AGP Executive Report

Mariners Bounce Back: Cole Young launched two homers and George Kirby worked eight strong innings as the Seattle Mariners beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-2, snapping a skid and getting back to .500. World Cup Shock in Seattle’s Orbit: Morocco knocked the Netherlands out in the Round of 32 with a 3-2 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw, setting up a next-round matchup against Canada. USMNT Spotlight: Malik Tillman’s quiet, all-action World Cup run for the U.S. is turning heads, with his pressing and ball-winning showing up in the stats. Local Wildfire Response: Spokane-area aerial firefighting company Aeroflight is teaming up with a Spokane brewery to support crews as Washington’s fire season ramps up. Housing Help in Seattle: Habitat for Humanity is moving forward with Liberty Commons, an affordable homeownership project in Columbia City with 58 units, aiming to bridge the gap for buyers priced out of the market. Education Funding Pressure: Walla Walla Head Start faces possible cuts or closure as federal funds run short, putting services for 116 low-income children at risk. Sports & Culture: Seattle’s World Cup Pride “Pride Match” coverage continues to draw global attention, with rainbow-flag controversy and protests swirling around the Egypt-Iran clash.

Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to Washington state laws that let minors access mental health and gender-affirming care without parental consent, including rules tied to runaway teen shelters. Transportation: South Thurston County crews will start nighttime paving on I-5 after Independence Day weekend, with lane reductions and rest-area closures starting July 6. Wildfire Update: Evacuation orders were lifted for the Humann Fire in Selah after it grew to about 150 acres, with state fire resources mobilized. Local Sports: The Seattle Art Museum announced “Monochrome: Calder and Tara Donovan,” running May 13, 2026 through Jan. 17, 2027. Sports Business: Overland AI says it’s the first ground autonomy company to prime a production contract for the U.S. Marine Corps’ MADIS program. Community & Sports: Zillah High School’s boys basketball coach Mario Mengarelli resigned after hazing allegations.

World Cup in Washington: Seattle’s “Pride Match” between Egypt and Iran is now a flashpoint for LGBTQ+ visibility and international politics, with FIFA allowing rainbow flags at the stadium despite objections from both teams and protests outside the venue. WNBA (Seattle): The Washington Mystics pulled off a historic 124-123 win over the Portland Fire in four overtimes, with Sonia Citron scoring a career-high 32. Wildfire (Eastern WA): State fire resources were mobilized for the Humann Fire near Selah, where Level 3 evacuations remain in effect as the blaze grows and threatens homes. Privacy & policing: Privacy advocates are pushing for guardrails on police license plate reader use, citing concerns about surveillance and misuse. Local sports (Seattle): The Mariners fell to the Guardians 6-5 in a late rally, while Seattle’s Pride Parade drew huge crowds amid World Cup tourism. Agriculture (Skagit): WSU’s Skagit County Extension director says vegetable seed growth—especially spinach, beets, and cabbage—could rebound in 2026.

World Cup Knockouts: The Round of 32 is set to kick off Sunday with South Africa vs. Canada in Los Angeles, followed by a full slate of matches across the U.S. as the tournament’s 48-team expansion delivers record scoring and fresh bracket drama. Seattle Pride & Politics: Seattle’s Pride Parade and PrideFest are expected to draw massive crowds downtown and at Seattle Center, with the World Cup “Pride Match” between Iran and Egypt still echoing through local conversations about visibility and protest. State Workplace Equity: A Washington State Women’s Commission report says Black women in public-sector jobs face persistent bias, microaggressions, and unequal scrutiny, with many reporting harm to advancement and plans to leave. Local Economy Watch: Pacific County’s unemployment rate held near 6.7% in May, showing only slight movement as wages rise modestly but lag inflation. MLB Update: Guardians activated Chase DeLauter off the injured list for Sunday’s finale vs. the Mariners.

