AGP Executive Report

Labor & Courts: A Washington Home Depot worker is asking a federal judge to certify a class of more than 21,000 employees over alleged “moonlighting” limits, claiming company policies blocked second jobs and side work. Public Health: Clark County officials are investigating a confirmed measles case tied to an unvaccinated child and warning of possible exposure at a Vancouver clinic. Education: A new state-by-state look at NAEP math and reading scores ranks Washington among the states with wide gaps in performance. Local Health Care: Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics in Colfax received a Medicare Quality Incentive Program award for quality improvements. Wildfire Watch (Inland Northwest): Fire crews in northeast Spokane and near Inchelium are bracing for wind and lightning as major fires continue to grow and evacuation orders remain in place. Community & Culture: Olympia-area readers also got a reminder of local fundraising and events, including a library fundraiser and more summer happenings. Tech & Local Impact: A nationwide wave of protests against data centers drew action in 42 states, including Washington.

Public Health: Clark County confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated child and warned of possible exposure at Vancouver Clinic’s Salmon Creek 1 Clinic (July 17, 1:30–5:30 p.m.), urging unvaccinated people to stay home for 21 days and call ahead if symptoms appear. Public Safety: Seattle police reported results from “Operation Circuit Breaker,” a two-day Aurora Avenue crackdown aimed at human trafficking and violence, contacting 60 people and linking some cases to prior enforcement. Courts & Gambling: A King County judge issued a preliminary injunction against Kalshi, saying the prediction market likely violates Washington’s gambling laws. Immigration Data: UW researchers say federal immigration agents used Washington driver data via a national system, citing 58 confirmed arrests tied to DOL information. Health Watch: State health officials are tracking a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, saying local risk is low but urging safe food practices and attention to prolonged diarrhea. Local Politics: Seattle voters will decide in November on a 0.3% sales tax increase to expand transit, as the city faces a major budget deficit and ongoing affordability concerns.

Budget Crunch in Olympia: Washington’s operating budget has grown 230% since 2001, even as lawmakers wrestle with projected deficits, with Pew Charitable Trusts now helping shape recommendations due in November. Local Housing & Transit: Seattle voters will decide on tax increases tied to a transit measure, while councilmembers push for more “responsible spending” amid a reported $175 million budget gap. Central District Community: Byrd Barr Place transferred the First Right of Refusal for the Liberty Bank Building to Africatown Community Land Trust, aiming to keep the landmark in Black community stewardship. Public Safety & Courts: The Washington Supreme Court faces major turnover, and Chief Justice Debra Stephens is pitching “stabilizing leadership” ahead of elections. Business Watch: West Marine is closing 32 more stores, including Bellevue and Olympia, as it continues bankruptcy-related shutdowns. Culture & Community: The Strand Theatre screens “Horsegirls” with a producer Q&A. Sports (Seattle): Mariners host the Reds at T-Mobile Park.

Federal Courts & Immigration: Roger Rogoff, the Seattle U.S. attorney fired less than an hour after being sworn in, sued the Trump administration Tuesday, arguing the removal was unlawful and challenging DOJ’s authority. Public Safety: Federal Way police are seeking a suspect in a May assault on an elderly man; the victim was punched, then the suspect drove off in a silver Jeep Compass. Wildfire Smoke & Heat: A heat advisory and wildfire smoke are affecting Western Washington, with air quality ranging from good to unhealthy for sensitive groups in parts of the state. Missing Person: Seattle police asked for help finding Diangelo McKinney, missing since July 6 from the Lake City area. Local Politics & Food Access: Seattle City Council is set to debate universal free school meals versus delaying and switching to targeted aid. Business/Tech: WSU launched new AI-focused career certificate programs through its Carson College of Business. Law & Gambling: A judge ruled Kalshi likely violates Washington gambling laws, setting up next steps for an injunction. Community Spotlight: “Jimothy” the viral Seattle raccoon got a mention on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” boosting the local meme-fueled spotlight.

