AGP Executive Report

Election Security: Ballots found in a dumpster at Seattle’s Golden Gardens have sharpened scrutiny as more than 700,000 Washingtonians have voted. Gov. Bob Ferguson says any National Guard observers would be unarmed and out of uniform. Immigration and Due Process: A federal judge ordered a Kenyan UW Medical Center worker released from Tacoma immigration detention, citing constitutional due-process concerns; other Washington cases are also raising questions about ICE arrests. Public Health: Flu activity is climbing early on the West Coast, with H1N1 dominant in recent tests. Health officials urge Washington residents to get vaccinated before holiday travel and gatherings. Housing and Taxes: Lynnwood is developing pre-approved designs to speed permits for backyard homes, while the proposed millionaires tax remains a campaign flashpoint, including debate over possible effects on public pensions. Bellingham Access: Construction has begun on a 140-foot accessible kayak dock in Fairhaven, funded in part by a $500,000 state grant and expected to open in early 2027.

Election Security: Officials say 92 undelivered ballots found in a dumpster near Seattle’s Golden Gardens Park were invalidated and replacements issued; the discovery is under investigation. Gov. Bob Ferguson offered unarmed National Guard observers at voting sites, but Spokane County’s auditor declined. More than 700,000 Washingtonians have already voted. Transportation: WSDOT says girders are in place for a key North Spokane Corridor bridge, with the Wellesley-to-Trent section projected to open in two to three years. College Sports: No. 21 Washington volleyball rallied past No. 6 Wisconsin in a five-set thriller, led by Simona Mateska’s 31 kills. Public Safety: A motorcyclist died in a crash on I-5 near Woodland, while two children were seriously injured in an e-scooter crash in Everett. Hanford: A Washington doctor says nuclear exposures left workers with cancers and scarred lungs, as the federal government continues to contest some compensation claims.

Election Integrity: King County Elections recovered 92 ballots from a Golden Gardens Park dumpster and reissued them; the Postal Inspection Service is investigating. A federal judge also halted Trump administration investigations into noncitizen voting in Washington. State Government: Washington is taking a stake in a fusion company, while lawmakers consider regulating kratom and synthetic versions amid rising poison-control reports. Public Safety: The state’s police use-of-force dashboard records 1,200 incidents this year, but includes data from only about 80% of departments. Homelessness: Seattle plans to bring $118 million in service contracts under direct city oversight as the regional homelessness authority faces a $16.7 million shortfall. Transportation: At least 11 people were injured when a bus and semitruck collided near Mattawa; extensive repairs will also close lanes on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Arts & Culture: Actor Tom Skerritt, known for “Alien” and “Top Gun,” died in Seattle at 93.

Ballot Security: King County Elections says 92 mail ballots were found in a dumpster at Seattle’s Golden Gardens Park. Affected voters are being sent replacements as postal inspectors investigate. Eastern Washington: At least 11 people were injured when a work bus and semitruck collided near Mattawa on SR 24. Homelessness Funding: Seattle and King County’s regional homelessness authority faces a projected $16.7 million deficit, intensifying calls to dissolve the agency. Energy: The federal government is taking an estimated 1.13% stake in Washington-based fusion firm Helion through a $175 million semiconductor grant, alongside $50 million in private investment. Drought Response: A company is proposing cloud seeding in Benton County to boost rainfall for farmers after four years of drought. Animal Care: A Renton training program is preparing veterinary technicians as Washington faces a severe shortage, especially in livestock care. Seattle Roads: Northbound lanes on the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge are expected to reopen by early November as construction nears completion.

SR 24 Crash: Eleven people were injured when a work bus and semi-truck collided near Mattawa Thursday morning; the highway was temporarily blocked as crews responded. Seattle Travel: The Spokane Street Swing Bridge will close to motor vehicles Saturday morning through early Monday for maintenance; people walking, biking or rolling can still cross. Election 2026: Washington voters will decide whether to repeal the state’s 9.9% tax on annual incomes above $1 million and bar future individual income taxes. Drug Policy: State lawmakers are weighing rules for kratom and synthetic versions after some Washington cities banned sales. Seattle Homelessness: Mayor Bruce Harrell is expanding the city’s homelessness pilot and shifting $118 million in service contracts to direct city oversight. School Sports: A Tumwater athlete urged girls to refuse competitions they consider unfair amid debate over transgender participation in girls’ sports. Federal Case: A Bellingham resident charged in connection with Canada’s Tumbler Ridge school shooting pleaded not guilty in Seattle federal court.

