Autonomous Mobility: Waymo won California Public Utilities Commission approval to expand robotaxi service across the SF Bay Area and Los Angeles, with future service planned for Sacramento and San Diego—expansion will be gradual under its safety framework. Defense & Manufacturing: Leidos broke ground on “Project New Heights” at FISTA in Lawton-Fort Sill, aiming to boost advanced defense manufacturing and integration capacity with a focus on economic development and education. Health Research Policy: Senators Tammy Baldwin and Richard Blumenthal pressed HHS to reverse AHRQ grant cancellations, arguing the cuts harm patient safety and evidence-based care. Medicaid Cost Debate: An HHS ASPE report says Medicaid provider-tax and state-directed payment reforms in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” could lower health care prices across the board, projecting large taxpayer and family savings. Cancer Biology: University of Colorado researchers report an “energy addiction” in high-risk MDS stem cells tied to NAD metabolism, suggesting a potential way to target malignant cells more selectively. STEM in the Capital: A Smithsonian Center for Folklife internship story highlights how DC-based cultural research and documentary work can launch careers for dual-degree students. Tech & Energy Industry: ELEKTROS reiterated its lithium, AI/data center, and EV infrastructure strategy amid accelerating electrification investment.