Education Inclusion: Laos’ MoES, with Australia’s BEQUAL program, released Teacher Development Video 29 to help teachers spot and support learners with disabilities in class, aligning with the Child Functioning Module for practical inclusive strategies. Public Health Research: A new study in Laos screened 295 pet owners and their pets for spotted fever group rickettsioses, finding low-level antibody reactivity in a small number of cats and owners, with no clear link to ectoparasites. Climate & Water Security: Laos launched the US$6.77M CARBS project in Sayaboury (2026–2031) with WWF-Laos to strengthen climate resilience, integrated river basin water management, and nature-based, community-led adaptation. Agrifood Systems: Laos also rolled out an ADB-supported project to promote sustainable agri-food systems through 2030, boosting smallholder finance, value chains, food and nutrition security, and climate-resilient production. Regional Tech & Trade: The China-Laos Railway continues to lift cross-border trade, with import-export value topping 20B yuan in the first seven months of 2026, up nearly 30% year-on-year. Legislation Watch: Vietnam’s NA Standing Committee session this week will review multiple draft laws and resolutions, including updates touching criminal justice, publishing, and investment-related business conditions.