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The Seattle skyline looked hazy due to wildfire smoke that caused moderate air quality. SEATTLE — Wildfire smoke created hazy skies in the Seattle area on Thursday and gave the sun and moon a red, fiery glow. Most of the wildfire smoke is expected to stay aloft, which won’t significantly deteriorate air quality at the surface. However, with high pressure in place, it could bring some of the smoke down to the surface, according to KING 5 Meteorologist Ashley Ruiz. Air quality is expected to measure in the moderate range for most of the Puget Sound area Thursday, with parts of the Olympic Peninsula and coast expected to have good air quality, according to AirNow. It is expected to remain moderate for the next couple of days before rain chances return to the Puget Sound forecast Saturday through Tuesday. Moderate air quality could be a risk for some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Forecast models show the wildfire smoke is moving into the lowlands and foothills from Canada. As of the end of August, there were 31 fires burning uncontrolled across Canada, according to Natural Resources Canada. So far this year, the fires have burned over 19 million acres. Several wildfires continue to burn across Washington state as well. The Bear Gulch Fire near Lake Cushman on the Olympic Peninsula has burned over 9,000 acres. In the Cascades, the Pomas Fire west of Lake Chelan has burned over 3,500 acres, and the Sugarloaf Fire near Entiat has burned over 6,000 acres as of Thursday morning. The smoke also caused the nearly-full moon and the sun to appear bright red. The region is days away from September’s full moon, which is dubbed the Corn Moon. The full moon rises Sept. 7. Wildfire haze is expected to remain in place until the next system or onshore flow arrives to push it out. Over the weekend, high pressure is expected to drift east, and a low-pressure system that’s expected to develop off the coast could bring clouds and the potential for rain. The timing of this system is uncertain, Ruiz said, but showers are expected early next week.

If you beat the Powerball jackpot's astronomical odds, the amount you actually get will depend on where you live. WASHINGTON — The Powerball jackpot is inching closer to record territory with an estimated $1.7 billion grand prize up for grabs in Saturday night's drawing. But if you somehow beat the lottery's astronomical odds, you'll have a hefty tax bill waiting for you.  That's because lottery winnings are treated as income by the federal government and most states, so the jackpots are subject to state and federal income taxes.  However, there are a handful of states that do not collect additional taxes on residents' lottery winnings. If you were to win Saturday's $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot, how much would you actually get? When a lottery winner comes forward, they must first decide whether they want to receive their winnings in a 30-year annuity, or receive their grand prize in a lump sum of cash. If they pick the annuity, they will eventually receive the entire advertised jackpot over the span of three decades.  Most jackpot winners go with the lump sum, which means they get the “cash value” of that jackpot. For Saturday's Powerball jackpot, the cash value was announced as about $770.3 million. Right away, 24% of that cash value is withheld for federal taxes and goes to the IRS, TurboTax explains.  So in the scenario where just one person wins the Powerball and selects that cash option, around $184.87 million of Saturday's estimated prize would be withheld, dropping it to $585.428 million.  But even then, you're not off the hook quite yet for taxes.  Because the federal government counts lottery winnings as income, getting such a large jackpot would likely move the winner into a higher tax bracket, in which their income is taxed at 37%. So when the winner next files their taxes, they’ll likely have to give the IRS another 13% of that prize. In most states, the tax is taken from the prize money before it’s ever given to the winner. Details on when and how much the winner pays differ by state.  There are only eight states and Puerto Rico, where Powerball is played, that don't take more state taxes for a person’s lottery winnings, according to the Tax Foundation and USA Mega, an online multi-state lottery resource unaffiliated with the lotteries themselves. Those states are California, Florida, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. According to estimates from USA Mega, the winner of a publicized $1.7 billion jackpot would earn $485,331,980 if they’re from one of the states that doesn't tax winnings and take the lump sum option.  But for example, if you're from New York which has the highest state tax withholding, the net payout would drop to $401,369,280, according to USA Mega estimates.  What you would get paid in each state if you won the $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot: The following list shows the Powerball lump-sum cash amount after taxes for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to an analysis from usamega.com. Alabama Does not offer Powerball  Alaska Does not offer Powerball  Arizona $466,074,480 cash payout  Arkansas $455,290,280 cash payout California $485,331,980 cash payout Colorado $451,438,780 cash payout Connecticut $431,488,010 cash payout Delaware $434,492,180 cash payout Florida $485,331,980 cash payout Georgia $445,353,410 cash payout Hawaii Does not offer Powerball Idaho $441,463,395 cash payout Illinois $447,202,130 cash payout Indiana $462,222,980 cash payout Iowa $456,060,580 cash payout Kansas $441,424,880 cash payout Kentucky $454,519,980 cash payout Louisiana $462,222,980 cash payout Maine $430,255,530 cash payout Maryland $412,153,480 cash payout (in-state resident)  Massachusetts $416,004,980 cash payout Michigan $452,594,230 cash payout Minnesota $409,457,430 cash payout Mississippi $451,438,780 cash payout Missouri $449,127,880 cash payout Montana $439,884,280 cash payout Nebraska $445,276,380 cash payout Nevada Does not offer Powerball New Hampshire $485,331,980 cash payout New Jersey $402,524,730 cash payout New Mexico $439,884,280 cash payout New York $401,369,280 cash payout North Carolina $452,594,230 cash payout North Dakota $462,993,280 cash payout Ohio $461,260,105 cash payout Oklahoma $448,742,730 cash payout Oregon $409,072,280 cash payout Pennsylvania $461,683,770 cash payout Puerto Rico $485,331,980 cash payout Rhode Island $439,191,010 cash payout South Carolina $437,573,380 cash payout South Dakota $485,331,980 cash payout Tennessee $485,331,980 cash payout Texas $485,331,980 cash payout U.S. Virgin Islands $485,331,980 cash payout Utah Does not offer Powerball Vermont $417,930,730 cash payout Virginia $441,039,730 cash payout Washington $485,331,980 cash payout Washington, DC $402,524,730 cash payout West Virginia $448,203,520 cash payout Wisconsin $426,404,030 cash payout Wyoming $485,331,980 cash payout

Elevated mortgage rates have kept the U.S. housing market in a slump since early 2022, when rates began climbing from pandemic lows. MCLEAN, Va. — The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell again this week, extending a recent trend that should give prospective homebuyers more purchasing power. The long-term rate eased to 6.5% from 6.56% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.35%. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell. The average rate slipped to 5.6% from 5.69% last week. A year ago, it was 5.47%, Freddie Mac said. Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation. Rates have been mostly declining since late July amid growing expectations that the Fed will cut its benchmark short-term interest rate at the central bank’s meeting of policymakers later this month. A similar trend happened in the leadup to September last year, when the Fed cut its rate in for the first time in more than four years. At that time, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage got down to a 2-year low of 6.08%, but soon after climbed again, reaching above 7% by mid-January. While the Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, its actions can influence bond investors’ appetite for long-term U.S. government bonds, like 10-year Treasury notes. Lenders use the yield on 10-year Treasurys as a guide to pricing home loans. The Fed has kept its main interest rate on hold this year because it’s been more worried about inflation potentially worsening because of President Donald Trump’s tariffs than about the job market. But in a high-profile speech last month, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled the central bank may cut rates in coming months amid concerns about weaker job gains following a grim July jobs report, which included massive downward revisions for June and May, The government’s August job market snapshot is due out Friday. Ahead of it, the yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.18% from 4.22% late Wednesday. “Historically, a weaker or softer-than-expected jobs report fuels optimism for Federal Reserve rate cuts and can lower bond yields, thereby nudging mortgage rates downward,” said Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com. “Conversely, a robust job report may reinforce inflation concerns and elevate Treasury yields, putting upward pressure on mortgage rates. This setup underscores the potential for increased mortgage rate volatility ahead.” The housing market has been in a slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began climbing from historic lows. Sales have remained sluggish so far this year as the average rate on a 30-year mortgage has mostly hovered above 6.5%. The average rate is now at its lowest level since Oct. 17, when it was 6.44%. If the trend continues, homebuyers will benefit from more affordable financing. But lower mortgage rates could also bring in more buyers, making the market more competitive. Economists generally expect the average rate on a 30-year mortgage to remain near the mid-6% range this year. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

A family doctor was arrested after trying to convince a mom to let him groom and have a sexual relationship with her 5-year-old daughter, police say. MONROE COUNTY, Michigan — A Michigan family doctor was arrested after soliciting a mom to have a sexual relationship with her 5-year-old daughter, Florida police say. An investigation began into William Murdoch in June 2025 when he began chatting with a "mom" online, who was actually an undercover detective from Florida. Police say Murdoch was pursuing a platonic relationship with the woman to see if she would allow her daughter, 5, to be courted by and have a sexual relationship with him. Murdoch sent "stomach-churning" messages about his plans to groom the child and turn the situation sexual, investigators say. They say Murdoch went into detail about his "demented behavior" that they say is "too explicit to share in its entirety." Detectives say a digital forensic exam into Murdoch's iCloud account showed additional "alarming" interactions. Murdoch was apparently using his training as a medical professional to assist in conversations about "conception, full-term abortions, and intentional drug and alcohol use to cause birth defects," officials say. Murdoch was arrested by U.S. Marshals on charges of soliciting a parent to consent to the participation in sexual conduct involving a child. He will be extradited to Florida.  Murdoch worked as a family physician at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital in Monroe County, Michigan, but was put on suspension immediately after the charges were announced. 

