Deep-Sea Mining Governance: The UN-backed International Seabed Authority (ISA) wrapped another round of talks in Kingston, Jamaica, with the mining code still not ready for commercial operations, while the council extended a controversial exploration contract for The Metals Company’s Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI)—renewing exclusive rights despite growing calls for a global moratorium and warnings that key science and environmental baseline data are still missing. Pacific Diplomacy & Security: Australia’s foreign policy debate is shifting toward more regional self-reliance as China’s moves in the South Pacific raise alarm, with Pacific partners increasingly acting on their own security concerns. Nauru Identity & Administration: Nauru has officially reclaimed its traditional name, Naoero, changing the country’s official designation to the Republic of Naoero and updating the country code and citizen naming. Digital Finance for the Pacific: Nauru-linked trade and partners are backing the Pacific Digital Assets Forum, aiming to build research and policy dialogue on digital assets across Pacific jurisdictions. Infrastructure & Aid Signals: China’s biggest Pacific grant spotlighted this week includes funding for Fiji’s Vanua Levu bridges and roads, while broader reporting shows Australia still leads Pacific development finance overall. Sports & Industry Spotlight: Nauru’s Commonwealth Games medal story continues to draw attention, with weightlifting again putting the island on the global map.