Critical Minerals & US–Pacific Ties: The new U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly says Cook Islands seabed minerals are now a top priority, framing them as “1A or 1B” for Washington and pointing to China’s dominance in refining; he says he can connect U.S. firms to opportunities but won’t set local laws. Local Business & Women’s Markets: In Samoa, Events, Marketing & Distribution (EMD) and UN Women have partnered under the Markets for Change project, spotlighting women-led vendors ahead of the M4C Life-Con Pacific Women’s Market Expo (15–18 July). Regional Security & Sovereignty: Pacific Elders warn that geopolitical competition is reshaping the region, urging security to stay in Pacific hands with sovereignty, transparency, and equal decision-making. Cyclone Season Preparedness: SPREP’s Pacific Meteorological Desk urges countries to follow national Met office warnings closely as peak cyclone months approach, noting even weaker systems can bring damaging rainfall. Sports & Talent Pathways: Strongman Samoa’s “Pacific Strongest” event is giving young athletes (including Niue) a new route to compete regionally, with Pasifika-style challenges like sand-based events.