Tech Workforce: The Trump administration’s suspension of Microsoft and other firms from the green-card sponsorship program is raising uncertainty for workers and Washington’s tech industry. State lawmakers criticized the move, while immigration attorneys urged affected employees to get legal advice. AI Investment: Bellevue-based Nscale is doubling its office footprint to 46,000 square feet, as Seattle-area startups reportedly raised a record $3.5 billion amid a national slowdown in venture funding. Tri-Cities Manufacturing: Avalanche Energy plans its first fusion-machine manufacturing facility near Richland, with the company projecting hundreds of long-term jobs as production grows; no site has been chosen. Small-Business Costs: Seattle’s minimum wage is set to rise to $22.14 an hour in 2027, renewing concerns among local businesses about labor costs. Tax and Investment: Washington’s proposed millionaires tax is drawing sharp debate over revenue needs and whether higher taxes could push investors and entrepreneurs elsewhere. Gov. Bob Ferguson also selected 99 Opportunity Zones intended to encourage private investment.