Under-16 Social Media Ban (UK): UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan to block under-16s from major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X and YouTube is drawing fast reactions from parents, schools and public figures, with supporters saying it will “give children their childhood back” while critics warn it won’t fix the underlying harms. Media Ethics & Speed vs Safety: Editors and newsroom leaders in Malaysia are pushing a practical approach to viral misinformation—verify first, then fact-check and follow up—arguing accuracy can’t be traded for speed. Journalism Under Pressure (Philippines): The Philippine Press Institute held a regional workshop on using dispute-resolution tools to protect small newsrooms and community journalists from costly criminal libel and cyberlibel cases. Youth & Digital Marketing (Philippines): A Johns Hopkins study finds Filipino teens feel they’re being targeted by e-cigarette marketing via flavors and social media trends, raising new concerns about vaping’s pull on youth culture. Crypto/Markets (Solana): Forward Industries’ acquisition bids for other Solana treasury firms were rejected or ignored, complicating its consolidation strategy. Business/Tech: FORVIA HELLA began series production of its LeanLED II combined front-and-rear lamp for commercial vehicles. Weather (UK): The Met Office issued a “not great news” hay fever alert, warning millions of high to very high pollen levels across parts of England and Wales.