Seattle Public Safety: Seattle Police are expected to release internal messages tied to the July 26 Bite of Seattle shooting, after Mayor Katie Wilson’s office already published its own communications and city council/inspectors general pressed for answers about a five-hour public messaging delay. Elections & Postal Service: Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs says more mail ballots were rejected for late postmarks than in past elections, as USPS consolidation changes raise concerns for vote-by-mail reliability. Wildlife & Forests: A new study says northern spotted owls are at “functional extinction” levels in parts of the Pacific Northwest, including Washington Cascades north of Seattle, as barred owls and habitat loss squeeze them out. Recycling Expansion: Spokane County will add curbside recycling service for about 2,500 more unincorporated residents by spring, aligning with the state’s 2030 recycling goals. Local Water Parks: Wild Waves Theme & Water Park in Federal Way is permanently closing after nearly 50 seasons, joining a growing list of vanished western Washington water parks. Climate/Trade: With a U.S.-Canada trade war underway, Canada’s new Prince Rupert export facility could shift shipping patterns that matter to Washington’s ports and exporters.