Featured Stories
Washington State Auditor: Scatchet Head Water District - Assessment
OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 7 -- The office of the Washington State Auditor issued the following performance audit report entitled "Scatchet Head Water District - Assessment."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
AUDIT SUMMARY
Results in brief
Based on the procedures performed, nothing came to our attention in the areas we reviewed that caused us to believe the District was not in substantial compliance with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies, or had not provided adequate controls over the safeguarding of public resources. Had we performed additional procedures, other matters might
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 7 -- The office of the Washington State Auditor issued the following performance audit report entitled "Scatchet Head Water District - Assessment."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
AUDIT SUMMARY
Results in brief
Based on the procedures performed, nothing came to our attention in the areas we reviewed that caused us to believe the District was not in substantial compliance with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies, or had not provided adequate controls over the safeguarding of public resources. Had we performed additional procedures, other matters mighthave come to our attention that would have been reported.
About the assessment audit
This report contains the results of our independent audit of the Scatchet Head Water District from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025.
Management is responsible for ensuring compliance and adequate safeguarding of public resources from fraud, loss or abuse. This includes the design, implementation and maintenance of internal controls relevant to these objectives. State law (RCW 43.09.230) also requires local governments to prepare and submit certified annual reports to our Office summarizing such things as revenues received, collections made, amounts receivable or payable, expenditures made, and debt owed.
This assessment audit was conducted under the authority of RCW 43.09.260, which requires the Office of the Washington State Auditor to examine the financial affairs of all local governments at least once every three years. Assessment audits are risk-based, limited-scope reviews of small local governments, generally defined as local governments with less than $300,000 in annual revenues. To help minimize audit costs, our work for this engagement was conducted off-site primarily using financial and other information provided by the District.
This assessment audit was limited to the following:
* Reviewing meeting minutes for compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
* Inquiring as to internal controls over assets, revenues, and disbursements
* Verifying that annual reports submitted to our Office were complete and filed timely in compliance with state law
* Reviewing the District's annual revenues and expenditures for unusual transactions or trends
* Corroborating financial information reported by the District by comparing reported revenues, expenditures, and cash and investment balances to third-party sources
* Reviewing expenditures for indications of unusual activities, excessive Board of Commissioners compensation, conflicts of interest, or procurement requirements
* Evaluating the District's financial information for indications of financial distress
* * *
The report is posted at: https://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch/Home/ViewReportFile?arn=1040239&isFinding=false&sp=false
Washington State Auditor: Kittitas School District No 403
OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 7 -- The office of the Washington State Auditor issued the following performance audit report entitled "Kittitas School District No 403."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Results in brief
This report describes the overall results and conclusions for the areas we examined. In most of the areas we examined, District operations complied, in all material respects, with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies, and provided adequate controls over safeguarding of public resources.
As referenced above, we identified areas where the District could make improvements.
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 7 -- The office of the Washington State Auditor issued the following performance audit report entitled "Kittitas School District No 403."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Results in brief
This report describes the overall results and conclusions for the areas we examined. In most of the areas we examined, District operations complied, in all material respects, with applicable state laws, regulations, and its own policies, and provided adequate controls over safeguarding of public resources.
As referenced above, we identified areas where the District could make improvements.These recommendations are included with our report as a finding.
We also noted certain matters related to electronic payments and use of restricted funds for professional learning that we communicated to District management and the Board of Directors in a letter dated July 28, 2026. We appreciate the District's commitment to resolving those matters.
In keeping with general auditing practices, we do not examine every transaction, activity, policy, internal control, or area. As a result, no information is provided on the areas that were not examined.
About the audit
This report contains the results of our independent accountability audit of Kittitas School District No. 403 from September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2025.
Management is responsible for ensuring compliance and adequate safeguarding of public resources from fraud, loss or abuse. This includes the design, implementation and maintenance of internal controls relevant to these objectives.
This audit was conducted under the authority of RCW 43.09.260, which requires the Office of the Washington State Auditor to examine the financial affairs of all local governments. Our audit involved obtaining evidence about the District's use of public resources, compliance with state laws and regulations and its own policies and procedures, and internal controls over such matters.
The procedures performed were based on our assessment of risks in the areas we examined.
Based on our risk assessment for the years ended August 31, 2025 and 2024, the areas examined were those representing the highest risk of fraud, loss, abuse, or noncompliance. We examined the following areas during this audit period:
* Associated Student Body activities at secondary school - fundraisers and charitable events
* Selected IT security policies, procedures, practices and controls protecting financial systems - user access and IT related policies
* * *
The report is posted at: https://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch/Home/ViewReportFile?arn=1040222&isFinding=false&sp=false
Washington State Auditor: King County
OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 7 -- The office of the Washington State Auditor issued the following performance audit report entitled "King County."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of the King County Water Quality Enterprise Fund (the "Fund"), which comprise the statement of net position as of December 31, 2025, and the related statements of revenues, expenses, and changes in net position and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 7 -- The office of the Washington State Auditor issued the following performance audit report entitled "King County."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of the King County Water Quality Enterprise Fund (the "Fund"), which comprise the statement of net position as of December 31, 2025, and the related statements of revenues, expenses, and changes in net position and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprisethe Fund's basic financial statements.
