Latest news with #Bellevue-based
Axios
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Washington sets record for concealed pistol licenses
More Washingtonians than ever have a license to carry a concealed weapon, state data shows. Why it matters: The rise comes as state legislators have moved to tighten rules surrounding gun purchases. A new state law, which goes into effect in 2027, will require Washington residents to receive live-fire training, be fingerprinted and get a permit before buying guns, a change expected to affect thousands of potential buyers each year. Driving the news: Washington reached 709,334 active concealed pistol licenses (CPLs) at the end of June, an all-time high, Christine Anthony of the Department of Licensing tells Axios. That's an increase of more than 10,000 since December, per state data. By the numbers: About 20% of CPL holders in Washington are women. King County, the state's most populous county, also has the highest number of CPLs, nearly 114,000. Pierce County posted the biggest one-month gain, from May to June of this year, with 882 licenses. What they're saying:"Long story short, people are arming up, and they're going to keep doing so ahead of the new restrictions," Dave Workman, editor in chief of TheGunMag, a publication of the Bellevue-based Second Amendment Foundation, tells Axios. With a state population of close to 8 million, "that means possibly 1 out of every 10 people you pass on any given day is licensed to carry concealed, and may even be armed," he says. The other side: Renée Hopkins, CEO of the Washington-based Alliance for Gun Responsibility, which backed the permit-to-purchase law, said the organization advocates for safe and responsible firearm ownership. "While we acknowledge more guns pose a greater threat to our communities, CPL holders tend to be responsible gun owners," Hopkins tells Axios. Between the lines: Washington — among the top 10 states for the highest percentage of residents holding a concealed carry license — is a " shall issue" state, meaning the state must issue gun licenses to people who meet the requirements and pass a background check. What we're watching: Whether demand for concealed pistol licenses keeps rising as the 2027 permit-to-purchase law approaches — and what legal challenges emerge against the law.
Axios
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
TikTok helps Seattle pets find homes
Seattle Humane is going all in on over-the-top TikToks — and it's working. Why it matters: The Bellevue-based shelter says silly, sentimental clips are pulling in new audiences and helping pets find forever homes faster. What they're saying: We've seen firsthand how shelters like Seattle Humane are using TikTok to tell stories, reach new audiences, and find homes for pets, Ara Yoo, global head of social impact at TikTok, tells Axios. "It's incredibly moving to witness the real-world impact." By the numbers: TikTok shared data with Axios showing just how far these videos are reaching: Rylee the dog: more than 3.7 million views Edward the biscuit-making cat: 1.5 million views Korsa the mastiff: 1.1 million views Behind the scenes: Since joining TikTok in 2021, Seattle Humane has gone viral several times by leaning into emotion, humor and storytelling, says Brandon Macz, the shelter's social media director. "We had to get a little goofy and unhinged," Macz tells Axios. "It's not always easy for nonprofits to do well online." Case in point: One of the shelter's most-viewed videos featured a senior Chihuahua mix who arrived at the shelter after eight years in the same home. The team showcased the pet's fear and vulnerability, pairing it with emotional music, per Macz. "People really felt for that dog," Macz says. "We got national press, and a couple days later they were adopted."
Axios
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
How Washington state's new gun permit law will work
Washington residents will need a permit to buy guns starting in 2027 — a change expected to affect thousands of potential buyers each year. Why it matters: Supporters say the law will boost public safety by helping keep guns out of the wrong hands. Opponents argue it infringes on Washingtonians' constitutional gun rights. State of play: Washington is the 13th U.S. state to approve a permit-to-purchase system for firearms, according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the legislation into law in May. What's inside: The new law will require people to get fingerprinted and complete a gun safety course with live-fire training before they can get a permit to buy a firearm. They will also have to submit a fee and application to the Washington State Patrol. Exceptions to the training requirement will be made for police officers and military members, as well as licensed private investigators and security guards who carry firearms. Once granted, a permit will be good for five years. What they're saying: Studies have found that states with similar gun-licensing laws have lower rates of gun violence, the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions says. In particular, requiring people to get their fingerprints taken as part of the permitting process can cut down on "straw purchases," in which one person buys a firearm for someone else who can't legally own one, Renée Hopkins, CEO of the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, told Axios. Hopkins said the training requirements also promote safer gun handling, reducing the risks involved in having a gun at home. By the numbers: The State Patrol expects to receive about 200,000 permit applications the first year the law is fully implemented, and roughly 100,000 yearly after that. The other side: " This is the state government telling gun owners, you've got to get our permission to exercise your civil right — and that's not going to pass the smell test" in the courts, Dave Workman, editor-in-chief of TheGunMag, a publication of the Bellevue-based Second Amendment Foundation, told Axios. The fine print: Under the law, starting May 1, 2027, gun dealers in Washington won't be able to sell a firearm to someone unless the buyer has a valid purchasing permit. The State Patrol will certify which firearms courses meet the training requirements. (They must involve firing at least 50 rounds of ammunition.) Once the training has been completed, the State Patrol must approve applications unless the person is restricted from owning a firearm for another reason, like having an outstanding arrest warrant or being subject to a no-contact order. Permits will be revoked if a person later becomes prohibited from owning a firearm, such as through a new criminal conviction or a court order.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MHR Capital Group Breaks Ground on AC Hotels by Marriott in Kennewick, Washington
