Pacific Sport Spotlight: The Oceania Athletics Championships kicked off in Cairns, drawing 800+ athletes across seniors, U18, para, and even U10/U16/Masters—plus standout early performances from across the Pacific. Regional Geopolitics: The Pacific Islands Forum is set to meet in Palau (Aug 30–Sep 4) with “Building Economies” on the agenda, but the real subtext is rising strategic competition as China and the US vie for influence. Blue Economy Push: Papua New Guinea used the Melanesian Ocean Summit in Port Moresby to double down on ocean protection tied to sustainable fisheries and investment, renewing support for the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Ocean Protection at Home: The Cook Islands says its “Marae moana” marine park and science-based seabed-mineral rules are central to climate resilience—while elections loom amid shifting Pacific security ties. Environment Watch: A new California study links bright night lights to bigger wildlife behavior changes than noise, adding fuel to the global push for dark-sky style fixes. Niue Connection: Niue’s Poi Okesene is noted in the Forum Fisheries Committee leadership, and a new Niue identity documentary series launches weekly from 20 May.