Coastal Watch: Philippine authorities say stagnant water and decaying organic matter—not an oil spill—caused foul-smelling, discolored water off Occidental Mindoro. Energy & Environment: A Michigan pipeline leak has triggered a federal review of Energy Transfer’s 20,000-mile network after regulators cited the risk of similar failures. Separately, the Trump administration is waiving case-by-case environmental reviews for many winter oil exploration projects in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve. Climate Finance: COP31’s incoming president says wealthy nations should spend far more on climate action, but stopped short of backing a renewed pledge to move away from fossil fuels. Cleaner Technology: Researchers are warning that many studies claiming bacteria or insects can break down plastic may be flawed; meanwhile, a new battery binder could reduce toxic solvents and make recycling easier. Energy Transition: A proposed $1 billion fusion manufacturing plant in Washington state could create hundreds of jobs, while Malaysia’s 2027 budget allocates RM5.33 billion for water and energy infrastructure, including clean energy and flood protection. Food & Climate: Researchers say buying local can strengthen resilience, but livestock and land clearing—not transport alone—account for much of the food system’s climate impact.