Lithium-ion battery oversight: Two NJ lawmakers toured EMR in Camden and pushed the Battery Fire Prevention Act, arguing Congress has stalled while lithium-ion battery fires keep showing up nationwide. AI at work: A New Jersey lawsuit says an “AI notetaker” kept recording after an employee left a virtual meeting, then shared a transcript used in her termination—raising new questions for employers about how these tools are deployed. Climate & oceans: A Princeton, NJ nonprofit analysis says ocean surface temperatures have hit record levels for 100 straight days, as global warming continues to push past key thresholds. Invasive species: Worcester, MA is dealing with spotted lanternflies and shifting from eradication to management, a reminder for the region’s own pest-watch efforts. EV autonomy in the tri-state: A reporter spotted Tesla’s Cybercab robotaxi models while traveling from NJ to the Bronx, highlighting how autonomous testing is expanding beyond one city. Food safety: A recall hit De Todito potato chips tied to pork cracklings imported from Colombia, flagged as a highest-risk Class-I issue. Local tech/business: Valley National Bank launched “Valley Foundry” to connect startups with AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Healthcare research: A federal youth cohort study aims to track 9/11 health effects in children and teens, with projected funding of $50M starting in 2027. STEM education outcomes: Rutgers–Newark reported a 57.5% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black/African American students (2018 cohort), with transfer patterns shaping results. Public safety EMS: Bergen Hatzalah marked five years, citing nearly 5,000 emergency calls and rapid growth across Bergen County.