Endangered Species Act Fight: Washington tribes and environmental groups sued the federal government over a Trump-era rule change that rescinds the ESA definition of “harm,” arguing it will weaken protections for salmon, steelhead, grizzlies and spotted owls and cut permitting safeguards for habitat impacts. Boeing Labor Talks: Boeing’s opening offer to SPEEA on non-economic contract issues could arrive this week or soon after, as the current agreement expires Oct. 6—an early move aimed at resetting labor relations. Puget Sound Infrastructure: WSDOT detailed the Boyer Hillside regrade on SR 520 after neighbor complaints, saying the revised approach reduces drilled shafts and shortens construction to about four months. Tech & Privacy: A Spokane-area retail store is using facial recognition for security, raising fresh questions about how biometric surveillance is regulated in Washington. Wildfire Readiness: Federal wildfire preparedness hit Level 5 as the Northwest carried a heavy share of uncontained large fires, straining resources. Downtown Seattle Economy: New data shows World Cup games drove a 17% jump in downtown foot traffic, pushing leaders to plan more free outdoor activations to sustain momentum. AI Defense Protest: Activists staged a Seattle protest targeting Anduril’s AI weapons work, spotlighting ethical concerns tied to Washington’s defense-tech boom. Science & Agriculture: WSU researchers identified a gene mechanism behind seasonal “winter mode” in fruit flies, a finding that could inform pest control and seasonal health patterns.