Public Finance & Local Contractors: Nigeria’s finance ministry approved payments to 1,240 local contractors, aiming to clear long-standing arrears and restart projects. Healthcare Governance: Ireland’s Rotunda Hospital ended a stand-off with the health ministry after agreeing to stop consultants on public-only contracts from treating private patients, to avoid funding loss under Sláintecare. Digital Rights & Youth Safety: Canada’s expected federal move to ban social media for under-16s (with exemptions) is drawing privacy and surveillance concerns. Local Service Delivery: Nepal published a Rs 424.27bn intergovernmental transfer plan for provinces and 753 local governments, including major allocations to municipalities and rural councils. Emergency Services Funding: NSW is seeking public input on changing how emergency services are funded, potentially shifting costs via a property-value-based annual charge. Environmental Governance for Growth: Oman’s Vision 2040 push is linking environmental protection to investment confidence, with a new report arguing stronger regulation and monitoring can reduce long-term risk. Civil Service Performance: Hong Kong defended a tougher civil service appraisal system after backlash, including pay increments withheld for bottom performers. Public Transport & Cities: India’s MMRDA launched a weekly public transport push in Mumbai’s business district, while Panvel stepped up monsoon flood and emergency readiness. Education Support in Conflict Zones: Israel’s Tekuma program offers up to NIS 72,000 grants to new Gaza-border teachers and psychologists to strengthen local schools through 2028.