AGP Executive Report

AI & Big Tech: Microsoft is hit with a shareholder class action in Seattle federal court, alleging it misled investors about slowing Azure growth and the massive capital spending needed for AI infrastructure and Copilot. Local Tech Policy: Renton City Council moves toward a data-center moratorium, citing energy and water demands as AI accelerates. Space/Resources: Seattle-based Interlune says it’s working on extracting helium-3 from the moon. Health & Research: A Seattle-area team reports therapeutic plasma exchange can reduce microplastics circulating in blood, but the key question remains whether it helps patients. Cancer Tech: FDA approval of Optune Pax for locally advanced pancreatic cancer adds another device-based treatment path. Environment & Climate: NOAA says El Niño has officially begun, with forecasts pointing to major global impacts on weather and food systems. Ocean Science: Lawmakers urge the National Science Foundation to reverse plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a $386M network tracking ocean change. Community Science: Washington Sea Grant and WSU Extension launch a Salish Sea-wide Molt Blitz on June 26 to build a dataset using crab molts. Education: Washington slips again in a national education ranking, with math and reading proficiency concerns highlighted. Sports Tech & Infrastructure: Seattle’s World Cup security plan is running smoothly as the city prepares for its busiest match.

Ocean Science Fight: Seattle-area lawmakers are pushing the National Science Foundation to reverse plans to dismantle the $386M Ocean Observatories Initiative, warning the move would cut off long-running public ocean data without review. AI & Public Safety: A Seattle Fire Department AI system from Corti has been listening to 911 medical calls since 2023 and routing some callers away from ambulances without public disclosure or required city oversight. AI Data for Business: TDWI Research says AI success depends on a standardized “data foundation,” calling out fragmented governance and weak data access as common blockers. Health Tech at Scale: Georgetown and MedStar are running a World Cup disease surveillance operation using wastewater and hospital data to produce daily risk reports for hundreds of partners. Local Tech/Community: Seattle University’s Family Law Center won a national innovation award for an AI-assisted client intake effort for domestic violence survivors. Clean Aviation in WA: Twelve’s sustainable jet fuel plant in Moses Lake has started commercial production, targeting 50,000 gallons annually. Climate/Infrastructure: SR 167 Stage 2b’s final 2.6 miles in Pierce County heads into mid-July heavy construction, with an online open house starting June 15. Policy & Corruption: A WSU study links higher local tax burdens with lower corruption convictions and higher civic attention.

AI & Industry: Microsoft’s AI is now helping BHP extract more copper from low-grade rock, using advanced tools tied to its push toward a working quantum computer by 2029. Public Health & Environment: A new study led by Washington State University links a single pesticide exposure (vinclozolin) in pregnant rats to reproductive and kidney problems persisting across 20 generations, raising alarms about U.S. regulation gaps. Climate Science: Portland State researchers helped define what a “heat dome” is, clarifying the specific high-pressure circulation plus extreme heat needed for the label—using the 2021 Pacific Northwest event as a case study. Local Safety: King County warns of increased drowning hazards after last winter’s flooding shifted riverbeds and pushed hidden hazards into the water. Washington Conservation: Environmental groups sue to stop nearly 400 acres of logging in the Elwha Watershed, arguing it threatens Port Angeles drinking water and that the “old growth” being cut is younger than regulators assume. Infrastructure Resilience: Westport’s proposed tsunami tower moves toward construction after FEMA planning and grant funding, with computer modeling and Cascadia risk at the center of the pitch. Tech Policy: Lawmakers are trying to curb AI data center expansion, but bills stall as tech firms lobby and Republicans split. Wildlife & Roads: WSDOT highlights deer/elk collision hotspots around Willapa Bay and other corridors, noting multiple mitigation technologies are being tested.

AI Data Centers: Lawmakers are trying to curb AI data center expansion, but most proposals are stuck in Congress as Republicans split and tech giants lobby hard against moratoriums and off-grid mandates. Public Health & Environment: New research links pesticide exposure to health effects that can persist across generations, raising fresh questions about U.S. regulation gaps. Local Tech for Food Security: UW researchers are upgrading Seattle-area “micropantries” with better tracking so community fridges can be replenished based on real local need. Space Medicine: A Deep Tech Week panel in Seattle says sex in space may be manageable, but pregnancy and fetal development are the real medical challenge. Wildlife & Conservation: The federal plan to kill up to 450,000 barred owls across Washington, Oregon, and California is moving forward, with animal rights groups alleging it has already begun. World Cup Tech in Seattle: Visit Seattle is debuting a drone scoreboard over the Space Needle to show match results after games. Health Risks: Peer-reviewed work finds hormone-disrupting chemicals in Seattle breast milk samples, adding to concerns about infant exposure.