Public Safety: A man died after a Richland officer shot him during a traffic stop in Pasco; an independent investigation is underway. In Puyallup, a 59-year-old man in an electric wheelchair was killed by a train, and a person who tried to help was hospitalized. Seattle Homelessness: Mayor Katie Wilson plans to expand a coordinated outreach pilot citywide and bring about $118 million in service contracts under direct city oversight. The pilot helped 70 of 80 people move into shelter or housing. Cold Case: Spokane police arrested a 74-year-old man in the 1986 strangling of Mary Ann Turner, citing DNA and witness statements. Election 2026: House Speaker Mike Johnson rallied in Chehalis for Republican John Braun, whose race against Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is drawing national attention. Wildlife: Researchers spotted a new male southern resident orca calf with J pod; its health appeared stable, though first-year survival is a challenge. Health Care: Washington officials are urging early flu vaccination as cases rise unusually early this season; state hospitals also warn federal Medicaid cuts could cost billions in revenue.

Health Care: Washington’s attorney general is fighting to protect Medicaid coverage as federal cuts threaten millions; a Cantwell report says state hospitals could lose $6 billion. Election 2026: Voters face a fight over I-645, which would repeal the new tax on income above $1 million. Gov. Bob Ferguson warns repeal could endanger child-care subsidies. Students and Schools: Initiatives on parental rights and student protections are drawing sharply opposing arguments, while a Camas athlete dispute has pushed transgender sports eligibility into the statewide spotlight. Local Governance: Seattle approved a permit program for RV parking and stricter parking rules amid debate over housing and support for unhoused residents. Courts: Cowlitz County Superior Court candidates Jill Karmy and Jacob Lervold are outlining how they would manage a projected county budget shortfall. Downtown Revitalization: Port Angeles’ waterfront district earned Washington Main Street designation, opening access to a tax-credit program intended to support local businesses and downtown renewal.

Election 2026: Washington’s 18-day voting period is underway. Walla Walla County voters can register or update their information online or by mail through Oct. 26; ballots are due by 8 p.m. Nov. 3. Health Care: State leaders warn federal cuts could leave more than 200,000 Washingtonians without coverage and cost hospitals an estimated $5.8 billion. Child Care Funding: Gov. Bob Ferguson says repealing the millionaires tax could put childcare subsidies at risk; the tax is expected to direct $321.5 million to early learning and childcare in 2029–31. Seattle Housing Policy: The City Council approved a permit program for people living in RVs, alongside two-hour parking limits for unpermitted vehicles. The rules take effect in April 2027, with enforcement no earlier than August. Disaster Preparedness: State, tribal and local agencies tested how to deliver medical supplies during a simulated magnitude 9.0 Cascadia earthquake and tsunami. Court Delayed: The trial of former State Patrol trooper Sarah Clasen, charged in a fatal DUI crash, has been postponed again; it is now set for February 2027.

Public Safety: Three adults were arrested in the killing of a boy in Tacoma; they’re expected in court. In White Center, investigators are probing a death after firefighters found a body near an illegal encampment fire. Child Care: A new estimate puts Washington’s annual economic losses from inadequate child care at $6.3 billion, including $5 billion in parents’ lost earnings and $1.3 billion in business losses. Privacy and Policing: Seattle police use King County drones despite the city’s surveillance rules requiring council approval for recording technology. Research: Washington State University scientists say they’ve found a way to amplify a natural cellular defense against viruses, with possible applications in treating other diseases. Transportation: SR 706 near Mount Rainier’s Nisqually Entrance will close overnight Oct. 23–24 for culvert repairs. Election 2026: Washington voters will decide the future of a proposed millionaires tax in November.

Education: Everett Public Schools apologized after settling a religious-freedom dispute over remarks about students attending off-campus Bible classes; the agreement also requires a $275,000 payment and staff training. Elections: Candidates for Washington’s 32nd District Senate seat faced voters at a Shoreline forum, debating affordability, housing, education and a proposed millionaires tax. Boeing: The FAA is expected to announce certification of Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 during a Tuesday visit to the company’s Everett plant, a key step for the delayed jet. State Services: DSHS is weighing program cuts and tighter eligibility rules as it prepares for a difficult 2027 budget. Public Health: Spokane County reported its first flu-related death of the season and urged residents to get vaccinated. Seattle: City Council is set to vote on a plan combining services and vehicle-storage options for people living in RVs with new street-parking permits and restrictions. WSU Football: The Cougars may be without left tackle Ashton Tripp and receiver Darrius Clemons when No. 21 Boise State visits Pullman.

