Explore

Rabid Bat Found at Renton's Gene Coulon Park, Public Health Alert Issued

Rabid Bat Found at Renton's Gene Coulon Park, Public Health Alert Issued

A bat found at Gene Coulon Park in Renton, Washington, has tested positive for rabies, according to Public Health – Seattle & King County officials. The bat was discovered near a playground, prompting health officials to warn the public about potential rabies exposure. Anyone who may have had physical contact with the bat is advised to seek medical evaluation immediately, as rabies is treatable if caught before symptoms begin. The public is urged not to touch bats and to report any sick or injured bats to animal control.

Pacific Northwest Wildfires Burn Over 1 Million Acres, Threatening Air Quality Across the U.S.

Pacific Northwest Wildfires Burn Over 1 Million Acres, Threatening Air Quality Across the U.S.

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing an unprecedented wildfire season, with over one million acres burned due to prolonged heat and dry conditions. The National Interagency Fire Center reports that more than 45 active large fires are currently burning, with 31 in Oregon alone. These fires, primarily ignited by lightning strikes, are spreading rapidly due to hot temperatures, dry vegetation, and gusty winds. The Big Grass Fire, the largest in the nation, has scorched over 300,000 acres across Oregon and Idaho, prompting mandatory evacuations in multiple communities. The wildfires are not only threatening rural communities and critical infrastructure but also degrading air quality across large portions of the U.S., with smoke reaching as far as North Dakota.

'Inexcusable deception': RFK Jr., in exclusive interview, discusses Fauci diary

'Inexcusable deception': RFK Jr., in exclusive interview, discusses Fauci diary

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the biggest surprise in Anthony Fauci's diary was that he fell ill after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Fire Weather Watch Issued for Oregon and Washington Regions

Fire Weather Watch Issued for Oregon and Washington Regions

A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for multiple zones across Oregon and Washington, including the Columbia Basin, Blue Mountains, and surrounding areas. The alert is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening due to expected windy conditions and critically low relative humidity. Winds are forecasted to reach 15-30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph, while relative humidity levels could drop as low as 20%. These conditions significantly increase the risk of rapid fire spread, making outdoor burning highly dangerous. Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and monitor updates for potential upgrades to a Red Flag Warning.

What to know about Seafair safety measures after Seattle shooting

What to know about Seafair safety measures after Seattle shooting

Event organizers across Seattle are preparing for increased scrutiny over public safety measures.

Maple Leaf Foods Recalls Over 12,000 Pounds of Bacon Due to Inspection Issue

Maple Leaf Foods Recalls Over 12,000 Pounds of Bacon Due to Inspection Issue

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. has issued a recall for 12,036 pounds of refrigerated, not-ready-to-eat bacon imported from Canada. The recall was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) due to the bacon not receiving the required re-inspection upon import into the United States. The affected products were distributed to retailers in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Although there have been no confirmed reports of illness or injury, the FSIS advises consumers to avoid consuming the recalled bacon and to either dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase.

Plant-based food company makes abrupt US exit

Plant-based food company makes abrupt US exit

Plant-based meat was once expected to transform how Americans consume protein. Companies competed to introduce burgers, sausages, nuggets, and other products designed to recreate the taste and texture of meat without using animals. Retailers and restaurants expanded their offerings, while investors ...

No Meat Factory to Close U.S. Operations, Impacting Jobs in Washington

No Meat Factory to Close U.S. Operations, Impacting Jobs in Washington

No Meat Factory to Close U.S. Operations, Impacting Jobs in Washington

Wildfire Smoke Blankets Large Swaths of the U.S., Air Quality Deteriorates

Wildfire Smoke Blankets Large Swaths of the U.S., Air Quality Deteriorates

Wildfire smoke from the Pacific Northwest is causing hazy skies and unhealthy air quality across large portions of the United States. As of July 29, 2026, 45 large uncontained fires in Oregon and Washington have burned over 1.8 million acres, with additional fires in British Columbia contributing to the smoke. The worst air quality was reported near Boise, Idaho, where particulate matter levels approached 'very unhealthy' thresholds. Eastern Oregon and southern Idaho are also experiencing 'unhealthy' air quality, prompting advisories for residents to limit outdoor activities. The smoke has traveled thousands of miles, affecting areas as far as Florida, though much of it remains aloft. This event follows record-setting air pollution earlier in the month caused by Canadian wildfires. Environmental factors, including a historically warm winter and prolonged heat waves, have exacerbated wildfire conditions this year.

Wildfires Ravage U.S. Pacific Northwest Amid Record Dry Conditions

Wildfires Ravage U.S. Pacific Northwest Amid Record Dry Conditions

Wildfires are spreading rapidly across the U.S. Pacific Northwest, with Oregon and Washington experiencing record-breaking levels of flammability due to extreme dryness and high temperatures (The Globe and Mail, 2026-07-29). Over 1.8 million acres have already burned in these states, seven times the total area affected last year. The Energy Release Component (ERC), which measures the potential energy from burning vegetation, is expected to reach or exceed the 95th percentile in nine out of twelve zones in the Pacific Northwest. In southeastern Oregon, the ERC is projected to hit unprecedented levels. Scorching dry weather and winds up to 50 km/h (31 mph) are forecasted, further exacerbating fire risks.

Detroit Free Press

Hot cars are especially dangerous for kids. What experts are saying

Hot cars are especially dangerous for kids. What experts are saying

Experts say vehicles can top 140 degrees inside within a short period and children are especially sensitive to high temperatures.

Oregon and Washington Face Worst Wildfire Season Since 2000

Oregon and Washington Face Worst Wildfire Season Since 2000

Wildfires across Oregon and Washington have burned over 2.1 million acres, marking 2026 as the worst wildfire season since at least 2000 (KPTV, 2026). Several major fires, including the Bench Fire, Rowe Creek Complex, and Shingle Fire, continue to threaten communities and natural areas. The Bench Fire, located near Warm Springs, Oregon, has burned 64,407 acres and is 22% contained. The Rowe Creek Complex, the largest fire, has scorched 300,592 acres with 42% containment. Firefighters are actively working to strengthen containment lines and protect communities such as Pine Hollow and Sportsman Park. Air quality remains unhealthy in parts of central and northeastern Oregon, and a Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Saturday due to expected gusty winds.