AI & Jobs: Microsoft president Brad Smith argues students booing AI isn’t a misunderstanding—it’s a warning that tech leaders overestimate how fast tools spread and underestimate what people can do, pushing a more human-centered view of AI’s impact. Local Tech Policy: Seattle’s pause on new data centers is back in the spotlight as communities and voters push for limits amid grid strain and rising power and water demands. Climate Law: Louisiana joins a growing list of Republican states moving to block lawsuits targeting oil and gas firms over climate change impacts. Public Health (WA): Yakima-area Latino farmworkers are getting help navigating long COVID, with UW clinicians and community organizers working to close information and care gaps. Science & Environment: A Washington State University-led study links pesticide exposure to health effects that can persist across generations, raising questions about U.S. regulation. Space/Research Infrastructure: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, removing deep-sea instruments and potentially ending long-running ocean monitoring. Forensics: DNA finally identifies a man found in a sleeping bag in Olympic National Park nearly 30 years ago. STEM in Sports: Rutgers researchers’ turfgrass is being used across World Cup host stadiums, aiming for consistent play in changing weather.

Ocean Science Under Threat: The Trump administration has begun “descoping” the Ocean Observatories Initiative, dispatching ships to remove deep-sea instruments that have tracked ocean conditions for a decade—scientists warn the loss could last for decades, including off the Oregon/Washington coast. Cancer Research in Seattle: Fred Hutch named Dr. Veena Shankaran the inaugural Lert Family Endowed Chair to expand work on “financial toxicity” from cancer care, aiming to improve outcomes by tackling treatment costs. Health & Environment: A Washington State University study links a single prenatal exposure to the fungicide vinclozolin to health problems persisting across generations, raising questions about U.S. pesticide safety rules. Tech & Work: AI leaders, including OpenAI’s Sam Altman, are walking back worst-case claims about a white-collar jobs wipeout, saying the human parts of work matter more than expected. Local Science Policy: Seattle’s one-year pause on large data centers continues to ripple through the region’s grid and planning debates. Wildlife Management: A federal plan to kill nearly half a million barred owls across Oregon, Washington, and California is headed toward a judge’s decision, with claims the removals may already be underway. Medical Breakthroughs: Early results from an EHA study show tafasitamab added to DA-EPOCH (with or without rituximab) drove measurable residual disease negativity after cycle 1 in nearly half of newly diagnosed Ph– B-ALL patients. Public Health Tech: The FDA approved a new chemical sunscreen filter, bemotrizinol, which Seattle dermatologists say improves UVA/UVB coverage.

EV Policy Fight: A new federal transportation bill backed by Rep. Rick Larsen includes an annual fee on electric vehicles, drawing Senate criticism over whether it unfairly penalizes EV drivers. AI Labor Debate: AI leaders are softening earlier “job wipeout” claims after backlash, with OpenAI’s Sam Altman saying the feared white-collar collapse hasn’t arrived as expected. State AGs vs OpenAI: A coalition of U.S. attorneys general opened a sweeping investigation into OpenAI, issuing a broad subpoena tied to how the company markets and handles user data, including children. Circular Fashion: Textile-to-textile recycling is gaining momentum as circularity rules tighten in major markets, pushing brands toward end-of-life collection and recycling. Washington Research: WSU researchers report fathers can pass on traits influenced by environmental factors via paternal epigenetic inheritance, refining how the biology works. Local Housing Tech/Policy: The Ballmer Group announced forgivable loans aimed at building at least 10,000 affordable homes with two or more bedrooms across Washington. Biotech/Health: Atossa Therapeutics closed a registered direct offering raising about $4.5M, as it advances oncology therapies.

AI & Society: A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds half of Americans fear AI will cost jobs, while a lawsuit claims ChatGPT use was linked to a daughter’s death—adding to the growing debate over AI safety and accountability. Local Tech Policy: Seattle voted to pause large data center expansion for a year after concerns about electricity strain, with a separate study ordered on power, water, land, and health impacts. Public Safety Tech: The FAA, DHS, and FBI set “no drone” zones around Seattle World Cup venues, with enforcement aimed at preventing hazards to aircraft and crowds. Forensics & DNA: After 25 years, Washington’s Olympic National Park sleeping-bag remains were identified as Joseph Louis Serrao Jr., using forensic genealogy and DNA profiling. Health Security: Georgetown’s Health Security Operations Center is running a World Cup “war room” to track infectious disease risks using dashboards and travel-linked data. Environment & Wildlife: Another dead gray whale was found off B.C., while Washington is also seeing elevated mortality counts. STEM Pipeline: Washington honored 50 students at STEM Signing Day in Renton, spotlighting future STEM study paths.

