We're going to be talking about the election quite a bit today. Here are some other things that are going on as well, including sobering news for Washington Armed Forces, another transit battle heading to the ballot, and the silver lining of a gloomy summer. more ›

Authorities have decided to let a wildfire burning in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness run its course. Considering this is one of the most beautiful areas in the state, it’s kind of like saying, "We know the prom queen just started snorting meth but we’re going to let this thing play out and see how it goes." more ›

• Don't play with fire, the Washington DNR said so. So there.
• Capitol Hill has pretty trees and presumably, pretty bad allergies now. Yay, Spring!
• A case of guilt by association: Seattle rapper Fatal Lucciauno, pulled from The Crocodile's April line-up.

So progressive-for-a-police-chief Gil Kerlikowske has been tapped to be our nation's new drug czar and you can bet questions will be asked about I-75. Meanwhile, a Federal Way lawmaker wants to tax your porn, reports the Seattle Times: "Democratic Rep. Mark Miloscia said an 18 ½ percent sales tax should be levied against Playboy and other adult magazines, as well as pornographic photographs, movies, videos, cable-television services, telephone services, audiotapes, computer programs and paraphernalia." This kind of thing is why we're likely to burn for all eternity. more ›

• Sometimes we can't help but love Ballard and how, despite all the changes, the neighborhood is trying to retain it's heart and soul. My Ballard's coverage of the annual and epic Ballard Seafood Festival reminds us of all that we love about Ballard--long lines for salmon barbecue (with copius photo evidence), coverage of the couture cover-all contest, and the crowning of a record breaking lutefisk eating champion.
• Blogging Georgetown reports of repeated break-ins at the working urban organic oasis that is Marra Farms. Not only is Marra this amazing farm in the south of the city, where one would imagine nothing would grow without care or love, the folks at Marra do good work with Seattle Youth Garden Works and local food banks. So, double or triple shame on whoever is breaking in and tagging up the place.
• And Lights & Sirens, the Northwest's finest crime blog (sorry Seattle 911--y'all are just getting started--but we really like you) shares a sad local loss from the continuing wildfires in California. The Fire Chief of East Pierce County died battling the Panther wildfire in Northern California this weekend. Early last week, a firefighter from Port Townsend also died fighting the California blazes.

Governor Christine Gregoire has signed a statewide state of emergency to deal with a number of wildfires in Central and Eastern Washington. Fires are being battled in Chelan, Douglas, Stevens, Adams, Ferry, Okanogon, and Spokane counties. The Spokane Valley fire has already destroyed 13 homes and has consumed over 1200 acres since it started. A fire outside of Wenatchee has already burned more than 12 and a half square miles, and with high wind and hot temperatures, the fire danger is only increasing. Mandatory evacuations have been declared in several hotspots throughout the state. The state of emergency will remain in place until Governor Gregoire rescinds it and the fires have been controlled. more ›