North Korea–U.S. Cyber Recruitment: U.S. and partner agencies say Pyongyang is expanding its scheme to place agents inside American companies, now recruiting remote workers from countries like Iran and Lebanon to win contracts and then take over, with proceeds tied to illicit weapons funding. Digital Payments in Pyongyang: North Korea’s smartphone-based payments are spreading beyond cash, with multiple e-wallet services used for QR purchases, transit fares, bills, coupons, and even sports lottery tickets, alongside rising mobile subscriptions. State-Controlled “Fun” Economy: Reuters reports Kim Jong Un is pushing leisure and luxury consumption—massage gear, treadmills, pianos, malls, resorts—using state-run retail and entertainment channels to tighten control and generate revenue under sanctions. China Border Logistics: The New Yalu River Bridge between Dandong and Sinuiju may finally open after long delays, with new customs facilities reportedly completed on the North Korean side. South Korea Tech Security: Seoul is tightening industrial espionage law to better punish leaks of semiconductor know-how to any foreign country, reflecting fears over Chinese memory-chip rivals. AI Risk Debate: Global coverage highlights growing alarm over AI misuse, including claims that major labs blocked biological-weapons related use of their systems.