Public Services & Cost of Living: Regulated electricity bills in France are set to rise 2.5% from 1 August, affecting over 19 million households—residents are urged to check whether they’re on a regulated tariff or a market offer. Family Support: The 2026 back-to-school allowance (ARS) will be paid on 18 August in Guadeloupe, Guyane and Martinique (and mainland France), with amounts set by age group for children 6–18. Health Watch: Researchers report early warning signs of reduced response to praziquantel in wild schistosomiasis parasites, calling for ongoing genomic surveillance to protect the only current treatment. Sargassum & Public Health: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to strengthen coordinated sargassum management across the Eastern Caribbean, supported by EU funding. Food & Environment Safety: A new look at FAO data highlights high pesticide use intensity in the Caribbean, with links raised to long-term public health risks, including findings from Guadeloupe/Martinique banana worker research.