Seattle Local — 2026-07-03#

Top Story#

Seattle is bracing for massive crowds as the U.S. Men’s National Team prepares to play Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 at Seattle Stadium on Monday. City officials note that over 45,000 pounds of trash have already been collected around the stadium during the first four matches, while local businesses in Pioneer Square and the Chinatown-International District are actively stocking up for a record-breaking weekend.

Local News#

Seattle records first homicide-free June since 1970 · KOMO News For the first time in over half a century, the city of Seattle went the entire month of June without a single homicide. The city has recorded 15 homicides so far this year, which continues a downward trend from the record high of 74 set in 2023. Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes praised the milestone as a remarkable reminder of what the city can achieve when everyone works together.

Washington millionaire tax faces ballot test · FOX 13 Seattle Opponents of Washington state’s new income tax on high earners delivered over 511,000 signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office in Tumwater on Thursday. Spearheaded by the conservative PAC Let’s Go Washington, the initiative aims to let voters decide whether to repeal the so-called “Millionaires Tax” on this November’s ballot. Under state law, the group needed roughly 309,000 valid signatures by July 2 to qualify the measure.

King County Regional Homelessness Authority stripped of funding · KIRO 7 The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) will have its budget slashed by more than 75% and will be forced to lay off dozens of workers as King County and the City of Seattle take back control of $160 million in homeless services contracts. This major restructuring follows significant financial management issues, including a lack of organizational controls over gift card and purchase card spending.

2 charged in killing of JBLM veteran · KOMO News Two 21-year-olds have been charged with murder in connection to the death of 28-year-old Army veteran Caelick Bradley. Bradley was reported missing last month before his body was discovered wrapped up and dumped on Joint Base Lewis-McChord property near Spanaway. Court documents allege he was killed in a Lakewood apartment on June 8, and investigators note a child may have been present during the murder.

Family demands answers after teen shot by Federal Way police amid mental health crisis · KING 5 The family of 19-year-old Caution Mann is demanding answers after he was critically wounded in a June 24 shooting involving a Federal Way police officer. Mann’s family states he called 911 himself during a mental health crisis, and he is currently recovering at Harborview Medical Center. Investigators claim the teen was armed and that officers spent nearly ten minutes attempting to de-escalate the situation before opening fire.

Woodland Park Zoo evacuated · KIRO 7 The Woodland Park Zoo was forced to evacuate all guests just after 11 a.m. on Friday morning due to a bomb threat. Zoo officials stated they are actively working with the Seattle Police Department to investigate the threat.

A.I. giant Anthropic expanding to Seattle · KING 5 Artificial intelligence company Anthropic is expanding its footprint in the Pacific Northwest. The AI giant recently signed a lease for a 100,000-square-foot office space in South Lake Union, situated close to Amazon’s headquarters.

Community & Lifestyle#

Fourth of July weekend preparations are in full swing across the region, with the massive Lake Union fireworks barge already in place and Sound Transit expanding service on the 1 and 2 lines to accommodate holiday crowds. Drivers should be aware that WSDOT is closing the Mercer St., Lakeview Blvd, and Boylston Ave. exits on I-5 during the Seattle celebrations. For those heading further out for the long weekend, the Staircase developed area in Olympic National Park will finally reopen on July 8 after a year-long closure caused by the severe 2025 Bear Gulch Fire.