Climate-smart farming: USP researcher Abhineshwar Vinay Prasad is developing taro practices for Fiji, Samoa and Tonga that protect soil health and boost yields as heat, dry spells, flooding, saltwater intrusion and pests intensify. Development finance: Acting PM/Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo met ADB’s new Pacific Regional Director Azusa Sato, focusing on Samoa’s health, transport, infrastructure, environment and climate resilience priorities. Plastics push: Pacific leadership is helping drive a legally binding global plastics deal, with Fiji and Samoa’s environment officials pushing for predictable implementation support for Small Island Developing States. Blue economy debate: A major global fight is heating up over deep-sea mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, where polymetallic nodules could power batteries but threaten deep-sea biodiversity. Tourism and environment: Samoa’s beach fale operators are facing backlash after viral influencer videos that locals say misrepresent how privately owned village beaches work. Conservation governance: Traditional leaders and conservation practitioners are meeting across the Pacific on Indigenous-led conservation and climate resilience, backed by IUCN and Conservation International. Community impacts: Siumu residents affected by HMNZS Manawanui will receive $1,100 compensation, with payments expected to finish by end of July. Safety and health: Police are investigating the death of a 53-year-old US citizen resident in California after an alleged assault at Taumeasina Hideaway.