Middle Corridor Logistics: Austria and Kazakhstan are pushing the “Middle Corridor” from declarations to workable, investor-ready routes, focusing on faster transit times and smoother interfaces. FX & Inflation Watch: The Philippines’ peso slid to a record low near 62.565 per dollar, with officials saying the government will use programs like UPLIFT to cushion price pressure. Higher-Ed Budget Cuts: The University of Montana moratorium on its economics master’s program is tied to enrollment-driven program reviews, raising questions about how universities manage shrinking student pipelines. Industrial Expansion: JK Cement inaugurated JK DryChem Industries at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, aiming to scale construction chemicals and create new jobs. Township Spending Leakage: South Africa’s Competition Commission says about half of township/rural household spending leaks outside local areas, driven by transport costs and limited local supply. Nigeria Investment Narrative: Economists and industry leaders at a Lagos summit praised Dangote-linked investment for jobs and import substitution, while urging stronger industrial policy. Aviation Innovation: Emirates launched the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat with full-height privacy screens and wireless charging. Housing Affordability: Australia’s NAB warns housing fixes will take a generation, even if prices fall. Geopolitics & Iran Economics: US officials say China is “willing to play ball” on economically isolating Iran, as sanctions and trade pressure intensify. Energy Infrastructure Jobs: Canada’s North Coast Transmission Line is set to create thousands of jobs and nearly $10B a year for B.C.’s economy.