Marine conservation: National Geographic’s Pristine Seas expedition is starting in Tokelau to run the first baseline analysis of nearshore reefs, offshore and deep-sea ecosystems, aiming to guide future protection plans and a National Ocean Policy. Medicaid access (U.S., with COFA relevance): New federal Medicaid rules are set to tighten eligibility for noncitizens starting Oct. 1, with later work mandates and more frequent renewals—raising fears of coverage losses for thousands in North Carolina and elsewhere; guidance notes COFA migrants (including Marshall Islands) and certain groups may be treated differently. Mental health & homelessness: SAMHSA awarded $42.3M to states and territories to expand a “Treatment First” approach for homelessness and addiction, pushing people from crisis into care and recovery. Social protection in the Pacific: A UN DESA policy brief says social protection coverage is low in several Pacific SIDS, including the Marshall Islands, and calls for stronger systems to reduce poverty and improve resilience to climate and economic shocks. Human rights & nuclear legacy: A UN Special Rapporteur says Marshallese defenders face long-term impacts from nuclear testing and climate change, with barriers including limited funding, capacity, and access to information. Climate-resilient reefs: Reporting highlights “super reefs” and new research suggesting more coral reefs may be heat-resilient than previously thought, with potential marine protected area corridors for the Marshall Islands.