AGP Executive Report

Tax Policy Fight: A lawsuit challenges Washington’s “millionaires tax” repeal ballot wording over 21 words that claim the cut would reduce funding for K-12, higher education and human services—an issue that could swing November support. Estate Planning: A new Washington estate tax calculator for 2026 rolls in the state’s updated estate tax law and key deductions/exclusions, aiming to help families estimate liabilities. Utility Rates & Clean Energy: Climate and environmental groups urged the UTC to rein in Puget Sound Energy’s proposed rate hikes (about 30% for electricity and 20% for gas) and avoid costly fossil-fuel infrastructure while meeting clean-energy requirements. Local Business & Consumer Costs: Costco faces a Washington class action settlement over allegedly misleading promotional emails, with potential payouts up to $500 per qualifying email. Public Safety: Seattle’s Bite of Seattle shooting investigation continues after police said a 15-year-old suspect had a ghost gun with an extended magazine. Tribal Energy Deal: The Yakama Nation reached a settlement with a solar developer over a 1,300-acre project near Goldendale, including commitments to reduce impacts. Deal-Making Tech: VDR.ai launched an AI-powered virtual data room for M&A due diligence and transaction workflows. Sports Business (Seattle): The Mariners plan “Jimothy Night” at T-Mobile Park with free rookie cards and a donation to Ballard Food Bank.

Seattle Economy & Real Estate: A new look at downtown Seattle’s slowdown finds about one-third of office space sitting empty, with job postings and leasing cooling fast enough to reshape how small businesses survive. Housing Costs: A national Case-Shiller report shows home prices up 1.6% in May, but higher mortgage rates are still a major affordability headwind. State Budget Pressure: Parents of Washington children with developmental disabilities are alarmed that the Parent to Parent support program may not be funded past August. Washington Politics & Taxes: Washington AG Nick Brown’s office is facing criticism over ballot language for the income tax repeal measure, with opponents calling it a scare tactic. Food Safety: Health leaders warn that cuts and staffing reductions are making it harder to detect outbreaks like cyclospora—and that the next pathogen could be worse. Business Growth in WA: Mountain Mike’s Pizza opens in Wenatchee, expanding the brand’s Washington footprint. Corporate/Legal: Apple’s ebook lawsuit was dismissed over whether plaintiffs suffered financial harm after the company’s access-revocation practices. Sports Business (National): Prime Video and Rogers secured a 12-year NHL rights deal in Canada, adding more national games for Prime members.

Healthcare Expansion: Washington State Department of Health signed off on Phase 1 of Pullman Regional Hospital’s Patient Care Expansion, clearing the way for the renovated lab, expanded surgical capacity, and safety upgrades to move into use. Elections & Taxes: Two lawsuits are challenging Washington’s income tax measure description, with the dispute potentially heading to the state’s high court before voters weigh in this November. Business Climate: A new Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy report flags slowing job growth, tougher tax competitiveness, and rising fuel and labor costs as pressures on employers, while noting industrial electricity costs have climbed. Consumer & Market Tech: Polymarket extended its $20 invite code “OREGON,” offering new users a $20 trading bonus after a $10 deposit for West Coast games. Public Safety & Community: After the Bite of Seattle shooting, police say multiple suspects were involved and a $5,000 reward was announced as witnesses describe strangers stepping in to help victims. Infrastructure & Local Economy: Tacoma received a $7.6 million federal BUILD grant for environmental analysis and final design work on the Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge replacement. Workforce & Services: Washington postal workers are joining a July 28 day of action to protect USPS services and vote-by-mail, arguing financial and operational changes are harming the agency.

Seattle Public Safety: A mass shooting near the Space Needle in Seattle killed two people and wounded at least four, including a child; police say two suspects are in custody and a news conference is expected. Wildfire & Insurance: Inland Northwest crews are battling multiple active fires, including Kaiser Canyon (nearly 125,000 acres) with evacuations still in effect, while Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer will host a Spokane homeowner insurance town hall Aug. 5. Salmon & Infrastructure: Mud Mountain Dam’s $112 million fish passage project aims to improve salmon migration while preserving the dam’s flood-control role. Health Tech & Rural Care: Dopl Technologies raised $6.3M to advance a telerobotic ultrasound platform for rural hospitals in Washington, targeting FDA clearance. Local Business: Seattle-based Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is reported to be in talks to buy a Wisconsin cheese plant after Prairie Farms Dairy announced closures and layoffs. Trade & Jobs: Washington’s labor unions plan statewide walkouts, citing lawsuit costs and calls for more workforce investment. Sports Business: The Seattle Seahawks’ training-camp buzz continues as the MLB trade deadline nears, with Seattle’s playoff odds and roster decisions in focus.

