Heat & Public Safety: King County is warning swimmers and paddlers about higher drowning risks after last December’s flooding reshaped riverbeds and pushed hidden hazards into the water, while Seattle-area waters remain dangerously cold despite warming weather. Wildlife on the Road: WSDOT says highways near Willapa Bay and other high-deer/elk corridors are among the state’s worst for wildlife-vehicle collisions, urging drivers to watch for animals and use deterrents. Orca Protection: San Juan Island groups are teaming up for Orca Sing 2026 at Lime Kiln Point State Park, featuring Indigenous perspectives on endangered Southern Resident killer whales. Coastal Resilience: Westport is moving toward construction of a tsunami tower after a FEMA BRIC-funded design effort, with an open house sharing modeling and Cascadia risk. Local Governance & Land: The Duwamish Tribe formally received the deed returning the Heron’s Nest site in West Seattle, a major step in restoring tribal land. Environmental Legal Fight: Environmental groups sued to block nearly 400 acres of logging in Washington’s Elwha Watershed, arguing DNR failed to assess harm to drinking-water sources. Climate Science: PSU researchers are clarifying what counts as a “heat dome,” tying the definition to the 2021 Pacific Northwest event. Water Quality Alert: Health officials reported dangerous paralytic shellfish toxin levels in Hood Canal, forcing closures of beaches. AI Data Centers Backlash: Lawmakers are trying to curb AI data center expansion, but bills are stalled as tech firms and political splits slow progress. Extreme Weather at World Cup Venues: A new analysis says about a quarter of World Cup matches could face temperatures beyond player safety limits, raising heat-stress concerns for host cities including Seattle.