Polkadot News
Parathreads 3333 and 3334 have been swapping the lead position numerous times in the current parachain lease auction, with 3333 in the lead now. Polkadot/Substrate Portal
This means that, depending on which block is determined to the ending block, either could win. For details on how candle auctions work, see Web3 and Polkadot - Polkadot Wiki
Referendum 105, proposing to upgrade system parachains to runtime 9730, has passed. Upgrade System Parachains to v9370 | Polkassembly
There is a discussion about modifying nomination parameters on Polkassembly (e.g., increasing minimum nomination pool bond to 500 DOT, increasing minimum direct nomination bond to 200 DOT, and others). Polkassembly - Discussion on adjusting Nomination Configuration #1650
The Polkadot staking rate has increased approximately 1.4 percentage points in the last era, to 49.06%. Polkadot Staking Dashboard
Kusama News
There are 10 Kusama OpenGov Referenda currently up for vote. Polkadot/Substrate Portal
Among the Kusama OpenGov Referenda is a Treasury Proposal for Polkadot Safari, a 2-day Polkadot conference in Kenya. Polkassembly - Referendum #109
With less than 8 hours left in the current parachain lease auction, parathread ID 2262 has been in the lead the entire Ending Period. Polkadot/Substrate Portal