AI & Costs: Companies are balking as AI gets more expensive, especially with agent-style tools that burn far more computing and billing charges than simple chat. Religion & Society: Pope Leo XIV is doubling down on warnings that AI-linked digital life can leave people “disconnected” from themselves, others, and their inner life. Arts & IP Clash: A viral cupcake character creator says Amazon and BuzzFeed sidelined artists by licensing her work into an AI-generated animated series—sparking an IP fight. Culture Exchange: “Shining Stars” youth showcases rolled out in Washington, D.C. and New York, spotlighting multicultural performances and bilingual talent. Local Creativity: In Brazil’s Borel favela, BoreArt is turning a crime-linked staircase into public art to reshape how residents see their neighborhood. Housing & Design: With first-time buyers older than ever, builders are getting more creative—smaller homes, less yard space, and compact layouts—to keep prices down. Fashion & AI: An Australian retailer’s AI-generated models are prompting debate over labeling and whether products are represented accurately. Music & Community: “Punla at Pamana: Sining. Kalikasan Pamana” opened at the Philippine Arena, blending bonsai, suiseki, and contemporary Filipino creativity.