Climate Watch: SPREP says El Niño conditions are now established in the Pacific, with Western Pacific countries likely facing drier-than-usual weather and higher drought risk—prompting calls for proactive water planning. Disaster Response & Engineering: NZDF engineer Warrant Officer Class 2 Rob Allen received a Distinguished Service Decoration for leading Vanuatu emergency engineering support after a plane crash and a deadly earthquake. Ocean Protection: Fiji plans to place 15% of its ocean territory under full protection by end-2026, targeting illegal fishing and supporting the wider Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves effort with Vanuatu and PNG. Health & Vaccines: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations have topped 1 million doses, including 20,000 to Vanuatu, as outbreaks continue to strain regional health systems. Media & Trust: At a Pacific Media Partners conference, Vanuatu Broadcasting Television’s content head warned that social media and unregulated platforms can erode trust during elections—raising the stakes for ethical, independent reporting. Tech, Safety & Crime: A report highlights how encrypted apps are being used to recruit vulnerable teens into serious crimes, urging stronger online safeguards. Regional Risk Monitoring: After a strong Philippines earthquake, Pacific coastal monitoring is on alert for possible tsunami impacts, with Vanuatu included in advisories.