Local Tech & Talent: Vancouver, B.C. ranked No. 9 in North America for tech talent (and No. 2 in Canada) in a CBRE “Scoring Tech Talent 2026” report, citing a fast-growing pool of AI-skilled workers. AI, Health & Accessibility: Seattle’s Lighthouse for the Blind used the city’s Technology Matching Fund to train DeafBlind adults with accessible tech and a dedicated instructor. Public Health (Local): A Seattle clinic saw fewer repeat rectal chlamydia cases after switching from single-dose azithromycin to a seven-day doxycycline course, using long-running local health records. Environment & Climate: Washington state climatologists warn that low snowpack and low stream flows seen in 2015 could become more normal, and forecasts point to a very strong El Niño this winter. Wildlife Response: Responders freed an entangled humpback whale off the WA coast after a fisherman spotted it and contacted NOAA’s hotline. Policy & Tech Governance: Seattle’s surveillance-camera fight continues as advocates tour the Real Time Crime Center and raise concerns about data access and privacy safeguards. Business & Industry: BuyWander moved its HQ to the Seattle area (Kent) and grew to 325 employees as it expands its returned-goods marketplace.