Workforce & training: Washington’s Job Skills Program saw record demand, with the state board funding 35 employer proposals totaling nearly $8M in matching grants for short-term, customized training. Local governance & risk: Spokane Valley will settle a $3M lawsuit tied to a 2022 deadly crash, with the city saying it doesn’t admit liability but citing Washington’s joint-and-several liability rules and taxpayer exposure. Housing & affordability: A watchdog report argues Washington’s heavy housing spending hasn’t meaningfully closed affordability gaps, as home prices rose faster than incomes across the decade. Insurance costs: State Farm began issuing $5B in auto-insurance dividends to eligible customers, returning 4%–10% of 2025 premiums. Business regulation: Amazon reinstated binding arbitration and class-action waivers, tightening how customers can challenge disputes. Tech & privacy: Seattle’s surveillance-camera debate continues as privacy critics push back on real-time monitoring. Energy & industry: Vigor Marine’s sale to Antin Infrastructure Partners is completed, expanding shipyard investment across the Pacific Northwest. Food safety: Grand Central Bakery recalled potato sourdough bread after a pallet nail was found. Environment & land use: The Trump administration proposed repealing the “roadless rule,” aiming to expand forest access for wildfire-related treatments and logging. Sports economy (local tie-in): The Mariners’ season hit a new low after a 22-0 shutout by the Brewers, underscoring pressure on the club’s performance.