Medicaid Changes: North Carolina’s NCDHHS rolled out a “Know What’s Next” toolkit ahead of Oct. 1 Medicaid updates, including new work and renewal rules for Medicaid expansion and tighter eligibility for non-U.S. citizens—plus a list of who remains covered, including citizens of the Freely Associated States (Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau). Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi DOH reported dengue virus detected in a Hilo wastewater sample; officials say there are no active cases currently tracked, and the result is being used as an early warning while follow-up testing continues. Pacific Health & Cooperation: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders pushed for stronger regional cooperation that includes health support, food security, disaster preparedness, and capacity building—framing it as practical resilience for archipelagic communities. Regional Ocean Priorities: Forum leaders also tightened positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals, and marine pollution, with coordinated action tied to climate and illegal fishing pressures. Micronesia Connectivity & Care: A feature highlights United’s “Island Hopper” as more than transport—serving as a lifeline for medical access, supplies, and family connections across Micronesia. Biosecurity Standards: Guam’s biosecurity push gained momentum through a new regional role, aiming to strengthen plant protection and invasive species plans across the Pacific.