Fed Rate Shock: The US Federal Reserve lifted its benchmark rate for the first time in three years, with new chief Kevin Warsh signaling more hikes ahead as inflation stays “elevated,” rattling stocks and bond markets. Digital Identity Push: Westpac will issue digital ID credentials for businesses via the Govt.nz app wallet, aiming to speed up account verification and cut fraud risk. Renewables Tax Cut: Bangladesh’s NBR cut solar equipment import tax to 1% for 180 days to accelerate renewable power rollout. Energy Project Watch: A 500MW battery storage plan in Livingston Parish is advancing fast, tied to an unnamed commercial load of 330–360MW. Trade & Sanctions: The US extended export restrictions blocking Russian airlines Aeroflot, Utair and Azur Air from US-linked parts and maintenance. Business Enablement: Qatar’s MoCI launched an e-commerce licence for 194 activities and upgraded its business portal and “Qatar Business Map” to streamline online setup. Corporate Moves: Gladstone Investment backed Global GRAB’s acquisition of Barrier1 Systems, expanding perimeter security products. Local Economy: A new dessert food truck in Boone highlights how small operators keep diversifying even in tight conditions. Fraud Crackdown: Georgia AG secured a plea and sentencing in a $158k business email compromise case, underscoring rising cyber-enabled scams.