Drought & Water Stress (UK): England is facing a worsening drought, with 71.3% of the country now classified as in drought and 27 million people under hosepipe bans after the driest July on record and scant rain forecasts. Climate Diplomacy (Africa): African climate negotiators are meeting in Accra to lock in priorities for COP31, focusing on finance, adaptation, just transition, technology transfer, and implementation details. Heat Mitigation (Cities): New research finds canals can cool nearby neighbourhoods during heatwaves—up to about 50 metres from the water—offering a practical urban heat tool. Southern Ocean Science (EU): The EU launched a €8.5M project to improve observations and predictions of climate and ecosystem change around Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Energy & Waste (US): Win Waste plans to close its Hudson Falls, New York waste-to-energy facility amid pollution-limit disputes and cost pressures. AI Safety Push (US): Bernie Sanders urged major AI firms to pause development until the tech is safe and controllable, warning Congress may step in. Policy Backtrack (US Climate Rules): A coalition of state financial officers praised the SEC for moving to rescind 2024 climate disclosure rules, citing major compliance cost savings. Food vs Fuel (India): Experts warn ethanol-blended fuel could disrupt land use and agriculture, affecting food security, water, and household incomes. Pet Food Transparency (US): BIXBI Pet became the first pet food company to certify dog kibble under the Clean Label Project, requiring third-party testing for contaminants.