World Cup Knockouts Set in Washington’s Backyard: Iran’s run ended after Austria’s last-gasp equalizer against Algeria knocked them out on goal difference, despite Iran finishing Group G with draws vs Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. Seattle Sports Buzz: The Seattle Storm snapped a franchise-worst 11-game skid, beating the Atlanta Dream 105-90 behind rookie Flau’jae Johnson’s 24 points and 11 rebounds and Awa Fam’s 21. Mariners Watch: Luis Castillo’s resurgence is giving the Mariners a tricky roster question as his early-season struggles fade. NHL Draft Fallout (Local Angle): The Seattle Kraken added defenseman Chase Reid with the 7th pick, while draft grades highlighted the Sharks’ value haul. Housing & Environment: A letter warns Washington cities not to narrow wetland buffers as the state pushes for more housing under growth rules. Community & Pride: Seattle’s Pride weekend and World Cup “Pride Match” coverage continues to draw attention, with FIFA allowing rainbow flags despite objections.

World Cup in Seattle: Iran’s late goal vs. Egypt was ruled offside after VAR, leaving Team Melli in limbo after a 1-1 “Pride Match” that sent Egypt through to the Round of 32 and forced Iran to wait on other results. Iran captain Mehdi Taremi called it a “disaster World Cup,” citing visa/logistics problems and criticizing FIFA and host handling. Injury Watch: Egypt forward Mohamed Salah left the match with a left knee issue; coach Hossam Hassan said he’s being assessed but expects him back in time for the knockout opener vs. Australia. Local Impact: Seattle’s South Park SR 99 corridor is back in focus as a new city analysis weighs removing the highway to reconnect the neighborhood and reclaim up to 117 acres for housing, parks, and restoration. Community Help: Washington state Venezuelans are collecting supplies and raising money for earthquake survivors, with drop-offs across King County and plans for an early shipment. Sports Notes: Seattle’s NHL draft buzz continues with the Kraken selecting Michigan State commit Chase Reid.

World Cup in Seattle: Egypt punched its first-ever World Cup knockout ticket with a 1-1 draw vs. Iran in the much-hyped “Pride Match,” after Mahmoud Saber scored early and Ramin Rezaeian equalized; Iran’s late winner was ruled offside by VAR, leaving the team waiting to see if it qualifies as one of the best third-place sides. Group G shakeup: Belgium topped Group G by routing New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver, setting up a round-of-32 matchup in Seattle against a third-place opponent. Seattle Pride on display: Despite protests tied to Middle East politics and objections from both teams, Pride flags and fan celebrations went ahead, with thousands packing Seattle Stadium and Ballard hosting its own Pride festival and World Cup watch party. NHL Draft (local sports): The Seattle Kraken selected defenseman Chase Reid with the No. 7 pick in the first round. Spokane community event: Crews worked late to set up Hoopfest across downtown Spokane ahead of Saturday’s opening.

Elections & Voting Access: Washington’s secretary of state warned the U.S. Postal Service against a proposed mail-ballot rule, saying it’s unconstitutional, unnecessary, and could worsen delays while disenfranchising eligible voters. Transportation & Costs: Washington’s gas tax is set to rise July 1 under an automatic inflation-based increase, adding pressure on drivers already paying more than nearby states. Wildfire Watch (Eastern WA): Benton County crews reported the Wagon Wheel Fire threatened dozens of homes and closed SR 225 as it burned hundreds of acres, with evacuation readiness still in place. Road & Habitat Work (Skagit County): Crews will install fish-passable structures beneath SR 9 starting in July, with a major summer closure planned to rebuild creek crossings. World Cup (Seattle): The U.S. is set for the Round of 32 against Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Egypt’s Group G fate hinges on its final match vs. Iran. Local Weekend Planning (Richland): Richland released a downtown parking map to help residents and visitors navigate a busy slate of events.

