AI & Youth Safety: Washington lawmakers passed a bill requiring AI chatbot mental-health safeguards for minors, including clear “not human” notices and limits on manipulative engagement. Public Health & Housing: Patients deemed ready for release from Washington state hospitals still wait about six months on average, often due to housing and financial barriers. Robotics & Education: UW launched a new Master of Science in Robotics, while WSU opened an $80M Schweitzer Engineering Hall aimed at hands-on student innovation. Cybersecurity Leadership: WaTech named Gwen Gann as Washington’s next state CISO, taking over after Ralph Johnson’s retirement. Government Tech & Services: Seattle City Council is weighing a ban on “surveillance pricing” in groceries, and ferry officials warn delays in a new reservation system could repeat past IT fiascos. Environment & Wildlife: Cornell Lab urges people to turn off outdoor lights during peak fall migration to prevent bird disorientation. Tech & Business: Thumbtack’s report finds AI is boosting interest in skilled trades, and Ascend promoted Nate Bek to principal. Transportation & Safety: Uber was ordered to pay $40M after a rider was killed in a 2023 incident tied to safety handling.