El Niño Watch: The UN’s weather agency says there’s an 80% chance of El Niño forming before September (rising to 90% from July to November), with impacts that can mean heavier rain in some regions and drier conditions in others—on top of climate change. Pacific Infrastructure & Security: The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, US) is pushing new port and maritime initiatives, including Fiji port infrastructure, as economic security and connectivity become central to regional strategy. Weather & Climate Reporting Support: SPREP is backing a regional media workshop (Sept 17–18) to help Pacific journalists amplify weather and climate stories for resilience, with selected reporters also covering PMC8 and ministers’ meetings in Tonga. China’s Surveillance Export: A report highlights how China’s AI-enabled policing model is being exported to authoritarian and weak democratic states, including concerns about biometric data collection and monitoring. Kiribati-linked Research Expedition: Purdue and the Archaeological Legacy Institute plan a 2026 trip to Nikumaroro to investigate the Earhart mystery, with clearance steps involving the Government of Kiribati. Marine Ecosystems Under Super El Niño: A new analysis explains how Super El Niño can disrupt upwelling, plankton productivity, fisheries, and coastal food security. Deep-Sea Mining Scrutiny: An investigation into China’s deep-sea mining fleet raises questions about alleged military dual uses of oceanographic research ships. Fisheries Trade Rules: The WTO’s fisheries subsidies agreement is now in force, with Pacific benefits for fairer competition—though “Fish 2” could stall if key countries delay. Solar Manufacturing Spotlight: Tindo’s Australian solar factory is profiled, showing how local engineering and production tech are being scaled for harsh climates.