 The Juneteenth flag flying at the Washington State Capitol. Gov. Jay Inslee, Rep. Melanie Morgan, Office of Equity Director Dr. Karen Johnson, Washington’s Lottery Director Marcus Glasper, BUILD leaders, and attendees at the historic first Juneteenth Celebration on the Capitol Campus.
This Sunday, June 19, will be the first Juneteenth to be celebrated as an official Washington state holiday. HB 1016, sponsored by Rep. Melanie Morgan, was approved by the Legislature last year to establish the holiday.
The observance marks the day when hundreds of thousands of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were told of their freedom by federal troops in 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
On Thursday, a business resource group for state employees called Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity (BUILD) hosted a celebration of Juneteenth. The event included the first-ever Juneteenth flag-raising at the Capitol Campus.
"We shake up status quo by continuing to dismantle systemic racism,” said Rep. Melanie Morgan, who highlighted state efforts to advance equity and anti-racism. “Once again, the state of Washington is leading the way in being an anti-racist state. We are the only state in the nation with the Office of Equity, I was proud to take that vote. We shake things up by continuing to hold one another accountable."
"Narratives used to justify slavery are still connected with narratives used to oppress Black Americans today. We see it in the forms of mass incarceration, discriminatory housing policies, and a lack of economic investment, creating inequities that have placed Black Americans significantly behind their white counterparts. Until we grapple with our history and its impact on the present, we cannot do the work to improve our future," Inslee said at the celebration on Thursday.
The Seattle Medium chronicled Washington’s legislative efforts to enact this important holiday.
 Gov. Jay Inslee, Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, and Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer. Soccer fans and attendees of the community celebration of the FIFA announcement on Thursday at Pier 62 in Seattle.
On Thursday, Seattle was selected as a host city for the 2026 men's World Cup. The event will attract thousands of soccer fans from all over the world. Washington’s culture of diversity, environmentalism, and sport will take center stage during this global event.
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest sporting event in history. The competition was expanded to 48 countries and 80 matches in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
"Washington is home to multiple world-class businesses, world-famous music legends, and world-renowned innovators. And soon we’ll be home to the world’s most premier sporting event – the 2026 World Cup! It is going to be a big day," said Inslee at the community celebration in Seattle.
 Graphic from Washington State Department of Health.
As summer approaches, so does the possibility of fires and dangerous smoke. Nationally, more than 80% of wildfires are started by people. Washingtonians all have a part to play to prevent, and prepare for, dangerous wildfires.
Wildfire smoke contains small particles and gases, including carbon monoxide. These particles can enter your eyes and lungs and cause health problems. State agencies are hosting 'Washington Smoke Ready' week to encourage folks to take steps now to prevent wildfire and protect against wildfire smoke.
Tips to prevent wildfire include:
- Use an ashtray to fully extinguish cigarettes.
- Park hot vehicles on pavement rather than dry grass.
- Check trailer chains to make sure they don’t drag and cause sparks.
Tips to find relief from wildfire smoke include:
- Make a low-cost, effective clean air fan.
- Set your home and vehicle air conditioners to recirculate.
- Delay activities that stir up dust or other particles such as vacuuming or mowing the lawn.
More information about wildfire prevention, burn bans, and air quality is available from the Washington Department of Ecology.
Find air monitoring maps and more from the Washington Smoke blog.
 Graphic from Washington State Department of Health.
Children ages 6 months to 4 years old may soon be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. The agencies that must authorize or recommend vaccines for these ages are the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. Vaccines under review are:
- A Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 6 months – 4 years
- A Moderna vaccine for children ages 6 months -- 5 years
- A second Moderna vaccine for youth ages 6 years – 17 years
If the vaccines are authorized, the Washington State Department of Health will begin providing healthcare providers with pediatric vaccinations.
“This is encouraging news for the many families who have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get their youngest children vaccinated,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “Vaccinations remain our most important tool in our continued efforts to keep people safe from severe illness and hospitalization. I encourage parents to contact their trusted health care provider to discuss any questions or concerns.”
For more information visit Washington State Department of Health's website.
 Graphic from Bloodworks Northwest.
A nationwide blood shortage continues, and eligible Washingtonians are encouraged to donate. June 14 was the celebration of 'World Blood Donor Day,' and blood centers across Washington are preparing for the critical blood donation months ahead.
"We encourage Washingtonians to donate blood this summer, if they are eligible donors. We must ensure safe and reliable supply in our local communities. You could save a life with your donation, so please donate today. Thank you to our State Dept. of Health and Washington State Blood Coalition for working together to encourage donors," said Inslee.
More information about donating blood and scheduling appointments is available from local blood centers:
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