World Cup in Seattle: FIFA confirmed rainbow flags will be allowed at Friday’s Egypt vs. Iran “Pride Match” at Lumen Field, even after both teams objected and Iran’s federation demanded questions stay strictly on football. Round-of-32 picture: The U.S. still advances after a 3-2 loss to Turkey and will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the knockout stage; elsewhere, Australia set up its next opponent after a 0-0 draw with Paraguay. Local travel hit: Westbound I-90 in downtown Spokane was blocked due to law enforcement activity, then reopened. Crime update: A Spokane-area fugitive wanted for domestic-violence-linked rape and assault was arrested in Alabama after a year-long manhunt, awaiting extradition. Community & culture: Pe Ell’s Concatenate Fest keeps its punk-and-metal “out in the woods” vibe. Health/Local business: Baxter Health added Victoria Hampton, APRN, to its College Street Family Clinic. Sports (Seattle): The Seattle Storm snapped an 11-game skid with a 99-88 win over the New York Liberty.

West Seattle Crime: Seattle police are searching for suspects after a shooting in High Point left a 17-year-old boy seriously but stable, with gunfire hitting multiple vehicles and nearby buildings. Traffic & Safety: A hit-and-run crash near Mill Creek injured a pedestrian, and SR-96 was blocked early Thursday while investigators worked the scene. Courts & Mental Health: Christopher Leahy’s mental competency hearing was pushed to June 29 after his evaluation needed more time. Housing Maintenance: A local group is urging Seattle homeowners to inspect aging bathrooms now, warning that plumbing, ventilation, and waterproofing problems can turn costly fast. Environment & Fisheries: Oregon officials criticized BPA’s plan to end funding for salmon hatchery support, saying it threatens years of work and creates a $2.4 million gap. Pride Match (Seattle World Cup): FIFA says rainbow flags will be allowed at Egypt vs. Iran in Seattle despite objections from both teams. Public Health: New Washington youth survey data shows gambling participation among students rose in 2025, prompting calls for stronger safeguards. Consumer Finance (Vancouver): A Vancouver company filed a class action accusing lenders of using “instant funding” to charge interest rates far above legal limits.

World Cup (Seattle): Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 at Lumen Field on Wednesday, with Ermin Mahmic scoring late to push the team toward the Round of 32 and end Qatar’s run. World Cup (Group B): Switzerland topped Group B by beating Canada 2-1 in Vancouver, setting up a knockout matchup for Switzerland. World Cup (Iran travel): Iran’s team left Mexico for Seattle ahead of its final group game vs. Egypt, as travel rules and Pride-related tensions continue to swirl around the match. Federal Way policing: A Federal Way police officer was involved in a shooting; an independent multi-agency team is investigating under Washington law. Local sports (MLB): The Pirates crushed the Mariners 11-1 in Pittsburgh, highlighted by Ryan O’Hearn’s big night and Braxton Ashcraft’s strong pitching. Public safety: Washington’s work-zone speed camera program raises first-time fines to $125 starting July 1. Business/tech: A proposed data center could be built in Seattle’s Starbucks HQ building, according to filings reported by local outlets.

World Cup Travel & Pride: The U.S. is easing restrictions on Iran’s World Cup team, letting the squad enter Seattle two days early before Friday’s match, while Iran says U.S. officials caused delays for players ahead of the game. Seattle Sports & Culture: Seattle’s LGBTQ community is backing the Egypt-Iran “Pride Match,” hoping the global spotlight can shift attitudes despite objections tied to where homosexuality is criminalized. Puget Sound Environment: A federal judge ruled the U.S. Army Corps improperly approved nine large industrial shellfish operations in Washington’s most sensitive coastal waters, calling the permitting unlawful. State Courts & Rights: Washington’s Supreme Court heard arguments over where a transgender woman should be housed in state prisons, as the DOJ probes the state’s treatment of incarcerated trans people. Local Health Care: Washington AG Nick Brown announced Medicaid fraud settlements totaling more than $1M involving three Southwest Washington dental practices accused of fraudulent billing. Business/Tech: Seattle-based Palmtech launched a new online scheduler for home inspectors to automate booking and capture leads 24/7.

