AGP Executive Report

WNBA: Napheesa Collier is cleared to return for the Minnesota Lynx and is listed probable for Wednesday’s game at the Seattle Storm, though coach Cheryl Reeve says Collier will be on a minutes restriction. Local Housing: Washington’s new law gives tenants the right to install portable AC units, limiting what landlords can do to block them during hot weather. Education: Mukilteo School District is sending a $400 million bond package back to voters in November after it narrowly failed in February. Sports (Seattle): The Seahawks placed RB Zach Charbonnet on the PUP list as he recovers from a torn ACL. Business/Local Media: Business NH Magazine was accepted into the Local Media Association’s Lab for Journalism Funding, part of a program expanding civic journalism support. Olympia/Tumwater: The Olympia Tumwater Foundation plans a History & Nature Center at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. Wildfire/Health: Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to trigger air quality alerts across northern states, including Washington.

NHL Contract Watch: Dallas Stars have signed forward Jason Robertson to a one-year, $12 million deal, ending his arbitration filing and keeping the 27-year-old star in place for now. MLB—Seattle: Eugenio Suárez homered against his former team as Chase Burns held the Mariners to three hits in a 4-2 Reds win, snapping Seattle’s three-game streak at T-Mobile Park. WNBA—Local Return: Napheesa Collier is listed probable for the Minnesota Lynx’s visit to Seattle, her first action since ankle injuries sidelined her after last year’s playoffs. Transit—West Seattle: Sound Transit is proposing to end ST Express Route 560 service in West Seattle, pushing airport riders toward connections and setting up a future replacement line. State & Federal Politics: Sen. Patty Murray signaled Democrats won’t back Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s request for more than $87 billion for the Iran war. Community & Culture: The Seattle Design Festival returns Aug. 15-20, and Seattle’s World Cup legacy continues to be celebrated through local art and events.

WNBA, Seattle: Kayla McBride hit six 3s and scored 33 as the Minnesota Lynx beat the Seattle Storm 105-102 for their sixth straight win Monday. Sports, Mariners: Cal Raleigh’s grand slam helped the Mariners crush the Reds 8-0 after Cincinnati trailed 3-0 in the seventh. Public safety, Kennewick: A 4-year-old abducted from Kennewick was found safe in Pasco early Sunday; her father accused of taking her remains on the run. Education finance: A judge ordered Washington to pay about $120M in teacher pension skimming interest, but the state is appealing. Environment & health: Ecology issued an air quality alert for eastern Washington, including Walla Walla, with very unhealthy AQI reported, plus a heat advisory. Roads, Lewis County: WSDOT paving and repairs are set to smooth travel on I-5 and US 12 through September. Business & climate: AG Nick Brown co-led a challenge to an EPA rule that weakens limits on highly potent greenhouse gas refrigerants. Local culture, Seattle: Jimothy the viral raccoon got an official limited-edition bobblehead.

Mariners’ Big Swing: Cal Raleigh launched a sixth career grand slam and George Kirby tossed six scoreless innings as Seattle beat the Reds 8-0 at T-Mobile Park, with Julio Rodríguez leaving after a hamstring hit. WNBA in Seattle: Kayla McBride hit 33 points and the Minnesota Lynx edged the Seattle Storm 105-102, setting up another matchup Wednesday. WSU Recruiting: Washington State landed its first 2027 commitment, three-star guard Jaylen McLaughlin of Bothell, a top in-state scorer. Local Business Milestone: VECA Electric & Technologies marked 80 years in Seattle, built on veteran employment and major Northwest projects. Community Spotlight: A Vashon Island family is searching for a stolen 350-pound pet pig, Brida, taken during a festival outing. Sports Culture Moment: The viral “Jimothy” raccoon continues to inspire Seattle art and donations.

