Critical Minerals & Diplomacy: A newly appointed U.S. envoy, Jared Novelly, says Cook Islands seabed minerals are now a top priority, with critical minerals moving up Washington’s agenda fast—while warning Pacific states about the risks of China’s growing influence. Regional Security & Sovereignty: Pacific Elders urged that regional security must stay in Pacific hands, calling for institutions that protect sovereignty, transparency, and equal decision-making. Tourism & Digital Services: South Pacific Pocket Guide launched VanuatuPocketGuide.com after a five-week reporting trip, building a large online planning hub (hundreds of articles and photos) aimed at helping travellers and supporting local tourism operators. Health & Food Systems: A global obesity roundup spotlights Nauru’s extreme rates, tying the crisis to past phosphate-driven economic shifts, imported diets, and limited fresh produce—useful context for Niue’s own food and health planning.