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Preliminary results from Tuesday’s Washington primary election are in, revealing solid support for Seattle’s library levy and putting longtime incumbent Rep. Adam Smith on a path to face Republican Doug Basler in November. The initial counts also show progressive challengers endorsed by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson trailing behind established moderate incumbents.

Local News

Tragedy in Renton: Officer Slashed in Face, Dead Woman Found Nearby · KIRO 7 Renton police officers responding to reports of breaking glass overnight on Burnett Avenue South found a suspect who immediately fled. During the chase, the suspect stabbed a 24-year-old officer in the face, causing serious injuries, before a trail of blood led police to find a woman stabbed to death nearby. The suspect is currently in custody as police continue their investigation.

Wildfire Smoke Chokes Western Washington, Triggering Heat Advisories and Flight Disruptions · KOMO News A combination of extreme summer heat and wildfire smoke from Canada and Eastern Washington has pushed air quality to unhealthy levels across seven counties in Western Washington. The low visibility triggered a ground stop for departing flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport until 11:00 AM, while Seattle Parks and Recreation closed all wading pools early for community safety. Residents are being urged to stay indoors, with cooler, cleaner air not expected to arrive until Friday.

Seattle Police Swamped with Tips on Mass Shooting as Amazon Pledges $350,000 to Affected Vendors · KOMO News Investigators have received over 130 tips from the public as they continue their search for a third suspect in the targeted, gang-related shootout at Seattle Center that killed three people and wounded four others last month. To support local businesses caught in the crossfire, Amazon has pledged to donate $350,000 to Washington-based vendors who were financially impacted by the tragedy during the Bite of Seattle.

Seattle Council Bars Homeowner Solicitations to Protect Against Predatory Displacement · The Seattle Times The Seattle City Council has passed legislation giving homeowners the power to stop unwelcome purchase offers from real estate speculators. The measure is part of an ongoing city effort to prevent the harassment and exploitation of residents by buyers looking to purchase homes at below-market prices.

Cle Elum Enacts Emergency Moratorium as $200M AI Data Center Sparks Resource Concerns · KOMO News The City of Cle Elum has adopted an emergency moratorium in response to a proposed $200 million artificial intelligence data center that has stirred deep community concerns over utility rates. Residents and local officials are worried about the massive facility’s projected strain on the local electricity grid and water supplies, although there is concern the ban might not stop development from proceeding.

Rainier Beach Reclaims Safeway Parking Lot for Healing and Community-Led Violence Prevention · KOMO News Three years after a devastating mass shooting wounded five people in the Rainier Beach Safeway parking lot, the community returned to the site for a National Night Out event filled with music, games, and resources. Organized by the Seattle Neighborhood Group, Seattle Police Department, and local youth teams, the gathering aimed to reclaim the space, build trust with public safety agencies, and connect youth with violence prevention resources.

Community & Lifestyle

Transit riders should prepare for new traffic patterns on Denny Way as crews begin the final phase of a dedicated bus lane project, while construction has officially kicked off on the state’s first new hybrid-electric ferry in 11 years. For local recreation, park-goers can enjoy safer trail steps recently installed at Camp Long, or head to the historic Green Lake Pitch & Putt for a relaxed, scorecard-free round.

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