AI & Media Survival: A senior Lao journalist warns traditional outlets must rapidly adopt AI, modern production, and digital platforms or risk collapse as audiences shift to mobile and online news, while misinformation spreads fast on social media. Cyber Scam & Trafficking Risk: A new report details how Southeast Asian “cyber slavery” hubs trap job seekers via recruitment scams, with Laos named among countries where hundreds of victims have been rescued. Trade Talks: India and the US will hold ministerial-level talks this week to finalize the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement, with tariff timelines shaping negotiations. Mekong Cooperation Funding: China and Laos signed a Lancang-Mekong Cooperation special fund agreement, targeting 3–5 year grants for tech, connectivity, green transition, and digitalisation projects across the region. Russia–ASEAN Tech & Energy Push: ASEAN leaders adopted the Kazan Declaration, expanding cooperation with Russia through 2030 across energy, agriculture, digitalisation, science and technology, and security. Laos–Russia Agriculture Tech: Laos and Russia agreed to deepen agriculture and environmental cooperation, including irrigation, crop breeding, and veterinary expertise, plus closer SPS coordination for Lao products. Wildlife Rescue in Laos: A Singapore-based NGO helped extract 27 moon bears from an illegal bile farm in Laos after the operation was shut down, moving them to a sanctuary.