Public Services & Rights: Claire Hédon is leaving her role as France’s Defender of Rights after a term marked by rising complaints tied to access problems in the overseas territories, including water, healthcare, education and other public services, with Guadeloupe among the places most affected. Household Costs: Regulated electricity bills are set to rise by 2.5% from 1 August, and back-to-school allowance dates for 2026 are confirmed for Guadeloupe (18 August), with amounts by age group published. Drug Resistance Watch: New research flags early genetic changes in the schistosomiasis parasite that could reduce response to praziquantel, stressing the need for ongoing genomic monitoring to protect long-term treatment effectiveness. Sargassum Response: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to push a more coordinated sargassum management plan across Eastern Caribbean states, including turning seaweed into economic value. Regional Connectivity: LIAT has launched a year-round twice-weekly route between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica), with plans to increase frequency as demand grows. Health & Environment: A FAO-based ranking puts Saint Lucia high for pesticide use intensity, raising concerns about long-term public and environmental health impacts across the Caribbean.