Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to Manila for ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings and talks aimed at deepening Washington’s “free and open Indo-Pacific” partnership. EU Gaza Accountability: EU lawmakers sharply criticized leaders over Gaza reconstruction costs, arguing the bloc is arming Israel while refusing accountability for the destruction. Housing Pressure in the US: U.S. housing starts jumped 19% in June, led by multifamily, but single-family building slipped and affordability remains out of reach. Russia’s War Economy Strain: Reporting suggests Russia’s economy is holding up, yet rising personal bankruptcies point to mounting pressure on households and lenders. EU Tech and Budget Relief: The EU is using a €4.6 billion Google antitrust payment to plug budget strain, even as military spending rises. Carbon Pricing Clash: Malta says EU ETS reforms protect island aviation and shipping, while business groups argue the overhaul still doesn’t go far enough. Regional Security: Estonia pushes Europe to bar Russian fighters from Schengen, citing hybrid threats. US-Iran Fallout: Iran’s rial hit a record low amid sanctions and war tensions. Education-to-Work Gap: UN Women in India urges stronger pathways from STEM education to real jobs and careers for women. Trade and Investment: Oman boosts ASEAN ties; Thailand opens a BOI office in Chengdu to attract China-linked investment; U.S. firms sign $60B in Iraq deals.