Kalshi Ban Fight: A Washington judge granted the state a preliminary injunction against prediction-market firm Kalshi, saying it runs illegal gambling under state law and isn’t protected by federal rules—setting up a potential statewide shutdown. Local School Budget: Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District cut maintenance spending more than 5% in its proposed 2027 budget, including a 6.6% drop in instruction supplies, as enrollment and carryforward shifts reshape spending. Olympia Health Access: Providence Swedish’s Mobile Health Clinic is bringing walk-up primary care to downtown Olympia’s unhoused community, offering labs, refills, imaging, and referrals where people already are. Housing Costs: Seattle leaders advanced a proposal to curb “junk” rental fees by requiring clearer advertising and fully itemized lease charges. Public Safety & Courts: A WSP trooper accused of stalking an ex-girlfriend faces possible decertification after oral arguments in Snohomish County. Business & Jobs: WatchGuard says it’s expanding “multi-model” AI defenses for managed service providers, while True Food Kitchen named Jeff Chandler CEO.

Local Budget Watch: Washington lawmakers, budget officials, and business and labor leaders are launching a two-year effort to explain why state budget shortfalls keep showing up—and what to change to close structural gaps. Health Care: A U.S. Senate vote kept Washington’s Medicare AI pilot (WISeR) running for now, after Sen. Maria Cantwell argued it risks a “black box” replacing doctor-patient decisions. Wildfire & Evacuations: The Kaiser Canyon Fire surged again, reaching 62,873 acres, with Level 3 evacuation orders still in place around Nespelem. Public Safety: A 4-year-old abducted from Kennewick was found safe in Pasco; investigators are still seeking the armed, dangerous suspect, with a $2,000 reward. Community Support in Heat: Thurston County issued a hazardous weather advisory and is expanding shelter-in-place help, including longer hours at Sergio’s Place. Local Economy & Taxes: A Seattle restaurant owner was charged in federal court for allegedly failing to pay more than $1 million in payroll taxes. Business/Industry: Boeing says it’s doing early work on a possible new aircraft design, but wants to fix finances and deliver delayed planes first. Human Interest: Seattle’s viral “Jimothy” raccoon—possibly with a congenital short-spine condition—keeps inspiring memes, art, and merch.

Local Economy & Housing: Bellingham is gathering signatures for a ballot initiative to ban algorithmic rental pricing software, arguing the tools can push rents up and create a price-fixing effect; the move follows similar Washington-area efforts. Public Safety & Health: A CDC-linked Salmonella outbreak tied to backyard poultry has sickened 513 people across 43 states, including one death in Washington, with children under five hit hardest. City Services & Infrastructure: Spokane County is expanding sewer and water lines in the Seven Mile area, closing Seven Mile Road until Aug. 31 and rerouting traffic via Old Trails and Inland roads. Business & Jobs: Meta is cutting another 1,400 roles in Washington starting July 22 as it shifts more staff into AI work after earlier layoffs. Regional Industry: Boeing will add a new 737 MAX final assembly line at its Everett facility, ending the long Renton-only tradition. Community Spotlight: The Mark Olympia in downtown Olympia blends an Italian restaurant with a rotating local art gallery, continuing its 2001 mission to support artists.

Amber Alert Update (Kennewick): A 4-year-old girl, Grace Susmilch, was found safe in Pasco after being forcibly taken in Kennewick; the father, Matthew Susmilch, remains the suspect on the run and is described as armed and dangerous. Wildfire Watch (Northeast WA): The Neff Jones Fire near Kahlotus grew rapidly and reached about 72 square miles, threatening Nespelem; crews are building a buffer zone and shifting tactics as winds change. Public Safety (Renton): An 11-years-later plea for answers continues in the 2015 Renton murder of 21-year-old Reese Ali, with no arrests made and the family asking anyone with information to come forward. Local Government/Transit (Pacific County): Pacific Transit approved a $5 million bond anticipation note to cover a budget shortfall after a missed WSDOT grant renewal. Community & Business (Yakima): Yakima City Council approved a grant application for Yakima Valley Trolleys as the nonprofit seeks to restore and expand trolley service. Health (Puget Sound beaches): Several Puget Sound beaches were closed due to high bacteria and toxic algae, with officials warning of illness risks from swimming.