Seattle Public Safety: A shooting at Seattle Center’s Bite of Seattle festival left 2 dead and 5 wounded, with police investigating and victims taken to Harborview. Local Business & Policy: West Seattle Junction street-parking changes are up for community input, with SDOT surveys closing Monday as draft recommendations are set for later this fall. Trade & Agriculture: USDA’s top trade official, Luke Lindberg, visited Eastern Washington farms and the Port of Seattle, arguing Trump’s tariff strategy is opening overseas markets and narrowing the U.S. ag trade deficit. Maritime Industry: HD Hyundai Samho won a contract to supply four cranes for Washington United Terminal at the Port of Tacoma, part of U.S. port modernization and shipbuilding upgrades. Economy Watch: Pacific County’s unemployment rate eased to 6.2% in June but stayed above 6% for a record stretch, while the statewide rate hovered around 4.7%. Sports Business: MLB trade-deadline coverage heats up with Tarik Skubal and other contenders in focus as Aug. 3 approaches.

Immigration & Oversight: U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Rep. Ilhan Omar, with local advocates, renewed scrutiny of ICE detention conditions at the Whipple Federal Building, citing trauma claims and limits on legislative oversight. Higher Ed Access: Washington hit a record for completed college aid applications for the Class of 2026, with 46,168 seniors finishing FAFSA or WAFSA—up from about 44,000 last year—after Gov. Bob Ferguson’s push. Retail Consumer Law: Costco customers in Washington may qualify for payouts from a proposed $14 million class settlement over allegedly misleading “limited-time” marketing emails. Local Economy & Tech Growth: A small Eastern Washington town, Quincy, is seeing population and service growth tied to nearby data centers, reshaping local jobs and community life. Aviation & Passenger Rights: A case involving Alaska Airlines’ document-check system wrongly flagging valid green-card holders highlights gaps in federal denied-boarding protections when tech blocks boarding. Sports Business (Seattle): The Seattle Seahawks opened 2026 training camp with running back competition in focus, while MLB trade chatter continues around Seattle’s roster options.

Seahawks Contract Watch: Coach Mike Macdonald sounded confident on Devon Witherspoon’s extension talks and said Nick Emmanwori’s ankle surgery isn’t a serious issue as camp opened in Renton. Consumer & Retail: Costco reached a proposed $14M settlement in a Washington class action over allegedly misleading promotional email subject lines, with potential member payouts. Local Health & Safety: A Washington infant hospitalized with botulism has prompted a lawsuit against Nara Organics and Target tied to the recalled organic formula. State Tax Politics: Washington voters will weigh repeal of the “millionaires’ tax,” with critics challenging the AG’s ballot disclosure language about impacts to schools and health services. Business & Infrastructure: Vancouver partners with schools and a watershed group on stormwater improvements at Fort Vancouver High School, aiming to reduce runoff into Burnt Bridge Creek. Agriculture & Land Access: First-generation farmers in Whatcom County say lack of inherited land is the biggest barrier to growth, profitability, and buying equipment. Airline M&A: Alaska’s Hawaiian acquisition keeps Hawaiian as a separate brand—an unusual move after Alaska previously retired Virgin America within two years.

Clean-Energy Fight: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean energy grants “based solely” on whether recipient states backed Kamala Harris, contradicting earlier claims about project quality—an issue Washington lawmakers like Sen. Patty Murray are calling political retaliation. Local Politics & Housing: Seattle’s mayor and city council are at odds over free school meal funding, while the city also weighs how to handle vacant office space and whether to curb “junk” fees in rental housing. State Economy & Taxes: A new op-ed argues Washington’s entrepreneurship reputation is taking a hit after the legislature passed a 9.9% income tax on households over $1M—sparking fears of an exodus. Aviation Safety: Kenmore Air’s float plane crash near Sucia Island injured all 11 aboard; the operator says the pilot changed course to avoid a thunderstorm, but the cause remains unclear. Business/Tech: Seattle’s AI and data-center boom continues to draw scrutiny, including reports of Spokane County discussions with a developer seeking a massive facility. Sports Business (Mariners): With the trade deadline looming, reporting suggests Seattle may consider moving a veteran starter like Luis Castillo, while keeping most top pitching prospects off the table.

