Sanctions & Hezbollah Financing: The US Treasury imposed new sanctions on 10 people tied to a cash-transfer network moving “hundreds of millions” via couriers on commercial flights between Lebanon, Turkey, the UAE and Iran, and re-designated Hezbollah for “service to the Iranian regime” under IRGC-Quds Force. Lebanon-Saudi Trade & Customs: Lebanon and Saudi Arabia relaunched the overland trade route, with an advanced scanner now operating at Masnaa Border Crossing to speed truck movement and tighten contraband detection after years of suspended land imports. Local Development in Tripoli: UNDP Lebanon’s Local Development Project kicked off in Tripoli’s Al-Fayhaa area, bringing municipalities, civil society and private sector together to co-create a five-year plan focused on MSMEs, local value chains and youth jobs. Shipping Risk in the Region: Strait of Hormuz traffic reportedly fell sharply, with only seven vessels crossing amid heightened shipping risks, while oil prices rose on renewed Middle East uncertainty. Housing Permitting Tech (Global): Cities are turning to AI to reduce incomplete permit applications, supported by new federal funding for faster, more automated building code processing. Food Prices (Regional): Russian watermelon and melon prices reportedly dropped 40% as harvest enters the market, with imports including Lebanon mentioned among supply sources.