Musk had a public breakup with the Republican president earlier this year. WASHINGTON —  President Donald Trump will host a high-powered list of tech CEOs for a dinner at the White House on Thursday night. The guest list is set to include Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and a dozen other executives from the biggest artificial intelligence and tech firms, according to the White House. One notable absence from the guest list is Elon Musk, once a close ally of Trump, whom the Republican president tasked with running the government-slashing Department of Government Efficiency. Musk had a public breakup with Trump earlier this year. The dinner will be held in the Rose Garden, where Trump recently paved over the grassy lawn and set up tables, chairs and umbrellas that look strikingly similar to the outdoor setup at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. “The Rose Garden Club at the White House is the hottest place to be in Washington, or perhaps the world," White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in a statement. "The president looks forward to welcoming top business, political, and tech leaders for this dinner and the many dinners to come on the new, beautiful Rose Garden patio." The event will follow a meeting of the White House's new Artificial Intelligence Education task force, which first lady Melania Trump will chair. “During this primitive stage, it is our duty to treat AI as we would our own children — empowering, but with watchful guidance," she said in a statement. “We are living in a moment of wonder, and it is our responsibility to prepare America’s children. The White House confirmed that the guest list for the dinner is also set to include Google founder Sergey Brin and CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and founder Greg Brockman, Oracle CEO Safra Catz, Blue Origin CEO David Limp, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, TIBCO Software chairman Vivek Ranadive, Palantir executive Shyam Sankar, Scale AI founder and CEO Alexandr Wang and Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman. Isaacman was an associate of Musk whom Trump nominated to lead NASA, only to revoke the nomination around the time of his breakup with Musk. Trump cited the revocation of the nomination as one of the reasons Musk was upset with him and called Isaacman “totally a Democrat.” The dinner was first reported Wednesday by The Hill. Trump’s outreach to top tech executives could deepen emerging divides within the Republican Party. One of Trump’s closest allies in Congress, Sen. Josh Hawley, delivered a sharp criticism of the tech industry during a speech at a conservative conference in Washington on Thursday morning. He criticized the lack of regulation around artificial intelligence and singled out Meta and ChatGPT. The Missouri senator also blasted a recent congressional effort that nearly passed which would have barred states and local governments from regulating AI for ten years. Trump, meanwhile, has criticized states for holding back AI innovation with regulations. Hawley accused conservatives of pushing to abandon states’ rights “all in the name of what? Big tech?” “The government should inspect all of these frontier AI systems so we can better understand what the tech titans plan to build and destroy,” Hawley added. At least some of the attendees at the president’s dinner are expected to participate in the task force meeting, which aims to develop AI education for American youths. Last month, the first lady launched a nationwide contest for students in grades K-12 to use AI to complete a project or address a community challenge. The project was aimed at showing benefits of AI, while Trump has also highlighted its drawbacks. Melania Trump lobbied Congress this year to pass legislation that imposes penalties for online sexual exploitation using imagery that is real or an AI-generated deepfake. The president signed the “Take It Down Act” in May. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

There are Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations around the Lower Sugarloaf fire 12 miles north of Leavenworth. CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. — The Sugarloaf fire in Chelan County is prompting evacuations two days after it sparked in central Washington.  The Lower Sugarloaf fire was first reported on Monday, around 12 miles north of Leavenworth. The fire exploded in size from 100 acres to 6,222 acres Thursday, according to the Northwest Interagency Fire Center.  Chelan County has issued Level 3, Go Now! evacuations for Mad River Road from address 427 and up. Level 2 evacuations are in place for Mad River Road up to address 426, Arden Road, River Road, Moe Ride Road, Mill Street, Red Hill Road and Two River Road. People who live in these areas should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice.  Level 1 evacuations are in place for Nahahum Canyon, including Indian Rock Lane and up, Olalla at milepost 1 and up, Hay Canyon from the end of the pavement up, Derby Canyon Road from 9088 and up, and Entiat River Road from Roaring Creek Road to Mud Creek, to include Roaring Creek Road.  For the most up-to-date evacuation levels, check this map updated by Chelan County Emergency Management. People who don't live in the Entiat River Valley are directed to stay away from Entiat River Road as it's needed by first responders and people who are evacuating from the area.  People are also asked to stay away from the Mad River Trail System, the Tommy Creek area, Tyee area, French Corral and Pine Flats Campground, in addition to Merry Canyon, Second Creek, Eagle Creek, Van Creek, Derby Canyon and Chumstick Mountain areas on the Wenatchee River Ranger District.  Officials say they are seeing "extreme fire behavior," and dry and gusty conditions persist in the area. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the east side of the Cascades until Thursday at 9 p.m.

