Public Defense Funding: Washington public defense experts warn the state faces a safety-and-justice crisis unless lawmakers add money as caseload limits, attorney burnout, and tech pressures strain representation. Transportation Costs: Washington’s gas tax rises again July 1 under an automatic inflation formula, while critics question whether drivers are getting value as roads and bridges keep deteriorating. State Supreme Court Politics: The Washington GOP is expanding “recommendations” for upcoming Supreme Court primaries, setting up a crowded August contest for nonpartisan seats. Seattle Small Business Relief: Seattle’s Back to Business program is reimbursing vandalism and break-in repairs, and the city recently raised reimbursement limits to help more shops stay afloat. Amazon Prime Contract Fight: Federal consumer regulators accuse Amazon of using unfair contract terms to introduce ads to Prime Video, raising new legal stakes for the Seattle-based tech giant. Housing & Budget Reality Check: A new revenue forecast offers short-term relief from capital gains tax windfalls, but lawmakers warn the longer-term budget outlook remains tight. SCOTUS on Youth Gender Care: The U.S. Supreme Court will review a Washington law limiting when youth shelters can notify parents about runaway minors seeking gender transition services. World Cup in Washington: Seattle’s hosting continues to draw national praise, even as the U.S. team’s next match could trigger possible presidential/vice presidential flight restrictions.