San Juan Islands Travel Disruption: The Port of Orcas will close Runway 16/34 at Orcas Island Airport in Eastsound from Sept. 8–23 for paving, while the helipad stays open for emergency medical flights—so Kenmore Air Express travelers should plan ferry or alternate island-air options during that window. Seattle Visitor Experience: Sound Transit is considering a pet policy change that could allow well-behaved dogs on a leash on buses and light rail, with current rules requiring carriers/containers. Outdoor & Nature Conservation: A 72-year-old Washington landowner donated 885 acres along the Little Spokane River to the Kalispel Tribe, pairing private conservation with Indigenous stewardship for long-term habitat care. Wildfire Home Prep: After a destructive fire season, Eastside Fire and Rescue is urging homeowners to focus on home ignition risk from embers, not just surrounding trees. Local Culture in Pike Place: Pine Books rebranded a long-running Pike Place storefront, keeping the neighborhood’s bookstore tradition alive for visitors. Sports Tourism Hook: Holland America opened 2028 Alaska cruise bookings with new Oosterdam sailings roundtrip from Seattle and Vancouver, adding fresh ways to explore the Great Land.