Israel-Lebanon Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Lebanese PM Nawaf Salam in Washington to push a stalled Israel-Lebanon framework, with Lebanon pressing for Israeli withdrawal while disarming Hezbollah remains the sticking point. Middle East Security: Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Rubio discussed Yemen and navigation security, stressing Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb as key to regional stability. US-China Trade Talks: The US-China summit ended with a two-month tariff truce extension, while deeper disputes on Taiwan, rare earths, and AI regulation were deferred to later summits. AI and Politics: House Speaker Mike Johnson said Trump’s AI meeting with major tech CEOs will seek “balance” between innovation and oversight as leading firms call for slowing advanced systems. Iran Conflict Fallout: US stocks slid as oil and yields rose amid choppy US-Iran headlines, with reports of sanctions relief talks still viewed as unlikely. NZ Coalition Math: New Zealand’s Opportunity Party set “bottom lines” for post-election talks—tougher competition rules, lobbying/donation limits, and a 10-year health plan—positioning it as a potential kingmaker. Local Governance & Courts: Canada’s Supreme Court of BC dismissed a challenge to Vancouver’s aquatic centre redevelopment, while South Africa’s SIU secured R42.4m tied to alleged Tembisa Hospital bribes. Dark Money Scrutiny: Investigators highlighted anonymous political influence in Imperial County, spotlighting a Calexico Facebook page tied to election and public-agency attacks.