Rescue at sea: Six missing health workers in the Lau Group were found alive and rescued off Lakeba by the Lomaiviti Princess 12, with the crew bringing them aboard for medical checks before continuing its voyage. Skills pipeline: Pacific Polytech says it is on track to produce 2,000 trades graduates by December, with courses spanning agriculture and key trades like plumbing, electrical fitting, carpentry and automotive. Sugar industry pressure: Cane burning is still rising as farmers cite high labour costs and worker shortages, while Fiji Sugar Corporation warns burnt cane is hurting recovery and milling efficiency. Consumer & competition reform: The FCCC’s Competition and Consumer Commission Bill 2026 is set to strengthen powers on anti-competitive pricing and online scams, with consultations hearing concerns about big price gaps between towns. Forestry investment: Tropik Wood Industries has started work on a $35m carriage sawmill project aimed at boosting local timber processing and jobs. Digital learning boost: DP World and LiteHaus International donated 450 laptops to Fiji schools to expand access to technology and AI-ready learning. Climate diplomacy: Tuvalu’s envoy is pushing leaders to see climate impacts firsthand at pre-COP31 events hosted with Fiji, putting a “human face” on warming.