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Seattle Culture

The Pulse: Choppy Waters

Teeth made of beads and transit-themed fashion

By Sarah Stackhouse June 13, 2025

Two people paddleboard on a blue lake with the Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle, visible in the background under a clear sky.
Photo by Jordan Raphael Ciprazo / Unsplash

It’s a heavy time in the country. ICE raids in L.A. continue. Trump has federalized the National Guard — a move a federal judge has called illegal. A military parade in D.C. this weekend feels more about power than patriotism. The House just passed a bill to defund public broadcasting, targeting NPR, PBS, and local stations. Protests are planned nationwide on Saturday, including two “No Kings” demonstrations here in Seattle.

This isn’t normal, and it’s okay to feel rattled. Stay informed. Take care of each other. And take care of yourself.

Here’s what’s happening around town…

A ferry in Edmonds got rocked hard this week after a Navy ship sped past Everett at 25 knots. The video is wild.

This Juneteenth pop-up is taking over Midtown Square Plaza with KEXP DJs, live music, and a strong lineup of Black-owned vendors. Another celebration is happening at Pier 62 — swing through both if you can.

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes told City Council he’ll “probably go to jail” for standing up for protestors’ First Amendment rights. He made it clear that SPD won’t cooperate with ICE raids.

Belltown Art Walk returns tonight. These photos of Jennifer Towner’s pieces are so pretty.

Pool Dad beer from Seapine Brewing is now at Trader Joe’s across Western Washington. It’s citrusy and summery, and perfect for the kind of guy who brings his own folding chair.

Only in Seattle do we pair light rail with a power pose. Love to see it.

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown is pushing back on Trump’s travel ban.

Ginger beer floats are happening, and frankly, we deserve them.

REI wants to know: What do your hiking pants say about you? We should really add “Shorts That Regret Everything” to the mix.

This new show by artist Arpeggio Romiti at Ghost Gallery is made entirely of glass beads. It looks so delicate and strange. Can’t wait to see it.

Protests are growing across the country in response to Trump’s mass deportation policies.

SIFF laid off 21% of its administrative staff. It’s a blow to indie film here and a warning sign for arts organizations across the city. We love you, SIFF — hang in there.

Japan’s novelty umbrellas are incredible. Saving this for October inspo.

Eater’s out here doing the hard work with this solid roundup of new restaurant openings. 

British pub etiquette: A handy guide for ordering pints and not blocking the bar.

Also: This Swiss chocolate shop is opening at Westfield Southcenter in July. I’ll see you all there buying chocolate as it should be — by the slab.

Reader Comment of the Week:

On our ice cream roundup:

Instagram comment from treat_cookies reads: "So many good ones!! Hit us up for soft serve too 💕" with a pink logo profile picture.

Yes! We’re already mentally in line at Treat. Soft serve + cookies = true summer math.

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