Somalia-Italy Cultural Push: Mogadishu’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism met Italy’s ambassador to expand cooperation in media, film production, cultural exchanges, and professional training—plus plans to revive Italian-language programming on Radio Muqdisho. Baidoa Unity Talks: A Somalia parliamentary hopeful met traditional elders and religious scholars in Baidoa, stressing the role of community leaders in peacebuilding, reconciliation, and state-building. Imam’s Legacy in Mogadishu: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined officials for funeral prayers for Imam Mohamed Yusuf Ali, praising his work for reconciliation and rebuilding Somali statehood. Anti-foreigner Backlash in South Africa: Vigilante-led protests in Bellville targeted “illegal foreign traders,” with chants linking the fight to Somalia—highlighting how migration tensions can spill into cultural and identity politics. Minnesota Hijab Controversy: Ms. Rachel backed Muslim kindergarteners after Trump shared a hijab-focused kindergarten clip, turning a school moment into a wider debate on belonging and anti-Muslim rhetoric. Religious Persecution Watch: A global index flags rising religious nationalism and state control as growing drivers of persecution, including impacts on women and children. El Niño Risk for Somalia: UN agencies warn extreme weather could hit Somalia among other high-risk countries, with funding aimed at seeds, cash support, and flood-control.