This places the city among the top five in the nation for annual transaction growth, ��The greater Seattle area marked a 3,598 increase compared to the same month last year. Only San Francisco, Fayetteville (AR), Dover (DE), and Las Vegas posted higher gains.

While home sales increased, so, too, did concessions.��Seattle leads all major U.S. metropolitan areas in concessions for home buyers as the trend continues to escalate nationally.

Home sellers offered concessions to buyers in a whopping 71.3% of transactions during the first quarter of 2025, nearly double the mark from a year ago. In 2024, just 36.4% of house real estate transactions included concessions. Not only does Seattle lead all metro regions in 2025, it’s also the largest year-over-year increase among the metros Redfin analyzed.

Seattle sees surge in home sales

Despite increasing demand, officials say that Seattle remains one of the most undersupplied housing markets in the U.S., ranking third nationwide for the lowest inventory.

The median sale in the same month was $730,000, projecting only a slight increase from the previous year. Homes also sold more quickly, spending an average of 50 days on the market—a 15.7% drop from February. However, it is still 15% higher than the same time last year.

The event will honor 59 people who died and had their remains go unclaimed since 2019. The community is invited to join in paying respects to those who lost their lives so they can be remembered with dignity.

Skagit County Coroner Hayley Thompson emphasized the importance of honoring these individuals.

Skagit County to honor unclaimed remains

“While we may not have known who they were in life,” Thompson said. “We will respect and honor who they are at death.”

Remains will be scattered at sea, and a plaque will be placed at the cemetery commemorating those who died. The ceremony marks the first since October 2019, following a thorough effort by the Coroner’s Office to identify the deceased.

For information, community members can call the Skagit County Coroner’s Office at (360) 416-1996.

At the time of the fire, O’Dell was visiting relatives in nearby Woodinville, according to law enforcement. Surveillance video from the church��allegedly shows O’Dell walking around the building with a red gasoline canister before pouring its contents along the building’s exterior. Police said the investigation revealed O’Dell bought just over a gallon of gasoline and lighters from a nearby service station. She then used a rideshare service to reach the church.

Texas woman admits to burning Washington church

During her guilty plea, O’Dell admitted she was angry with churches and SLLC specifically. She also reportedly told somebody that she wanted to burn the church. The fire caused over $3.2 million worth of damage, forcing the congregation to rent a local middle school multiple times a week.��

Damaging religious property and interfering with religious practice are federal offenses, each punishable by up to 40 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The arson charge comes with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a potential maximum of 20 years.

Janet Garcia’s trial had been delayed multiple times while the court awaited results from mental health evaluations, according to the . She was first arraigned on April 22, 2024.

Garcia initially pleaded not guilty after her son’s body was found on March 28, 2024, along I-5 in Pierce County. Surveillance footage reportedly shows her stopping near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, removing a bundle wrapped in a white blanket from her car, and walking into a wooded area. She returned to the vehicle empty-handed, prosecutors say.

Everett mom accused of stabbing son 16 times

Court records indicate the child suffered 16 stab wounds and had defensive injuries. Prosecutors also noted previous violent behavior by Garcia toward her other child. Concerned for the children’s safety, their grandmother filed for emergency guardianship in March 2024, citing Garcia’s substance abuse and alleged violence.

Garcia was arrested on March 27, 2024, after being seen in Ridgefield with what appeared to be bloodstains on her clothing. Authorities say she gave inconsistent statements about her son’s whereabouts during questioning.

Originally held on $5 million bail, Garcia’s bond was later reduced to $3 million at the request of her defense team. Her jury trial is scheduled to begin on August 22.

He currently faces eight money laundering charges. The charges stem from his alleged misuse of funds from the organization he founded to support people experiencing homelessness, according to

Gowdy, 37, was charged on April 16 with first-degree theft and eight counts of money laundering. Detective Tim Schwering interviewed members of Heal Spokane’s board, who claimed Gowdy used the organization as a “slush fund” for buying candle supplies, energy drinks, toy guns, and gambling.

The investigation began in July 2023, when an assistant attorney general contacted law enforcement after Gowdy was removed from his leadership role in March 2023 following concerns about financial misuse.

Spokane defender accused of charity fraud

Heal Spokane board member Katherine “Kat” R. Bopp told investigators that an internal audit revealed a slew of alarming purchases.

In one example, Gowdy claimed to have bought sleeping bags for children, but records showed the purchase was for toy guns. Heal Spokane is entirely volunteer-run; however, board members also discovered multiple withdrawals from a Numerica Credit Union account that matched the amounts Gowdy used to play slot machines at Northern Quest Resort & Casino.

Gowdy also claimed he used some of the organization’s money to purchase gloves and socks for people in need, but the audit showed he instead bought Tide Pods and molds for personal crafting projects.

