Fed Watch: Fed Governor Michael Barr signaled rates could rise again if inflation isn’t clearly moderating toward 2%, with investors now focused on upcoming CPI and PPI prints amid a broader bond selloff. Global Bonds & Inflation: Markets are reacting to oil-driven inflation fears and renewed Middle East risk, pushing yields higher across the US, Europe, and Japan. Trade Tensions: The US and Iran trade strikes escalated again, while the US-Canada tariff fight keeps tightening pressure on exporters and auto supply chains. G20 Trade Imbalances: G20 finance ministers (minus China) backed steps to curb trade surplus imbalances, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushing a tariff-first approach. M&A & Corporate Moves: Sanford Health finalized its merger with North Memorial under a 10-year oversight deal, while Quantumsphere Acquisition terminated a planned merger—another reminder that deal momentum can stall fast. Defense Tech Investment: Ousted Ukraine defense chief Mykhailo Fedorov is teaming with Palantir CEO Alex Karp to launch a new defense technology venture. Small Business Policy: The Trump administration is proposing changes to the small business definition that could reshape who qualifies for SBA support, with local impacts already being debated in places like Wyoming. Healthcare & Legal Risk: A wave of investor alerts highlights ongoing securities class-action probes across biotech and medtech. Energy & Jobs: South Louisiana is bracing for major investment tied to SpaceX’s Starbase, alongside LNG and industrial projects.