In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the King County Water Quality Enterprise Fund as of December 31, 2025, and the changes in its net position and its cash flows thereof for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Fund and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Financial Reporting Entity
As discussed in Note 1, the financial statements present only the Fund and do not purport to, and do not, present fairly the financial position of King County, Washington, as of December 31, 2025, the changes in its financial position, or, where applicable, its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch/Home/ViewReportFile?arn=1040189&isFinding=false&sp=false
Washington State Auditor: City of Sammamish
OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 7 -- The office of the Washington State Auditor issued the following performance audit report entitled "City of Sammamish."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Opinions
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City of Sammamish as of and for the year then ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the City's basic financial statements
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 7 -- The office of the Washington State Auditor issued the following performance audit report entitled "City of Sammamish."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Opinions
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City of Sammamish as of and for the year then ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the City's basic financial statementsas listed in the table of contents.
In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City of Sammamish, as of December 31, 2025, and the respective changes in financial position and, where applicable, cash flows thereof for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the City and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch/Home/ViewReportFile?arn=1040267&isFinding=false&sp=false
Washington State Auditor: City of Bainbridge Island
OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 7 -- The office of the Washington State Auditor issued the following performance audit report entitled "City of Bainbridge Island."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Opinions
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City of Bainbridge Island as of and for the year then ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the City's basic
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 7 -- The office of the Washington State Auditor issued the following performance audit report entitled "City of Bainbridge Island."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Opinions
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City of Bainbridge Island as of and for the year then ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the City's basicfinancial statements as listed in the table of contents.
In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities, the business-type activities, each major fund and the aggregate remaining fund information of the City of Bainbridge Island, as of December 31, 2025, and the respective changes in financial position and, where applicable, cash flows thereof for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the City and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the City's ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the financial statement date, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinions. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch/Home/ViewReportFile?arn=1040285&isFinding=false&sp=false
Mich. Health & Human Services Dept. Updates Guidance on Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Regarding Lettuce and Salad Greens
LANSING, Michigan, Aug. 7 -- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
* * *
MDHHS updates guidance on cyclosporiasis outbreak regarding lettuce and salad greens
Reporting cadence for all data changes to weekly basis
-
In response to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) advises Michigan residents that they can resume routine guidance for consuming lettuce and salad greens as new cyclosporiasis case reports and related emergency department visits are on the decline.
"Since the start of
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Aug. 7 -- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
* * *
MDHHS updates guidance on cyclosporiasis outbreak regarding lettuce and salad greens
Reporting cadence for all data changes to weekly basis
-
In response to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) advises Michigan residents that they can resume routine guidance for consuming lettuce and salad greens as new cyclosporiasis case reports and related emergency department visits are on the decline.
"Since the start ofthis outbreak, MDHHS has remained committed to providing timely, transparent information and clear recommendations to Michigan residents," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "As new data has emerged, our guidance has evolved to reflect the best available evidence, helping ensure that prevention recommendations are accurate, actionable and responsive to the changing situation."
After reporting 12,485 cases of cyclosporiasis in Michigan since June 2026, the data now suggests that new cyclosporiasis case reports are slowing, including a downward trend in diarrhea-related emergency department visits.
On average, persons exposed to cyclosporiasis start to feel sick seven days after exposure, but symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear. Given the seven-day average incubation period, the data suggests that:
* Most exposures occurred in late June to early July.
* The majority of the contaminated produce is likely no longer available for consumption.
Based on these updates, MDHHS is making the following changes:
* A return to routine guidance for handling produce, including lettuce and salad greens.
- The broad, precautionary recommendation to avoid bagged salad mixes during the Cyclospora outbreak is no longer in effect. Residents may resume their usual food handling practices and make choices based on their individual risk tolerance.
* Reporting all outbreak data on a weekly basis on Thursdays.
MDHHS continues to recommend avoiding recalled lettuce. The department will continue to monitor the situation closely and inform Michigan families if conditions change, or if signals are detected that suggest additional contaminated products have entered the food supply.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2026/08/06/mdhhs-updates-guidance-on-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-regarding-lettuce-and-salad-greens
Calif. Gov. Newsom Calls on Californians to Fight Back Against Trump's Reckless Offshore Drilling Agenda
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
Governor Newsom calls on Californians to fight back against Trump's reckless offshore drilling agenda
Trump administration wants public input on offshore oil drilling and pipelines; give them an earful
What you need to know: California submitted formal comments opposing the Trump administration's review of California's Coastal Management Program -- making clear the state will not stand for attempts to force its corrupt offshore drilling agenda on Californians and put the
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
* * *
Governor Newsom calls on Californians to fight back against Trump's reckless offshore drilling agenda
Trump administration wants public input on offshore oil drilling and pipelines; give them an earful
What you need to know: California submitted formal comments opposing the Trump administration's review of California's Coastal Management Program -- making clear the state will not stand for attempts to force its corrupt offshore drilling agenda on Californians and put thestate's $51 billion coastal economy at risk. Public comment is now open, and Governor Newsom is urging Californians to use their voices as well and give the Trump administration an earful.
