AI & Startups: Seattle-based Nuance Labs raised $50M to build a “human foundation model” for more natural, less awkward AI avatars, aiming to reduce the lag caused by chaining multiple models. Regional Economy: Puget Sound business leaders warned Washington’s economy is slipping, citing job losses and rising Seattle office vacancy, and pushed a regional “competitive” action plan. Public Safety/Fire Update: Paradise Fire evacuation orders were lifted for parts of Walla Walla and Umatilla counties, while some road closures remain and firefighters continue work as containment rose to 49%. Healthcare Tech: Frazier Healthcare Partners named Jonathan Lujan CEO of MatrixCare after its acquisition from Resmed, expanding cloud EHR and revenue-cycle tools for post-acute care. AI Governance: Microsoft published a draft “Humanist AI” code requiring its models to never resist shutdown orders and to keep reasoning auditable. Aviation/Unions: Boeing made another offer to the SPEEA union with a 10% guaranteed wage increase, as both sides try to avoid a strike. Ports & Climate Tech: Busan launched a port innovation alliance to use AI and digital tools for supply-chain risk detection and to coordinate carbon-neutral shipping efforts.