June 2026

The long‑running Seattle tradition of summer mischief returns to West Seattle as the Seafair Pirates make their 2026 Landing at Alki Beach June 27, bringing cannon blasts, beach crowds, and plenty of pirate theatrics to kick off the heart of Seafair season.

The Pirates are expected to arrive close to 1:30pm, roaring ashore aboard their iconic amphibious vessel, the Moby Duck, in a spectacle that routinely draws thousands of spectators to the shoreline.

“The Landing is one of our favorite ways to start Seafair,” said a Seafair spokesperson in a recent seasonal preview. “The Pirates bring the energy, the families bring the excitement, and Alki brings the perfect backdrop.”

The Sound Transit Board of Directors on Thursday approved a major funding package to advance two of the region’s most anticipated light rail projects, signaling a commitment to momentum even as the agency grapples with long-term affordability challenges.

The board passed Resolution R2026-14, which authorizes approximately $423.3 million in budget amendments specifically for the West Seattle and Ballard Link extensions. This move follows the recent adoption of an updated regional system plan and aims to move both projects through critical design and planning phases.

West Seattle Moves Toward Construction

The lion’s share of the new funding, roughly $406.9 million, is dedicated to the West Seattle Link Extension. This amendment provides the necessary budget authority to advance the project into final design and prepare for construction.

This summer, the sound of electric guitars and rhythmic drums will echo through West Seattle as young musicians prepare for their moment in the spotlight. Mode Music Studios and Mode Music and Performing Arts are opening their doors to local families with a powerful promise: the cost of tuition should never be a barrier to artistic expression.

Through an innovative Pay What You Can program and various grant-funded scholarships, eligible students can access half-day and full-day music and theatre camps at significantly reduced rates or even for free. The organization is actively seeking to connect with more families who could benefit from these financial opportunities throughout the summer season.

Sign up for private music lessons at modemusicstudios.com/sign-up

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Friday, June 26, as the heart of White Center transforms into a massive soccer celebration. The “Gather for Goals” World Cup Community Festival will take over a three-block stretch of 16th Avenue SW from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering fans a unique way to experience the world’s largest soccer competition right in their own neighborhood.

World-Class Soccer on the Big Screen

The festival is a partnership between the King County Department of Local Services and White Center Pride, serving as the only official watch party of its kind in unincorporated King County. Fans can catch four major daytime matches on multiple large screens positioned along 16th Avenue SW:

Seattle police are currently investigating a shooting that occurred early Thursday morning in the High Point neighborhood, leaving a 17-year-old boy injured.

The incident began around 12:48 a.m. when dispatchers received several reports of rapid gunfire near the intersection of Sylvan Way Southwest and Southwest Morgan Street. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered the teenage victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his hip. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center and is reported to be in serious but stable condition.

 By Tim Clinton

Sports Editor

The upcoming week in sports features a busy schedule ranging from professional leagues to local collegiate and club matches. The Seattle Storm highlights professional basketball with a significant home stand at Climate Pledge Arena, hosting the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream. In Major League Baseball, the Seattle Mariners conclude their road trip in Pittsburgh and Cleveland before returning to T-Mobile Park on June 29 to begin a home series against the Los Angeles Angels.

On the local level, Interbay Stadium serves as a primary hub for soccer, hosting both men’s and women’s matches for clubs like Ballard, West Seattle Junction, and Salmon Bay.

Detectives with the King County Sheriff’s Office are currently searching for a suspect involved in the assault of an 80-year-old military veteran during an anti-ICE demonstration in Burien on June 10.

The King County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a $431 million supplemental budget designed to enhance transparency, bolster public safety, and invest in the region’s social and economic infrastructure. The mid-biennial adjustment focuses heavily on stronger internal oversight of taxpayer dollars while providing critical funding for housing, food security, and the creative economy.

“I’m grateful for the unanimous vote approving the first supplemental budget for the 2026-2027 biennium," said Rod Dembowski, King County Council Budget Chair. "This budget makes significant investments in housing, human services, public safety, transit and enhanced oversight for county programs in light of recent audit findings”.

Expanding Accountability and Oversight