USMCA Auto Stability: A new op-ed argues the USMCA should stay “as-is” because it underpins Georgia’s auto manufacturing jobs and investment, warning that policy churn could chill production plans. Defense Logistics Expansion: BJC Logistics says it landed 2026 defense and aerospace contracts, including work tied to Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and BAE Systems, positioning itself for higher-demand, DoD-compliant secure transport. Gulf Reconstruction Funding Fight: The Trump administration is weighing whether to redirect Iranian frozen assets to pay for repairs to Gulf allies after recent attacks, a move that could complicate ceasefire talks as Iran demands release of $24 billion. Iran Escalation at Hormuz: The US struck Iranian coastal radar sites after drone attacks aimed at maritime traffic, while Iran and regional partners traded retaliatory claims—raising near-term risk for energy and shipping. Manufacturing Tech Transfer Abroad: Serbia’s “Chinese brain” factory systems highlight growing Chinese tech and automation influence as Serbia deepens industrial upgrading under its free-trade ties. Energy Grid Software: Google and Voltus are expanding virtual power plant efforts, pointing to more demand-side flexibility as data centers and distributed energy grow. Modular Housing Labor Rules: A Massachusetts modular housing project faces a key question: whether prevailing wage rules apply to factory-built modules, which could determine whether the model scales. AI Public Ownership Debate: AP reports policymakers are debating public ownership in AI firms as backlash grows over data centers and jobs, with Trump and Sanders both engaging the idea.