AI & Kids Safety: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 867, a first-in-the-nation four-year ban on selling or making AI-powered chatbot toys for kids under 16, after concerns about unsafe content and privacy gaps. Tech Policy & Privacy: Microsoft agreed to stronger AI privacy and safety standards for tools used in schools, as educators and parents push for clearer rules on how student data is handled. Elections & Voting Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s attempt to restrict midterm mail-in ballots, leaving California’s vote-by-mail system intact while election officials brace for legal fights. State Politics 2028: Newsom says he won’t run for president in 2028 if Kamala Harris runs, arguing a Democratic face-off would help opponents. Local Governance & Accountability: An Imperial County audit found “Lithium Valley” funds spent on luxury furnishings, upscale dining, and tech upgrades—prompting fresh questions about oversight. Labor: San José waste workers ratified a five-year Teamsters contract with pay increases and expanded vacation. Public Safety: California CHP booked a man after a traffic stop turned up a loaded, unidentifiable firearm; separate El Centro records show an arson case tied to severe injury. Culture & Media: At the Emmys in Los Angeles, Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay” dominated with a record 14 wins, while “The Pitt” repeated as best drama.