Dry-Field Rice Push: North Korea is accelerating dry-field rice cultivation, which experts read as a drought signal after KCNA warned of “unusual” and “severe” dry conditions, with South Hwanghae Province singled out. Industrial “Miracles” Campaign: State media says output hit 105% of planned targets in the 100 days after the Workers’ Party congress, spotlighting Sangwon Cement, coal, chemicals and power as proof of science-and-technology-led self-reliance. AI Research Despite Sanctions: A report says Pyongyang continues AI work using older GPUs and processors (2016–2018 models), suggesting secondhand hardware may have entered via third countries, enough for experiments in surveillance, speech and video tracking. Food System Watch: Reporting suggests state grain stores are selling more reliably than earlier years, but analysts warn it may reflect last year’s harvest rather than deeper reform. Cybercrime Linkages: Separate coverage highlights how North Korean-linked actors keep turning phishing and developer tools into malware delivery, reinforcing the business risk around fraud and stolen funds. Local Engagement Angle: Jeju’s “Vitamin C diplomacy” style outreach—medical gear and citrus saplings to North Korea via a disability-support channel—shows local governments may still be a workable engagement route, though Pyongyang’s intent remains unclear. China Birthday Outreach: Kim Jong-un sent Xi Jinping a congratulatory message and flower basket, underscoring ongoing political ties that can matter for trade and support.