World Cup Culture & Climate: FIFA president Gianni Infantino is drawing fresh backlash for using a private jet to cover matches, adding to concerns about the tournament’s environmental footprint. Football, Identity & Politics: Iran’s World Cup campaign is being watched through a political lens after protests around its opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles, with fans and diaspora processing the war’s impact. Aotearoa Housing & Migration: New Reserve Bank research links higher immigration to rising house prices and household credit, while finding little measurable effect on overall labour productivity. Constitutional Conversation: Former PM Jacinda Ardern renews republic talk, prompting international reaction and renewed debate about the Crown’s Treaty role. Election Economics: National pushes compulsory KiwiSaver from 2028 with a $1,500 baby kickstart, while the Greens release a tax plan targeting wealth and big corporations—sparking sharp counterattacks. Heritage Under Pressure: Auckland’s Carrington Hospital site faces a July 13 deadline after vandalism threatens its future as a secondary school. Immigration System Scrutiny: The Immigration Biometric Capability Update project is described as a governance failure after collapsing, leaving outdated systems in place. Community & Rights: A Māori activist on a Gaza-bound flotilla calls for an independent NZ investigation into alleged mistreatment by Israeli forces. Sports Coaching Move: Steve Corica leaves Auckland FC to become Yokohama F Marinos’ new manager, returning to Japan after a title-winning season.