SEATTLE — The Seattle Kraken unveiled the team's first-ever third jersey on Thursday with a very unique element. The jersey is all-black and has glow-in-the-dark elements, which the team says is a nod to the bioluminescence found in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. “When we set out to design a third jersey, we wanted to create something a bit more menacing and intense,” said Kraken Vice President of Brand Aaron Wiggan. “We drew our inspiration from the eerie shadows of the deep Pacific Northwest waters. The result is the franchise’s first all-black kit that includes an Ice Blue, glow-in-the-dark outline on the crest – a nod to the incredible bioluminescence found in these waters. We're extremely proud of how it turned out, and we can't wait to see our players and fans in this new look.” The jersey will be worn for the first time during the Kraken's game on Saturday, Nov. 1 against the New York Rangers at Climate Pledge Arena. As opposed to other past alternate jerseys the Kraken wore as part of the "Reverse Retro" league-wide theme or the Winter Classic Jersey, this jersey will be worn for at least the upcoming season and the two after that. In addition to the black jersey, players will don black gloves, shorts and socks along with matte black helmets. "This is an exciting new look for our team, and the jersey is phenomenal," said Kraken captain Jordan Eberle. "The glow-in-the-dark element is really unique, and it's such an eye-catching look. I love the inspiration behind it and all the details that went into the design. We hope it will add to the incredible atmosphere at Climate Pledge Arena." Season-ticket holders will be able to pre-order the jersey beginning Friday through Sept. 10. The public presale for the jersey will begin on Sept. 11 and the jerseys will be available at Kraken Team Store locations and online beginning Oct. 5. In addition to the Nov. 1 game, the Kraken will wear the jersey during the following games in the 2025-26 regular season. Nov. 5 vs. San JoseNov. 26 vs. DallasDec. 4 at EdmontonDec. 8 vs. MinnesotaDec. 29 vs. VancouverJan. 6 vs. BostonJan. 23 vs. AnaheimJan. 25 vs. New JerseyMarch 4 vs. St. LouisMarch 12 vs. ColoradoApril 9 vs. Vegas

Over a dozen Americans won at least $1 million in Wednesday night's Powerball drawing, but the jackpot continues to grow. WASHINGTON — The Powerball jackpot is nearing record territory, soaring to $1.7 billion after nobody won the grand prize on Wednesday night.  Wednesday's drawing was for an estimated $1.4 billion, or a $654.3 million cash payout. Although nobody won the grand prize, there were over a dozen million-dollar prizes for those who matched all five white balls. The drawing also produced 117 winners of $50,000 by matching four numbers and the Powerball, plus another 36 won $100,000 by doing the same and adding the Power Play option.  There were 11 tickets that hit five numbers without the Powerball to claim $1 million each, plus four tickets matched all five white balls and increased their winnings to $2 million, by including the Power Play option. Many Americans won at least some sort of prize. Over 3.2 million players matched only the Powerball, each winning $4, while another 1.3 million tickets matched the Powerball and one other number, also earning $4. At least 221,000 players matched three numbers for $7, while nearly 181,000 tickets matched two numbers plus the Powerball for the same prize. More than 12,000 players matched either three numbers and the Powerball, or four numbers, scoring $100 each. Here are the some of the states with the biggest winners: CaliforniaTwo lucky winners in California became millionaires after matching all five numbers. According to California Lottery, the winning tickets were sold in Bakersfield and Riverside. ColoradoOne person in Colorado won two million dollars after matching five numbers and playing in the “Power Play.” FloridaOne lucky person in Florida was able to match five white balls to win a $1 million prize. GeorgiaTwo people in the Peach State matched five white-ball numbers to claim a $1 million prize. IllinoisA $1 million Powerball ticket was sold in Illinois, with the winner matching the five white ball numbers. MarylandOne winner in Maryland received the $1 million prize after matching five white ball numbers.  MichiganA Powerball ticket winning $1 million was bought at the Sunkiss Market in Detroit, with all five white balls matched, and a Power Play multiplier that brought the prize to $2 million. Minnesota  One lucky winner won $1 million after matching five white ball numbers. OhioA $1 million ticket was sold at a Sheetz gas station in Canfield, located southwest of Youngstown. OregonTwo players in Oregon each won $1 million after matching five white ball numbers. PennsylvaniaA $1 million Powerball ticket was sold in Pennsylvania, with the winner matching the five white ball numbers. TexasOne lucky Houston player won a $2 million prize from a ticket purchased at Barri 140088, located at 601 North Cesar Chavez Blvd. in Houston. The ticket matched all five white balls, but not the Powerball number. Because the player added the Power