Local Governance: Te Tai Hauāuru candidates in New Zealand attacked government local council reforms, arguing the changes undermine Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori wards, while Labour says transformation can’t be forced. Public Finance Oversight: In Belize, the Public Service Union alleges the government is restricting financial officers’ access to SmartStream and using public money for attack ads, raising fresh questions about accountability. AI Safety vs State Power: The UK government rejected calls for an AI “kill switch,” saying Britain can’t simply turn models off and must rely on a science-led approach. Central Banking Credibility: Commentary warns the Fed’s independence is harmed when politics drives rate timing, arguing credibility can’t be preserved by “laying low.” Diplomacy & Major Powers: Modi and Putin shared a high-profile car ride after Delhi talks, with both stressing dialogue and diplomacy amid BRICS business focus. Economic Slowdown Reform: Nepal’s finance minister blamed distortions, weak public capital spending, shocks, and political instability, urging structural reforms to restore investor confidence. Tech & Infrastructure: Microsoft met India’s commerce minister on data center expansion and the India AI Mission, as AI computing capacity becomes a policy priority. Security & Messaging: Argentina’s Buenos Aires security minister dismissed crime outrage as a national-government “strategy,” disputing local insecurity claims. Construction Permits: Trinidad and Tobago’s minister warned corruption won’t be tolerated in construction approvals as lawmakers consider removing routine CMOH sign-offs.