Flood Risk Across Borders: Heavy rains and flash floods in northern Vietnam and southern China have killed at least 12 people, with more downpours forecast and landslide danger rising. Wildlife & Habitat Lessons: China’s Yunnan wild Asian elephant population is reportedly rebounding, with a “short-nose family” growing to 21, highlighting coexistence tools like habitat restoration, monitoring, and community participation that could inform Mekong-region conservation. Clean Urban Development: Laos’ deputy public works and transport minister took part in the UN New Urban Agenda mid-term review, pushing priorities like integrated city planning, public-private investment, and better housing and urban governance. Energy & Environment Cooperation: Laos and Thailand reaffirmed energy cooperation, including Laos’ push for electric vehicles to cut fuel imports and support more sustainable development. Governance & Reform: Laos’ macro outlook notes resilience to the 2026 oil shock, but warns policy buffers are limited—keeping inflation control and foreign-exchange stability central to environmental and development planning. Media & Rights: The Lao Journalists Association urged stronger legal protections and training for journalists as AI reshapes the digital information landscape.