Medicaid Work Rules in North Carolina: Starting Jan. 1, 2027, most adults ages 19–64 in North Carolina will need to meet a new “work and community engagement” requirement (80 hours/month of work, school, training, or community service, or an income equivalent) to keep Medicaid, with other major changes rolling out first—tighter noncitizen eligibility, twice-yearly renewals, and shorter retroactive coverage—under federal H.R. 1. Noncitizen Medicaid Eligibility Tightening: Separate reporting highlights that Medicaid coverage for many lawfully present immigrants is set to end Oct. 1, with only certain groups (including COFA migrants from Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau, plus specific categories like green-card holders after a waiting period) expected to remain eligible. Treatment First Funding for Homelessness & Addiction: SAMHSA awarded $42.3 million to states and territories to expand a “Treatment First” approach for homelessness and addiction, aiming to move people from crisis into treatment and stable recovery. Marshallese Rights Under Nuclear Legacy & Climate Threats: A UN rapporteur says Marshallese human rights defenders face long-term impacts from nuclear testing and sea-level rise, with barriers including limited information and capacity. Social Protection Gaps Across Pacific SIDS: UN DESA says coverage is below 30% in places including the Marshall Islands, urging stronger social protection to reduce poverty and build resilience to climate and economic shocks. Pacific Ocean Health & Resilience: National Geographic’s Pristine Seas expedition will conduct a baseline study of Tokelau’s reefs and deep-sea environments to support future ocean protection planning.