-
Donald Trump has spent over a year in office working to force offshore oil drilling on California -- through illegal orders to restart a shuttered pipeline by claiming "emergency" powers, proposals to open new federal waters to leasing, and now, a new federal review that threatens to undermine California's ability to protect the state's $51 billion coastal economy, the well-being of coastal communities, and the Golden State's vast coastal ecosystems. Today, Governor Gavin Newsom is encouraging Californians to make their voices heard: submit a public comment.
* * *
Trump is threatening California's coast in pursuit of reckless offshore oil and gas extraction to pad the wallets of his corrupt oil cronies. We won't stand by while Trump sidelines the people who rely on and care for California's coast. Now is the time to make our voices heard. Give the Trump administration an earful.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
The Trump administration's own notice makes clear that it aims to advance the same priorities driving Trump's broader assault on California's coast, including offshore oil production, pipeline maintenance, deep seabed mining, and more.
In comments submitted by the California Natural Resources Agency, California pushed back on the Trump administration's politically motivated review of California's Coastal Management Program, warning that the review is a thinly veiled attempt to clear the way for new offshore oil drilling, pipeline restarts, and other reckless oil and gas development along California's coast. Read the public comment.
"California's coast belongs to all Californians - full stop," said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. "For decades, Republican and Democratic administrations alike have respected the partnership between states and the federal government that has protected our coast while supporting a thriving economy. Yet the Trump administration is singling out California and threatening unprecedented action in pursuit of dangerous new offshore oil drilling. We won't stand by while the federal government attempts to sideline the people who rely on and care for California's coast - now is the time to make our voices heard."
"California doesn't believe that environmental stewardship and economic growth are competing priorities -- they're mutually reinforcing," said Dee Dee Myers, Director of Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development. "Strong, consistent protections give businesses the confidence to invest, communities the certainty to plan and industries the stability they need to grow. Protecting our coast isn't just good environmental policy, it's smart economic policy."
The Trump administration will hold one in-person meeting on Aug. 10 in Santa Monica and two virtual meetings on Aug. 11 and 12. Written comments will be accepted through Aug. 22.
Coastal audit is part of a larger, dangerous agenda
The California Coastal Management Program, established 48 years ago, is the state's federally approved framework for protecting and managing California's coast under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act. It is implemented by the California Coastal Commission, the State Coastal Conservancy, and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission.
The Trump administration's review didn't come out of nowhere. It followed a letter from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to the White House National Economic Council criticizing California for protecting its coastal economy, communities, and environment from the greed of companies that aim to exploit them.
In May of 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce directed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to review California's program and seek public input on offshore oil production, pipeline maintenance, deep seabed mining, desalination projects, undersea cables, and other federal priorities.
NOAA typically evaluates state coastal management programs every five to 10 years. California's program was already extensively reviewed in 2024, including public meetings and stakeholder input. NOAA completed a draft report in June 2025 finding California had successfully implemented and enforced its federally approved program, but a final report was never issued. Despite that recent review, the Department of Commerce has now directed NOAA to conduct an additional evaluation focused on several major coastal development issues.
California's Coastal Management Program has been federally approved since 1978 and has consistently received strong evaluations for balancing coastal protection, public access, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship.
Tracking Trump's attacks on California's coast
The federal review is the latest action the Trump administration is taking targeting the state's coast:
* Expanding dangerous offshore oil drilling: The Trump administration has proposed opening California's coast to new offshore oil and gas leasing for the first time in decades. Governor Newsom, along with the governors of Oregon and Washington, formally opposed the proposal, warning it threatens coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and the West Coast's coastal economy. California has consistently opposed new offshore drilling for more than four decades, citing the significant economic, environmental, and community risks.
* Supporting the illegal restart of an oil pipeline: The Trump administration has also attempted to use emergency powers to force the restart of the Sable pipeline despite federal and state court orders and California law requiring state approval and safety reviews. The pipeline had remained offline since the 2015 Refugio oil spill, which released approximately 142,000 gallons of crude oil, killed thousands of birds and marine mammals, closed fisheries, and caused lasting damage to California's coastal communities, wildlife, and economy.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/08/06/governor-newsom-calls-on-californians-to-fight-back-against-trumps-reckless-offshore-drilling-agendagovernor-newsom-calls-on-californians-to-fight-back-against-trumps-reckless-offshore-drilling-ag/
