Colorado River Water: The US Interior Department released a final environmental impact statement to set short-term rules for the drought-strained Colorado River as the 2007 interim guidelines near expiry, aiming to balance flexibility with predictability while states still miss a long-term deal. Russia-Ukraine Escalation: Russia’s strikes, including the use of the “Oreshnik” missile near the Polish border, are drawing UN Security Council attention and raising fears the war could edge toward direct confrontation with the West. Gaza-Iran Diplomacy Under Strain: Trump said he’s “losing faith” in Iran talks after renewed exchanges of strikes, while also casting doubt on new Iran negotiations as the conflict drags on. US-Saudi Nuclear Deal: Trump said a signed nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia won’t proceed unless Riyadh normalizes ties with Israel, clouding a landmark civilian pact. West Africa Women’s Leadership: ECOWAS and partners launched a forum in Abuja to push women’s political participation, backing an action agenda tied to a 2035 gender parity goal. EU Border Politics: European leaders pressed for Schengen restrictions and possible action against Spain after migrant surges into Ceuta from Morocco. Ghana Anti–Vote Buying Push: Police officials urged politicians to stop election handouts, calling the practice a “crime scene,” while a Democracy Fund proposal targets party funding gaps driving inducements. AI & Cybersecurity: US lawmakers advanced a bill to let AI firms share security risk information more freely, aiming to reduce hacking and frontier-model threats. Data Center Politics (US): Florida journalists are set to host a public forum on the Suncoast data center boom as local opposition grows.