Higher Ed & Workforce: Oregon has 825,000 adults with some college but no degree, and research argues reconnecting even a slice could ease university budget strain and lift the state economy. Airline Pricing & Consumer Costs: American Airlines will cap complimentary upgrades from Main Cabin to Business Class on select long-haul routes, steering eligible flyers toward Premium Economy instead. AI & Productivity in Developing Economies: The World Bank says AI could boost productivity for 16.2% of workers in developing countries, but only if governments close gaps in power, internet, and skills. Housing & Mobility: NYC’s Economic Mobility Summit focused on housing policy and pathways to affordable homeownership for adult learners. Monetary Tightening: The Maldives Monetary Authority raised reserve requirements and expanded open-market operations to drain surplus liquidity. Trade & Supply Chain Risk: Germany’s Rhine low-water crisis is threatening river cargo volumes and adding pressure to shift freight onto land routes. Ghana Gold Strategy: Ghana’s gold-backed reserve push lifted reserves to $11.9B but also produced major central bank losses tied to fees and trading margins. Politics & the Economy: Multiple reports highlight voter frustration over affordability ahead of U.S. midterms, even as leaders tout record job and market headlines. Creator Economy Under Pressure: Medium CEO Tony Stubblebine argues AI-era platforms may punish low-effort “creator” content and raises the bar for research-driven writing.