AI & Child Safety: Gov. Newsom signed 13 laws cracking down on addictive social media features for under-16s and requiring independent safety audits and risk assessments for AI chatbots, including crisis protocols for suicidal ideation. AI Governance: California also created a first-in-the-nation framework for independent AI model testing, setting standards for certified verifiers and an auditor registry. Antitrust: The Legislature passed the COMPETE Act (SB 1776), expanding California’s Cartwright Act enforcement so the AG and district attorneys can pursue monopolizing/monopsonizing claims against individual firms. Housing: San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie declared a “rent emergency” and backed a package of ordinances and $30M+ in renter protections. Energy & Land Use: BLM will hold a competitive geothermal lease sale Oct. 27 covering parcels across multiple California counties, with revenue splits for the state, counties, and U.S. Treasury. Healthcare & Jobs: A Central Valley hospital merger timeline was extended to Oct. 31 as bond financing work continues; meanwhile, Ruiz Foods cut 176 Dinuba jobs after moving HQ to Texas. Business & Compliance: FinCEN reissued its border Geographic Targeting Order, tightening CTR reporting for money services businesses in more granular California zip codes. Local Economy: Oakland’s data-center opposition campaign is gaining traction as residents push back on water and power impacts.