AI Policy Clash: A new AP report says Trump tried to block state AI rules, but states are moving ahead with targeted laws on chatbot safety, workplace use, and risk controls. Space & Life-Detection: Israeli-American researchers propose a new way to search for life beyond Earth by analyzing molecular diversity, with follow-up plans tied to a Europa mission concept. El Niño Watch (NorCal): NOAA officially declared El Niño, warning it could strengthen to very strong levels—raising odds of a wetter winter and new risks for juvenile salmon. UC STEM Admissions: UC math and STEM faculty are pushing to reinstate SAT/ACT math requirements for the 2027 cycle, arguing math gaps are undermining advanced coursework. Health Equity Research: UC Irvine researchers found women’s folic acid use tracks strongly with insurance and healthcare access, pointing to structural barriers beyond birthplace. Tech & Courts: A U.S. defamation suit filed by quantum sensor firm SeeDevice targets KBS over reporting that allegedly harmed its technology and years of R&D. Climate/Conservation: The federal plan to remove up to 450,000 barred owls across Washington, Oregon, and California is moving forward, with animal rights groups alleging killings already began. AI Hardware: Amazon says its Graviton5 CPU is now generally available as AI chip competition heats up. Sports Tech Glitch: FIFA faced backlash after a technical outage delayed its semi-automated offside graphics during Qatar–Switzerland, though VAR review still found no offside.