diff --git a/backend/internal/daemon/daemon.go b/backend/internal/daemon/daemon.go
index 260ccd5..a8d7f5b 100644
--- a/backend/internal/daemon/daemon.go
+++ b/backend/internal/daemon/daemon.go
@@ -14,7 +14,9 @@ import (
 	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/adapters/runtime/zellij"
 	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/config"
 	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/httpd"
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/notify"
 	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/runfile"
+	notificationsvc "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/service/notification"
 	projectsvc "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/service/project"
 	reviewsvc "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/service/review"
 	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/storage/sqlite"
@@ -82,11 +84,14 @@ func Run() error {
 	// Built before the Lifecycle Manager so the LCM can use it for SCM-driven
 	// agent nudges (CI failure, review feedback, merge conflict).
 	messenger := newSessionMessenger(store, runtimeAdapter, log)
+	notificationHub := notify.NewHub()
+	notifier := notificationsvc.New(notificationsvc.Deps{Store: store})
+	notificationWriter := notify.New(notify.Deps{Store: store, Publisher: notificationHub})
 
 	// Bring up the Lifecycle Manager and the reaper first: it makes the session
 	// lifecycle write path live (reducer write -> store -> DB trigger ->
 	// change_log -> poller -> broadcaster) and gives startSession the shared LCM.
-	lcStack := startLifecycle(ctx, store, runtimeAdapter, messenger, log)
+	lcStack := startLifecycle(ctx, store, runtimeAdapter, messenger, notificationWriter, log)
 	lcStack.scmDone = startSCMObserver(ctx, store, lcStack.LCM, log)
 
 	// Wire the controller-facing session service over the same store + LCM, the
@@ -104,12 +109,14 @@ func Run() error {
 	}
 
 	srv, err := httpd.NewWithDeps(cfg, log, termMgr, httpd.APIDeps{
-		Projects: projectsvc.New(store),
-		Sessions: sessionSvc,
-		Reviews:  reviewsvc.NewInMemory(),
-		CDC:      store,
-		Events:   cdcPipe.Broadcaster,
-		Activity: lcStack.LCM,
+		Projects:           projectsvc.New(store),
+		Sessions:           sessionSvc,
+		Reviews:            reviewsvc.NewInMemory(),
+		Notifications:      notifier,
+		NotificationStream: notificationHub,
+		CDC:                store,
+		Events:             cdcPipe.Broadcaster,
+		Activity:           lcStack.LCM,
 	})
 	if err != nil {
 		stop()
diff --git a/backend/internal/daemon/lifecycle_wiring.go b/backend/internal/daemon/lifecycle_wiring.go
index b4d4090..c57e506 100644
--- a/backend/internal/daemon/lifecycle_wiring.go
+++ b/backend/internal/daemon/lifecycle_wiring.go
@@ -20,6 +20,10 @@ import (
 	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/storage/sqlite"
 )
 
+type notificationSink interface {
+	Notify(context.Context, ports.NotificationIntent) error
+}
+
 // lifecycleStack owns the runtime reaper goroutine started with the lifecycle
 // reducer. The reducer itself is only used for wiring observations into storage.
 type lifecycleStack struct {
@@ -35,8 +39,8 @@ type lifecycleStack struct {
 // reaper. The goroutine stops when ctx is cancelled; Stop waits for it to drain.
 // The messenger is the per-daemon agent messenger the LCM uses to nudge agents
 // in response to SCM observations (CI failure, review feedback, merge conflict).
-func startLifecycle(ctx context.Context, store *sqlite.Store, runtime ports.Runtime, messenger ports.AgentMessenger, logger *slog.Logger) *lifecycleStack {
-	lcm := lifecycle.New(store, messenger)
+func startLifecycle(ctx context.Context, store *sqlite.Store, runtime ports.Runtime, messenger ports.AgentMessenger, notifier notificationSink, logger *slog.Logger) *lifecycleStack {
+	lcm := lifecycle.New(store, messenger, lifecycle.WithNotificationSink(notifier))
 	rp := reaper.New(lcm, store, runtime, reaper.Config{Logger: logger})
 	return &lifecycleStack{LCM: lcm, reaperDone: rp.Start(ctx)}
 }
diff --git a/backend/internal/daemon/wiring_test.go b/backend/internal/daemon/wiring_test.go
index 0e4815d..df194ad 100644
--- a/backend/internal/daemon/wiring_test.go
+++ b/backend/internal/daemon/wiring_test.go
@@ -315,7 +315,7 @@ func TestWiring_StartLifecycleThreadsMessengerIntoLCM(t *testing.T) {
 
 	log := slog.New(slog.NewTextHandler(io.Discard, nil))
 	messenger := &captureMessenger{}
-	stack := startLifecycle(ctx, store, zellij.New(zellij.Options{}), messenger, log)
+	stack := startLifecycle(ctx, store, zellij.New(zellij.Options{}), messenger, nil, log)
 	t.Cleanup(stack.Stop)
 	t.Cleanup(cancel)
 
diff --git a/backend/internal/domain/notification.go b/backend/internal/domain/notification.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ed5a8aa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/domain/notification.go
@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+package domain
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"time"
+)
+
+// NotificationType identifies a user-facing notification kind persisted for the dashboard.
+type NotificationType string
+
+const (
+	// NotificationNeedsInput means an agent session is waiting for user input.
+	NotificationNeedsInput NotificationType = "needs_input"
+	// NotificationReadyToMerge means a PR has no known merge blockers.
+	NotificationReadyToMerge NotificationType = "ready_to_merge"
+	// NotificationPRMerged means a tracked PR was merged.
+	NotificationPRMerged NotificationType = "pr_merged"
+	// NotificationPRClosedUnmerged means a tracked PR closed without merging.
+	NotificationPRClosedUnmerged NotificationType = "pr_closed_unmerged"
+)
+
+// Valid reports whether t is one of the v1 notification kinds.
+func (t NotificationType) Valid() bool {
+	switch t {
+	case NotificationNeedsInput, NotificationReadyToMerge, NotificationPRMerged, NotificationPRClosedUnmerged:
+		return true
+	default:
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
+// NotificationStatus is the read state for a stored notification.
+type NotificationStatus string
+
+const (
+	// NotificationUnread marks a notification that has not been acknowledged.
+	NotificationUnread NotificationStatus = "unread"
+	// NotificationRead marks a notification that has been acknowledged.
+	NotificationRead NotificationStatus = "read"
+)
+
+// Valid reports whether s is a supported notification read state.
+func (s NotificationStatus) Valid() bool {
+	switch s {
+	case NotificationUnread, NotificationRead:
+		return true
+	default:
+		return false
+	}
+}
+
+// NotificationRecord is the durable notification persistence shape.
+type NotificationRecord struct {
+	ID        string
+	SessionID SessionID
+	ProjectID ProjectID
+	PRURL     string
+	Type      NotificationType
+	Title     string
+	Body      string
+	Status    NotificationStatus
+	CreatedAt time.Time
+}
+
+var (
+	// ErrInvalidNotificationType reports an unknown notification type.
+	ErrInvalidNotificationType = errors.New("invalid notification type")
+	// ErrInvalidNotificationStatus reports an unknown notification status.
+	ErrInvalidNotificationStatus = errors.New("invalid notification status")
+	// ErrInvalidNotificationRecord reports a missing required notification field.
+	ErrInvalidNotificationRecord = errors.New("invalid notification record")
+)
+
+// Validate checks the required fields and enum values for a stored notification.
+func (r NotificationRecord) Validate() error {
+	if r.SessionID == "" || r.ProjectID == "" || r.Title == "" || r.CreatedAt.IsZero() {
+		return ErrInvalidNotificationRecord
+	}
+	if !r.Type.Valid() {
+		return ErrInvalidNotificationType
+	}
+	if !r.Status.Valid() {
+		return ErrInvalidNotificationStatus
+	}
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/httpd/api.go b/backend/internal/httpd/api.go
index d3969e8..40b65d8 100644
--- a/backend/internal/httpd/api.go
+++ b/backend/internal/httpd/api.go
@@ -18,24 +18,27 @@ import (
 
 // APIDeps bundles every service the API layer's controllers depend on.
 type APIDeps struct {
-	Projects projectsvc.Manager
-	Sessions controllers.SessionService
-	Activity controllers.ActivityRecorder
-	PRs      prsvc.ActionManager
-	Reviews  reviewsvc.Manager
-	CDC      cdc.Source
-	Events   cdcSubscriber
+	Projects           projectsvc.Manager
+	Sessions           controllers.SessionService
+	Activity           controllers.ActivityRecorder
+	PRs                prsvc.ActionManager
+	Reviews            reviewsvc.Manager
+	Notifications      controllers.NotificationService
+	NotificationStream controllers.NotificationStream
+	CDC                cdc.Source
+	Events             cdcSubscriber
 }
 
 // API owns one controller per resource and is the single Register call the
 // router invokes to mount the /api/v1 surface.
 type API struct {
-	cfg      config.Config
-	projects *controllers.ProjectsController
-	sessions *controllers.SessionsController
-	prs      *controllers.PRsController
-	reviews  *controllers.ReviewsController
-	events   *EventsController
+	cfg           config.Config
+	projects      *controllers.ProjectsController
+	sessions      *controllers.SessionsController
+	prs           *controllers.PRsController
+	reviews       *controllers.ReviewsController
+	notifications *controllers.NotificationsController
+	events        *EventsController
 }
 
 // NewAPI constructs the API surface from its dependencies. cfg carries the
@@ -51,9 +54,10 @@ func NewAPI(cfg config.Config, deps APIDeps) *API {
 			Svc:      deps.Sessions,
 			Activity: deps.Activity,
 		},
-		prs:     &controllers.PRsController{Svc: deps.PRs},
-		reviews: &controllers.ReviewsController{Svc: deps.Reviews},
-		events:  &EventsController{Source: deps.CDC, Live: deps.Events},
+		prs:           &controllers.PRsController{Svc: deps.PRs},
+		reviews:       &controllers.ReviewsController{Svc: deps.Reviews},
+		notifications: &controllers.NotificationsController{Svc: deps.Notifications, Stream: deps.NotificationStream},
+		events:        &EventsController{Source: deps.CDC, Live: deps.Events},
 	}
 }
 