Endangered Species Act Fight: Washington tribes and environmental groups sued the federal government in Western Washington over Trump-era changes to the Endangered Species Act, arguing the administration rescinded the legal meaning of “harm” and could open the door to damaging habitat for salmon, steelhead, grizzly bears and northern spotted owls. Local Governance: Renton’s City Council unanimously passed a resolution affirming the city as a “welcoming and protective city” for LGBTQIA2S+ residents, tying it to state anti-discrimination and “Shield Law” commitments. Public Safety: An AMBER Alert remains active for 4-year-old Grace Susmilch, abducted in Kennewick; authorities say her father, Matthew Susmilch, took her and is believed to be traveling in an unknown direction. Congress Watch (Central WA): Six Republicans vying for Washington’s 4th District seat discussed wildfires, election integrity and crypto at a Yakima forum. Sports & Community: Caitlin Clark made WNBA history with 45 points and 10 assists in a Seattle game that also sparked fresh controversy around officiating and league handling of coach remarks.

Local Safety & Accountability: A Seattle judge ordered the city to address unlawful activity at Denny Blaine Park, citing ongoing lewd conduct that interferes with public use. Public Health & Community: Washington health officials reported no cyclosporiasis outbreak in the state as national cases rise, while separate reporting tracked “explosive” diarrhea cases and beach advisories. Education: An Edmonds teacher accused of inappropriate touching was kept in a classroom for 20 months, raising questions about how the district handled repeated complaints. State Economy & Jobs: Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke warned Olympia lawmakers that business confidence is souring, while Verizon announced layoffs of 54 Washington employees. Immigration & Protest: Dozens rallied on Seattle’s Capitol Hill demanding an end to ICE actions after multiple deadly incidents nationwide. Business & Consumer Watch: Amazon agreed to a proposed $201 million judgment in a Washington social casino app case, spotlighting gambling-like in-app purchases. Sports & Downtown Momentum: New data says World Cup games drew 3+ million visitors to downtown Seattle, up 17% from 2025.

PGA Tour & Seattle: The PGA Tour is reshaping its 2028 schedule, and Seattle is reportedly in the mix for a new top-tier event slot—its last PGA Tour stop was the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay in University Place. Ballot Watch: Washington’s initiative to repeal the state “millionaires tax” has qualified for the November ballot, setting up a major fight over who pays more. Olympia/Tumwater History: A new piece spotlights artist Eli Glover’s late-1870s bird’s-eye views that helped market Olympia and Tumwater on the eve of statehood. Health & Education: Olympic Medical Center Foundation in the Peninsula region awarded $500,000+ in scholarships to dozens pursuing healthcare careers, aiming to grow the local workforce. Sports: The Mariners return from the All-Star break for a home stretch, while Jason Foley is back for the Giants after a long shoulder recovery. Community Events: West Seattle’s Saturday lineup includes the West Seattle Grand Parade and the Float Dodger 5K for the West Seattle Food Bank.

Wildfire Smoke & Health: Spokane is under hazardous air quality from Eastern Washington and North Idaho wildfires, with some areas spiking far beyond the AQI chart, prompting emergency alerts. Beach Safety: Public Health Seattle & King County issued swimming and water-contact advisories at several beaches after high bacteria and toxic algae were found. Public Health Alert: A rabid bat was confirmed near the University of Washington; officials urge anyone with possible contact to seek rabies prevention care right away. Local Economy & Community: Renton’s Legacy Square park is credited with bringing World Cup crowds downtown and is set to host more watch parties as part of a broader $15 million revitalization plan. Education Funding: Walla Walla Head Start received a last-minute federal grant to keep the program running through December, but leaders warn future funding is unclear. Labor Update: Longview workers got an extension of continuation pay after a deadly implosion at a packaging facility, pushing the deadline to October 11. World Cup Security: Police and security dogs, including a Labrador named Kali, were deployed across host cities to sniff out threats during the tournament.

