Pacific diplomacy & environment: The U.S. ambassador to Samoa, Jared Novelly, says Washington will respect Samoa’s seabed mining position, framing his role as connecting experts on “seabed harvesting” and environmental impacts rather than pushing policy. Sport & Pacific pride: Nauru added a Commonwealth Games medal with 17-year-old weightlifter Femily-Crystie Notte taking bronze in the women’s 63kg, while Samoa’s Symone Tafuna’i made history as the first Samoan woman to qualify for the women’s 100m. Culture & local knowledge: In Fiji, farmers use traditional ecological signs—like creeping yam vines and bees—to predict cyclone risk for the season ahead. Community & everyday safety: In Auckland’s Māngere, a parent has made a “last resort” plea to review school bus Route 002 after morning and afternoon stops don’t match, raising concerns for students’ daily safety. Women’s leadership: Pacific women parliamentarians are set to meet in Wellington for a wānanga on decision-making, online harm, and gender-based harassment, with Niue Assembly among the participants. Commonwealth Games (Niue in action): Niue’s Frederrick Tafatu lost his opening bowling match but will play again in round two.