Fangaʻuta Bridge Costs Rise: Tonga says delays to the US$97m Fangaʻuta Lagoon bridge are piling up as unresolved land disputes keep construction stalled, with negotiations still ongoing over compensation and other issues that should have been settled before the contractor mobilised. Blue Pacific Fisheries & Security: Samoa is pushing stronger monitoring and management of fish stocks at the WCPFC scientific session, warning that without proper EEZ monitoring only a few countries benefit, and it’s coordinating operations with Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji against illegal fishing, drugs and trafficking. Climate Communication Skills: Tonga is working with Tonga National University to upgrade journalism training so future reporters can cover climate change, early warning systems, disasters, marine resources and sustainable development more accurately. Tourism Brand Recognition: Tonga’s refreshed “Kingdom of Tonga: The Friendly Islands” tourism brand has been named a finalist in the 2026 Skift IDEA Awards, with reported gains in website use, traffic and bookings after the rebrand. Cultural Industries Boost: Tonga has ratified UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on protecting and promoting diversity of cultural expressions, strengthening support for artists and creative enterprises as the convention takes effect in October 2026. Parliament Project Finds Lapita Pottery: Construction of Tonga’s new Parliament complex has uncovered Lapita pottery fragments, adding fresh archaeological interest to the major infrastructure build.