Affordable Housing Push: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced $110M in new funding to build, preserve, and expand affordable rental housing, tied to the 2023 Housing Levy and aimed at preventing displacement. Wildfire Watch (Eastern WA): Four fast-moving wildfires in the Kahlotus area prompted state firefighting support, with Level 2 evacuation notices issued for the Lyons Ferry, Neff Jones, and Wallace Walker fires as crews work to protect homes, crops, and infrastructure. Heat & Fire Risk (Statewide): With warmer conditions, BLM says fire restrictions remain in effect on public lands in Oregon and Washington and urges visitors to follow local rules; emergency managers are also using AI camera networks to spot smoke sooner. Local Courts & Safety: A Naches woman was charged in Yakima County with attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault after an alleged stabbing of her father; he was flown to Harborview in Seattle. Puget Sound Life: Seattle’s “Jimothy” raccoon continues to inspire pop-art murals and auctions, with proceeds tied to local community groups. Sports (Seattle): The Seattle Storm host the Minnesota Lynx at Climate Pledge Arena, while the Mariners open a Reds series at T-Mobile Park.

Seattle Utilities Relief: The Seattle City Council unanimously expanded its Utility Discount Program for low-income households, with 60% off Seattle City Light bills and 50% off Seattle Public Utilities starting January 2027. Wildfire Readiness: U.S. fire officials raised national wildfire preparedness to Level 5, the highest tier, with the Northwest hit hardest by new large fires and heavy staffing. Northeast Washington Fire Threat: The Kaiser Canyon wildfire surged past 50,000 acres, threatening Nespelem and the Colville Reservation, with evacuations already underway. Tri-Cities Amber Alert Update: A 4-year-old Kennewick girl was found safe in Pasco after an abduction; police say her father is still missing and armed. Local Community Safety: West Seattle’s Morgan Community Association meeting highlighted precinct crime drops and traffic concerns around Fauntleroy Way. Housing/Real Estate: A small Seattle apartment building sold for $2.9 million, according to King County records. Sports: The Mariners beat the Giants 6-3, with Luke Raley and Cole Young homering. Culture: Seattle’s viral “Jimothy” raccoon continues to charm the internet.

Renters’ Rights: Washington’s new portable AC law (SB 6200) limits what landlords can block as heat ramps up, including rules around window units and conditions for safe installation. Wildfire Watch: A brush fire near Liberty Lake triggered overnight evacuations; crews contained it and downgraded alerts after about 11 acres burned. Public Safety: An AMBER Alert for 4-year-old Grace Susmilch in Kennewick was issued and then canceled after she was found safe. Seattle Community: “Jimothy,” a mutant raccoon with short-spine syndrome, keeps going viral as locals share sightings and videos. Sports—Seattle: The Mariners host the Giants at T-Mobile Park, with Julio Rodríguez back in the lineup after concussion IL. WNBA: The Fever’s Caitlin Clark logged a historic 45-point, 10-assist game, while Seattle’s Storm faces questions about closing out tight matches. Local Transit: West Seattle Water Taxi’s first run was canceled, with later departures still scheduled.

Wildfire Update: The Lyons Ferry Fire in Franklin, Whitman and Adams counties has ballooned to about 34,787 acres and is 5% contained, with Level 3 “Go” evacuations expanding from Hooper to Rock Springs Road as it pushes toward SR 26. Public Safety: Eastbound lanes on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Gig Harbor stayed closed late Saturday after police responded to a suicidal subject; WSDOT said there’s no reopening estimate yet. Local Sports (MLB): Julio Rodríguez is back for the Mariners after a concussion stint, activated and set to bat second as a DH vs. the Giants; Seattle also won 4-3 in 10 innings on Saturday behind a walk-off sacrifice fly. Medical Discipline: A Spokane pediatrician, Dr. Ronald C. Ilg, lost his bid to restore his medical license after a dark-web hitman-related kidnapping and threats case sent him to federal prison. World Cup (Global, with WA ties): Spain and Argentina meet in the final at MetLife Stadium (noon PT Sunday), with fans in the U.S. still buzzing about the tournament’s impact.