BELLEVUE, Wash., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MHR Capital Group, a Bellevue-based private investment firm focused on strategic real estate and private equity ventures, has announced the groundbreaking and commencement of construction on a new AC Hotels by Marriott in Kennewick, Washington. Developed in partnership with A1 Hospitality Group and Fowler Construction, this project represents a significant new hospitality asset in the Tri-Cities region. This project is a part of a public/private partnership in conjunction with the City of Kennewick's expansion of the Three Rivers Convention Center (TRCC). The new AC Hotel will be physically connected to the expansion, enhancing the area's ability to attract regional and national events and significantly boosting local economic activity. The project is structured as a Qualified Opportunity Zone Business, providing investors with significant long-term tax advantages under the Opportunity Zone program established by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The debt portion was financed by Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) via Bellevue Capital Group (BCG). "This investment reflects our disciplined focus on high-quality developments in growth markets," said Kamran Hasan, Founder and CEO of MHR Capital Group. "By partnering with experienced operators and local stakeholders, we're able to deliver a differentiated hospitality experience while creating long-term value for our investors and the communities we serve." The AC Hotel brand, part of the Marriott International portfolio, is known for its modern design, upscale amenities, and appeal to both business and leisure travelers. The Kennewick property will provide a high-end hospitality option in a fast-growing region with strong demographic and economic fundamentals. In addition to the hotel, MHR Capital Group will soon be opening the investment opportunity for Phase 2 of the masterplan, which will include over 550 residential units and more than 200,000 square feet of retail space. These assets are also located within the Opportunity Zone and offer the same tax-advantaged structure for qualified investors. Founded in 2011, MHR Capital Group targets high-growth, undercapitalized markets across the U.S. through a disciplined, fundamentals-driven investment strategy. The firm focuses on generating risk-adjusted returns through value-add real estate and lower middle-market private equity transactions, often in partnership with best-in-class local operators. MHR Capital has a successful track record of identifying off-market opportunities and creating long-term value for investors by combining operational expertise with a deep understanding of local market dynamics. The Kennewick development highlights MHR Capital's ongoing commitment to driving meaningful economic impact while delivering strong financial outcomes for its investment partners. For more information, please visit or contact: Media Contact:Sofia De La CruzInvestor RelationsEmail: IR@ 425-800-6208 ext 102Website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE MHR Capital Group Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MHR Capital Group Breaks Ground on AC Hotels by Marriott in Kennewick, Washington
BELLEVUE, Wash., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MHR Capital Group, a Bellevue-based private investment firm focused on strategic real estate and private equity ventures, has announced the groundbreaking and commencement of construction on a new AC Hotels by Marriott in Kennewick, Washington. Developed in partnership with A1 Hospitality Group and Fowler Construction, this project represents a significant new hospitality asset in the Tri-Cities region. This project is a part of a public/private partnership in conjunction with the City of Kennewick's expansion of the Three Rivers Convention Center (TRCC). The new AC Hotel will be physically connected to the expansion, enhancing the area's ability to attract regional and national events and significantly boosting local economic activity. The project is structured as a Qualified Opportunity Zone Business, providing investors with significant long-term tax advantages under the Opportunity Zone program established by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The debt portion was financed by Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) via Bellevue Capital Group (BCG). "This investment reflects our disciplined focus on high-quality developments in growth markets," said Kamran Hasan, Founder and CEO of MHR Capital Group. "By partnering with experienced operators and local stakeholders, we're able to deliver a differentiated hospitality experience while creating long-term value for our investors and the communities we serve." The AC Hotel brand, part of the Marriott International portfolio, is known for its modern design, upscale amenities, and appeal to both business and leisure travelers. The Kennewick property will provide a high-end hospitality option in a fast-growing region with strong demographic and economic fundamentals. In addition to the hotel, MHR Capital Group will soon be opening the investment opportunity for Phase 2 of the masterplan, which will include over 550 residential units and more than 200,000 square feet of retail space. These assets are also located within the Opportunity Zone and offer the same tax-advantaged structure for qualified investors. Founded in 2011, MHR Capital Group targets high-growth, undercapitalized markets across the U.S. through a disciplined, fundamentals-driven investment strategy. The firm focuses on generating risk-adjusted returns through value-add real estate and lower middle-market private equity transactions, often in partnership with best-in-class local operators. MHR Capital has a successful track record of identifying off-market opportunities and creating long-term value for investors by combining operational expertise with a deep understanding of local market dynamics. The Kennewick development highlights MHR Capital's ongoing commitment to driving meaningful economic impact while delivering strong financial outcomes for its investment partners. For more information, please visit or contact: Media Contact:Sofia De La CruzInvestor RelationsEmail: IR@ 425-800-6208 ext 102Website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE MHR Capital Group Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
