AI Labor-Impact Push: A coalition of economists and tech leaders is urging policymakers to build “incentives, guardrails, and institutions” for AI’s fast workforce effects, citing sharply different global job-exposure estimates. Fed Credibility & Inflation: Discussion around new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh centers on inflation pressures, AI’s productivity/jobs angle, and how Fed credibility shapes policy. Inflation Watch (US): Economists expect June CPI to cool slightly, with gas easing but core inflation still rising, while Warsh testifies on Capitol Hill. Oil & Geopolitics: Strait of Hormuz risk and Russia-Ukraine disruptions are feeding into higher diesel prices and renewed uncertainty for oil markets. Energy Storage Deal (US): Fluence will supply its U.S.-built Smartstack system for Avantus’s Rexford 2 battery project in California, supporting domestic manufacturing. Aerospace Workforce (Quebec): Quebec plans a second aerospace engineering campus near Montreal to meet rising defense-driven demand. Gender Budgeting (Morocco): Morocco’s 2026 gender-responsive budget report highlights legal and governance gains, including board gender parity rules. Nigeria Oil Reforms: IPPG calls for coordinated reforms to make Nigeria’s oil sector globally competitive, focusing on infrastructure, gas, and harmonized taxes. Housing & Design (US): A Realtor survey finds buyers strongly prefer walkability and mixed-use areas, shaping local planning priorities. Malaysia Aged-Nation Plan: Malaysia’s economy ministry outlines long-term social protection, healthcare sustainability, and a push for the silver economy. Circular Plastics Breakthrough (US): DOE/ORNL researchers report a lower-temperature method to convert polyethylene into gasoline/diesel using molten salts and aluminum chloride. South Dakota Budget: The state ends FY2026 with a $69m surplus, adding to reserves. South Africa PIC Crisis: South Africa’s PIC reportedly suspends its CEO and CIO amid a governance dispute tied to Lanseria Airport. EU Settlements Trade Fight: EU capitals press the Commission to act on Israeli settlement sanctions, but decisions are stalled. Quebec Aerospace Training: Enrollment expansion and new vocational programs aim to relieve capacity constraints.