Remember when we used to call the Internet the "information superhighway"? Today, that highway is starting to resemble the route Mad Max traveled in The Road Warrior. You can't go out on it without inviting an attack. Hardly a week goes by without seeing news reports about another corporation being sabotaged by hackers ... Sony, Intel, Google, and Lockheed are some of the more high profile victims.

For consumers, the biggest cyber threat is identity theft and stolen credit card numbers. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. This month on The Digital Future, Strategic News Service publisher Mark Anderson looks at the huge increase in Advanced Persistent Threats: efforts by nation-states to steal information and technology.

QUINCY, Wash. – Located just north of the Gorge in the eastern part of the state, the town of Quincy used to be a stop for trains to get more water. But in the last five years it’s quickly becoming a regional center for the online world. That’s because email messages, family photos and tax info are being stored in huge data centers here.

It’s a new kind of crop for this rural farming community, but some are asking if the bounty will last?

The Washington State Patrol says dogs that sniff for explosives at state ferry terminals will find fireworks.

The patrol says ferry riders should store fireworks where they are accessible for troopers to examine. Any illegal fireworks will be confiscated, and the owners could be prosecuted.

Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee says he is running for governor to build a new job-creating economy in the state.

Inslee officially launched his campaign Monday morning at a biotech firm in downtown Seattle. He says he understands the array of jobs in the state because he's done everything from driving bulldozers, to practicing law to teaching community college classes.

Donations have saved the police department's mounted patrol from budget cuts.

The city wanted to eliminate it last year, but the non-profit Seattle Police Foundation stepped in and promised to finance it until 2014 with support from the Seattle Hotel Association.

Officials at Joint Base Lewis-McChord are hopeful they're making progress against the stigma that keeps some soldiers from getting help for mental health issues.

More of the same: mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Forecast here.

Making headlines around the Northwest:

• Washington state abandons all tourism marketing
• Off the wire: Gas prices fall; mountain rescue, more
• New rules for state crab harvest
• Popular sculpture park on Chehalis trail to close
• Spelling bee set for seniors in Everett

Memphis, Tenn., is known as the birthplace of rock 'n roll. But KPLU's Nick Morrison says it should also be known for the blues.

Nick gives five examples of how Memphis and its neighbor, West Memphis, Ark., rank right up there with the Mississippi Delta and Chicago when it comes to launching the careers of influential blues artists.

The true cost of the new annual pass for Washington state parks will be $30 plus fees, when purchased online or at a licensed dealer.

The Seattle terror plot federal authorities say they foiled this week may have been fueled – in part – by alleged war crimes committed by Washington-based soldiers. Court documents indicate one of the terrorism suspects referred to alleged "atrocities" by soldiers charged in the so-called "kill team" case.

It's the first weekend of summer and the state is buzzing with events and festivals from Vancouver, B.C., to Port Orchard. Follow the link for five fun events happening this weekend.

After 25 successful years, Emerald Queen Casino’s Taste of Tacoma still remains Tacoma’s best and most affordable family festival!

Starting tonight, it will be a busy next few days for sports enthusiasts – with Sounders’ soccer matches, Mariners’ baseball games, and the huge Rock ‘n Roll Marathon on Saturday, reports the Seattle Department of Transportation.

If you’re unemployed or have a job but are living pay check to pay check, Seattle’s City Council wants you to think of them the next time you’re in a financial jam. 

How long would you guess it takes to raise more than $4 million dollars for charity? In King County, give it 17 hours. That’s how long it took The Seattle Foundation to raise more than 18,000 donations in its one-day GiveBIG Challenge.