AI & Policy: Washington Post Intelligence added LuLu Financial’s Adeeb Ahamed to its Council on AI & Technology, underscoring how GCC fintech and cross-border payments are becoming central to AI governance. Crypto Compliance: The FDIC moved stablecoins closer to bank-style oversight, proposing AML/sanctions rules for FDIC-supervised stablecoin issuers—another tightening step for U.S. crypto. US-Iran Tensions: Iran hit back at Marco Rubio over remarks on energy markets and nuclear policy, escalating a diplomatic clash tied to global oil stability. Healthcare Costs: Mark Cuban renewed his push for tuition-free public medical schools, arguing debt is steering doctors toward corporate healthcare and away from primary care. Digital Public Services (Pakistan): World Bank-backed “Connected Punjab” is advancing with $249m for broadband, digital services, and cashless payments. Industry & Manufacturing: China is quietly expanding into Europe’s struggling auto production via leased capacity, while India’s Andhra Pradesh plans to virtually launch 38 MSME parks to boost local industry. Cybersecurity: A Vercel breach is fueling renewed warnings that businesses are deploying unfinished AI tools without proper training or controls. Health Tech: JAKIM says it will use AI in halal certification via MyeHALAL 2.0 to speed approvals.