UW Climate Tech Incubator: The University of Washington, Microsoft, and E8 launched a four-month CoMotion Labs program aimed at climate solutions for AI data centers, targeting everything from backup energy storage to cooling efficiency and e-waste reduction. Labor & Public Safety: Seattle hotel workers at the Embassy Suites Pioneer Square ratified a new Hilton contract after an 85-day strike, with higher starting pay and added protections tied to immigration-related emergencies. State Politics & Elections: Washington’s Supreme Court upheld mail-in voting rules, clearing the way for Spokane County’s midterm elections. Tribal Governance: Washington’s Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs asked journalists not to attend a Centennial Accord meeting with Ferguson and tribal leaders—an unusual move that drew scrutiny. Transportation: A crash on southbound I-5 near the Ship Canal Bridge backed up traffic for hours, with multiple lanes blocked. Education: WalletHub ranked Washington the best state for teachers, citing strong pay growth and relatively fast paths to tenure. Energy Grid Planning: A draft regional power plan warns the Pacific Northwest’s electricity needs could jump 40% to 100% by mid-century, with data centers driving uncertainty.