Renewables & Power Grid: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone visited a 100 MW solar project in Kaysone Phomvihane, Savannakhet, urging faster rollout while protecting agricultural land; the 158-hectare site will feed electricity into EDL’s 115 kV network via a new 7-km transmission line. Media & Public Security: At Laos’ First National Media Conference, officials stressed how Lao media can help counter fake news and disinformation through rapid, credible reporting. Diplomacy for Trade & Energy: Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane led ASEAN-related meetings in Manila, while Laos and Russia reaffirmed strategic partnership, including trade, investment and energy cooperation. Green Investment Links: Laos and Singapore held bilateral consultations in Singapore, highlighting Singapore’s role as a major investor and pushing further deals in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, carbon credits, tourism and logistics. Mekong Hydropower Watch: Myanmar and Laos agreed a 34-month feasibility study for a 2,790 MW mainstream Mekong dam, with analysts saying the process could matter as much as the project. Agrifood Compliance: Laos’ FAO partnership moves forward with a new 2027–2031 Country Programming Framework as the country prepares for LDC graduation in Nov 2026. Cross-border Crime & Scams: A UN report warns Southeast Asia’s scam economy is professionalising with tech and AI, with 2025 losses estimated at $88.3–$114.1 billion across the Asia-Pacific. Food Safety & Enforcement: Separate reports highlight customs actions against misdeclared frozen agri/food imports, underscoring tighter scrutiny on food supply chains. Energy Security Debate: Regional coverage argues Southeast Asia must boost grid integration and renewables to reduce exposure to volatile energy imports.