Lebanon–Israel “Pilot Zones” Return: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam planted the Lebanese flag in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh as the Lebanese Army completed deployment and engineering surveys after the first phase of Israeli withdrawal, while officials say essential services restoration and prefabricated housing are being prepared—though Hezbollah and observers warn the next steps for peace remain uncertain. UNESCO Heritage Watch: UNESCO placed Tyre (ancient Phoenician city) on the World Heritage in Danger list, citing direct damage and worsening preservation conditions. Medical Training with Global Reach: Aspetar’s Surgery Department Observer Programme hosted 69 international observers over the past year, underscoring Lebanon-region medical training pull. Biomed Breakthroughs: St. Jude reported progress on sickle cell disease—premature aging of blood stem cells may be reversible with senolytics—and separate work on antibiotic-tolerant bacteria and a potential leukemia target (RBM5). Security Tech & Borders: A market report projects automated border control growth to $10.15B by 2035, driven by AI and biometrics. Nuclear Politics Ripple: US–Saudi nuclear cooperation and a US House defense bill boosting US-Israel tech ties drew sharp criticism, adding to regional escalation fears.