US Court Ruling: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s “pause” on immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, saying the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio; the list includes Laos, alongside Nigeria and many others. Tourism Push: Laos’ ambassador to India, Vithaya Xayavong, urged stronger Laos–India tourism cooperation as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic ties, inviting Indian travellers to Luang Prabang and other heritage sites. Education Focus: Laos is prioritizing lower school dropout rates and better teaching quality, with special attention for poor, disadvantaged and ethnic minority students, ahead of SDG milestones. Monetary Stability: The Bank of the Lao PDR cut the 7-day base interest rate from 8% to 7% to support monetary stability amid domestic and global risks. Animal Health for Exports: Laos is stepping up disease prevention, vaccination and animal registration to meet international standards for livestock and meat exports. Border Cooperation: Lao provinces and border forces agreed to tighten controls at gates and trails, share information, and crack down on cross-border drug and transnational crime. Weather Watch: Thailand’s forecast warns of heavy rain and localized flooding across parts of the North and Northeast, with monsoon conditions also affecting northern Laos.