US–Pacific Minerals Push: Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is now “1A or 1B” on Washington’s agenda, linking the move to supply-chain diversification away from China and to defence and clean-energy needs. Regional Security & Sovereignty: Pacific Elders warn that geopolitical competition is reshaping the region, urging Pacific-led security and regional institutions that protect sovereignty, transparency, and equal decision-making. Fisheries Governance: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee ministerial meeting in Wellington wrapped up with a communiqué and a leadership handover, with Niue’s Mona Ainu’u thanked and New Zealand’s Shane Jones set to chair 2026–2027. Women’s Business & Markets: Samoa’s Markets for Change (M4C) partnership with UN Women will spotlight women-led vendors at the M4C Life-Con Pacific Women’s Market Expo (15–18 July), aiming to boost market access and skills across the Pacific. Tourism Data Skills: The Pacific Tourism Organisation finished a New Zealand-funded workshop in Nadi, training tourism officers from Niue and other islands to strengthen evidence-based tourism planning.