Prediction Markets Crackdown: A King County judge ordered Kalshi to stop most event-contract wagers for Washington residents, requiring geofencing by Sept. 2 and banning sports, elections, politics, entertainment, culture, tech and science offerings, with steep daily penalties if deadlines slip. Transit Cost Pressure: Sound Transit pushed the West Seattle Link Extension opening to 2035 (from 2032) and flagged major SODO design changes that cut costs by more than $2 billion and reduce construction impacts. Aviation/Ports Investment: The Port of Seattle approved $1.1B to fund the $2.5B S Concourse modernization at Sea-Tac, targeting a 2034 completion and aiming for lower energy use and LEED Silver. Maritime Industry Funding: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards nationwide; Washington received six grants for equipment, infrastructure and workforce training. Healthcare Design Expansion: HMC Architects added healthcare leadership in the Pacific Northwest, expanding its regional hospital and specialty-care design practice. Local Governance & Housing Costs: Seattle’s council advanced a ban on most “junk” rental fees, requiring clearer upfront disclosures and limiting what landlords can charge. Public Safety: A recall effort is underway against Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, while a separate South Seattle incident involving undercover officers led to a $1M bail set for a suspect.