AI & Cybersecurity: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned the U.S. can’t “lose the AI race” to China as federal agencies issued a joint advisory alleging six China-based AI firms used industrial-scale requests to distill capabilities from U.S. frontier models. Middle East Energy & Security: Iran destroyed a U.S. unmanned surveillance drone near the Strait of Hormuz, following an earlier Iranian capture of a U.S. underwater drone—while new attacks on Saudi infrastructure and Gulf shipping pushed oil prices above $107. Pacific Strategy: The U.S. is ramping up Pacific engagement after a Deputy Secretary of State tour, announcing major disaster-relief, aviation safety, and Peace Corps plans for Micronesia and Solomon Islands. US Politics & Elections: A Trump-linked PAC reserved more than $74 million in TV ad time across battleground House and Senate races as Republicans fight to hold Congress. Health Policy: A JAMA Network Open study found no overall link between prenatal fluoride exposure in public water and children’s emotional or behavioral problems. Tech Regulation: Tesla’s Cybercab rollout in Austin triggered an NHTSA audit of about 1,000 vehicles to test compliance with federal safety rules. Sports & Culture: Morgan State’s marching band performed during the Giants-Cowboys 9/11 tribute, and Bayonne celebrated its Little League team with a hometown parade.