Wildfire Readiness: Eastern Washington is already seeing an early, human-caused wildfire start, with fires including the Tule Fire and Roza Fire near Yakima and the fatal Upriver Fire in Spokane County; officials warn conditions are primed by drought and poor snowpack and urge strict outdoor fire safety. Higher Ed Fundraising: Heritage University hit a new student-scholarship fundraising record, raising a bit over $1.9 million after expanding its Bounty of the Valley events to Seattle and Toppenish. World Cup in Seattle: The U.S. advanced to the knockout round after beating Australia 2-0 at Lumen Field, while Iran’s World Cup travel restrictions remain under review ahead of its Seattle match; Belgium’s Jeremy Doku is ruled out with a respiratory issue. Labor & Local Business: A hotel worker strike continues outside Seattle’s Embassy Suites near Lumen Field, with UNITE HERE Local 8 pushing for better pay, steadier hours, healthcare, and protections tied to immigration enforcement. Local Politics: Opponents of Washington ballot measures targeting parent rights and transgender girls’ sports launched a campaign kickoff, arguing the initiatives invade privacy and harm vulnerable students. Weather: Seattle is heading back toward 90-degree heat early next week, with elevated fire danger flagged.