@@ -75,9 +79,11 @@ func (a *API) Register(root chi.Router) {
 			a.sessions.Register(r)
 			a.prs.Register(r)
 			a.reviews.Register(r)
+			a.notifications.Register(r)
 			// Sibling REST controllers plug in here.
 		})
 		// Long-lived streams intentionally bypass the REST timeout middleware.
+		a.notifications.RegisterStream(r)
 		a.events.Register(r)
 	})
 }
diff --git a/backend/internal/httpd/apispec/openapi.yaml b/backend/internal/httpd/apispec/openapi.yaml
index c91c02e..d717a5c 100644
--- a/backend/internal/httpd/apispec/openapi.yaml
+++ b/backend/internal/httpd/apispec/openapi.yaml
@@ -51,6 +51,87 @@ paths:
       summary: Stream CDC events with durable replay
       tags:
       - events
+  /api/v1/notifications:
+    get:
+      operationId: listNotifications
+      parameters:
+      - description: Notification status filter. V1 supports only unread.
+        in: query
+        name: status
+        schema:
+          description: Notification status filter. V1 supports only unread.
+          enum:
+          - unread
+          type: string
+      - description: Maximum notifications to return. Defaults to 50; capped at 100.
+        in: query
+        name: limit
+        schema:
+          description: Maximum notifications to return. Defaults to 50; capped at
+            100.
+          maximum: 100
+          minimum: 1
+          type: integer
+      responses:
+        "200":
+          content:
+            application/json:
+              schema:
+                $ref: '#/components/schemas/ListNotificationsResponse'
+          description: OK
+        "400":
+          content:
+            application/json:
+              schema:
+                $ref: '#/components/schemas/APIError'
+          description: Bad Request
+        "500":
+          content:
+            application/json:
+              schema:
+                $ref: '#/components/schemas/APIError'
+          description: Internal Server Error
+        "501":
+          content:
+            application/json:
+              schema:
+                $ref: '#/components/schemas/APIError'
+          description: Not Implemented
+      summary: List unread notifications
+      tags:
+      - notifications
+  /api/v1/notifications/stream:
+    get:
+      operationId: streamNotifications
+      parameters:
+      - description: Optional project id filter for live notifications.
+        in: query
+        name: projectId
+        schema:
+          description: Optional project id filter for live notifications.
+          type: string
+      responses:
+        "200":
+          content:
+            text/event-stream:
+              schema:
+                type: string
+          description: OK
+        "500":
+          content:
+            application/json:
+              schema:
+                $ref: '#/components/schemas/APIError'
+          description: Internal Server Error
+        "501":
+          content:
+            application/json:
+              schema:
+                $ref: '#/components/schemas/APIError'
+          description: Not Implemented
+      summary: Stream created notifications
+      tags:
+      - notifications
   /api/v1/orchestrators:
     get:
       operationId: listOrchestrators
@@ -1186,6 +1267,15 @@ components:
       - ok
       - sessionId
       type: object
+    ListNotificationsResponse:
+      properties:
+        notifications:
+          items:
+            $ref: '#/components/schemas/NotificationResponse'
+          type: array
+      required:
+      - notifications
+      type: object
     ListProjectsResponse:
       properties:
         projects:
@@ -1238,6 +1328,64 @@ components:
       - prNumber
       - method
       type: object
+    NotificationResponse:
+      properties:
+        body:
+          type: string
+        createdAt:
+          format: date-time
+          type: string
+        id:
+          type: string
+        prUrl:
+          type: string
+        projectId:
+          type: string
+        sessionId:
+          type: string
+        status:
+          enum:
+          - unread
+          - read
+          type: string
+        target:
+          $ref: '#/components/schemas/NotificationTarget'
+        title:
+          type: string
+        type:
+          enum:
+          - needs_input
+          - ready_to_merge
+          - pr_merged
+          - pr_closed_unmerged
+          type: string
+      required:
+      - id
+      - sessionId
+      - projectId
+      - prUrl
+      - type
+      - title
+      - body
+      - status
+      - createdAt
+      - target
+      type: object
+    NotificationTarget:
+      properties:
+        kind:
+          enum:
+          - session
+          - pr
+          type: string
+        prUrl:
+          type: string
+        sessionId:
+          type: string
+      required:
+      - kind
+      - sessionId
+      type: object
     OrchestratorResponse:
       properties:
         id:
@@ -1691,5 +1839,7 @@ tags:
   name: prs
 - description: Code-review runs and findings
   name: reviews
+- description: Durable dashboard notifications
+  name: notifications
 - description: Server-sent CDC event stream with durable replay
   name: events
diff --git a/backend/internal/httpd/apispec/specgen/build.go b/backend/internal/httpd/apispec/specgen/build.go
index 502cc25..5ef6b87 100644
--- a/backend/internal/httpd/apispec/specgen/build.go
+++ b/backend/internal/httpd/apispec/specgen/build.go
@@ -63,6 +63,8 @@ func Build() ([]byte, error) {
 			"Pull-request actions (SCM lane)"),
 		*(&openapi31.Tag{Name: "reviews"}).WithDescription(
 			"Code-review runs and findings"),
+		*(&openapi31.Tag{Name: "notifications"}).WithDescription(
+			"Durable dashboard notifications"),
 		*(&openapi31.Tag{Name: "events"}).WithDescription(
 			"Server-sent CDC event stream with durable replay"),
 	}
@@ -155,6 +157,11 @@ var schemaNames = map[string]string{
 	"ControllersSpawnOrchestratorRequest":   "SpawnOrchestratorRequest",
 	"ControllersSpawnOrchestratorResponse":  "SpawnOrchestratorResponse",
 	"ControllersOrchestratorResponse":       "OrchestratorResponse",
+	"ControllersListNotificationsQuery":     "ListNotificationsQuery",
+	"ControllersNotificationStreamQuery":    "NotificationStreamQuery",
+	"ControllersNotificationTarget":         "NotificationTarget",
+	"ControllersNotificationResponse":       "NotificationResponse",
+	"ControllersListNotificationsResponse":  "ListNotificationsResponse",
 	// httpd/controllers — PR wire envelopes
 	"ControllersMergePRResponse":         "MergePRResponse",
 	"ControllersResolveCommentsRequest":  "ResolveCommentsRequest",
@@ -252,9 +259,37 @@ func operations() []operation {
 	ops = append(ops, sessionOperations()...)
 	ops = append(ops, prOperations()...)
 	ops = append(ops, reviewOperations()...)
+	ops = append(ops, notificationOperations()...)
 	return ops
 }
 
+func notificationOperations() []operation {
+	return []operation{
+		{
+			method: http.MethodGet, path: "/api/v1/notifications", id: "listNotifications", tag: "notifications",
+			summary:    "List unread notifications",
+			pathParams: []any{controllers.ListNotificationsQuery{}},
+			resps: []respUnit{
+				{http.StatusOK, controllers.ListNotificationsResponse{}},
+				{http.StatusBadRequest, envelope.APIError{}},
+				{http.StatusInternalServerError, envelope.APIError{}},
+				{http.StatusNotImplemented, envelope.APIError{}},
+			},
+		},
+		{
+			method: http.MethodGet, path: "/api/v1/notifications/stream", id: "streamNotifications", tag: "notifications",
+			summary:    "Stream created notifications",
+			pathParams: []any{controllers.NotificationStreamQuery{}},
+			resps: []respUnit{
+				{http.StatusOK, ""},
+				{http.StatusInternalServerError, envelope.APIError{}},
+				{http.StatusNotImplemented, envelope.APIError{}},
+			},
+			contentTypes: map[int]string{http.StatusOK: "text/event-stream"},
+		},
+	}
+}
+
 // reviewOperations declares the /reviews operations. Must stay 1:1 with the
 // routes ReviewsController.Register mounts (enforced by the parity test).
 func reviewOperations() []operation {
diff --git a/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/dto.go b/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/dto.go
index 557c42e..d2bb10a 100644
--- a/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/dto.go
+++ b/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/dto.go
@@ -262,6 +262,43 @@ type OrchestratorResponse struct {
 	ProjectName string           `json:"projectName,omitempty"`
 }
 
