Labor Day Travel Rush: AAA and INRIX are flagging the busiest driving and flying moments for the Sept. 3–7 holiday, with heavy traffic expected Thursday evening and Friday, plus TSA screening for more than 17 million travelers—Seattle is listed among top domestic destinations. Outdoor & Nature Tourism: A new look at fall color drives shows travelers are seeking scenic, less-traveled routes, while local events like the Images of the Shrub-Steppe exhibition in Tieton (through Sept. 27) spotlight eastern Washington landscapes. Wildlife & Conservation: The Colville Tribes’ Canada lynx augmentation in the Kettle Range is showing promising signs, with trail cameras capturing kittens surviving after relocation. Marine & Port News: Snow & Co. (Seattle) launched the second battery-electric ship-assist tug in its eight-vessel series, a sign of greener maritime operations. Local Culture Picks: Tacoma’s Weekly Volcano newspaper box challenge returns with artist-made boxes on display through Sept. 23, adding a fun stop for visitors and locals alike.