Play multiplier option, their prize doubled from $1 million to $2 million. One winner in Wyoming won two million dollars after matching five numbers and playing in the “Power Play.” Here is the full list of nationwide winners and their prizes from Wednesday's drawing: $2 million prize: 4 winners$1 million prize: 11 winners$100,000 prize: 36 winners$50,000 prize: 117 winners$200 prize: 3,207 winners$100 prize: 12,373 winners$14 prize: 103,341 winners$8 prize: 1,173,994 winners$7 prize: 402,432 winners$4 prize: 4,633,418 winners Winning Powerball Numbers for Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Wednesday's winning numbers were 3-16-29-61-69 and Powerball 22. The Power Play multiplier was 2x. If a winner matches all five numbers and the Powerball, they have the option to take the full jackpot paid out over 30 years, or a smaller cash payout. Winners almost always take the cash option. Even with the smaller lump sum payout, federal taxes will eat into those winnings, and some states also tax big lottery prizes.  What are the odds of winning the Powerball? The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are one in 292.2 million. The odds of matching all five white balls and winning the $1 million prize are 1 in 11,688,053. The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.87. When is the Powerball drawing? The Powerball drawing takes place live at 10:59 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets, which cost $2 per play, are sold in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Saks 5th Avenue at InterContinental Bellevue Saks Fifth Avenue has opened The Fifth Avenue Club at the InterContinental Bellevue, offering a private, by-appointment shopping experience outside its traditional stores in Seattle for the first time. The Bellevue location blends luxury with a Pacific Northwest sensibility, giving both locals and visitors the opportunity to work with expert Saks stylists. During appointments, stylists hand-select merchandise for each client in a private suite, creating a tailored, high-touch shopping experience. The club also hosts private events, including designer trunk shows and seasonal previews, giving clients early access to standout pieces. Appointments begin with an in-person or virtual consultation to discuss personal style, wardrobe needs, sizing, and designer preferences. Afterward, stylists curate a selection of clothing, accessories, fine jewelry, and footwear from nearby Saks stores, presented in the private suite. Every session is designed to be discreet and personalized, helping clients build a lasting relationship with their stylist. The new club is part of Saks Fifth Avenue’s expansion on the West Coast, offering a modern approach to luxury personal shopping. The Fifth Avenue Club extends Saks’ in-store personal shopping services. There is no fee to join, and clients pay only for the items they choose during their session. For more information or to book an appointment, visit seattle-bellevue@saks.com.

The '80s rock band publicly offered to play at the couple's wedding because, as they put it, they know what love is. WASHINGTON — British rock band Foreigner has publicly offered to be Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's official wedding band.  In an Instagram post Wednesday, the band penned an open letter to the A-list couple, who recently announced their engagement. "Dear Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, we know what love is. We spent 40 years figuring it out... and now you guys have too," the band wrote for the post. "Please accept this as our formal offer to be your wedding band. Best wishes, Foreigner."  The Instagram post, with a teal background and orange letter, matched the theme for Swift's upcoming album "The Life of a Showgirl."  The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers are known for their iconic 80s songs, including "I Want to Know What Love Is," "Feels Like the First Time" and "Juke Box Hero." It's unclear whether Swift or Kelce are going to accept the offer, but time will tell whether the British rock band will play at the famed couple's wedding. It's not yet known when they plan to tie the knot, but it likely wouldn't be until after the NFL season.  Swift and Kelce announced their engagement in late August with a series of photos of the proposal in a garden. "Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨," Swift captioned the post. Kelce recently opened up about the proposal, addressing the news for the first time on Wednesday's episode of his "New Heights" podcast with his brother Jason Kelce.  “It’s been really fun telling everybody who I’m going to be spending the rest of my life with,” Kelce said, thanking fans and friends for their well-wishes. Travis admitted he still “gets giddy” about calling Swift his fiancée and noted he used the term publicly for the first time while attending the University of Nebraska versus University of Cincinnati football game with Swift.“It was the first time introducing Taylor as my fiancée to a few of my teammates,” he recalled. “So yeah, it was pretty cool.” Katrina Morgan contributed to this report.