Archaeology: A rare 6th-century jug has been discovered at the Karakabak site in Mangistau, reshaping views of the region as more than nomadic territory and pointing to a thriving urban culture. Education & Rights: President Tokayev signed laws to protect teachers’ rights and amend administrative rules affecting educators, aiming to improve how education and healthcare issues are handled. Sports & Culture Policy: Chess champion Bibisara Asaubayeva pushed back on the idea that chess is “non-priority,” linking the debate to Tokayev’s focus on intellect and human capital. Governance: Kazakhstan’s Senate endorsed an amnesty law in two readings, including changes to how amnesty is applied in administrative cases. Tourism & Food: Almaty is partnering with Gault&Millau to rate restaurants and hotels and boost food tourism, with a reported 234 million tenge contract. Space & Exhibitions: Astana opened “Leonardo da Vinci: Genius of the Renaissance,” featuring reconstructed mechanical models from his manuscripts, while Kazakhstan tourism firms promote Baikonur rocket-launch experiences abroad. Regional Culture Links: A documentary filmmaker, Zhanana Kurmasheva, discussed her Semipalatinsk nuclear test site film “We Live Here,” now recognized on the international festival circuit.