+// ListNotificationsQuery is the query string accepted by GET /api/v1/notifications.
+type ListNotificationsQuery struct {
+	Status string `query:"status,omitempty" enum:"unread" description:"Notification status filter. V1 supports only unread."`
+	Limit  int    `query:"limit,omitempty" minimum:"1" maximum:"100" description:"Maximum notifications to return. Defaults to 50; capped at 100."`
+}
+
+// NotificationStreamQuery is the query string accepted by GET /api/v1/notifications/stream.
+type NotificationStreamQuery struct {
+	ProjectID string `query:"projectId,omitempty" description:"Optional project id filter for live notifications."`
+}
+
+// NotificationTarget is the dashboard navigation target for a notification.
+type NotificationTarget struct {
+	Kind      string `json:"kind" enum:"session,pr"`
+	SessionID string `json:"sessionId"`
+	PRURL     string `json:"prUrl,omitempty"`
+}
+
+// NotificationResponse is one stored notification returned by the API.
+type NotificationResponse struct {
+	ID        string             `json:"id"`
+	SessionID string             `json:"sessionId"`
+	ProjectID string             `json:"projectId"`
+	PRURL     string             `json:"prUrl"`
+	Type      string             `json:"type" enum:"needs_input,ready_to_merge,pr_merged,pr_closed_unmerged"`
+	Title     string             `json:"title"`
+	Body      string             `json:"body"`
+	Status    string             `json:"status" enum:"unread,read"`
+	CreatedAt time.Time          `json:"createdAt"`
+	Target    NotificationTarget `json:"target"`
+}
+
+// ListNotificationsResponse is the body of GET /api/v1/notifications.
+type ListNotificationsResponse struct {
+	Notifications []NotificationResponse `json:"notifications"`
+}
+
 // PRIDParam is the {id} path parameter shared by the /prs/{id} routes.
 type PRIDParam struct {
 	ID string `path:"id" description:"PR number."`
diff --git a/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/notifications.go b/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/notifications.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..273d52a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/notifications.go
@@ -0,0 +1,185 @@
+package controllers
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"net/http"
+	"strconv"
+
+	"github.com/go-chi/chi/v5"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/httpd/apispec"
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/httpd/envelope"
+	notificationsvc "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/service/notification"
+)
+
+// NotificationService is the controller-facing notification service contract.
+type NotificationService interface {
+	ListUnread(ctx context.Context, filter notificationsvc.ListFilter) ([]notificationsvc.Notification, error)
+}
+
+// NotificationStream is the live notification stream used by SSE clients.
+type NotificationStream interface {
+	Subscribe(projectID domain.ProjectID) (<-chan domain.NotificationRecord, func())
+}
+
+// NotificationsController owns the /notifications routes.
+type NotificationsController struct {
+	Svc    NotificationService
+	Stream NotificationStream
+}
+
+// Register mounts bounded notification REST routes on the supplied router.
+func (c *NotificationsController) Register(r chi.Router) {
+	r.Get("/notifications", c.list)
+}
+
+// RegisterStream mounts long-lived notification stream routes on the supplied router.
+func (c *NotificationsController) RegisterStream(r chi.Router) {
+	r.Get("/notifications/stream", c.stream)
+}
+
+func (c *NotificationsController) list(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
+	if c.Svc == nil {
+		apispec.NotImplemented(w, r, "GET", "/api/v1/notifications")
+		return
+	}
+	filter, err := parseNotificationListFilter(r)
+	if err != nil {
+		envelope.WriteAPIError(w, r, http.StatusBadRequest, "bad_request", "INVALID_QUERY", err.Error(), nil)
+		return
+	}
+	notifications, err := c.Svc.ListUnread(r.Context(), filter)
+	if err != nil {
+		envelope.WriteError(w, r, err)
+		return
+	}
+	envelope.WriteJSON(w, http.StatusOK, ListNotificationsResponse{Notifications: notificationResponses(notifications)})
+}
+
+func (c *NotificationsController) stream(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
+	if c.Stream == nil {
+		apispec.NotImplemented(w, r, "GET", "/api/v1/notifications/stream")
+		return
+	}
+	flusher, ok := w.(http.Flusher)
+	if !ok {
+		envelope.WriteAPIError(w, r, http.StatusInternalServerError, "internal", "SSE_UNSUPPORTED", "Streaming is not supported by this server", nil)
+		return
+	}
+	ch, unsubscribe := c.Stream.Subscribe(domain.ProjectID(r.URL.Query().Get("projectId")))
+	defer unsubscribe()
+
+	h := w.Header()
+	h.Set("Content-Type", "text/event-stream; charset=utf-8")
+	h.Set("Cache-Control", "no-cache")
+	h.Set("Connection", "keep-alive")
+	h.Set("X-Accel-Buffering", "no")
+	w.WriteHeader(http.StatusOK)
+	flusher.Flush()
+
+	for {
+		select {
+		case <-r.Context().Done():
+			return
+		case rec, ok := <-ch:
+			if !ok {
+				return
+			}
+			if err := writeNotificationSSE(w, flusher, rec); err != nil {
+				return
+			}
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func writeNotificationSSE(w http.ResponseWriter, flusher http.Flusher, rec domain.NotificationRecord) error {
+	data, err := json.Marshal(notificationResponseFromRecord(rec))
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	if _, err := fmt.Fprintf(w, "event: notification_created\ndata: %s\n\n", data); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	flusher.Flush()
+	return nil
+}
+
+func parseNotificationListFilter(r *http.Request) (notificationsvc.ListFilter, error) {
+	q := r.URL.Query()
+	status := q.Get("status")
+	if status == "" {
+		status = "unread"
+	}
+	if status != "unread" {
+		return notificationsvc.ListFilter{}, errNotificationStatusUnsupported
+	}
+	limit := notificationsvc.DefaultListLimit
+	if raw := q.Get("limit"); raw != "" {
+		parsed, err := strconv.Atoi(raw)
+		if err != nil || parsed <= 0 {
+			return notificationsvc.ListFilter{}, errNotificationLimitInvalid
+		}
+		limit = parsed
+	}
+	if limit > notificationsvc.MaxListLimit {
+		limit = notificationsvc.MaxListLimit
+	}
+	return notificationsvc.ListFilter{Limit: limit}, nil
+}
+
+var (
+	errNotificationStatusUnsupported = notificationQueryError("status must be unread")
+	errNotificationLimitInvalid      = notificationQueryError("limit must be a positive integer")
+)
+
+type notificationQueryError string
+
+func (e notificationQueryError) Error() string { return string(e) }
+
+func notificationResponses(in []notificationsvc.Notification) []NotificationResponse {
+	out := make([]NotificationResponse, 0, len(in))
+	for _, n := range in {
+		out = append(out, NotificationResponse{
+			ID:        n.ID,
+			SessionID: string(n.SessionID),
+			ProjectID: string(n.ProjectID),
+			PRURL:     n.PRURL,
+			Type:      string(n.Type),
+			Title:     n.Title,
+			Body:      n.Body,
+			Status:    string(n.Status),
+			CreatedAt: n.CreatedAt,
+			Target: NotificationTarget{
+				Kind:      string(n.Target.Kind),
+				SessionID: string(n.Target.SessionID),
+				PRURL:     n.Target.PRURL,
+			},
+		})
+	}
+	return out
+}
+
+func notificationResponseFromRecord(rec domain.NotificationRecord) NotificationResponse {
+	return NotificationResponse{
+		ID:        rec.ID,
+		SessionID: string(rec.SessionID),
+		ProjectID: string(rec.ProjectID),
+		PRURL:     rec.PRURL,
+		Type:      string(rec.Type),
+		Title:     rec.Title,
+		Body:      rec.Body,
+		Status:    string(rec.Status),
+		CreatedAt: rec.CreatedAt,
+		Target:    notificationTargetFromRecord(rec),
+	}
+}
+
+func notificationTargetFromRecord(rec domain.NotificationRecord) NotificationTarget {
+	if rec.PRURL != "" {
+		return NotificationTarget{Kind: "pr", SessionID: string(rec.SessionID), PRURL: rec.PRURL}
+	}
+	return NotificationTarget{Kind: "session", SessionID: string(rec.SessionID)}
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/notifications_test.go b/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/notifications_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..def4992
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/notifications_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,157 @@
+package controllers_test
+
+import (
+	"bufio"
+	"context"
+	"io"
+	"log/slog"
+	"net/http"
+	"net/http/httptest"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/config"
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/httpd"
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/httpd/controllers"
+	notificationsvc "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/service/notification"
+)
+
+type fakeNotificationService struct {
+	gotFilter notificationsvc.ListFilter
+	items     []notificationsvc.Notification
+	err       error
+}
+
+type fakeNotificationStream struct {
+	gotProject domain.ProjectID
+	ch         chan domain.NotificationRecord
+}
+
+func (f *fakeNotificationService) ListUnread(_ context.Context, filter notificationsvc.ListFilter) ([]notificationsvc.Notification, error) {
+	f.gotFilter = filter
+	return f.items, f.err
+}
+
+func (f *fakeNotificationStream) Subscribe(projectID domain.ProjectID) (<-chan domain.NotificationRecord, func()) {
+	f.gotProject = projectID
+	if f.ch == nil {
+		f.ch = make(chan domain.NotificationRecord, 1)
+	}
+	return f.ch, func() {}
+}
+
+func newNotificationTestServer(t *testing.T, svc controllers.NotificationService) *httptest.Server {
+	t.Helper()
+	return newNotificationStreamTestServer(t, svc, nil)
+}
+
+func newNotificationStreamTestServer(t *testing.T, svc controllers.NotificationService, stream controllers.NotificationStream) *httptest.Server {
+	t.Helper()
+	log := slog.New(slog.NewTextHandler(io.Discard, nil))
+	srv := httptest.NewServer(httpd.NewRouterWithControl(config.Config{}, log, nil, httpd.APIDeps{Notifications: svc, NotificationStream: stream}, httpd.ControlDeps{}))
+	t.Cleanup(srv.Close)
+	return srv
+}
+
+func TestNotificationsAPI_ListUnread(t *testing.T) {
+	now := time.Date(2026, 6, 11, 10, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	svc := &fakeNotificationService{items: []notificationsvc.Notification{{
+		NotificationRecord: domain.NotificationRecord{ID: "ntf_1", SessionID: "mer-1", ProjectID: "mer", Type: domain.NotificationNeedsInput, Title: "checkout-flow needs input", Body: "The agent is waiting for your response.", Status: domain.NotificationUnread, CreatedAt: now},
+		Target:             notificationsvc.Target{Kind: notificationsvc.TargetSession, SessionID: "mer-1"},
+	}}}
+	srv := newNotificationTestServer(t, svc)
+
+	body, status, _ := doRequest(t, srv, "GET", "/api/v1/notifications?limit=10", "")
+	if status != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Fatalf("status = %d, want 200; body=%s", status, body)
+	}
+	if svc.gotFilter.Limit != 10 {
+		t.Fatalf("filter = %+v", svc.gotFilter)
+	}
+	var resp struct {
+		Notifications []struct {
+			ID        string `json:"id"`
+			SessionID string `json:"sessionId"`
+			ProjectID string `json:"projectId"`
+			Type      string `json:"type"`
+			Status    string `json:"status"`
+			Target    struct {
+				Kind      string `json:"kind"`
+				SessionID string `json:"sessionId"`
+			} `json:"target"`
+		} `json:"notifications"`
+	}
+	mustJSON(t, body, &resp)
+	if len(resp.Notifications) != 1 || resp.Notifications[0].ID != "ntf_1" || resp.Notifications[0].Target.Kind != "session" {
+		t.Fatalf("resp = %+v", resp)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNotificationsAPI_DefaultsAndCapsLimit(t *testing.T) {
+	svc := &fakeNotificationService{}
+	srv := newNotificationTestServer(t, svc)
+
+	_, status, _ := doRequest(t, srv, "GET", "/api/v1/notifications?limit=999", "")
+	if status != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Fatalf("status = %d, want 200", status)
+	}
+	if svc.gotFilter.Limit != notificationsvc.MaxListLimit {
+		t.Fatalf("limit = %d, want cap %d", svc.gotFilter.Limit, notificationsvc.MaxListLimit)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNotificationsAPI_RejectsUnsupportedStatus(t *testing.T) {
+	srv := newNotificationTestServer(t, &fakeNotificationService{})
+
+	body, status, _ := doRequest(t, srv, "GET", "/api/v1/notifications?status=read", "")
+	assertErrorCode(t, body, status, http.StatusBadRequest, "INVALID_QUERY")
+}
+
+func TestNotificationsAPI_WithoutServiceIs501(t *testing.T) {
+	srv := newNotificationTestServer(t, nil)
+
+	body, status, _ := doRequest(t, srv, "GET", "/api/v1/notifications", "")
+	assertErrorCode(t, body, status, http.StatusNotImplemented, "NOT_IMPLEMENTED")
+}
+
+func TestNotificationsAPI_StreamCreatedNotifications(t *testing.T) {
+	stream := &fakeNotificationStream{ch: make(chan domain.NotificationRecord, 1)}
+	srv := newNotificationStreamTestServer(t, &fakeNotificationService{}, stream)
+
+	resp, err := srv.Client().Get(srv.URL + "/api/v1/notifications/stream?projectId=mer")
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	defer resp.Body.Close()
+	if resp.StatusCode != http.StatusOK {
+		t.Fatalf("status = %d, want 200", resp.StatusCode)
+	}
+	if ct := resp.Header.Get("Content-Type"); !strings.HasPrefix(ct, "text/event-stream") {
+		t.Fatalf("content-type = %q", ct)
+	}
+	if stream.gotProject != "mer" {
+		t.Fatalf("project filter = %q", stream.gotProject)
+	}
+
+	stream.ch <- domain.NotificationRecord{ID: "ntf_1", SessionID: "mer-1", ProjectID: "mer", Type: domain.NotificationNeedsInput, Title: "needs input", Status: domain.NotificationUnread, CreatedAt: time.Now()}
+	reader := bufio.NewReader(resp.Body)
+	eventLine, err := reader.ReadString('\n')
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	dataLine, err := reader.ReadString('\n')
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if strings.TrimSpace(eventLine) != "event: notification_created" || !strings.Contains(dataLine, `"id":"ntf_1"`) {
+		t.Fatalf("eventLine=%q dataLine=%q", eventLine, dataLine)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNotificationsAPI_StreamWithoutPublisherIs501(t *testing.T) {
+	srv := newNotificationStreamTestServer(t, &fakeNotificationService{}, nil)
+	body, status, _ := doRequest(t, srv, "GET", "/api/v1/notifications/stream", "")
+	assertErrorCode(t, body, status, http.StatusNotImplemented, "NOT_IMPLEMENTED")
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/sessions.go b/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/sessions.go
index bf03358..3d0b2bb 100644
--- a/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/sessions.go
+++ b/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/sessions.go
@@ -304,6 +304,10 @@ func (c *SessionsController) activity(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
 		return
 	}
 	if err := c.Activity.ApplyActivitySignal(r.Context(), sessionID(r), ports.ActivitySignal{Valid: true, State: state}); err != nil {
+		if errors.Is(err, ports.ErrSessionNotFound) {
+			envelope.WriteAPIError(w, r, http.StatusNotFound, "not_found", "SESSION_NOT_FOUND", "Unknown session", nil)
+			return
+		}
 		envelope.WriteError(w, r, err)
 		return
 	}
diff --git a/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/sessions_activity_test.go b/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/sessions_activity_test.go
index ed63dc4..5d7b669 100644
--- a/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/sessions_activity_test.go
+++ b/backend/internal/httpd/controllers/sessions_activity_test.go
@@ -84,6 +84,13 @@ func TestSessionsAPI_ActivityRejectsBadJSON(t *testing.T) {
 	assertErrorCode(t, body, status, http.StatusBadRequest, "INVALID_JSON")
 }
 
