WNBA & Seattle Sports: Nneka Ogwumike says she’ll retire after the 2026 WNBA season, ending a 15-year run that includes MVP and 11 All-Star selections, with her last seasons split between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Seattle Storm. Road Safety in Eastern WA: A fatal motorcycle crash closed the northbound U.S. 395 offramp at West Columbia Drive in Kennewick; officials say the rider hit a guardrail after failing to make the curve and the exit reopened after investigation. Travel Disruptions (Columbia Gorge): Crews will make safety upgrades at the U.S. 97/SR 14 intersection near Maryhill starting Aug. 24, with single-lane daytime closures and evening reopenings. Local Visitor Experience: Seattle is proposing a seasonal vehicle-access plan for Pike Place Market—more general access Monday-Thursday, limited “soft closure” on weekends, and full closures only for select events. Nature & Outdoors: Washington confirmed the first detection of emerald ash borer, warning ash trees could be devastated without firewood controls and tree replacement. Wildfire Updates: The Paradise Fire prompted new evacuation levels in Walla Walla and Umatilla counties, with residents urged to follow local alerts.