Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Hazardous smoke from major blazes pushed Seattle and Portland into the world’s worst air rankings, with Washington still juggling dozens of uncontained large fires and ongoing evacuations. Spokane Fire Relief: Spokane community leaders are opening a disaster assistance center at Shadle Park High School, with help for displaced residents plus the state Insurance Commissioner’s office on site through the weekend. Housing & Homelessness Funding: Spokane officials warn new federal housing rules tied to executive orders could reshape HUD funding and threaten permanent supportive housing dollars. Education Research Grant: The Washington Student Achievement Council won a $1 million grant to study how postsecondary education affects underserved students and where gaps persist. Elections Update: Unofficial early results from the Aug. 4 primary show Michael Baumgartner leading in WA’s 5th District race and Mary Dye dominating LD9 Position 1. Public Safety—Courts: A Whitman County rape case defendant failed to appear and faces an arrest warrant. Local Culture: West Seattle’s Southwest Seattle Historical Society is launching an interactive exhibit on Alki and the Duwamish Peninsula.