Philippines Governance: President Marcos appointed Benhur Abalos Jr. as Cabinet Secretary, reviving the Office of the Cabinet Secretary and naming him a key adviser and liaison to agencies, local governments, political groups, and civil society. Anti-Drug Enforcement: The Philippines’ PDEA destroyed about ₱1.9B in seized illegal drugs in a public, court-authorized incineration, with officials and civil society present. Sudan Humanitarian Crisis: Save the Children warned that fighting around El-Obeid has displaced 5,500+ children and is straining shelter, water, healthcare, and education as drone attacks hit fuel and water infrastructure. Syria Security: Explosions during Macron’s Syria visit injured at least 18 people near the hotel area, with investigations ongoing into who planted the devices. Nigeria Infrastructure Politics: Works Minister Dave Umahi defended the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway against critics, arguing users are already benefiting and attacks are politically driven. EU Rule-of-Law Standoff: The EU failed to advance Serbia’s accession talks after member states resisted opening a new negotiation cluster over judicial independence and democratic concerns. AI Child Safety: A UN-backed coalition launched in Geneva to protect children from AI risks, with governments, UN agencies, tech firms, and civil society pledging coordinated action. Zimbabwe Constitutional Overhaul: Mnangagwa signed CAB3, ending direct presidential elections and extending terms, shifting the vote to a parliamentary electoral college. Climate Adaptation: A Reuters column highlights Europe’s next adaptation spending focus: heat-proofing roads and rail as extreme temperatures buckle infrastructure.