Aviation & Safety: Kenmore Air’s seaplane crash near Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands left 11 people aboard rescued and hospitalized with injuries ranging from head trauma to broken bones; federal investigators are reviewing weather, radar, and maintenance logs as the NTSB probes the cause. Consumer Tech & Delivery Costs: DoorDash is changing how it calculates delivery and service fees, aiming for more transparent pricing tied to distance and effort—meaning some orders could cost more while many others stay the same or drop. Seattle Economy & Real Estate: With downtown office vacancy near record levels, Seattle is seeing rare office-to-apartment conversions as developers look for new demand amid a glut of empty space. Local Government & Food Security: Seattle’s push for universal free school meals is sparking a budget fight between Mayor Katie Wilson and City Council over funding sources and how levy dollars should be used. Antitrust & Media Deals: Washington and other states won a court-backed delay of the Paramount–Warner Bros. merger, setting up a legal showdown over whether the deal would reduce competition and raise costs. Public Safety Program: Whatcom County launched a voluntary, anonymous gun exchange program that trades unwanted firearms for a cash card to reduce theft and misuse. AI & Business: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella backed open-weight AI models as a competitiveness strategy, while a new Seattle-linked AI lab, Prentis, seeks major funding to build computer-using AI agents for office workflows. Sports Business: The Mariners are reportedly open to listening on trade offers for pitcher Emerson Hancock, and Seattle is weighing roster moves as the season’s playoff push tightens.

Aviation Safety & Local Economy: Kenmore Air’s seaplane crash near Sucia Island (11 aboard) ended with all passengers and the pilot rescued and taken to hospitals, renewing scrutiny of seaplane operations in the Puget Sound region. Legal & Governance: A newly sworn-in U.S. attorney for Western Washington was fired 54 minutes after taking office, and he’s suing to reclaim the role—another test of presidential power over court-appointed officials. Tech & Jobs: Amazon confirmed AI-related layoffs tied to its AI division, as the company continues heavy investment in AI infrastructure. AI & Mental Health: Harvard-linked testimony highlights how many Americans are using AI chatbots for mental health support, with psychiatrists warning it’s not safe for high-risk crises. Trade & Ports: Northwest Seaport Alliance reports Seattle-Tacoma container volumes down 12.4% year-to-date, with full imports falling and full exports slightly down. Business & Community: Everett contractor Asgard Northwest sponsors the Boys & Girls Club basketball program, backing youth sports in Snohomish County. Sports Business: The WNBA’s All-Star prize pool rises by $170,000 via sponsor expansion, underscoring the league’s growing commercial pull. Policy & Taxes: Let’s Go Washington says its income tax repeal initiative would only remove the “millionaires’ tax,” pushing back on claims it would cut other programs.

Labor & Courts: A Nordstrom worker filed a Washington wage-and-hour class action alleging the retailer missed legally required meal and rest breaks and didn’t pay for them. Tribal Broadband: A federal judge ordered Whidbey Telecom to give the Lummi Nation at least 30 days’ notice before ground-disturbing work tied to Point Roberts broadband projects. Homelessness & Housing: Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne says the city needs more state help to manage the “Jungle” encampment and warns against scattering nearly 300 residents without housing ready. Local Public Safety Funding: Lynnwood won a $2.5M state grant to strengthen jail safety, training, and rapid response ahead of Seafair weekend. City Services: Seattle City Council revived universal school meals, shifting funding to the city’s general fund for 2026–27 after a prior delay. Tech & Jobs: Amazon confirmed additional layoffs affecting parts of its AGI organization, without naming headcount. Business & Growth: Bach to Rock announced new Washington expansion milestones, including a West Seattle location. Sports Business: Reports say the Mariners are willing to trade Emerson Hancock as they look for more offense before the MLB deadline. Elections & Law: A Supreme Court ruling is raising questions about whether Washington can keep enforcing limits on coordinated party spending, with the state disclosure agency weighing guidance.

Local Finance Watch: S&P cut Edmonds’ bond rating from AAA to AA-, citing sustained operational deficits, weaker reserves, and delays in corrective actions—raising the odds of another downgrade. County Liability Pressure: A Washington State Association of Counties white paper warns rising court-driven liability costs could push counties toward insolvency, threatening services like law enforcement and health programs. State Budget Strain: Coverage highlights why Washington’s deficits are worsening and what lawmakers are doing (and not doing) to close gaps. Wildfire & Public Safety: Inland Northwest crews brace for wind and lightning as major fires near Spokane and Inchelium expand, with evacuation orders still in place. Food & Cost of Living: Washington households face food insecurity amid rising costs, while a cyclosporiasis outbreak is driving more produce into food banks. Business & Tech: Zonar’s survey finds only 15% of transportation leaders feel fully ready for back-to-school, pointing to budget and tech readiness gaps. Policy & Gambling: A judge issues an injunction against Kalshi over likely violations of Washington’s gambling laws, keeping the legal fight hot. Seattle Hospitality: A guide spotlights newly renovated and opened Seattle-area venues for corporate events and parties, including Kimpton Hotel Monaco’s refreshed event spaces.