+func TestSessionsAPI_ActivityMissingSessionIs404(t *testing.T) {
+	srv := newActivityTestServer(t, &fakeActivityRecorder{err: ports.ErrSessionNotFound})
+
+	body, status, _ := doRequest(t, srv, "POST", "/api/v1/sessions/missing/activity", `{"state":"idle"}`)
+	assertErrorCode(t, body, status, http.StatusNotFound, "SESSION_NOT_FOUND")
+}
+
 func TestSessionsAPI_ActivityRecorderErrorIs500(t *testing.T) {
 	srv := newActivityTestServer(t, &fakeActivityRecorder{err: errors.New("boom")})
 
diff --git a/backend/internal/lifecycle/manager.go b/backend/internal/lifecycle/manager.go
index 925af55..bbb2896 100644
--- a/backend/internal/lifecycle/manager.go
+++ b/backend/internal/lifecycle/manager.go
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ package lifecycle
 import (
 	"context"
 	"fmt"
+	"log/slog"
 	"sync"
 	"time"
 
@@ -23,11 +24,25 @@ type sessionStore interface {
 	UpdatePRLastNudgeSignature(ctx context.Context, prURL, payload string) error
 }
 
+// notificationSink is the optional lifecycle-to-notification-producer boundary.
+type notificationSink interface {
+	Notify(ctx context.Context, intent ports.NotificationIntent) error
+}
+
+// Option customizes a Manager.
+type Option func(*Manager)
+
+// WithNotificationSink wires lifecycle notification intents to a write-side producer.
+func WithNotificationSink(sink notificationSink) Option {
+	return func(m *Manager) { m.notifications = sink }
+}
+
 // Manager reduces runtime, activity, spawn, and termination observations into durable session facts.
 // It also owns agent nudges caused by PR observations, including merge-conflict, CI-failure, and review-feedback prompts.
 type Manager struct {
-	store     sessionStore
-	messenger ports.AgentMessenger
+	store         sessionStore
+	messenger     ports.AgentMessenger
+	notifications notificationSink
 
 	mu     sync.Mutex
 	window time.Duration
@@ -36,8 +51,12 @@ type Manager struct {
 }
 
 // New builds a Lifecycle Manager over the session store it writes and the messenger it uses for agent nudges.
-func New(store sessionStore, messenger ports.AgentMessenger) *Manager {
-	return &Manager{store: store, messenger: messenger, window: defaultRecentActivityWindow, clock: time.Now, react: newReactionState()}
+func New(store sessionStore, messenger ports.AgentMessenger, opts ...Option) *Manager {
+	m := &Manager{store: store, messenger: messenger, window: defaultRecentActivityWindow, clock: time.Now, react: newReactionState()}
+	for _, opt := range opts {
+		opt(m)
+	}
+	return m
 }
 
 func (m *Manager) mutate(ctx context.Context, id domain.SessionID, fn func(domain.SessionRecord, time.Time) (domain.SessionRecord, bool)) error {
@@ -79,29 +98,66 @@ func (m *Manager) ApplyActivitySignal(ctx context.Context, id domain.SessionID,
 	if !s.Valid {
 		return nil
 	}
-	return m.mutate(ctx, id, func(cur domain.SessionRecord, now time.Time) (domain.SessionRecord, bool) {
-		if cur.IsTerminated {
-			return cur, false
-		}
-		next := cur
-		act := domain.Activity{State: s.State, LastActivityAt: timeOr(s.Timestamp, now)}
-		// A same-state repeat is still a write when it is the FIRST signal for
-		// this spawn: the receipt itself is a durable fact (it clears the
-		// no_signal display status). Hook deliveries are best-effort, so the
-		// first to ARRIVE may match the seeded state — e.g. a turn's "active"
-		// POST is lost and its Stop hook lands idle on the idle-seeded row.
-		if sameActivity(cur.Activity, act) && !cur.FirstSignalAt.IsZero() {
-			return cur, false
-		}
-		next.Activity = act
-		if next.FirstSignalAt.IsZero() {
-			next.FirstSignalAt = timeOr(s.Timestamp, now)
-		}
-		if s.State == domain.ActivityExited {
-			next.IsTerminated = true
+	var intent *ports.NotificationIntent
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	rec, ok, err := m.store.GetSession(ctx, id)
+	if err != nil {
+		m.mu.Unlock()
+		return err
+	}
+	if !ok {
+		m.mu.Unlock()
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w: %s", ports.ErrSessionNotFound, id)
+	}
+	now := m.clock()
+	if rec.IsTerminated {
+		m.mu.Unlock()
+		return nil
+	}
+	next := rec
+	act := domain.Activity{State: s.State, LastActivityAt: timeOr(s.Timestamp, now)}
+	// A same-state repeat is still a write when it is the FIRST signal for
+	// this spawn: the receipt itself is a durable fact (it clears the
+	// no_signal display status). Hook deliveries are best-effort, so the
+	// first to ARRIVE may match the seeded state — e.g. a turn's "active"
+	// POST is lost and its Stop hook lands idle on the idle-seeded row.
+	if sameActivity(rec.Activity, act) && !rec.FirstSignalAt.IsZero() {
+		m.mu.Unlock()
+		return nil
+	}
+	next.Activity = act
+	if next.FirstSignalAt.IsZero() {
+		next.FirstSignalAt = timeOr(s.Timestamp, now)
+	}
+	if s.State == domain.ActivityExited {
+		next.IsTerminated = true
+	}
+	next.UpdatedAt = now
+	if err := m.store.UpdateSession(ctx, next); err != nil {
+		m.mu.Unlock()
+		return err
+	}
+	if rec.Activity.State != domain.ActivityWaitingInput && next.Activity.State == domain.ActivityWaitingInput && !next.IsTerminated {
+		intent = &ports.NotificationIntent{
+			Type:               domain.NotificationNeedsInput,
+			SessionID:          next.ID,
+			ProjectID:          next.ProjectID,
+			CreatedAt:          next.Activity.LastActivityAt,
+			SessionDisplayName: next.DisplayName,
 		}
-		return next, true
-	})
+	}
+	m.mu.Unlock()
+	m.emitNotification(ctx, intent)
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) emitNotification(ctx context.Context, intent *ports.NotificationIntent) {
+	if intent == nil || m.notifications == nil {
+		return
+	}
+	if err := m.notifications.Notify(ctx, *intent); err != nil {
+		slog.Default().Warn("lifecycle: notification failed", "session", intent.SessionID, "type", intent.Type, "err", err)
+	}
 }
 
