Macau Tourism & Economy: DSEC reported first-half 2026 non-gaming spending by visitors at MOP44.47 billion (+17.4% y/y), led by shopping (46.0%), with MICE visitors posting the highest per-capita spend (MOP4,593). Gaming Market Pressure: Analysts cut Macau gaming income growth forecasts to 3% after June–July declines, citing Beijing’s tighter capital and outbound investment curbs that cool high-roller sentiment. Greater Bay Area Mobility: Lawmakers said the long-awaited Hengqin “single-plate northbound” policy is nearing release, likely using a reservation-based system, with a target rollout before year-end. Modern Finance for Tourism: Galaxy Macau and Ant Bank (Macao) opened a joint Financial Services Station at Cotai, linking self-service banking, payments, and a revamped Galaxy membership push under the city’s “Tourism+” and modern finance push. Anti-Money Laundering Cooperation: Macao’s Financial Intelligence Office led a “Macao, China” delegation to the APG annual meeting in Brunei, with nine AML/CFT agencies taking part in mutual-evaluation and typology discussions. Public Health & Social Policy: IAS said registered drug abusers fell 10.8% to 132 in 2025, while methadone attendance stayed above 90% and no HIV cases linked to drug use were reported for nine years. Public Finance Execution: The AL follow-up committee said Q1 government spending under the PIDDA was MOP18.08 billion, broadly in line with budget, and urged tighter project pacing to avoid a late-year spending rush. Culture & International Profile: MGTO joined UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy talks in Malaysia to boost Macao’s global gastronomy branding and sustainable heritage development.