A summons issued Friday requires Gowdy to appear before Superior Court Judge Rachelle Anderson on May 9.

One suspect has been arrested, while authorities are still searching for the other, according to a

Witnesses told police that the two men were inside the store for less than a minute before leaving with the stolen whisky. They also reported seeing a woman waiting in a car outside before the suspects returned with the stolen items.

The 19-year-old man was found with the help of the vehicle’s registered owner. Police learned that the owner suspected her adult son, who was reportedly living on the streets of Tacoma, might have been driving the car at the time of the incident.

One arrested in Gig Harbor whisky theft

This lead helped detectives locate the suspect in an alley in Tacoma, where he was followed to a nearby pawn shop.

The man was arrested and booked into the Pierce County Jail on charges of robbery, assault, and vehicle theft. His bail has been set at $35,000.

the company behind the lawsuit, claimed its internal infrastructure details were illegally accessed during the thefts, according to .

Court documents stated that the company began noticing a spike in stolen charging components, such as cables, in June of last year. During the following month, suspicious activity was reported at multiple station sites across King County.

EV charging theft ring sparks lawsuit

The lawsuit alleged that the defendants used bolt cutters to remove scrap metal, which was then sold to local salvage yards. It also claimed two individuals used a confidential code to enter secure areas and collect sensitive technical data by taking photos and detailed notes.

Electrify America is seeking $500,000 in damages, citing violations of federal racketeering laws, including the RICO Act. The company said two defendants profited from the theft of proprietary information, while a third benefited from the sale of stolen materials.

In one incident, a man reportedly arrived at a Seattle-area charging station in a vehicle registered to another defendant. He allegedly used a confidential code to open a secure key box and left it unsecured so an accomplice could retrieve the keys.

A similar event occurred in February, according to the lawsuit. One defendant allegedly made unauthorized copies of station keys, which an associate then used to access a cabinet, photograph its contents, and gather information about the internal components.

The $9 million drop is part of a broader $241.5 million deficit expected in the city’s general fund through 2026, according to

Dave Hennes with the Seattle City Budget Office attributed the decline in funds to pricing changes implemented on March 10. While more than two-thirds of meter rates were unchanged, nearly 20% of meters dropped in price, marking the first decline since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seattle parking revenue projected to drop

Only 11% of parking meters experienced an increase in pricing. Demand for parking has also remained relatively low, despite partly rebounding from the pandemic.

Despite the decline, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) said that transportation funding won’t be directly impacted if income from parking meters falls.

Seattle aims to keep one or two available parking spaces per block. To meet this goal, parking rates are reviewed and adjusted seasonally, based on detailed surveys of neighborhood and sub-neighborhood parking trends conducted twice a year.

“When parking revenues decline, the City Budget Office treats it like any other General Fund revenue decline and evaluates options to manage shortfalls alongside citywide needs,” SDOT Press Secretary Ethan Bergerson told The Center Square.

Craig Perez told the closure was caused by unaffordable lease terms, with the restaurant operating on a monthly basis after rejecting what he called a costly five-year extension.

The Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) was the one to terminate the lease, according to Perez.��

“First and foremost, the PDA has worked diligently with Virginia Inn over the past several months in hopes of finding a path forward—we did not want them to leave the Market. The Pike Place Market PDA never wants to see a business leave.” City officials told KOMO in a statement, “As a public agency, we must ensure leases are consistent across tenants and cannot offer significantly lower terms to one business over others.”

Historic Virginia Inn will close over rent dispute

Known to regulars as The V.I., the inn has been a key piece of the city’s culture, surviving prohibition and the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 1980s, the Virginia Inn helped shape Seattle’s art bar scene and gained notable fame for its appearance in the 1992 grunge film

The Inn has urged supporters to share their concerns with the chairs of Pike Place Market and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. It highlighted that the closure impacts more than 20 staff members, many of whom have devoted years to the business.

Van Brunt died by suicide in 2019 after spending years undercover, posing as a biker, gunrunner, and gambler while investigating violent criminals. He infiltrated white supremacist groups and worked on domestic terrorism cases.

According to his family and former colleagues, the intense and dangerous nature of his work took a severe toll on his mental health. Despite this, the City of Seattle initially refused to recognize his death as related to his job.

Seattle recognizes suicide 5 years later

After a long legal battle, his widow, April Van Brunt, ultimately won the right to receive survivor benefits. And now, the department has added his name to its Memorial Wall.

At the event, attended by more than 100 people, SPD Chief Shon Barnes called the recognition “long overdue” and emphasized the need for mental health awareness in law enforcement, according to .