 // MarkSpawned marks a newly spawned or restored session live and stores runtime/workspace handles.
diff --git a/backend/internal/lifecycle/manager_test.go b/backend/internal/lifecycle/manager_test.go
index e739fa0..09adbf7 100644
--- a/backend/internal/lifecycle/manager_test.go
+++ b/backend/internal/lifecycle/manager_test.go
@@ -112,6 +112,14 @@ func TestActivity_InvalidIsIgnored(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestActivity_MissingSessionReturnsNotFound(t *testing.T) {
+	m, _, _ := newManager()
+	err := m.ApplyActivitySignal(ctx, "missing-1", ports.ActivitySignal{Valid: true, State: domain.ActivityWaitingInput})
+	if !errors.Is(err, ports.ErrSessionNotFound) {
+		t.Fatalf("err = %v, want ErrSessionNotFound", err)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestMarkTerminated(t *testing.T) {
 	m, st, _ := newManager()
 	st.sessions["mer-1"] = working("mer-1")
@@ -184,6 +192,18 @@ func TestSCMObservationProjectsToExistingPRReactions(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
+func TestSCMObservation_MissingSessionIsIgnored(t *testing.T) {
+	st := newFakeStore()
+	m := New(st, nil)
+	o := ports.SCMObservation{
+		Fetched: true,
+		PR:      ports.SCMPRObservation{URL: "pr1", Number: 1},
+	}
+	if err := m.ApplySCMObservation(ctx, "missing-1", o); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("ApplySCMObservation missing session: %v", err)
+	}
+}
+
 func TestSCMObservationUsesPRHeadWhenCIHeadMissing(t *testing.T) {
 	m, st, msg := newManager()
 	st.sessions["mer-1"] = working("mer-1")
@@ -546,3 +566,144 @@ func TestMarkSpawnedClearsFirstSignal(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("spawn/restore must clear the receipt, got %+v", got)
 	}
 }
+
+type fakeNotificationSink struct {
+	intents []ports.NotificationIntent
+	err     error
+}
+
+func (f *fakeNotificationSink) Notify(_ context.Context, intent ports.NotificationIntent) error {
+	f.intents = append(f.intents, intent)
+	return f.err
+}
+
+func TestActivity_WaitingInputTransitionEmitsNotification(t *testing.T) {
+	st := newFakeStore()
+	sink := &fakeNotificationSink{}
+	m := New(st, nil, WithNotificationSink(sink))
+	now := time.Date(2026, 6, 11, 10, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	m.clock = func() time.Time { return now }
+	st.sessions["mer-1"] = domain.SessionRecord{ID: "mer-1", ProjectID: "mer", DisplayName: "checkout-flow", Activity: domain.Activity{State: domain.ActivityActive, LastActivityAt: now.Add(-time.Minute)}, FirstSignalAt: now.Add(-time.Minute)}
+
+	if err := m.ApplyActivitySignal(ctx, "mer-1", ports.ActivitySignal{Valid: true, State: domain.ActivityWaitingInput}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(sink.intents) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("intents = %d, want 1", len(sink.intents))
+	}
+	intent := sink.intents[0]
+	if intent.Type != domain.NotificationNeedsInput || intent.SessionID != "mer-1" || intent.ProjectID != "mer" || intent.SessionDisplayName != "checkout-flow" {
+		t.Fatalf("intent = %+v", intent)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestActivity_WaitingInputSameStateDoesNotEmitNotification(t *testing.T) {
+	st := newFakeStore()
+	sink := &fakeNotificationSink{}
+	m := New(st, nil, WithNotificationSink(sink))
+	now := time.Now()
+	st.sessions["mer-1"] = domain.SessionRecord{ID: "mer-1", ProjectID: "mer", Activity: domain.Activity{State: domain.ActivityWaitingInput, LastActivityAt: now}, FirstSignalAt: now}
+
+	if err := m.ApplyActivitySignal(ctx, "mer-1", ports.ActivitySignal{Valid: true, State: domain.ActivityWaitingInput}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(sink.intents) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("same-state waiting_input emitted %+v", sink.intents)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestActivity_TerminatedSessionDoesNotEmitNotification(t *testing.T) {
+	st := newFakeStore()
+	sink := &fakeNotificationSink{}
+	m := New(st, nil, WithNotificationSink(sink))
+	st.sessions["mer-1"] = domain.SessionRecord{ID: "mer-1", ProjectID: "mer", IsTerminated: true, Activity: domain.Activity{State: domain.ActivityExited}}
+
+	if err := m.ApplyActivitySignal(ctx, "mer-1", ports.ActivitySignal{Valid: true, State: domain.ActivityWaitingInput}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(sink.intents) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("terminated session emitted %+v", sink.intents)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSCMObservation_Notifications(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, tc := range []struct {
+		name string
+		obs  ports.SCMObservation
+		want domain.NotificationType
+	}{
+		{
+			name: "ready",
+			obs:  ports.SCMObservation{Fetched: true, PR: ports.SCMPRObservation{URL: "https://github.com/o/r/pull/1", Number: 1, Title: "checkout"}, CI: ports.SCMCIObservation{Summary: string(domain.CIPassing)}, Review: ports.SCMReviewObservation{Decision: string(domain.ReviewApproved)}, Mergeability: ports.SCMMergeabilityObservation{State: string(domain.MergeMergeable)}},
+			want: domain.NotificationReadyToMerge,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "merged",
+			obs:  ports.SCMObservation{Fetched: true, PR: ports.SCMPRObservation{URL: "https://github.com/o/r/pull/2", Number: 2, Merged: true}},
+			want: domain.NotificationPRMerged,
+		},
+		{
+			name: "closed",
+			obs:  ports.SCMObservation{Fetched: true, PR: ports.SCMPRObservation{URL: "https://github.com/o/r/pull/3", Number: 3, Closed: true}},
+			want: domain.NotificationPRClosedUnmerged,
+		},
+	} {
+		t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			st := newFakeStore()
+			sink := &fakeNotificationSink{}
+			m := New(st, nil, WithNotificationSink(sink))
+			st.sessions["mer-1"] = working("mer-1")
+			if err := m.ApplySCMObservation(ctx, "mer-1", tc.obs); err != nil {
+				t.Fatal(err)
+			}
+			if len(sink.intents) != 1 {
+				t.Fatalf("intents = %d, want 1", len(sink.intents))
+			}
+			if got := sink.intents[0]; got.Type != tc.want || got.PRURL != tc.obs.PR.URL || got.PRNumber != tc.obs.PR.Number {
+				t.Fatalf("intent = %+v, want type %s", got, tc.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSCMObservation_NotReadyWhenCIOrReviewBlocks(t *testing.T) {
+	for _, obs := range []ports.SCMObservation{
+		{Fetched: true, PR: ports.SCMPRObservation{URL: "https://github.com/o/r/pull/1", Number: 1}, CI: ports.SCMCIObservation{Summary: string(domain.CIFailing)}, Mergeability: ports.SCMMergeabilityObservation{State: string(domain.MergeMergeable)}},
+		{Fetched: true, PR: ports.SCMPRObservation{URL: "https://github.com/o/r/pull/1", Number: 1}, CI: ports.SCMCIObservation{Summary: string(domain.CIPending)}, Mergeability: ports.SCMMergeabilityObservation{State: string(domain.MergeMergeable)}},
+		{Fetched: true, PR: ports.SCMPRObservation{URL: "https://github.com/o/r/pull/1", Number: 1}, CI: ports.SCMCIObservation{Summary: string(domain.CIUnknown)}, Mergeability: ports.SCMMergeabilityObservation{State: string(domain.MergeMergeable)}},
+		{Fetched: true, PR: ports.SCMPRObservation{URL: "https://github.com/o/r/pull/1", Number: 1}, Mergeability: ports.SCMMergeabilityObservation{State: string(domain.MergeMergeable)}},
+		{Fetched: true, PR: ports.SCMPRObservation{URL: "https://github.com/o/r/pull/1", Number: 1}, CI: ports.SCMCIObservation{Summary: string(domain.CIPassing)}, Review: ports.SCMReviewObservation{Decision: string(domain.ReviewChangesRequest)}, Mergeability: ports.SCMMergeabilityObservation{State: string(domain.MergeMergeable)}},
+	} {
+		st := newFakeStore()
+		sink := &fakeNotificationSink{}
+		m := New(st, nil, WithNotificationSink(sink))
+		st.sessions["mer-1"] = working("mer-1")
+		if err := m.ApplySCMObservation(ctx, "mer-1", obs); err != nil {
+			t.Fatal(err)
+		}
+		if len(sink.intents) != 0 {
+			t.Fatalf("blocked PR emitted %+v", sink.intents)
+		}
+	}
+}
+
+func TestSCMObservation_ReadyToMergeSuppressedWhileWaitingInput(t *testing.T) {
+	st := newFakeStore()
+	sink := &fakeNotificationSink{}
+	m := New(st, nil, WithNotificationSink(sink))
+	rec := working("mer-1")
+	rec.Activity.State = domain.ActivityWaitingInput
+	st.sessions["mer-1"] = rec
+	obs := ports.SCMObservation{
+		Fetched:      true,
+		PR:           ports.SCMPRObservation{URL: "https://github.com/o/r/pull/1", Number: 1},
+		CI:           ports.SCMCIObservation{Summary: string(domain.CIPassing)},
+		Mergeability: ports.SCMMergeabilityObservation{State: string(domain.MergeMergeable)},
+	}
+	if err := m.ApplySCMObservation(ctx, "mer-1", obs); err != nil {
+		t.Fatal(err)
+	}
+	if len(sink.intents) != 0 {
+		t.Fatalf("waiting-input session emitted ready notification: %+v", sink.intents)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/lifecycle/reactions.go b/backend/internal/lifecycle/reactions.go
index 614d3db..bfffd07 100644
--- a/backend/internal/lifecycle/reactions.go
+++ b/backend/internal/lifecycle/reactions.go
@@ -92,7 +92,92 @@ func (m *Manager) ApplySCMObservation(ctx context.Context, id domain.SessionID,
 	if !o.Fetched {
 		return nil
 	}
-	return m.ApplyPRObservation(ctx, id, scmToPRObservation(o))
+	if err := m.ApplyPRObservation(ctx, id, scmToPRObservation(o)); err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	intent, err := m.notificationIntentForCurrentSCM(ctx, id, o)
+	if err != nil {
+		return err
+	}
+	m.emitNotification(ctx, intent)
+	return nil
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) notificationIntentForCurrentSCM(ctx context.Context, id domain.SessionID, o ports.SCMObservation) (*ports.NotificationIntent, error) {
+	// Serialize the session snapshot with activity transitions so ready-to-merge
+	// notifications do not race against a simultaneous waiting_input update.
+	m.mu.Lock()
+	defer m.mu.Unlock()
+	rec, ok, err := m.store.GetSession(ctx, id)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if !ok {
+		return nil, nil
+	}
+	return m.notificationIntentForSCM(rec, o), nil
+}
+
+func (m *Manager) notificationIntentForSCM(rec domain.SessionRecord, o ports.SCMObservation) *ports.NotificationIntent {
+	prURL := firstSCMNonEmpty(o.PR.URL, o.PR.HTMLURL)
+	base := ports.NotificationIntent{
+		SessionID:          rec.ID,
+		ProjectID:          rec.ProjectID,
+		PRURL:              prURL,
+		CreatedAt:          timeOr(o.ObservedAt, m.clock()),
+		SessionDisplayName: rec.DisplayName,
+		PRNumber:           o.PR.Number,
+		PRTitle:            o.PR.Title,
+		PRSourceBranch:     o.PR.SourceBranch,
+		PRTargetBranch:     o.PR.TargetBranch,
+		Provider:           o.Provider,
+		Repo:               o.Repo,
+	}
+	if o.PR.Merged {
+		base.Type = domain.NotificationPRMerged
+		return &base
+	}
+	if o.PR.Closed {
+		base.Type = domain.NotificationPRClosedUnmerged
+		return &base
+	}
+	if rec.IsTerminated || rec.Activity.State == domain.ActivityWaitingInput || !scmObservationIsReadyToMerge(o) {
+		return nil
+	}
+	base.Type = domain.NotificationReadyToMerge
+	return &base
+}
+
+func scmObservationIsReadyToMerge(o ports.SCMObservation) bool {
+	if o.PR.Merged || o.PR.Closed || o.PR.Draft {
+		return false
+	}
+	ci := domain.CIState(o.CI.Summary)
+	if ci == "" {
+		ci = domain.CIUnknown
+	}
+	switch ci {
+	case domain.CIFailing, domain.CIPending, domain.CIUnknown:
+		return false
+	}
+	if domain.ReviewDecision(o.Review.Decision) == domain.ReviewChangesRequest || hasUnresolvedSCMComments(o.Review.Threads) {
+		return false
+	}
+	return domain.Mergeability(o.Mergeability.State) == domain.MergeMergeable
+}
+
+func hasUnresolvedSCMComments(threads []ports.SCMReviewThreadObservation) bool {
+	for _, th := range threads {
+		if th.Resolved || th.IsBot {
+			continue
+		}
+		for _, c := range th.Comments {
+			if !c.IsBot {
+				return true
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	return false
 }
 
