Public Health & Climate: Researchers warn that flesh-eating bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus can show up in coastal waters as climate change expands pathogen reach, while federal prevention and response funding has been cut. Jobs & Local Economy: Bellingham’s Alpha Technologies Services will close and cut 75 jobs, adding to a 2026 wave of Washington WARN notices tied to consolidation and out-of-state moves. Salish Sea Risks: A column from Friends of the San Juans flags rising oil tanker traffic in the Salish Sea tied to Canadian tar sands pipeline expansion, warning of spill, noise, and harm to Southern Resident orcas. Regional Climate Policy: Washington, California, and Quebec are moving toward linking carbon markets, a shift that could change costs for major emitters. Water & Health Infrastructure: Lake Meridian in Kent reopened for swimming after bacteria levels dropped, underscoring how quickly local conditions can change. Homelessness Governance: Seattle and King County plan to restructure the regional homelessness authority, pulling back control of contracts and strategy. Heat & Wildfire Pressure: Forecasters warn of potentially record-breaking summer heat across the U.S., with drought and wildfire danger intensifying. Court & Ecology: Gov. Ferguson appointed Kelly Wood to Thurston County Superior Court; Wood currently advises and represents Ecology in major environmental litigation. Energy & Permitting: Spokane approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development as officials weigh land-use and utility impacts.