Van Brunt’s family described the moment as bittersweet. They’re grateful for the honor, though they wish it had come sooner.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call 988 to reach the .

The payment is a gain of $152,333 over Moore’s original annual salary of $326,934 when he agreed to resign by Jan. 27, submitting his letter of resignation a day late.

“Today, I formally submitted my resignation to City Manager Elizabeth Pauli, marking the conclusion of my tenure as Chief of Police in Tacoma, Washington,” Moore said. “After 35 incredible years in law enforcement, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from this noble profession and transition into the next chapter of my life.”

The news came shortly after “The Jason Rantz Show”��on KTTH reported��Moore had been absent for almost two months.

Lawsuit alleges Avery Moore was wrongfully terminated

Curtis Hairston, Moore’s former chief of staff, has filed a lawsuit naming Moore and alleging wrongful termination, retaliation, and racial discrimination, reported the

He claimed Moore didn’t act when Deputy Chief Paul Junger made racist comments toward him. The city denies the allegations, saying Moore gave Hairston the option to resign over performance issues. A trial is set for Oct. 16.

“Chief Moore did little other than to tell the two of them to work it out themselves,” reads the lawsuit.

The settlement included an agreement to cooperate with the city in legal matters for 10 years and never seek city employment again. In exchange, city officials agreed not to scrap his police credentials. City Manager Elizabeth Pauli and City Attorney Chris Bacha signed the agreement on Jan. 28

REI initially supported Burgum, highlighting his extensive outdoor recreation experience. However, backlash from customers and growing concerns over the Trump administration’s public land policies—such as drilling and land sales—led REI to withdraw the endorsement.

Burgum was confirmed on Feb. 1 and also sits on the new “National Energy Council,” which promotes fossil fuel development.

REI reverses course on Burgum endorsement

In 2024, environmental groups raised concerns that the former businessman would prioritize profits for fossil fuel companies over the protection of federal lands. REI initially pushed back against those concerns by signing a letter in support of Burgum’s nomination.

Laughton admitted the endorsement was a mistake, apologized to REI members, and emphasized the company’s renewed commitment to protecting public lands.

“We’re launching an effort to unite the business community in defense of our public lands and waters,” Laughton said in a video posted on Instagram.

REI is now partnering with conservation groups to push for transparency and resist public land sell-offs. More than 60 businesses like REI are forming a “” coalition to demand more transparency from Burgum and to prevent the sale of public lands.

Caldier and MacEwen say that Senate Joint Resolution 8205 and House Joint Resolution 4207 are designed to establish a “homestead” property tax exemption for the first $250,000 of a property’s assessed value.

Passed by voters in 2001, the current law limits annual property tax increases to 1% without voter approval. However, some lawmakers are to support higher government spending.

A proposed exemption could make property tax increases more progressive, benefiting lower-valued properties. If passed by a two-thirds majority, their proposal would appear on the November ballot for voter approval.

Tax relief amendments could shield middle-class families

MacEwen has argued that raising property taxes would exacerbate the housing crisis and hurt middle- and low-income families, potentially forcing them out of their homes.

“Washington is in the middle of a housing crisis. Raising property taxes would make the affordability crisis in our state even worse,” MacEwen said. “Lifting or eliminating the 1% cap on annual growth of property-tax rates not only goes against the will of the voters, it is downright cruel and could do more to force middle- and low-income taxpayers out of their homes.”

Caldier and MacEwen added that their plan would offer an alternative to proposed property tax hikes backed by Democratic majorities, which lawmakers say could worsen the state’s affordability crisis.

“The patient was in a difficult-to-access location,” a Seattle Fire Department spokesperson explained. “Firefighters utilized an aerial ladder and Stokes basket to lower the patient safely to the ground.”

Multiple fire engines and paramedic vehicles responded to the 911 call, with crews lining the south side of Union St. carrying recovery and medical gear. The exact location in the construction site where the worker was rescued is unclear.

A site manager told MyNorthwest that the injured worker is recovering in the hospital, but his current condition is unknown.

This is an ongoing story; check back for updates.��

has identified three suspects, aged 17, 19, and 24, who are all accused of assaulting bar patrons with anti-gay slurs and pellets. The incident began on Feb. 19 when a dark blue Lexus circled the 1200 block of East Madison Street, where people were standing outside the bar.

Witnesses reported that the passengers in the car shouted anti-gay slurs and made several passes over an hour. Eventually, the suspects got out of the vehicle, approached the bar on foot, and then returned to the car, continuing to harass people. At least a dozen people were outside during the crime.

Men allegedly terrorize LGBTQ+ bar patrons

During one of these passes, one suspect allegedly hung out of the car’s window and fired pellets or water beads at the people outside. Law enforcement believes the attack was meant to intimidate and harm the victims.

