AI Policy & Public Ownership: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly discussing a deal that would give the U.S. a 5% equity stake in the company, with the idea that other major AI firms (like Meta, Google, and Anthropic) would contribute similar shares so Americans share in AI gains. Congressional Power & Funding: Alabama Sen. Katie Britt is credited with securing $215.7 million in federal community funding projects for FY2026, with many awards aimed at targeted local needs rather than mega-projects. Immigration & Due Process: Congressional Democrats led by Sen. Alex Padilla and others warned USCIS about new green card application requirements that would force applicants to apply abroad and prove presence under standards not mandated by Congress. Cybersecurity & Government Risk: A case study says a U.S. government entity paid about $1 million to keep stolen files from being leaked, raising questions about how public agencies respond to data-theft extortion. Justice & International Cooperation: The U.S. handed Nepal Police a state-of-the-art digital forensic lab funded by the State Department and implemented by DOJ’s ICITAP to help investigate cyber-enabled transnational crime. Local Governance & Budgets: Bradley County, Arkansas residents are seeking answers after commissioners approved property tax increases to fund pay raises for county employees. Environment & Public Health: The EPA’s move to shelve microplastics testing in drinking water drew sharp criticism as a failure to do the bare minimum. Defense Readiness: A GAO report says hypersonic weapons programs are slipping further, with the average time to deliver major capabilities now exceeding 12 years. Nonprofit & Community Building: A San Diego City Heights nonprofit, Arif Urban Agrarian Collective, is restoring a community farm and donating produce through volunteer-driven mutual aid.