 func scmToPRObservation(o ports.SCMObservation) ports.PRObservation {
diff --git a/backend/internal/notify/enrich.go b/backend/internal/notify/enrich.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..728e270
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/notify/enrich.go
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+package notify
+
+import (
+	"fmt"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+)
+
+func enrich(intent Intent) (domain.NotificationRecord, error) {
+	rec := domain.NotificationRecord{
+		SessionID: intent.SessionID,
+		ProjectID: intent.ProjectID,
+		PRURL:     strings.TrimSpace(intent.PRURL),
+		Type:      intent.Type,
+		Status:    domain.NotificationUnread,
+		CreatedAt: intent.CreatedAt,
+	}
+	if !intent.Type.Valid() {
+		return domain.NotificationRecord{}, domain.ErrInvalidNotificationType
+	}
+	if intent.Type != domain.NotificationNeedsInput && rec.PRURL == "" {
+		return domain.NotificationRecord{}, domain.ErrInvalidNotificationRecord
+	}
+	rec.Title = titleForIntent(intent)
+	rec.Body = bodyForIntent(intent)
+	if err := rec.Validate(); err != nil {
+		return domain.NotificationRecord{}, err
+	}
+	return rec, nil
+}
+
+func titleForIntent(intent Intent) string {
+	switch intent.Type {
+	case domain.NotificationNeedsInput:
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s needs input", sessionLabel(intent))
+	case domain.NotificationReadyToMerge:
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s is ready to merge", prLabel(intent))
+	case domain.NotificationPRMerged:
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s was merged", prLabel(intent))
+	case domain.NotificationPRClosedUnmerged:
+		return fmt.Sprintf("%s was closed without merging", prLabel(intent))
+	default:
+		return "Notification"
+	}
+}
+
+func bodyForIntent(intent Intent) string {
+	switch intent.Type {
+	case domain.NotificationNeedsInput:
+		return "The agent is waiting for your response."
+	case domain.NotificationReadyToMerge:
+		if s := sessionLabel(intent); s != "session" {
+			return fmt.Sprintf("%s has no known blocking CI or review feedback.", s)
+		}
+		return "The pull request has no known blocking CI or review feedback."
+	case domain.NotificationPRMerged:
+		if title := strings.TrimSpace(intent.PRTitle); title != "" {
+			return fmt.Sprintf("%s was merged.", title)
+		}
+		return "The pull request was merged."
+	case domain.NotificationPRClosedUnmerged:
+		if title := strings.TrimSpace(intent.PRTitle); title != "" {
+			return fmt.Sprintf("%s was closed without merging.", title)
+		}
+		return "The pull request was closed without merging."
+	default:
+		return ""
+	}
+}
+
+func sessionLabel(intent Intent) string {
+	if v := strings.TrimSpace(intent.SessionDisplayName); v != "" {
+		return v
+	}
+	if intent.SessionID != "" {
+		return string(intent.SessionID)
+	}
+	return "session"
+}
+
+func prLabel(intent Intent) string {
+	if intent.PRNumber > 0 {
+		return fmt.Sprintf("PR #%d", intent.PRNumber)
+	}
+	if title := strings.TrimSpace(intent.PRTitle); title != "" {
+		return "PR " + title
+	}
+	return "PR"
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/notify/hub.go b/backend/internal/notify/hub.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..51f22c9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/notify/hub.go
@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+package notify
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"sync"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+)
+
+const subscriberBuffer = 64
+
+type subscription struct {
+	projectID domain.ProjectID
+	ch        chan domain.NotificationRecord
+}
+
+// Hub is an in-process publisher for notification SSE subscribers.
+type Hub struct {
+	mu     sync.RWMutex
+	nextID int
+	subs   map[int]subscription
+}
+
+// NewHub constructs an empty notification Hub.
+func NewHub() *Hub {
+	return &Hub{subs: map[int]subscription{}}
+}
+
+// Subscribe registers a live notification subscriber. Empty projectID receives all projects.
+func (h *Hub) Subscribe(projectID domain.ProjectID) (<-chan domain.NotificationRecord, func()) {
+	if h == nil {
+		ch := make(chan domain.NotificationRecord)
+		close(ch)
+		return ch, func() {}
+	}
+	ch := make(chan domain.NotificationRecord, subscriberBuffer)
+	h.mu.Lock()
+	id := h.nextID
+	h.nextID++
+	h.subs[id] = subscription{projectID: projectID, ch: ch}
+	h.mu.Unlock()
+	return ch, func() {
+		h.mu.Lock()
+		if sub, ok := h.subs[id]; ok {
+			delete(h.subs, id)
+			close(sub.ch)
+		}
+		h.mu.Unlock()
+	}
+}
+
+// Publish pushes a persisted notification to matching subscribers without blocking lifecycle writes.
+func (h *Hub) Publish(_ context.Context, rec domain.NotificationRecord) error {
+	if h == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	h.mu.RLock()
+	defer h.mu.RUnlock()
+	for _, sub := range h.subs {
+		if sub.projectID != "" && sub.projectID != rec.ProjectID {
+			continue
+		}
+		select {
+		case sub.ch <- rec:
+		default:
+		}
+	}
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/notify/manager.go b/backend/internal/notify/manager.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cd951c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/notify/manager.go
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+// Package notify owns notification write-side production and live dashboard fan-out.
+package notify
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/google/uuid"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/ports"
+)
+
+// Store is the write-side notification persistence boundary.
+type Store interface {
+	CreateNotification(ctx context.Context, rec domain.NotificationRecord) (domain.NotificationRecord, bool, error)
+}
+
+// Publisher pushes newly persisted notifications to live dashboard subscribers.
+type Publisher interface {
+	Publish(ctx context.Context, rec domain.NotificationRecord) error
+}
+
+// Intent is the lifecycle-to-notification producer contract.
+type Intent = ports.NotificationIntent
+
+// Manager validates lifecycle intents, enriches them into stored rows, persists
+// unread notifications, and publishes newly inserted rows to live subscribers.
+type Manager struct {
+	store     Store
+	publisher Publisher
+	clock     func() time.Time
+	newID     func() string
+}
+
+// Deps configures a Manager.
+type Deps struct {
+	Store     Store
+	Publisher Publisher
+	Clock     func() time.Time
+	NewID     func() string
+}
+
+// New constructs a write-side notification manager.
+func New(d Deps) *Manager {
+	m := &Manager{store: d.Store, publisher: d.Publisher, clock: d.Clock, newID: d.NewID}
+	if m.clock == nil {
+		m.clock = time.Now
+	}
+	if m.newID == nil {
+		m.newID = func() string { return "ntf_" + uuid.NewString() }
+	}
+	return m
+}
+
+// Notify stores one notification intent and publishes it after persistence.
+// Duplicate unread rows are treated as a clean no-op.
+func (m *Manager) Notify(ctx context.Context, intent Intent) error {
+	if m == nil || m.store == nil {
+		return errors.New("notify: store is required")
+	}
+	if intent.CreatedAt.IsZero() {
+		intent.CreatedAt = m.clock().UTC()
+	}
+	rec, err := enrich(intent)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("notify enrich: %w", err)
+	}
+	rec.ID = m.newID()
+	created, inserted, err := m.store.CreateNotification(ctx, rec)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("notify store: %w", err)
+	}
+	if !inserted || m.publisher == nil {
+		return nil
+	}
+	if err := m.publisher.Publish(ctx, created); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("notify publish: %w", err)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/notify/manager_test.go b/backend/internal/notify/manager_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4751682
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/notify/manager_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+package notify
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+)
+
+type fakeStore struct {
+	rows      []domain.NotificationRecord
+	duplicate bool
+	err       error
+}
+
+func (f *fakeStore) CreateNotification(_ context.Context, rec domain.NotificationRecord) (domain.NotificationRecord, bool, error) {
+	if f.err != nil {
+		return domain.NotificationRecord{}, false, f.err
+	}
+	if f.duplicate {
+		return domain.NotificationRecord{}, false, nil
+	}
+	f.rows = append(f.rows, rec)
+	return rec, true, nil
+}
+
+func TestManagerNotifyPersistsThenPublishes(t *testing.T) {
+	st := &fakeStore{}
+	hub := NewHub()
+	ch, unsub := hub.Subscribe("")
+	defer unsub()
+	now := time.Date(2026, 6, 11, 10, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
+	mgr := New(Deps{Store: st, Publisher: hub, Clock: func() time.Time { return now }, NewID: func() string { return "ntf_1" }})
+
+	if err := mgr.Notify(context.Background(), Intent{Type: domain.NotificationNeedsInput, SessionID: "mer-1", ProjectID: "mer", SessionDisplayName: "checkout-flow"}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Notify: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(st.rows) != 1 {
+		t.Fatalf("stored rows = %d, want 1", len(st.rows))
+	}
+	if got := st.rows[0]; got.ID != "ntf_1" || got.CreatedAt != now || got.Status != domain.NotificationUnread || got.Title != "checkout-flow needs input" {
+		t.Fatalf("stored notification = %+v", got)
+	}
+	select {
+	case got := <-ch:
+		if got.ID != "ntf_1" {
+			t.Fatalf("published = %+v", got)
+		}
+	default:
+		t.Fatal("expected published notification")
+	}
+}
+
+func TestManagerNotifyDuplicateDoesNotPublish(t *testing.T) {
+	st := &fakeStore{duplicate: true}
+	hub := NewHub()
+	ch, unsub := hub.Subscribe("")
+	defer unsub()
+	mgr := New(Deps{Store: st, Publisher: hub, Clock: func() time.Time { return time.Now() }, NewID: func() string { return "ntf_1" }})
+
+	if err := mgr.Notify(context.Background(), Intent{Type: domain.NotificationNeedsInput, SessionID: "mer-1", ProjectID: "mer", CreatedAt: time.Now()}); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("Notify duplicate: %v", err)
+	}
+	select {
+	case got := <-ch:
+		t.Fatalf("duplicate published %+v", got)
+	default:
+	}
+}
+
+func TestManagerNotifyRejectsUnknownType(t *testing.T) {
+	mgr := New(Deps{Store: &fakeStore{}, Clock: func() time.Time { return time.Now() }})
+	err := mgr.Notify(context.Background(), Intent{Type: "surprise", SessionID: "mer-1", ProjectID: "mer"})
+	if !errors.Is(err, domain.ErrInvalidNotificationType) {
+		t.Fatalf("err = %v, want invalid type", err)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestHubProjectFilter(t *testing.T) {
+	hub := NewHub()
+	ch, unsub := hub.Subscribe("mer")
+	defer unsub()
+	_ = hub.Publish(context.Background(), domain.NotificationRecord{ID: "skip", ProjectID: "ao"})
+	_ = hub.Publish(context.Background(), domain.NotificationRecord{ID: "keep", ProjectID: "mer"})
+	select {
+	case got := <-ch:
+		if got.ID != "keep" {
+			t.Fatalf("published = %+v", got)
+		}
+	default:
+		t.Fatal("expected filtered notification")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/ports/notifications.go b/backend/internal/ports/notifications.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0c02200
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/ports/notifications.go
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+package ports
+
+import (
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+)
+
+// NotificationIntent is the lifecycle-to-notification-producer contract. It is
+// not an HTTP DTO; lifecycle fills it from facts it already has after the
+// underlying session/PR state write succeeds.
+type NotificationIntent struct {
+	Type      domain.NotificationType
+	SessionID domain.SessionID
+	ProjectID domain.ProjectID
+	PRURL     string
+	CreatedAt time.Time
+
+	// Enrichment hints. These avoid storage reads on the hot path.
+	SessionDisplayName string
+	PRNumber           int
+	PRTitle            string
+	PRSourceBranch     string
+	PRTargetBranch     string
+	Provider           string
+	Repo               string
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/ports/session.go b/backend/internal/ports/session.go
index 14742ea..0c28f17 100644
--- a/backend/internal/ports/session.go
+++ b/backend/internal/ports/session.go
@@ -1,6 +1,13 @@
 package ports
 
-import "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+import (
+	"errors"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+)
+
+// ErrSessionNotFound reports an observation for an unknown session id.
+var ErrSessionNotFound = errors.New("session not found")
 