Law enforcement has since identified all three suspects involved. They face hate crime charges, which have been referred to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Police are asking anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed the attack to contact the SPD Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.

Prosecutors said Steven Goldstine, 54, faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, destructive device, and ammunition. He was first charged in Snohomish County for a suspected hate crime before it drew a federal investigation.��

The federal complaint also includes a 2020 incident where Goldstine allegedly aimed a loaded gun at demonstrators, which was captured on video.��

Everett felon accused of detonating neighbor’s car, using slurs

In late December, witnesses reported an explosion at an Everett apartment complex. According to court records, the victims told police they suspected Goldstine of planting the explosive because of previous conflicts they had had together. After the detonation, the same victims received a voice message containing racial slurs referring to the car’s explosion.��

Using video footage, law enforcement could see what the suspect was wearing. When searching Goldstine’s home, police found a matching jacket and shoes. Law enforcement also found more than 700 rounds of ammunition. Goldstine is not allowed to have guns or ammo because of prior felony convictions for burglary, arson, and possession of stolen property.

If convicted, Goldstine could face up to 15 years in prison. The Everett Police Department (EPD) and the (ATF) are investigating the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Manca is prosecuting.

The building, located at 1950 1st Avenue South, will be operated by Pioneer Human Services—offering a safe space for up to 40 individuals recovering from intoxication. According to , the building was previously an LGBTQ+ friendly bar, The Comeback.

The project is building on the success of a temporary facility at the Yesler Building that served over 1,000 people in 2024.��

The county has also launched a buprenorphine hotline, issued over 680 prescriptions, and expanded mobile crisis teams. Additionally, King County is working on a post-overdose recovery center in partnership with a variety of local organizations. All efforts are aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic.

New sobering center will fight opioid crisis

“This new sobering center is critical to King County’s ongoing work to connect more people to treatment, lifesaving interventions, and a path to recovery,” Executive Shannon Braddock said via the release. “Together, with community members, partners, and regional leaders, we are expanding access to substance use disorder treatment and creating a safe place for people to go for support when they need it.”

The county has already distributed nearly 120,000 naloxone kits and over 123,000 fentanyl test strips. Additional funding was also provided to support workforce recruitment and retention.

Percy Levy, 54, Eugene Smith, 69, and Robert Baggett, 60, were all arrested following an investigation led by the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force and the FBI. Baggett has been denied bail, while Levy and Smith are awaiting their upcoming hearings.

Officials said the case dates back to 2023, when Levy and Baggett were involved in drug distribution. Baggett sold cocaine, fentanyl, and meth to an undercover officer and identified Levy as his supplier. Smith was later arrested after delivering drugs to an undercover officer at a casino.

A search of Levy’s home uncovered cocaine, fentanyl, digital scales, packaging materials, and a handgun. Authorities also said that Baggett was involved in selling firearms.

Snohomish County men had extensive criminal histories

All three men have extensive criminal records and are not allowed to own guns. Levy’s convictions date back to 1988. Baggett has 14 felony convictions, and Smith had his life sentence commuted in 2020.

The defendants are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Levy faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, while Baggett and Smith could face sentences ranging from 10 years to life.

As of 2024, data shows 230 wolves across 43 packs, a decrease from 254 wolves in 2023, according to .

Data from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WSFW) revealed that at least 37 wolves died or were killed last year. The most alarming decrease happened on the Colville Reservation, where the population dropped from 59 to 39.

Eighteen of those wolves were legally hunted on Colville land. One was killed by Spokane tribal hunters, and seven wolves were poached. Wolves are protected by state and federal laws, with penalties for poaching. Over the past two years, the average annual death toll increased to 30, compared to a range of 12-30 in the previous five years.

Growing disputes over livestock protection

Tensions between wildlife advocates and ranchers are escalating as concerns over wolf attacks on livestock increase. In response, the WDFW killed five wolves to protect ranchers’ property.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission recently decided against downgrading wolves from “endangered” status, a move that would have eased regulations on poaching and livestock protection permits. The commission recently voted to keep wolves listed as “endangered,” rejecting a proposal that would have relaxed regulations on hunting them.��

Over $1.3 million of that amount was spent on research, while the remaining funds were used to compensate ranchers for lost livestock, remove wolves, and implement measures to separate wolves from livestock.

On SR 9 northbound & southbound just south of Market Pl (MP 16) there is a collision blocking all lanes.

— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic)

Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue confirmed on social media that the lane closures were due to a fatal crash.

Hwy 9 closed from 20th St SE to Market Pl for a fatality crash. WSP will be investigating. Expect road to be closed for an extended time.

— Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue (@SnoRegionalFire)

Washington State Patrol (WSP) was investigating the scene.