Adult Family Home Minimum Wage Ruling: Washington’s Supreme Court ruled adult family home workers must be paid the state minimum wage, even for live-in caregivers, with retroactive pay questions sent back to a trial court—potentially affecting thousands of workers statewide. SODO Housing Battle: Seattle’s long-running fight over housing near the stadium area is heating up again, as city planning recommendations and a proposed residential ban collide with appeals from housing advocates and labor groups. Suicide Prevention Cutback: A year after the Trump administration shut down the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth specialized services, advocates say access to tailored crisis support remains severely limited. Local Crash Update: Two Pacific County residents were injured in a July 16 head-on crash on SR 109 in Grays Harbor County; the Washington State Patrol said speed was too fast for conditions. Bremerton Online Impersonation: Police say a man accused in an online child-exploitation case was actually targeted by criminal impersonation, and investigators shared findings with the FBI. Banking Snapshot: New rankings show Washington credit unions and banks reporting strong commercial lending growth in Q1.

Public Health: Spokane is “aware but not alarmed” as a nationwide Cyclospora outbreak continues, with Washington reporting 27 cases statewide and none linked to Spokane County so far. Education Policy: Gov. Ferguson’s proposal to require Washington high school seniors to complete FAFSA is drawing questions, but experts say it’s not a loan and families can opt out or use the state alternative WAFSA. Local Transit: Seattle’s transit measure is still alive after a long City Council committee fight—if voters approve in August, the sales tax would rise to 0.3% and expand bus service. Energy: AG Nick Brown is joining a coalition to challenge the Defense Department’s freeze on routine reviews for land-based wind projects, including multiple proposed sites in Washington. Public Safety: A Level 3 sex offender released from McNeil Island has moved to Enumclaw, and neighbors say they weren’t notified. Health & Environment: Point Defiance Zoo confirmed one puffin death involved avian psittacosis and is keeping the habitat closed while precautions continue. Elections: Let’s Go Washington’s initiative to repeal the state “millionaire’s tax” is certified for the November ballot.

Federal Courts vs. Trump: Seattle’s newly appointed U.S. attorney Roger Rogoff was sworn in and then fired by President Donald Trump less than an hour later, after federal judges had unanimously selected him—setting up a fresh clash over who can remove top prosecutors. Detention Oversight: Washington won preliminary injunctions against the GEO Group in Tacoma, with a judge saying state health inspectors are likely to be allowed in under the 2023 law. State Politics & Money: Washington voters are set to weigh in on an income tax question this fall, as campaigns ramp up around “millionaires tax” repeal. Local Governance: Tukwila is considering a camping restriction ordinance that would make camping in public spaces a misdemeanor, framed as a last-resort tool for people refusing services. Public Safety & Community: A Spokane wildfire mitigation coalition is coordinating across jurisdictions to target fuel reduction and tree thinning where it matters most. Health & Food: Washington reports “explosive” cyclosporiasis cases nationwide while local levels remain lower; meanwhile, King County ballots are in the mail for the Aug. 4 primary. Business & Jobs: Aer Lingus plans to cut up to 500 jobs and reduce routes after a €103 million quarterly loss.

Income Tax Fight: Washington’s “millionaires tax” repeal initiative (I-645) is now officially headed to the November ballot after the Secretary of State certified more than 500,000 signatures, setting up a high-stakes showdown over a 9.9% tax on household income above $1 million starting in 2029. Public Health: A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to “explosive” diarrhea has reached Washington, with dozens of cases reported as the CDC warns symptoms can include watery diarrhea, fatigue, cramps, and nausea. Local Safety: Washington State Patrol SWAT training is planned at Vanguard Academy in Moses Lake this week, with residents asked to avoid the campus during Wednesday–Friday exercises. Jobs Watch: Washington’s unemployment report for June shows the rate staying near flat while job gains and losses shift between public and private sectors. Housing & Community: Common Roots Housing Trust is bringing affordable, community land-trust homes to Waitsburg, using 99-year leases and restricted resale pricing to keep homes affordable long-term. Health Care Quality: Whitman Hospital in Colfax earned a state quality excellence award for rural care improvements. Library Update: Kent Library will close Aug. 30 for a $5.6 million renovation, with services rerouted to nearby locations.