U.S.-Pacific Push: President Joe Biden held a second White House summit with Pacific leaders, recognising Cook Islands and Niue and pledging US$40 million for secure, climate-resilient infrastructure, including undersea cable connectivity. Regional Security & China: Pacific unity is under strain ahead of Palau’s PIF leaders meeting after ministers failed to agree on a joint response to China’s missile test, with New Zealand pushing hardest while some members hold back. Police Capability Boost: RSIPF received a $5.5m upgraded Tactical Training Centre from Australia’s AFP, and also took delivery of two Naiad vessels to strengthen maritime policing and rapid coastal response. Mining Law Reform: Parliament heard the Mineral Resources Bill 2025, which would modernise mining rules, make Community Development Agreements mandatory, and put landowners and communities at the centre. Economy & Money: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo told Parliament growth is revised to 3.5% as mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries improve, while logging declines; he also flagged concerns about weak visible capital inflows from mining and outlined tax reforms to plug exemptions. Football & Sports: OFC welcomed FIFA’s withdrawal of the Forward Enterprise plan, while SIFF set S-League Round 8 fixtures at Lawson Tama Stadium and OFC confirmed teams for the next Pro League season. Community Development: Small Malaita praised China’s embassy for a SBD100,000 grant funding boats and an engine to improve sea access for rural services.