Banking & FX Reform: Public calls are growing for President Salva Kiir to back real financial-system fixes, not just leadership changes, after the swearing-in of Bank of South Sudan governor Dr. Addis Ababa Othow—especially to curb street foreign-currency trading and restore confidence. Health Infrastructure: UNDP and the Government launched a new Aweil State Reference Laboratory with solar power and a specialised medical incinerator (over US$1.6m) to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency preparedness. Trade & Roads: South Sudan and Kenya renewed efforts to complete the Lokichokio–Nadapal–Juba corridor, aiming to cut cargo transit times and reduce costs from Mombasa to Juba. Youth & Jobs: Central Equatoria plans vocational training and agriculture projects to create employment for young people who missed formal education. Education Accountability: Northern Bahr el Ghazal education officials warned teachers against extorting unauthorized exam fees from learners. Agribusiness Skills: The African Cashew Alliance trained 81 cashew actors across 11 countries, including South Sudan, to boost production, processing, value addition and market access. Elections & Violence Risk: A new study argues South Sudan must strengthen institutions, unify security, and expand civic education to reduce hate speech and electoral violence. Court Update: In Juba’s special court, Gabriel Duop Lam completed his defence denying Nasir violence allegations; proceedings adjourned to Aug 5.