Pacific Security & Shipping: RIMPAC 2026 has kicked off in Hawaii with the largest-ever iteration, bringing 30,000 personnel, 30 countries, and Tonga among participants—an early signal of how regional defence planning is shaping Pacific maritime activity. Disaster & Food Systems: Papua New Guinea is warning of worsening hunger risk as El Niño brings frost, drought and crop losses, with up to 3 million people potentially affected. Energy & Cost of Living: A fuel-crisis timeline shows diesel and electricity costs spiking across the Pacific; Tonga’s diesel ceiling in Tongatapu rose by more than 60% while leaders push solar to reduce future shocks. Tonga Governance & Investment: Parliament approved Tonga’s 2026/27 budget of about $949.4m, including electricity tariff relief and lifeline support, with a planned deficit financed via bonds and reserves. Infrastructure: The Fangaʻuta Lagoon bridge is delayed by land disputes at ʻUmukisia, triggering millions in penalty fees as construction stalls. Agriculture & Skills: Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tonga and others completed climate-resilient ag and fisheries training in China, focusing on aquaculture, smart farming and resilience. Tech for Health: A Linux driver patch is gaining traction for Barco MXRT medical boards, including Tonga-based hardware IDs, potentially widening multi-monitor support beyond Windows. Women & Culture: A Tonga-based scholar won a regional “Say It Loud” merit award for a poem on women’s empowerment and cultural identity.