WNBA Record Watch: Caitlin Clark lit up the scoreboard in Indiana’s 110-107 comeback over the Seattle Storm, scoring 45 points and adding 10 assists—first in WNBA history to hit the 40+ and 10+ combo in the same game, plus a Fever franchise scoring record. Local Courts & Safety: A judge ordered Seattle to address unlawful activity at Denny Blaine Park, ruling conditions there amount to a public nuisance and issuing a permanent injunction. Business & Jobs: Verizon announced layoffs of 54 Washington employees, effective Sept. 18, tied to a broader restructuring. Crime & Community: Seattle-area families renewed calls for answers in the 1999 Holly Park homicide of Jacqueline Jones, with investigators still pursuing leads. Wildfire Update: The Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan County was reported at 12,495 acres with 0% containment, and crews are focusing on securing nearby communities. Everyday Life: WSDOT launched a PSA using “Jimothy” the viral raccoon to urge drivers to keep highway trash out of medians.

WNBA Record Night: Caitlin Clark powered the Indiana Fever to a 110-107 win over the Seattle Storm, scoring a career-high 45 points with 10 assists—first in WNBA history to reach 40 points and 10 assists, and the first 45-point game in under 30 minutes. Mariners Injury Update: Seattle’s Julio Rodríguez, out with a concussion, is projected to return Saturday after taking part in drills and batting practice. MLB—Giants vs. Mariners: San Francisco opened the second half with a 7-0 shutout of Seattle behind Landen Roupp’s seven scoreless innings and a Willy Adames grand slam. Wildfires & Evacuations: The Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan County has grown to at least 16,000 acres, with additional “Go Now” evacuations issued for Nespelem and nearby areas. Smoke Planning Help: Spokane families are using the Washington Smoke Blog to track conditions and plan low-cost outdoor time during wildfire haze. Local Sports Spotlight: Salmon Bay FC hosts the USL W League championship at Interbay Stadium Saturday in just its second season.

Aviation Oversight: The FAA says Boeing can resume self-certifying its 737 MAX and 787 jets as airworthy starting next week, after months of review. State Budget Debate: Former Gov. Gary Locke warned Washington’s spending is “out of control,” arguing lawmakers need tighter “priorities of government” budgeting. Ballot Watch: An initiative to repeal Washington’s “millionaires tax” has qualified for the November ballot, with the 9.9% levy set to start in 2028 unless voters overturn it. Public Health: King County health officials are monitoring a nationwide Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taco Bell shredded lettuce; they report 19 cases in the county and say there’s no clear local link yet. Local Transportation: WSDOT is planning more overnight I-405 closures around the July 20 World Cup wrap-up, with full and partial lane shutdowns scheduled for late July. Business & Jobs: Verizon plans to lay off 54 Washington employees as part of a nationwide restructuring. Sports (Seattle): The Giants and Mariners open a three-game series at T-Mobile Park tonight.

Highway Safety: A Roy man, Paul Jackson, used his car to stop a runaway SUV on I-5 after the driver suffered a medical emergency with a child inside, caught on camera. Wildfire Watch: Thunderstorms sparked new fires across Washington, including the Kaiser Canyon Fire in Okanogan County, triggering Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations and road closures, plus additional blazes in Franklin and Kittitas counties. Seattle Real Estate: King County records show fresh sales across the city, including 22 affordable units planned at Squire Park and multiple multifamily deals ranging from about $3M to $8M. World Cup Politics: The White House confirmed President Trump will attend the World Cup final in New Jersey and present the trophy. Local Sports: The Seattle Sounders returned from the World Cup break short-handed and fell 5-1 to the Portland Timbers, their worst rivalry loss at Lumen Field. Weather & Travel: Thunderstorms moved through western Washington with lightning concerns, and WSDOT warned of next week’s pavement work slowing traffic on SR 241 and SR 14.