 // SpawnConfig is the request to start a new session: which project/issue, which
 // agent harness, and the branch/prompt the agent launches with.
diff --git a/backend/internal/service/notification/service.go b/backend/internal/service/notification/service.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..25f92ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/service/notification/service.go
@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+package notification
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+)
+
+const (
+	// DefaultListLimit is the unread notification page size used when none is requested.
+	DefaultListLimit = 50
+	// MaxListLimit caps unread notification API responses.
+	MaxListLimit = 100
+)
+
+// Manager reads stored notifications for REST controllers.
+type Manager struct {
+	store Store
+}
+
+// Deps configures a Manager.
+type Deps struct {
+	Store Store
+}
+
+// New constructs a read-only notification Manager.
+func New(d Deps) *Manager {
+	return &Manager{store: d.Store}
+}
+
+// ListUnread returns unread notifications newest-first.
+func (m *Manager) ListUnread(ctx context.Context, filter ListFilter) ([]Notification, error) {
+	if m == nil || m.store == nil {
+		return nil, errors.New("notification: store is required")
+	}
+	limit := normalizeLimit(filter.Limit)
+	rows, err := m.store.ListUnreadNotifications(ctx, limit)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	out := make([]Notification, 0, len(rows))
+	for _, row := range rows {
+		out = append(out, notificationFromRecord(row))
+	}
+	return out, nil
+}
+
+func normalizeLimit(limit int) int {
+	if limit <= 0 {
+		return DefaultListLimit
+	}
+	if limit > MaxListLimit {
+		return MaxListLimit
+	}
+	return limit
+}
+
+func notificationFromRecord(rec domain.NotificationRecord) Notification {
+	return Notification{NotificationRecord: rec, Target: targetForRecord(rec)}
+}
+
+func targetForRecord(rec domain.NotificationRecord) Target {
+	if rec.PRURL != "" {
+		return Target{Kind: TargetPR, SessionID: rec.SessionID, PRURL: rec.PRURL}
+	}
+	return Target{Kind: TargetSession, SessionID: rec.SessionID}
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/service/notification/service_test.go b/backend/internal/service/notification/service_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3330fa5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/service/notification/service_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+package notification
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+)
+
+type fakeStore struct {
+	rows []domain.NotificationRecord
+	err  error
+}
+
+func (f *fakeStore) CreateNotification(context.Context, domain.NotificationRecord) (domain.NotificationRecord, bool, error) {
+	return domain.NotificationRecord{}, false, nil
+}
+
+func (f *fakeStore) ListUnreadNotifications(_ context.Context, _ int) ([]domain.NotificationRecord, error) {
+	return f.rows, f.err
+}
+
+func TestListUnreadAddsTargets(t *testing.T) {
+	st := &fakeStore{rows: []domain.NotificationRecord{
+		{ID: "n1", SessionID: "mer-1", ProjectID: "mer", Type: domain.NotificationNeedsInput, Title: "needs", Status: domain.NotificationUnread, CreatedAt: time.Now()},
+		{ID: "n2", SessionID: "mer-1", ProjectID: "mer", PRURL: "https://github.com/o/r/pull/1", Type: domain.NotificationReadyToMerge, Title: "ready", Status: domain.NotificationUnread, CreatedAt: time.Now()},
+	}}
+	mgr := New(Deps{Store: st})
+	got, err := mgr.ListUnread(context.Background(), ListFilter{Limit: 10})
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("ListUnread: %v", err)
+	}
+	if got[0].Target.Kind != TargetSession || got[1].Target.Kind != TargetPR || got[1].Target.PRURL == "" {
+		t.Fatalf("targets = %+v", got)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestListUnreadRequiresStore(t *testing.T) {
+	_, err := New(Deps{}).ListUnread(context.Background(), ListFilter{})
+	if err == nil {
+		t.Fatal("want missing store error")
+	}
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/service/notification/store.go b/backend/internal/service/notification/store.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..58be262
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/service/notification/store.go
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+package notification
+
+import (
+	"context"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+)
+
+// Store is the notification service's read persistence surface.
+type Store interface {
+	ListUnreadNotifications(ctx context.Context, limit int) ([]domain.NotificationRecord, error)
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/service/notification/types.go b/backend/internal/service/notification/types.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9d2673d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/service/notification/types.go
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+// Package notification exposes read-only notification DTOs for REST controllers.
+package notification
+
+import "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+
+// TargetKind describes what a dashboard should navigate to for a notification.
+type TargetKind string
+
+const (
+	// TargetSession navigates to a session detail view.
+	TargetSession TargetKind = "session"
+	// TargetPR navigates to a pull request view.
+	TargetPR TargetKind = "pr"
+)
+
+// Target is the service-facing navigation metadata for a notification.
+type Target struct {
+	Kind      TargetKind
+	SessionID domain.SessionID
+	PRURL     string
+}
+
+// Notification is the dashboard-facing service DTO assembled from a stored row.
+type Notification struct {
+	domain.NotificationRecord
+	Target Target
+}
+
+// ListFilter controls unread notification listing.
+type ListFilter struct {
+	Limit int
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/gen/models.go b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/gen/models.go
index f8d614b..26610fe 100644
--- a/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/gen/models.go
+++ b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/gen/models.go
@@ -21,6 +21,18 @@ type ChangeLog struct {
 	CreatedAt time.Time
 }
 
