Public Health: A Yakima County resident has the first reported U.S. H5N1 bird-flu infection of 2026 after exposure to infected dairy cattle. The person is isolating at home, and officials say the risk to the public is low. Police Transparency: Walla Walla Valley agencies plan to encrypt radio traffic starting Oct. 30, citing privacy and officer safety; critics warn the change could make it harder for the public and newsrooms to track incidents. Transportation: Two drivers died in a head-on crash on Highway 164 near White River Amphitheatre. Separately, Sound Transit leaders are set to update riders on the delayed Ballard light-rail extension. Election 2026: Washington officials urge voters to return ballots early as local debates sharpen over parental-rights and girls’ sports initiatives, and Snohomish County cities weigh taking positions on the measures. Airport Expansion: Burien, Des Moines, SeaTac and Tukwila have objected to the Port of Seattle’s proposed airport expansion, citing concerns about impacts on neighboring communities. WSU Football: Owen Eshelman’s first start brought the Cougars’ best offensive showing against an FBS opponent this season, but WSU fell 48–30 to Oregon State and remains 1–6.