NHL Business: Dallas Stars avoided a salary-arbitration showdown by signing winger Jason Robertson to a one-year, $12M deal, keeping the 27-year-old’s long-term future a “revisit later” question. Local Economy: Spokane County’s job picture is mixed—unemployment sits at 3.8%, but hiring is basically flat year-over-year except for health services and private education. State Legal Costs: Washington’s lawsuit and legal defense tab hit a record near $614M in the last fiscal year, driven largely by foster-care abuse and neglect claims. Gambling Crackdown: A King County judge issued a preliminary injunction against Kalshi, saying it likely violates Washington’s gambling laws. Seattle Transit Politics: Seattle voters will decide this November on a 0.3% sales tax increase to expand bus service, as the city faces a reported $175M budget deficit and downtown vacancy concerns. Public Safety: Seattle police reported results from “Operation Circuit Breaker” targeting Aurora Avenue trafficking and violence. Health Watch: Officials are tracking a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, urging safe food handling as local risk remains low.

State Budget & Courts: Washington’s government misconduct payouts hit an all-time high of $537 million over the past year, adding pressure to the state’s finances and prompting lawmakers to form a panel aimed at slowing future claims. Local Governance & Housing: Seattle is moving toward a vote on tax increases for transit expansion, even as councilmembers push back over spending priorities amid a reported $175 million budget deficit. Business & Retail: West Marine is closing 32 more stores as part of its bankruptcy process, bringing total closures to 91, including multiple locations in Washington. Energy & Costs: U.S. gas prices jumped back above $4 a gallon as renewed U.S.-Iran tensions disrupt oil flows, raising pressure on household budgets. Tech & Local Policy: Spokane County Democrats propose a nine-month moratorium on large data centers, citing electricity costs and water concerns, following similar city actions. Federal Policy: The House passed a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide, putting Washington one step closer to ending twice-yearly clock changes. Seattle Community: Seattle honored Rev. Dr. Robert L. Manaway Sr. with honorary street naming for decades of Central District advocacy.

Fusion Power Breakthrough: Everett-based Helion says it’s the first to secure Washington regulatory licenses for a fusion plant near the Columbia River, aiming to supply Microsoft with 50 MW by 2028. Transit & Taxes: Seattle City Council approved a 0.3% sales-tax transit levy for a November vote, targeting more bus service and expanded ORCA subsidies. Kalshi Legal Fight: A King County judge ruled Kalshi likely violates Washington gambling laws and issued a preliminary injunction, setting up further court talks through Aug. 3. Housing Snapshot: Seattle single-family rental asking prices dipped slightly in 2026, but remain far above 2022 levels, keeping affordability tight for families. Wildfire/Heat Watch: Heat advisories and smoke from large WA wildfires are affecting air quality across the state, with advisories and “get ready” fire alerts in place. Local Public Safety: Seattle police ask for help locating a Lake City man missing since July 6. Business Education: WSU’s Carson College added online AI and supply-chain certificate programs via Ziplines Education. Banking Deal: Gesa Credit Union agreed to acquire Willamette Valley Bank in an all-cash deal expected to close in 2027. Sports Business Angle: The Dallas Stars avoided arbitration by signing Jason Robertson to a $12M one-year deal.

Antitrust & Media Deal: Washington AG Nick Brown helped win a federal judge’s temporary block of Paramount Skydance’s proposed Warner Bros. Discovery merger, pausing the $110B deal while a multistate antitrust case heads toward a preliminary injunction hearing Aug. 3. Housing Costs & Consumer Protection: Seattle leaders are pushing an ordinance to ban “junk” rental fees by requiring landlords to clearly disclose all charges in listings and leases. Insurance Equity: A Consumer Federation of America report finds homeowners in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods pay higher home insurance premiums than white homeowners, with Washington flagged for a wide gap. State Business Climate: Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke warned Olympia lawmakers that Washington business leaders are increasingly fearful and considering leaving the state without a credible fiscal plan. Cybersecurity & AI: WatchGuard announced a multi-model AI approach for MSP security, expanding access to OpenAI and Anthropic tools to strengthen application security and testing. Local Transit: Rural Washington counties are expanding free public transit, with the big question now being whether fare-free systems can stay funded long term. Sports Business: The WNBA’s growth under Commissioner Cathy Engelbert continues alongside strained player relations as the league heads into All-Star weekend.