Energy Rates Fight: Washington AG Nick Brown is challenging Avista’s plan to raise electric rates 25% and gas rates 10% over four years, arguing the utility could cut most of the increase and that shareholders shouldn’t make customers pay for exec pay, investor relations, and lobbying. World Cup Logistics in Seattle: DHS says Iran’s team can enter the U.S. two days before its June 26 Seattle match, after earlier restrictions forced tighter travel for prior games. Local School Funding: Monroe School District will put a $49 million, four-year capital projects levy on November ballots, replacing a larger bond proposal with a shorter, more focused plan for safety, maintenance, and facility upgrades. Road Safety Reminder: Washington State Patrol is urging drivers to “secure your load,” warning that unsecured cargo can bring steep fines and even criminal charges if it causes harm. Summer Meals: Seattle’s Summer Food Service Program returns June 24 with 50 sites citywide, including 8 in West Seattle and nearby areas, to help families during school break. Mariners Update: Cole Young hit a two-run homer as Seattle beat the Pirates 3-2, keeping the Mariners atop the AL West.

World Cup Logistics: The U.S. is easing travel rules for Iran’s World Cup team, letting them enter the country two days before the Egypt match in Seattle, while still requiring them to leave after Friday’s game. Seattle Housing: Seattle’s Social Housing Developer got bonding power from the city council, aiming to unlock financing for more affordable apartments. State Energy Costs: Washington’s AG is pushing back on Avista’s proposed rate hikes, arguing customers could pay far less. Local Safety: A 39-year-old Selah man died in a one-car crash on I-82 near Yakima; authorities cited speed and no seatbelt. NHL Watch: The NHL is exploring expansion to Texas, with Houston and Austin in the mix. Sports Business: The PGA Tour approved a two-tier 2028 format with promotion and relegation, plus a match-play postseason. Kraken Update: Seattle agreed to a six-year extension with forward Bobby McMann. Newsroom Funding Debate: Washington’s reworked news fellowship is drawing friction over pay requirements and newsroom control as it expands statewide.

World Cup in Seattle: The U.S. keeps rolling in the expanded 48-team tournament, and Seattle is bracing for the next wave of matches with security and operations tweaks after a strong opening stretch that drew nearly 67,000 fans to Seattle Stadium. Local Business Impact: Little Saigon leaders say many neighborhood shops expected big World Cup crowds but are seeing fewer customers, with some regulars staying away over traffic and immigration-enforcement fears. Sports (Seattle): The Seattle Storm’s skid hit 11 as Dallas beat Seattle 112-110 in overtime, with Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd leading the Wings. WNBA Moves: Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson is signing a multiyear deal with Unrivaled. State Budget: Seattle’s deficit is now about $488 million over three years, and Mayor Wilson says taxes and cuts are on the table. Health/Weather: Five King County swim beaches are closed for high bacteria, including Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton. Fire: State fire resources were mobilized to help contain the Garred Road Fire near Coulee City, with Level 3 evacuations in effect.

Heat Advisory: Extreme heat is back across Washington State, with the National Weather Service warning of near-100-degree conditions in the eastern Columbia Gorge and urging hydration, shade, and never leaving people or pets in cars. World Cup in Washington: Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 to earn its first World Cup win, setting up a crucial Group G match in Seattle against Iran—while Egypt’s squad says security denied entry to Seattle after the Vancouver game, forcing a return to Spokane. State Supreme Court: Washington’s high court upheld a $35 million fine against Meta over political ad disclosure rules, rejecting Meta’s First Amendment challenge. Local Sports & College: WSU says tight end Nathaniel Salmon is no longer with the program, and the Cougars are already reshuffling reps. Seattle Pro Hoops: Storm rookie Flau’jae Johnson signed a multiyear deal with Unrivaled’s 3-on-3 league. Public Safety: Washington State Patrol is warning drivers about the “100 Deadliest Days,” citing a sharp rise in fatal crashes over summer.