+type Notification struct {
+	ID        string
+	SessionID domain.SessionID
+	ProjectID domain.ProjectID
+	PRURL     string
+	Type      domain.NotificationType
+	Title     string
+	Body      string
+	Status    domain.NotificationStatus
+	CreatedAt time.Time
+}
+
 type PR struct {
 	URL                      string
 	SessionID                domain.SessionID
diff --git a/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/gen/notifications.sql.go b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/gen/notifications.sql.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a70c6df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/gen/notifications.sql.go
@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+// Code generated by sqlc. DO NOT EDIT.
+// versions:
+//   sqlc v1.31.1
+// source: notifications.sql
+
+package gen
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+)
+
+const createNotification = `-- name: CreateNotification :one
+INSERT INTO notifications (
+    id, session_id, project_id, pr_url, type, title, body, status, created_at
+) VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)
+RETURNING id, session_id, project_id, pr_url, type, title, body, status, created_at
+`
+
+type CreateNotificationParams struct {
+	ID        string
+	SessionID domain.SessionID
+	ProjectID domain.ProjectID
+	PRURL     string
+	Type      domain.NotificationType
+	Title     string
+	Body      string
+	Status    domain.NotificationStatus
+	CreatedAt time.Time
+}
+
+func (q *Queries) CreateNotification(ctx context.Context, arg CreateNotificationParams) (Notification, error) {
+	row := q.db.QueryRowContext(ctx, createNotification,
+		arg.ID,
+		arg.SessionID,
+		arg.ProjectID,
+		arg.PRURL,
+		arg.Type,
+		arg.Title,
+		arg.Body,
+		arg.Status,
+		arg.CreatedAt,
+	)
+	var i Notification
+	err := row.Scan(
+		&i.ID,
+		&i.SessionID,
+		&i.ProjectID,
+		&i.PRURL,
+		&i.Type,
+		&i.Title,
+		&i.Body,
+		&i.Status,
+		&i.CreatedAt,
+	)
+	return i, err
+}
+
+const getUnreadNotificationByDedupe = `-- name: GetUnreadNotificationByDedupe :one
+SELECT id, session_id, project_id, pr_url, type, title, body, status, created_at
+FROM notifications
+WHERE session_id = ? AND type = ? AND pr_url = ? AND status = 'unread'
+LIMIT 1
+`
+
+type GetUnreadNotificationByDedupeParams struct {
+	SessionID domain.SessionID
+	Type      domain.NotificationType
+	PRURL     string
+}
+
+func (q *Queries) GetUnreadNotificationByDedupe(ctx context.Context, arg GetUnreadNotificationByDedupeParams) (Notification, error) {
+	row := q.db.QueryRowContext(ctx, getUnreadNotificationByDedupe, arg.SessionID, arg.Type, arg.PRURL)
+	var i Notification
+	err := row.Scan(
+		&i.ID,
+		&i.SessionID,
+		&i.ProjectID,
+		&i.PRURL,
+		&i.Type,
+		&i.Title,
+		&i.Body,
+		&i.Status,
+		&i.CreatedAt,
+	)
+	return i, err
+}
+
+const listUnreadNotifications = `-- name: ListUnreadNotifications :many
+SELECT id, session_id, project_id, pr_url, type, title, body, status, created_at
+FROM notifications
+WHERE status = 'unread'
+ORDER BY created_at DESC
+LIMIT ?
+`
+
+func (q *Queries) ListUnreadNotifications(ctx context.Context, limit int64) ([]Notification, error) {
+	rows, err := q.db.QueryContext(ctx, listUnreadNotifications, limit)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	defer rows.Close()
+	items := []Notification{}
+	for rows.Next() {
+		var i Notification
+		if err := rows.Scan(
+			&i.ID,
+			&i.SessionID,
+			&i.ProjectID,
+			&i.PRURL,
+			&i.Type,
+			&i.Title,
+			&i.Body,
+			&i.Status,
+			&i.CreatedAt,
+		); err != nil {
+			return nil, err
+		}
+		items = append(items, i)
+	}
+	if err := rows.Close(); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	if err := rows.Err(); err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	return items, nil
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/migrations/0011_notifications.sql b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/migrations/0011_notifications.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9e24d95
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/migrations/0011_notifications.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+-- +goose Up
+-- +goose StatementBegin
+CREATE TABLE notifications (
+    id TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
+    session_id TEXT NOT NULL REFERENCES sessions(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    project_id TEXT NOT NULL REFERENCES projects(id) ON DELETE CASCADE,
+    pr_url TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+    type TEXT NOT NULL CHECK (
+        type IN (
+            'needs_input',
+            'ready_to_merge',
+            'pr_merged',
+            'pr_closed_unmerged'
+        )
+    ),
+    title TEXT NOT NULL,
+    body TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT '',
+    status TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'unread' CHECK (status IN ('read', 'unread')),
+    created_at TIMESTAMP NOT NULL
+);
+
+CREATE INDEX idx_notifications_status
+    ON notifications(status, created_at DESC);
+
+CREATE UNIQUE INDEX idx_notifications_unread_dedupe
+    ON notifications(session_id, type, pr_url)
+    WHERE status = 'unread';
+-- +goose StatementEnd
+
+-- +goose Down
+-- +goose StatementBegin
+DROP INDEX IF EXISTS idx_notifications_unread_dedupe;
+DROP INDEX IF EXISTS idx_notifications_status;
+DROP TABLE IF EXISTS notifications;
+-- +goose StatementEnd
diff --git a/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/queries/notifications.sql b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/queries/notifications.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bd8a75b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/queries/notifications.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+-- name: CreateNotification :one
+INSERT INTO notifications (
+    id, session_id, project_id, pr_url, type, title, body, status, created_at
+) VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)
+RETURNING *;
+
+-- name: ListUnreadNotifications :many
+SELECT *
+FROM notifications
+WHERE status = 'unread'
+ORDER BY created_at DESC
+LIMIT ?;
+
+
+-- name: GetUnreadNotificationByDedupe :one
+SELECT *
+FROM notifications
+WHERE session_id = ? AND type = ? AND pr_url = ? AND status = 'unread'
+LIMIT 1;
diff --git a/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/store/notification_store.go b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/store/notification_store.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ce54293
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/store/notification_store.go
@@ -0,0 +1,105 @@
+package store
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"database/sql"
+	"errors"
+	"fmt"
+
+	moderncsqlite "modernc.org/sqlite"
+	sqlite3 "modernc.org/sqlite/lib"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+	notificationsvc "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/service/notification"
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/gen"
+)
+
+var _ notificationsvc.Store = (*Store)(nil)
+
+// CreateNotification inserts one unread notification. It returns created=false
+// when the unread dedupe index already has a matching row.
+func (s *Store) CreateNotification(ctx context.Context, rec domain.NotificationRecord) (domain.NotificationRecord, bool, error) {
+	if err := rec.Validate(); err != nil {
+		return domain.NotificationRecord{}, false, err
+	}
+	s.writeMu.Lock()
+	defer s.writeMu.Unlock()
+	if existing, ok, err := s.getUnreadNotificationByDedupe(ctx, rec); err != nil {
+		return domain.NotificationRecord{}, false, err
+	} else if ok {
+		return existing, false, nil
+	}
+	row, err := s.qw.CreateNotification(ctx, gen.CreateNotificationParams{
+		ID:        rec.ID,
+		SessionID: rec.SessionID,
+		ProjectID: rec.ProjectID,
+		PRURL:     rec.PRURL,
+		Type:      rec.Type,
+		Title:     rec.Title,
+		Body:      rec.Body,
+		Status:    rec.Status,
+		CreatedAt: rec.CreatedAt,
+	})
+	if err != nil {
+		if isSQLiteUnique(err) {
+			if existing, ok, lookupErr := s.getUnreadNotificationByDedupe(ctx, rec); lookupErr != nil {
+				return domain.NotificationRecord{}, false, lookupErr
+			} else if ok {
+				return existing, false, nil
+			}
+		}
+		return domain.NotificationRecord{}, false, fmt.Errorf("create notification %s: %w", rec.ID, err)
+	}
+	return notificationFromGen(row), true, nil
+}
+
+// ListUnreadNotifications returns unread notifications newest-first.
+func (s *Store) ListUnreadNotifications(ctx context.Context, limit int) ([]domain.NotificationRecord, error) {
+	rows, err := s.qr.ListUnreadNotifications(ctx, int64(limit))
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("list unread notifications: %w", err)
+	}
+	return notificationsFromGen(rows), nil
+}
+
+func (s *Store) getUnreadNotificationByDedupe(ctx context.Context, rec domain.NotificationRecord) (domain.NotificationRecord, bool, error) {
+	row, err := s.qw.GetUnreadNotificationByDedupe(ctx, gen.GetUnreadNotificationByDedupeParams{
+		SessionID: rec.SessionID,
+		Type:      rec.Type,
+		PRURL:     rec.PRURL,
+	})
+	if errors.Is(err, sql.ErrNoRows) {
+		return domain.NotificationRecord{}, false, nil
+	}
+	if err != nil {
+		return domain.NotificationRecord{}, false, fmt.Errorf("lookup unread notification dedupe: %w", err)
+	}
+	return notificationFromGen(row), true, nil
+}
+
+func isSQLiteUnique(err error) bool {
+	var sqliteErr *moderncsqlite.Error
+	return errors.As(err, &sqliteErr) && sqliteErr.Code() == sqlite3.SQLITE_CONSTRAINT_UNIQUE
+}
+
+func notificationFromGen(row gen.Notification) domain.NotificationRecord {
+	return domain.NotificationRecord{
+		ID:        row.ID,
+		SessionID: row.SessionID,
+		ProjectID: row.ProjectID,
+		PRURL:     row.PRURL,
+		Type:      row.Type,
+		Title:     row.Title,
+		Body:      row.Body,
+		Status:    row.Status,
+		CreatedAt: row.CreatedAt,
+	}
+}
+
+func notificationsFromGen(rows []gen.Notification) []domain.NotificationRecord {
+	out := make([]domain.NotificationRecord, 0, len(rows))
+	for _, row := range rows {
+		out = append(out, notificationFromGen(row))
+	}
+	return out
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/store/notification_store_test.go b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/store/notification_store_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0b2ebf9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/storage/sqlite/store/notification_store_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+package store_test
+
+import (
+	"context"
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+)
+
+func TestNotificationStore_InsertListAndDedupe(t *testing.T) {
+	s := newTestStore(t)
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	seedProject(t, s, "mer")
+	sess, err := s.CreateSession(ctx, sampleRecord("mer"))
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("create session: %v", err)
+	}
+	now := time.Now().UTC().Truncate(time.Second)
+	rec := domain.NotificationRecord{
+		ID:        "ntf_1",
+		SessionID: sess.ID,
+		ProjectID: sess.ProjectID,
+		Type:      domain.NotificationNeedsInput,
+		Title:     "checkout-flow needs input",
+		Status:    domain.NotificationUnread,
+		CreatedAt: now,
+	}
+	created, inserted, err := s.CreateNotification(ctx, rec)
+	if err != nil || !inserted {
+		t.Fatalf("CreateNotification inserted=%v err=%v", inserted, err)
+	}
+	if created.ID != rec.ID || created.Title != rec.Title {
+		t.Fatalf("created = %+v", created)
+	}
+	dup := rec
+	dup.ID = "ntf_2"
+	_, inserted, err = s.CreateNotification(ctx, dup)
+	if err != nil || inserted {
+		t.Fatalf("duplicate inserted=%v err=%v, want false nil", inserted, err)
+	}
+	rows, err := s.ListUnreadNotifications(ctx, 10)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("ListUnreadNotifications: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(rows) != 1 || rows[0].ID != "ntf_1" {
+		t.Fatalf("rows = %+v", rows)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNotificationStore_ListUnreadNewestFirstAcrossProjects(t *testing.T) {
+	s := newTestStore(t)
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	seedProject(t, s, "mer")
+	seedProject(t, s, "ao")
+	mer, _ := s.CreateSession(ctx, sampleRecord("mer"))
+	ao, _ := s.CreateSession(ctx, sampleRecord("ao"))
+	base := time.Now().UTC().Truncate(time.Second)
+	for _, rec := range []domain.NotificationRecord{
+		{ID: "old", SessionID: mer.ID, ProjectID: mer.ProjectID, Type: domain.NotificationNeedsInput, Title: "old", Status: domain.NotificationUnread, CreatedAt: base},
+		{ID: "new", SessionID: mer.ID, ProjectID: mer.ProjectID, PRURL: "https://github.com/o/r/pull/1", Type: domain.NotificationReadyToMerge, Title: "new", Status: domain.NotificationUnread, CreatedAt: base.Add(time.Minute)},
+		{ID: "other", SessionID: ao.ID, ProjectID: ao.ProjectID, Type: domain.NotificationNeedsInput, Title: "other", Status: domain.NotificationUnread, CreatedAt: base.Add(2 * time.Minute)},
+	} {
+		if _, inserted, err := s.CreateNotification(ctx, rec); err != nil || !inserted {
+			t.Fatalf("insert %s inserted=%v err=%v", rec.ID, inserted, err)
+		}
+	}
+	rows, err := s.ListUnreadNotifications(ctx, 2)
+	if err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("ListUnreadNotifications: %v", err)
+	}
+	if len(rows) != 2 || rows[0].ID != "other" || rows[1].ID != "new" {
+		t.Fatalf("rows = %+v", rows)
+	}
+}
+
+func TestNotificationStore_CheckConstraintRejectsInvalidStatus(t *testing.T) {
+	s := newTestStore(t)
+	ctx := context.Background()
+	seedProject(t, s, "mer")
+	sess, _ := s.CreateSession(ctx, sampleRecord("mer"))
+	_, _, err := s.CreateNotification(ctx, domain.NotificationRecord{
+		ID: "bad", SessionID: sess.ID, ProjectID: sess.ProjectID, Type: domain.NotificationNeedsInput,
+		Title: "bad", Status: "archived", CreatedAt: time.Now(),
+	})
+	if !errors.Is(err, domain.ErrInvalidNotificationStatus) {
+		t.Fatalf("err = %v, want invalid status", err)
+	}
+}
diff --git a/backend/sqlc.yaml b/backend/sqlc.yaml
index 1813a59..4baabf6 100644
--- a/backend/sqlc.yaml
+++ b/backend/sqlc.yaml
@@ -56,6 +56,22 @@ sql:
               type: "PRCheckStatus"
           - column: "pr_comment.resolved"
             go_type: "bool"
+          - column: "notifications.session_id"
+            go_type:
+              import: "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+              type: "SessionID"
+          - column: "notifications.project_id"
+            go_type:
+              import: "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+              type: "ProjectID"
+          - column: "notifications.type"
+            go_type:
+              import: "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+              type: "NotificationType"
+          - column: "notifications.status"
+            go_type:
+              import: "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
+              type: "NotificationStatus"
           - column: "projects.id"
             go_type:
               import: "github.com/aoagents/agent-orchestrator/backend/internal/domain"
diff --git a/frontend/src/api/schema.ts b/frontend/src/api/schema.ts
index 93d306a..45a3f99 100644
--- a/frontend/src/api/schema.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/api/schema.ts
@@ -21,6 +21,40 @@ export interface paths {
         patch?: never;
         trace?: never;
     };
+    "/api/v1/notifications": {
+        parameters: {
+            query?: never;
+            header?: never;
+            path?: never;
+            cookie?: never;
+        };
+        /** List unread notifications */
+        get: operations["listNotifications"];
+        put?: never;
+        post?: never;
+        delete?: never;
+        options?: never;
+        head?: never;
+        patch?: never;
+        trace?: never;
+    };
+    "/api/v1/notifications/stream": {
+        parameters: {
+            query?: never;
+            header?: never;
+            path?: never;
+            cookie?: never;
+        };
+        /** Stream created notifications */
+        get: operations["streamNotifications"];
+        put?: never;
+        post?: never;
+        delete?: never;
+        options?: never;
+        head?: never;
+        patch?: never;
+        trace?: never;
+    };
     "/api/v1/orchestrators": {
         parameters: {
             query?: never;
@@ -431,6 +465,9 @@ export interface components {
             ok: boolean;
             sessionId: string;
         };
+        ListNotificationsResponse: {
+            notifications: components["schemas"]["NotificationResponse"][];
+        };
         ListProjectsResponse: {
             projects: components["schemas"]["ProjectSummary"][];
         };
@@ -449,6 +486,27 @@ export interface components {
             ok: boolean;
             prNumber: number;
         };
+        NotificationResponse: {
+            body: string;
+            /** Format: date-time */
+            createdAt: string;
+            id: string;
+            prUrl: string;
+            projectId: string;
+            sessionId: string;
+            /** @enum {string} */
+            status: "unread" | "read";
+            target: components["schemas"]["NotificationTarget"];
+            title: string;
+            /** @enum {string} */
+            type: "needs_input" | "ready_to_merge" | "pr_merged" | "pr_closed_unmerged";
+        };
+        NotificationTarget: {
+            /** @enum {string} */
+            kind: "session" | "pr";
+            prUrl?: string;
+            sessionId: string;
+        };
         OrchestratorResponse: {
             id: string;
             projectId: string;
@@ -678,6 +736,99 @@ export interface operations {
             };
         };
     };
+    listNotifications: {
+        parameters: {
+            query?: {
+                /** @description Notification status filter. V1 supports only unread. */
+                status?: "unread";
+                /** @description Maximum notifications to return. Defaults to 50; capped at 100. */
+                limit?: number;
+            };
+            header?: never;
+            path?: never;
+            cookie?: never;
+        };
+        requestBody?: never;
+        responses: {
+            /** @description OK */
+            200: {
+                headers: {
+                    [name: string]: unknown;
+                };
+                content: {
+                    "application/json": components["schemas"]["ListNotificationsResponse"];
+                };
+            };
+            /** @description Bad Request */
+            400: {
+                headers: {
+                    [name: string]: unknown;
+                };
+                content: {
+                    "application/json": components["schemas"]["APIError"];
+                };
+            };
+            /** @description Internal Server Error */
+            500: {
+                headers: {
+                    [name: string]: unknown;
+                };
+                content: {
+                    "application/json": components["schemas"]["APIError"];
+                };
+            };
+            /** @description Not Implemented */
+            501: {
+                headers: {
+                    [name: string]: unknown;
+                };
+                content: {
+                    "application/json": components["schemas"]["APIError"];
+                };
+            };
+        };
+    };
+    streamNotifications: {
+        parameters: {
+            query?: {
+                /** @description Optional project id filter for live notifications. */
+                projectId?: string;
+            };
+            header?: never;
+            path?: never;
+            cookie?: never;
+        };
+        requestBody?: never;
+        responses: {
+            /** @description OK */
+            200: {
+                headers: {
+                    [name: string]: unknown;
+                };
+                content: {
+                    "text/event-stream": string;
+                };
+            };
+            /** @description Internal Server Error */
+            500: {
+                headers: {
+                    [name: string]: unknown;
+                };
+                content: {
+                    "application/json": components["schemas"]["APIError"];
+                };
+            };
+            /** @description Not Implemented */
+            501: {
+                headers: {
+                    [name: string]: unknown;
+                };
+                content: {
+                    "application/json": components["schemas"]["APIError"];
+                };
+            };
+        };
+    };
     listOrchestrators: {
         parameters: {
             query?: never;