NHL Schedule Drop: The NHL released its 2026-27 slate with an 84-game season and an earlier-than-ever North American start on Sept. 29, including banner-raising openers and more Monday matinees. Seattle Politics: Roger Rogoff was sworn in as Seattle’s U.S. attorney Wednesday morning—then fired by President Trump less than an hour later—setting up a legal fight over how judges can appoint prosecutors. Public Safety & Streets: A West Seattle bike crash death has neighbors pushing for safety changes “now,” with a larger August meeting planned to pressure city leaders. Homelessness Response: Denver’s street engagement team says it’s working toward ending unsheltered homelessness, while detailing ongoing challenges in a city council presentation. Local Media: KNKX in Tacoma received a $1M donation to expand its Connect Northwest reporting and staffing. Sports Spotlight: WSU will host former VP Mike Pence in Spokane Sept. 10 for the Thomas S. Foley Award. Weather/Travel: Thunderstorms delayed flights at SEA Airport, with FAA alerts and about 45-minute departure delays reported.

Wildfire Watch: Washington crews are responding to the fast-growing Plum Point Fire in Lincoln County, now about 150 acres, with state resources and aircraft deployed as officials investigate the cause. State Infrastructure: Drivers in Issaquah should expect I-90 slowdowns this weekend for pavement rehab and bridge joint work near Front Street North. Local Economy & Housing: Tacoma leaders are reviving talks on a $20 minimum wage, with options ranging from a direct jump to a phased increase. Spokane Childcare: A new Spokane pilot aims to turn underused school space into neighborhood childcare hubs, targeting a major workforce drag. Spokane Development: Spokane’s Hillyard is seeing two planned projects—an 18,000-square-foot youth sports gym and a nearby office build—totaling about $2.25 million. Seattle Sports & Culture: The West Seattle Grand Parade returns Saturday with “wild” sights like Seattle Art Cars and Seafair clowns. NBA Expansion Buzz: Adam Silver says multiple groups are quietly pitching NBA expansion plans for Seattle and Las Vegas, with decisions still on track later this year. WNBA: Golden State beat Indiana 88-75, while Seattle’s season continues with a matchup preview against Washington.

Wildfire Smoke & Burn Ban: Air quality alerts spread as wildfire smoke from Canada and northern Minnesota pushed into the Northeast and Midwest, while Washington’s DNR ordered an Eastern Washington burn ban starting Friday, July 17, banning outdoor burning, campfires, and charcoal briquettes on DNR-protected forest lands. Local Public Safety: Skagit County commissioners adopted 2027 budget priorities and launched an interactive live budget transparency site, letting residents track actual revenue and expenses. Environment & Wildlife: A harbor seal pup in Washington was shot in the head and is in critical but stable condition at a wildlife rehab center, the third marine mammal case treated there in less than a year. Sports (Seattle): The Seattle Storm fell to the Chicago Sky 95-90 despite strong scoring from Seattle’s Awa Fam and Dominique Malonga. Community Sports: Pasco’s 13U Little League team won the Washington state title and is headed to a regional tournament in Nogales, Arizona. Road Work: SR 203 paving between Monroe and Duvall starts July 27 with alternating single-lane traffic.

Seahawks Sale: The NFL-record $9.6B deal to sell the Seattle Seahawks to the Vinod Khosla family is moving toward approval, with league details pointing to Neeru Khosla as controlling owner and Neal Khosla taking a major leadership role. State Politics: Gov. Bob Ferguson and allies launched a campaign to defeat Washington’s Let’s Go Washington income tax repeal initiative, after the group turned in more than 500,000 signatures and awaits verification for the fall ballot. Immigration Legal Help: After the collapse of immigration lawyer Alexandra Lozano’s firm, attorneys say clients should update addresses, pull their files, and seek help through upcoming free legal clinics. Local Landmarks: Historic Seattle is seeking landmark status for the William B. and Annie C. Phillips House on E. Union St. Seattle Sports: The Sounders host Portland in Western Conference play, with several key injuries listed for both sides. Washington Environment: Washington tribes and conservation groups are suing over a Trump endangered species rule that they say guts habitat protections.