Volcano Watch: Mount Pelée has moved into higher alert mode as scientists report a sharp jump in volcanic earthquakes and measurable ground swelling near the summit, with the observatory warning that short-term eruption odds are still low but unrest is clearly elevated. Climate & Storm Tracking: Tropical Storm Cristobal has formed in the Atlantic while a separate disturbance (Invest 92L) heads toward the Lesser Antilles, with El Niño’s suppression facing its toughest test as the season’s peak approaches. Connectivity & Security: The U.S. State Department unveiled a major submarine cable push for the Caribbean and Central America, urging “trusted providers” and noting Cuba’s exclusion from the initiative. Local Environment & Waste: Foreign plastic waste is piling up on Jamaica’s coast, highlighting how ocean currents can move non-biodegradable debris across borders and burden regional conservation efforts. Land & Soil Resilience (Petite Martinique): A new 3-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility and run with UNEP support will back sustainable land and soil management, including restoration work and drought-resistant nursery production. Data Center Concerns: Residents near a proposed WGN transmitter data center site raised worries about low-frequency noise, wildlife impacts, and water use during a public comment session.