Critical Minerals & US–Pacific Ties: The new U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue and Samoa, Jared Novelly, says Cook Islands seabed minerals are now a top priority, framing them as potentially “transformative” while stopping short of pushing exploration licenses and pointing to U.S. firms if Niue and the Cooks allow it. Women’s Market Access: In Samoa, Events, Marketing & Distribution (EMD) and UN Women have partnered under the Markets for Change project, spotlighting the M4C Life-Con Pacific Women’s Market Expo (15–18 July) to boost women-led businesses, skills, and safer market opportunities across the Pacific. Regional Security & Sovereignty: Pacific Elders warn that geopolitical competition is reshaping the region and urge security to stay under Pacific control, with institutions protecting sovereignty, transparency, and equal decision-making. Cyclone Season Preparedness: SPREP’s Pacific Meteorological Desk urges countries to stay vigilant through peak cyclone months, follow daily forecasts from national Met services, and remember even weak systems can bring damaging rainfall. Sports & Talent Pathways: Strongman Samoa’s Pacific Strongest competition is giving athletes from Niue and other Pacific nations a new platform, including sand-based events that test skills and build local momentum. Plastics Treaty Implementation: Pacific leadership is pushing for a legally binding plastics deal with real means of implementation, including predictable finance and support for small island states.