Seattle Local — 2026-05-19#

Top Story#

Christopher Leahy, 31, has been charged with first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old University of Washington student Juniper Blessing. Prosecutors allege Leahy stabbed Blessing 40 times in the laundry room of the Nordheim Court student housing complex on May 10, and investigators believe he may also be connected to other campus-area prowling incidents.

Local News#

Three Injured in Capitol Hill Nightclub Shooting · KIRO 7 A fight outside the Cultura nightclub in Capitol Hill escalated into gunfire early Monday morning, leaving three men injured. Two victims were transported to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition, with the third in critical condition. Seattle Police are currently searching for multiple suspects who fled the scene.

Bothell High School Students Protest SRO Removal · FOX 13 More than 500 students at Bothell High School walked out of class on Monday to protest the Northshore School District’s decision to eliminate the campus School Resource Officer program. Students voiced intense frustration over the removal of Officer Garrett Ware, stating he is an integral part of their community.

Starbucks HQ Layoffs Spark Business Climate Concerns · FOX 13 Starbucks is set to lay off 252 corporate employees at its Seattle headquarters starting this July. The layoffs coincide with renewed national criticism of Seattle’s business climate from prominent newspapers and former Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, who recently warned a business forum that the state has a severe “spending problem”.

Aurora Avenue Neighbors Frustrated by Recent Shootings · FOX 13 Neighbors near 97th Street and Aurora Avenue report there have been four shootings within a single city block in less than 72 hours. Residents are increasingly unhappy with the city’s response to the rising gunfire and are demanding better action and resources from police and city officials.

Community & Lifestyle#

Seattle city officials are urging residents to keep themselves and their pets out of Green Lake following the discovery of dangerous, toxic algae. On a brighter note, King County’s Trailhead Direct transit service returns this Saturday just in time for Memorial Day to ferry hikers to popular trails. Families can also head to the Woodland Park Zoo to see a newborn western lowland gorilla and two newly debuted lion cubs. For beachcombers, some of the lowest tides of the year are continuing through the week, offering excellent opportunities to spot starfish, sea snails, and other marine life in the Puget Sound.