Waste & Environment: Fiji has rejected an Australian billionaire’s “energy-from-waste” plan for Vuda Point, saying the Environmental Impact Assessment failed legal and technical standards. The proposal would have shipped non-recyclable rubbish into Fiji and built an incinerator for about 900,000 tonnes a year, but the Environment Department cited unresolved issues including imported waste, hazardous ash disposal, public health risks, water supply, road/port impacts, tourism and social-cultural concerns, and the project’s overall economic case. Public Transport Costs: Bus operators warn of a fuel-driven crisis, with a reported monthly deficit of around $5m as diesel and fuel prices keep climbing, threatening service reductions. Tourism & Trade: Bunnings has launched bunningspacific.com.fj, a direct-to-consumer online store for Fiji with 20,000+ products shipped from Australia. Forestry & Climate Resilience: FAO supported Samoa and Fiji through a Suva training exchange on sustainable teak and pine production, aimed at closing technical and data gaps for climate resilience. Agriculture Security: Taveuni yaqona farmers are calling for tougher theft penalties after repeated raids and repeat offenders. Regional Business: A multi-million-dollar Nadi Back Road showroom/warehouse development is set to create jobs and strengthen Nadi’s role as a commercial hub. Sports Economy: Drua CEO says the franchise’s economic impact has grown, citing ANZ research putting Drua’s 2025 contribution to Fiji GDP at about $108m. Diplomacy & Development: Israel opened its Suva embassy, with Fiji’s PM saying it could support climate resilience, renewable energy, water security, and technology-based cooperation, while protests continue over Gaza.