Local Tax Relief Debate: The UK’s business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues is being welcomed as a “step in the right direction,” but owners say it won’t fix wider cost pressures like energy, wages and National Insurance. Medicaid Funding Fight: Texas health groups are urging CMS to scale back proposed Medicaid cuts tied to “State Directed Payments,” warning the draft would go beyond Congress’s intent and restrict children’s care. Shutdown Prevention: U.S. lawmakers are revisiting why shutdowns happen and how to stop them, with Sen. James Lankford backing a bill to keep Congress in session until funding bills pass. City Governance Overhaul: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s efficiency commission is pushing five ballot questions to speed approvals and change contracting and public-hearing rules for outdoor dining and city land. Civil Liberties in Protests: India’s Bombay Bar Association says peaceful protest is essential to democratic governance and condemns police use of force during the Jantar Mantar crackdown. Digital Governance in Africa: Nigeria and the ITU are urging African countries to coordinate on global digital governance ahead of the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference. Civil Aviation Rules Update: Bangladesh is drafting a major overhaul of civil aviation rules after 40+ years, including drone provisions and new powers for the aviation authority. AI Governance in Practice: OpenAI is rolling out “OpenAI Presence” to help enterprises build and run governed AI agents with monitoring and controls before deployment. Ukraine Defense Leadership: Ousted Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov rejects any role other than defense minister, escalating pressure on President Zelenskyy amid ongoing reforms and protests. Government Efficiency Push (Canada): A task force of former CEOs and senior public servants will advise Ottawa on improving decision-making, accountability, and digital government/AI.