Data Centers & Water Use: Amazon says its data centers used about 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, as Seattle and other cities weigh moratoriums and demand more transparency. Local Tech & Public Safety: Renton Police is rolling out drone tracking and AI translation in body cameras for World Cup crowds, while College Place plans to restart license-plate reader cameras under new state privacy rules. Clean Energy in Washington: Moses Lake opened AirPlant One, the first U.S. commercial sustainable aviation fuel plant making e-jet fuel from captured CO2 and renewable electricity. Biotech & Health Policy: A Washington State University-led study links a single pesticide exposure in rats to health problems persisting across 20 generations, raising questions about U.S. regulation gaps. Forensics Breakthrough: Olympic National Park sleeping-bag remains from 2000 were identified as Joseph Louis Serrao Jr., solved after 26 years with forensic genealogy. Wildfire Research Funding: UW researchers warn that proposed federal cuts to forest and wildfire research could hit monitoring and public health just as the West braces for another smoky summer. Sports Tech Spotlight: The Seahawks unveiled their Super Bowl LX ring, billed as “the largest and most technologically advanced” with a mechanical pop-out feature.

Data Centers & Water Use: Amazon says its data centers consumed 2.5 billion gallons of water worldwide in 2025, as Seattle weighs moratoriums and critics push for more transparent, granular reporting. Local Governance: Seattle’s one-year pause on new data center expansion continues amid concerns about natural resources and potential strain on water and power. Public Safety Tech: Renton police unveiled a mobile “De-Drone Trailer” to monitor restricted airspace during the FIFA World Cup, using Remote ID info to help enforce drone rules. Neuroscience Collaboration: The Allen Institute is using MetaCell’s NeuroGlass platform to make large brain imaging work more shareable and collaborative for teams. Forensics & DNA: Human remains found in a sleeping bag at Olympic National Park in 2000 have been identified as Joseph Louis Serrao Jr., using modern DNA and forensic genealogy. Environment & Weather: NOAA confirmed El Niño has officially formed, warning of potentially strong impacts as the 2026 World Cup kicks off across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Health & Research: A new mRNA cancer vaccine report claims reduced melanoma recurrence after five years, adding to the push for better long-term outcomes.

Data Centers in Seattle: Seattle City Council voted 9-0 for a one-year pause on new large data centers and tougher environmental review requirements, after residents warned about strain on electricity and water. Privacy & Enforcement: South Korea fined Seattle-based Coupang a record $409M for a massive data breach affecting 33M+ users and for late breach reporting. Clean Aviation Fuel in Washington: Moses Lake’s AirPlant One began commercial production of E-Jet fuel made from captured CO2 and renewable electricity, with Alaska Airlines planning to use it. Healthcare Logistics: Alaska Air Cargo and Seattle’s Phox Health launched same-day delivery of temperature-sensitive prescription meds across central and eastern Washington. AI Education: Alpha School, an AI-driven two-hour-a-day learning model, plans a Kirkland-area Seattle launch this fall. World Cup Tech & Turf: FIFA’s 2026 matches rely on upgraded natural grass across NFL-style stadiums, including Seattle’s Lumen Field. Pesticides Across Generations: WSU-linked research ties a single vinclozolin exposure in rats to health effects lasting 20+ generations, raising questions about U.S. pesticide regulation. Local Surveillance Debate: Yakima City Council weighs renewing a Flock Safety ALPR camera contract amid privacy concerns and new state limits.

Local Climate & Health: A new study led by Washington State University links a single prenatal exposure to the fungicide vinclozolin to reproductive and kidney problems persisting for at least 20 generations, raising questions about U.S. pesticide rules that may not cover transgenerational effects. Clean Transportation: Electric school buses are rolling into 11 Eastern Washington districts, but rural fleets still face high upfront costs and charging-infrastructure hurdles that keep diesel in the mix. AI Governance: Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell and Sen. Ted Cruz push a bipartisan college sports compensation bill, while Wisconsin’s gubernatorial candidate proposes a “FIREWALL” framework to rein in AI-driven pricing, claims denials, and surveillance. Public Safety Tech: The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network plans to stream real-time “fan-triggered” stadium seismic data during Seattle World Cup matches. Energy & Infrastructure: Tetra Tech was selected to lead modernization planning for Columbia River dams’ spillways, aiming to improve safety and reliability at Rock Island and Rocky Reach. Business & Jobs: Grocery Outlet reshuffles its C-suite with dual EVP appointments, and Expeditors says it cut 230 tech jobs in the Seattle region. Tech Backlash: Erin Brockovich’s data-center map topped 5,000 community reports in a week, reflecting growing local concerns over power, water, noise, and infrastructure strain. Economy: Washington’s average annual wage rose 4.9% in 2025 to $99,810, lifting unemployment and paid leave benefit calculations.