Public Health: A Yakima County resident has the first reported U.S. H5N1 bird-flu infection of 2026 after exposure to infected dairy cattle. The person is isolating at home, and officials say the risk to the public is low. Police Transparency: Walla Walla Valley agencies plan to encrypt radio traffic starting Oct. 30, citing privacy and officer safety; critics warn the change could make it harder for the public and newsrooms to track incidents. Transportation: Two drivers died in a head-on crash on Highway 164 near White River Amphitheatre. Separately, Sound Transit leaders are set to update riders on the delayed Ballard light-rail extension. Election 2026: Washington officials urge voters to return ballots early as local debates sharpen over parental-rights and girls’ sports initiatives, and Snohomish County cities weigh taking positions on the measures. Airport Expansion: Burien, Des Moines, SeaTac and Tukwila have objected to the Port of Seattle’s proposed airport expansion, citing concerns about impacts on neighboring communities. WSU Football: Owen Eshelman’s first start brought the Cougars’ best offensive showing against an FBS opponent this season, but WSU fell 48–30 to Oregon State and remains 1–6.

Public Safety: One person died in a head-on collision with a transit bus in Grays Harbor County; all five people on the bus were unharmed, and a third vehicle was involved. Public Health: A Yakima County resident is recovering at home after contracting bird flu through exposure to infected dairy cattle. Health officials say the risk to the public is low. Taxes and Elections: Debate is intensifying over Initiative 645, a proposed tax on high earners, as Washington voters are urged to cast ballots early. Thousands joined a “No Kings” rally in Seattle focused on voting. State Government: A state board is urging Gov. Bob Ferguson to release people from prison, but he has continued to reject its recommendations. College Sports: Washington State’s football team fell 48-30 to Oregon State, extending its losing streak to four games. Quarterback Owen Eshelman led the Cougars’ best offensive showing against an FBS opponent this season; WSU next hosts No. 21 Boise State. The Cougars’ men’s basketball team also lost its exhibition at New Mexico, 92-64.

WSU Football: Washington State fell 48-30 at Oregon State, but first-time starter Owen Eshelman provided a bright spot, throwing for 289 yards and rushing for 136. Election Watch: Washington officials urge voters to return ballots early; more than 20,000 primary ballots were rejected for arriving without an election-day postmark. No Kings rallies across the state also focused on turnout ahead of Nov. 3. Tax & Courts: I-645’s proposed income tax is fueling a statewide ballot debate as five of nine state Supreme Court seats face challengers amid a court fight over the tax. Schools: A Washington district must apologize and pay $275,000 to settle a lawsuit over requiring students to hide Bible materials. Paid Leave: The state’s paid family and medical leave premium rate will rise to 1.2% in 2027.

WSU Football: Quarterback Owen Eshelman impressed in his first start, throwing for 289 yards and two touchdowns and adding a rushing score, but Washington State fell 48-30 to Oregon State. The Cougars are 1-6 and host No. 23 Boise State next week. Election 2026: Thousands joined Seattle’s “No Kings” march, which ended with a voting fair; a smaller rally at the state Capitol also urged voters to cast ballots early. State Government: A citizens panel rejected a pay raise for Gov. Bob Ferguson, whose salary is frozen for two years as state workers go without raises. Washington’s paid family and medical leave premium rate will rise to 1.2% in 2027. Public Accountability: Nearly $17 million is reported missing from King County’s homelessness authority, prompting calls to dismantle the organization. A Washington school district must apologize and pay $275,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging it made students hide Bibles.

Public Safety: A suspicious package at Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s Seattle office prompted an evacuation and hazmat response; officials later deemed the building safe. A separate white-powder letter addressed to Washington’s Elections Office was intercepted. Wildfire Conditions: Dry, warm October weather has revived the Garda Falls Fire near Mount Rainier, and forecasters see little soaking rain ahead. State Politics: A citizens’ panel froze Gov. Bob Ferguson’s salary for two years, citing tight state finances and the lack of across-the-board raises for state workers. Schools and Sports: Washington voters are weighing Initiative 638, which would require health-care provider documentation of biological sex for girls’ school sports; supporters and opponents have raised nearly $10 million. Separately, the Everett School District must apologize and pay $275,000 in legal fees after a settlement over policies requiring students to hide Bibles. Road Work: Night lane closures on SR 512, SR 167 and North Meridian Avenue in Puyallup begin Monday as part of the SR 167 Completion Project.

Election Security: A suspicious package sent to Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s Seattle office prompted an evacuation Friday; staff were safe, and authorities also intercepted a white-powder letter addressed to Washington’s elections division. Education: Spokane Colleges won a $1.9 million federal grant to keep childcare available for student parents at its two community colleges. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal is seeking an additional $600 million to $800 million a year for schools, focused on basic costs and learning support. Public Health: Thurston County warned people to avoid Pattison Lake after tests found toxic algae levels far above the state’s recreation guideline. Accountability: A review found nearly $17 million in King County homelessness authority funds was unrecoverable, renewing calls for the agency to shrink or dissolve. Environment: Washington regulators cited Port Townsend Paper Company for two wastewater permit violations and are weighing penalties or corrective action. Cougars: Washington State visits Oregon State today, with a new starting quarterback and a bid to end a three-game skid.