Cook Islands–US Security: The US says any military presence linked to a planned Penrhyn Island port upgrade is “all being negotiated,” even as the NZ$101m project (US US$50m, NZ NZ$17.5m) is framed as a “friendly port” to help counter “bad actors” and support policing against illegal fishing and narco-terrorism. Pacific Media Freedom: Fiji’s media industry is described as having “turned full circle” after the scrapping of MIDA, with the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu spotlighting remote-community reporting and digital innovation. Pacific Media Summit Declaration: Editors and news leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, urging action to keep 1.5°C “to stay alive and thrive” and calling for stronger Pacific voices on climate, biodiversity loss and pollution. India–Pacific Forum Moves: India has been placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “strategic partner stream,” with Jaishankar pointing to cooperation in healthcare, renewables, connectivity and tailored capacity-building. Niue–Ocean Conservation Recognition: Niue Ocean Wide Trust is named a 2026 Earthshot Prize finalist for long-term ocean protection financing via Ocean Conservation Commitments. Niue–Culture & Service Honours: Niuean language and community leader Vai Kumitau received a King’s Service Medal in New Zealand’s King’s Birthday Honours.