Education Policy: Gov. Bob Ferguson and Superintendent Chris Reykdal plan to push a statewide “away for the day” cellphone ban in Washington K-12 schools, aiming for the 2027-28 school year, with limited exemptions for health and education plans. Local Tech & Power: Seattle’s City Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new large data centers while the city studies impacts on the grid, water, rates, and the economy. AI & Jobs: Salesforce carried out another round of layoffs tied to its AI push, including Agentforce, with WARN filings showing 86 roles cut in California and reports of impacts in Washington. Energy & Infrastructure: Amazon signed a multi-billion-dollar deal with Corning to expand U.S. optical fiber manufacturing for AI data-center connectivity, with 1,000 jobs expected in North Carolina. Health Tech: A personalized mRNA cancer vaccine (Moderna/Merck) cut the risk of melanoma recurrence or spread by 49% after five years, with results highlighted at ASCO. Space: Sen. Maria Cantwell congratulated the Artemis III crew selected by NASA, including Washington-linked aerospace innovators. EV Charging: Washington Commerce awarded $37.3M for 104 EV charging projects, adding 754 ports statewide by late 2027. Drug Pricing: A judge rejected a challenge to Washington’s controversial drug pricing law aimed at hospitals under the 340B program.

K-12 Cellphone Ban: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and State Superintendent Chris Reykdal want an “away for the day” statewide ban on student phone use from first bell to last, with limited health/education exemptions, aiming for the 2027-28 school year. Education Policy: The proposal follows Seattle-area moves like locked phone pouches and cites studies linking phone use to worse focus and learning. Wildfire Smoke & Wine: A West Coast Smoke Summit highlighted research on protecting wine grapes from smoke taint, including spray barriers that must be washed off quickly and lab/sensory testing to guide timing. Agriculture & Weeds: USDA research points to shifting weed-control tactics as herbicide resistance grows, urging farmers to combine cultural and mechanical practices instead of relying on chemicals alone. Public Health Regulation: Washington’s Department of Health revoked or suspended multiple health care provider credentials, including a nursing assistant credential suspension pending discipline. AI in Workplaces: A report notes companies spend far more on AI tools than on training, leaving workers struggling to keep up. Local Tech/Business Climate: Seattle dropped to 13th in an FT-Nikkei foreign investment ranking, renewing debate over the city’s business climate.

World Cup Tech & Safety: FIFA’s World Cup rollout is colliding with real-world risks, from wildfire smoke that could spike air quality at venues like Los Angeles to Seattle’s World Cup surveillance-camera debate and the FBI’s plan to mobilize tactical teams and drone defenses for the tournament. STEM & Research: Michigan State’s turfgrass team is behind the grass on 16 World Cup stadiums, while Washington State University research highlights pesticide exposure effects that may persist across generations. Local Policy & Tech: A new Washington law limits e-bikes to 20 mph and reclassifies faster models as motorcycles, and London Tech Week’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer is pushing device-level protections to curb child sexual content online. Health & Privacy: A Seattle federal case targets Microsoft tracking tied to patient data, and Planned Parenthood clinic closures are shrinking access as funding rules tighten. Environment & Infrastructure: The Port of Seattle is seeking public input on its Sustainable Airport Master Plan, and Richland continues to spotlight Washington’s nuclear past at the USS Triton display and Hanford-area sites. Community STEM: AAUW-Walla Walla is sending 10 local girls to Tech Trek Washington.

Transgenerational Toxicology: A Washington State University study links a single pregnant-rat exposure to the fungicide vinclozolin to reproductive and kidney problems persisting for at least 20 generations, raising alarms about U.S. pesticide rules that may not account for multi-generation effects. Local Security Tech: As Seattle readies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mayor Katie Wilson says stadium-area CCTV will be activated after updated FBI/Seattle Police briefings citing “general but credible threats,” keeping the debate over surveillance tech front and center. Water & Fish Restoration: Cle Elum Lake sockeye salmon are using a first-of-its-kind “helix” fish passage to bypass a nearly century-old dam, part of a broader Yakima Basin plan to reconnect water, people, and salmon amid worsening drought. AI Infrastructure & Real Estate: London Tech Week’s day-one focus is shifting from AI hype to compute capacity, with major pledges aimed at chips and data centers—while Seattle-area readers get a parallel signal from coverage of AI-driven data center demand. EV Affordability: Used EVs are increasingly pulling buyers as fuel prices bite, with one Seattle-area example highlighting how pre-authorized gas limits can push drivers toward affordable pre-owned battery cars. Health Tech Hiring: Xealth, a digital health orchestration company, appointed Travis Moore as Chief Revenue Officer to scale commercial operations for AI-connected care.