Mekong Hydropower Watch: Satellite imagery shows construction underway on Laos’ new Pak Beng Mekong dam, as Vientiane pushes ahead with its “Battery of Southeast Asia” plan despite concerns over ecosystems and village relocations. Flood & Landslide Alerts: Laos issued warnings as prolonged heavy rains trigger flooding and landslides, with Khammuan province already affected and officials urging round-the-clock monitoring and evacuation readiness. Public Health Cooperation: Laos and Thailand ran a joint cross-border public health emergency drill to test surveillance and response coordination for infectious disease outbreaks. Digital & Media Capacity: Laos launched ALERT-LAO with FAO and UNICEF to strengthen pandemic preparedness, while Lao and Vietnamese media officials exchanged experience on managing information and tackling online misinformation. Regional Politics: Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing met Thailand’s PM in Bangkok in a bid for re-engagement with ASEAN, drawing criticism over Thailand’s high-profile welcome. ASEAN Football: The ASEAN Championship group stage tightened further, with Vietnam and Singapore still in contention while Laos are out of the running.