Middle East Energy Shock: Oil prices jumped after renewed Middle East attacks, including damage tied to Houthi strikes and fresh concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, keeping global supply fears front and center. Gulf Diplomacy: The UAE’s foreign minister held calls with Saudi and Iraq to coordinate de-escalation as drone attacks hit Saudi infrastructure. AI Governance Debate: Australia’s assistant technology minister urged the public not to overreact to industry calls to slow AI, while Anthropic leadership and other tech voices push for tighter global safety pace. Israel–Palestine Cultural & Citizenship Fight: Israel’s culture minister says he will seek to revoke citizenship of NAZA documentary directors, escalating pressure on filmmakers tied to Gaza war reporting. Philippines Regional Self-Government: Voters in BARMM began casting ballots for the region’s first elected parliament, after early violence outside polling sites. Pakistan Administrative Reshuffle: A Pakistani minister floated creating Islamabad as a new administrative unit (not a province), with powers beyond provinces. UK Devolution Tensions: The UK PM reiterated no referendum is planned on Irish unification, after US President Trump renewed comments. Global Finance Coordination: Finance ministry leaders gathered in Dublin for the Global Government Finance Summit, focusing on public spending reform, digital finance, and AI. Health & Human Capital: Seoul launched a “medical-friendly lodging” list to support international patients during recovery, while a UK-based nurse from Kerala won a major global nursing award. Co-ops Policy: Barbados opened consultations on a national co-op policy aimed at modernizing regulation and improving access to capital.