The Seattle Times editorial board supports more flexibility in culling the sea lions that are gorging on Columbia salmon. Current federal rules make reducing the population there, which is greatly reducing salmon runs, next to impossible. “Conflicts over dams will undoubtedly drag on. But Congress should not hesitate to take a simple step that could help save salmon now, even as other, longer-term conservation efforts get underway,” the paper wrote. (Seattle Times)

The Seattle City Council unanimously voted to confirm Interim Police Chief Carmen Best as the city’s new police chief. “I had no idea I had so much support in the community,” Best said, addressing the crowd after the vote and asking her backers to stay involved during any tough times to come. “I’m counting on all of you.” (Seattle Times)

King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg pushed back against criticism that his office does not prosecute property crimes or drug offenses. “Some people, I think, have this notion that after we’ve arrested somebody – problem solved. Well, that’s not it at all. In fact, using the criminal justice system as our default system for drug addiction makes it the most expensive and least effective approach,” Satterberg said. (My Northwest)

Air quality continues to deteriorate in Spokane and Northeast Washington as fires spring up throughout the state. “There might be a little improvement, but I don’t expect there to be a massive improvement in air quality,” said Steven Van Horn, a weather service meteorologist. (The Spokesman-Review)

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