Geothermal Expansion: Albioma won an exclusive five-year geothermal exploration permit for Guadeloupe’s Sud-Soufrière site, covering 62 sq km across several communes; drilling still needs separate environmental approval, after public consultations ran from 2022-2025. Regional Energy Link: The permit is Albioma’s third exclusive geothermal award, following similar permits in Mayotte and Réunion—another sign of growing Indian Ocean geothermal momentum. Civic Infrastructure & Health: A ProPublica/Flatwater Free Press investigation says Omaha’s EPA lead cleanup left many yards still above agency thresholds, with nearby properties often remaining contaminated—raising pressure for more follow-through. Immigration Meets Local Power: In Pittsburgh-area Springdale, data centers and immigration enforcement collided, with a detained construction worker becoming a flashpoint for local politics. Tourism Build-Out Watch: Comoros is betting on the 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games to jumpstart tourism, but planners say the real test is whether accommodation and transport are built for commercial use after the athletes leave. Culture & Talent Pipeline: France’s Villa Swagatam selected 35 laureates for a 2026-27 Indo-French residency run, reinforcing creative exchange across South Asia and France. Agriculture & Branding: Seychelles welcomed a researcher on a mission to explore a Geographical Indication for Seychelles honey, with training ties that include La Réunion.