs and public spaces. The King County Board of Health will meet this afternoon to discuss measles response efforts, as well as new strategies for overdose prevention and public health funding. Stay tuned, as these decisions could impact public health policies across Seattle.
In community and business news, Valley Medical Center is closing several clinics and departments this summer. This is part of a county-wide effort to reconsider resource allocations and adapt to changing patient needs. In retail, Rite Aid announced it will close eight Washington locations, including a few in Seattle neighborhoods, citing bankruptcy and restructuring plans. On a brighter note, Boeing just landed a major $96 billion deal with Qatar Airways, expected to bring new aerospace jobs to our region over the next decade.
Our real estate market continues to show strength with home prices in Seattle trending near last month’s average of around $800,000 for a single-family home. While inventory is still tight, there are signs that more listings will come online as summer approaches. On the jobs front, local hiring fairs this weekend include tech, green energy, and service industry employers, all looking to fill dozens of positions.
Sports-wise, the Mariners put up a fight but dropped a close 3-2 game to the Yankees last night at T-Mobile Park. Over in football, the Seahawks just released their 2025 schedule, featuring four prime-time games, which means more excitement coming to Lumen Field. In our schools, Roosevelt High’s debate team just won a statewide tournament, bringing home a trophy and plenty of pride.
As for community events, don’t miss the U District Street Fair this weekend, plus live music at Ballard’s Sunset Tavern and a jazz night at Columbia City Theater. And before we go, a quick feel-good story: a local climber who survived a 400-foot fall in the North Cascades is recovering well and credits a team of Seattle volunteers for the rescue efforts.
This has been Seattle Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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