Seattle Local — 2026-07-25#

Top Story#

All 11 people aboard a Kenmore Air floatplane survived an emergency crash landing in Shallow Bay near Sucia Island on Thursday evening, prompting a rapid rescue response from good Samaritans and the Coast Guard. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively investigating the incident involving the de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, while Kenmore Air resumed scheduled operations on Saturday following a brief safety pause.

Local News#

Seattle Faces Budget Battle Over Free School Meals · FOX 13 Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and the Seattle City Council are currently at odds over how to fund free school meals for all public school students. Facing a looming $175 million budget shortfall, Councilmember Robert Kettle sent a letter to the mayor proposing deficit solutions, arguing that constantly increasing the tax burden to fund expanded programs is hindering residents’ ability to make ends meet.

Manhunt Underway for Snohomish County Courthouse Escapee · KOMO News Kyle Hester, 39, successfully escaped from the Snohomish County Superior Courthouse in Everett on Friday afternoon immediately after a judge ordered him to be taken into custody. Authorities say they have probable cause to arrest Hester on suspicion of first-degree escape and are urging the public to call 911 if they have immediate information regarding his whereabouts.

Investigation Underway After Base Jumpers Leap from Space Needle · KIRO 7 Seattle police and Space Needle officials are reviewing security footage after at least two individuals breached the landmark’s glass barriers and parachuted to the ground on Friday night. Videos of the illegal stunt have been widely circulated on social media platforms like TikTok, and the Space Needle has confirmed it is fully cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.

Little Giant Fire Creates Massive Pyrocumulus Cloud Visible from Seattle · KING 5 The Little Giant Fire, burning about 30 miles northwest of Leavenworth, has rapidly expanded to 16,802 acres amid critical fire weather and strong winds. On Friday, the intense heat of the blaze generated a towering, cauliflower-shaped pyrocumulus cloud that was visible all the way from the Puget Sound region.

Light Rail Closed Sunday Across Lake Washington · The Seattle Times Transit riders should plan for significant travel disruptions this Sunday, as light rail service will be completely suspended across Lake Washington. Metro buses will be deployed to replace trains at the South Bellevue, Mercer Island, Judkins Park, and International District/Chinatown stations to keep travelers moving during the closure.

Community & Lifestyle#

It will be a jam-packed weekend in downtown Seattle, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to turn out for the opening of the Bite of Seattle and the 77th annual Seafair Torchlight Parade. In lighter news, Governor Bob Ferguson has officially designated Jimothy, the viral Ballard raccoon with short spine syndrome, as “Washingtonian of the Day” following his recent global internet fame. Lastly, families looking for a weekend outing can head to the Woodland Park Zoo, which is offering free admission this Sunday to guests celebrating Disability Pride Month—a perfect opportunity to see the zoo’s newly hatched Humboldt penguin chick