AI Avatars in Seattle: Nuance Labs (founded by former Apple researchers) raised $50M to make AI avatars and voicebots stop freezing, stuttering, and acting “weird,” aiming to replace today’s multi-step pipelines with a more unified, real-time model. Fusion Power Watch: Helion Energy added $35M to its funding, bringing the round to $500M, as it races to supply Microsoft-linked Central Washington data centers by 2028—though timing remains uncertain. Health Tech Leadership: Truveta CEO Terry Myerson will retire at month’s end; co-founders will step in as interim co-CEOs for the Bellevue health-data company. Medical Access Policy: A U.S. House hearing zeroed in on why oral chemotherapy can cost far more than IV, with Pharmacy Benefit Managers blamed for delays and coverage barriers. Local Public Safety Politics: Seattle’s City Council passed a non-binding gun-violence resolution tied to “focused deterrence,” while the mayor’s plan shifts $5M to the CARE Department—sparking pushback and debate. STEM & Conservation: WSU-led monarch micro-tag tracking is rolling out in the region, using a mobile app to follow individual butterflies in near real time. Tech in Government: Kent Police is exploring a Drone First Responder program for 2027, letting officers launch drones remotely to gather footage before arriving. Higher Ed Sports: The Senate advanced a bipartisan bill setting national standards for college athlete compensation, including NIL rules and eligibility timelines.