Cabinet reshuffle: Tonga formally read Royal Warrants for three new Ministers—Tevita Fatafehi Puloka (Infrastructure), Vika Sivoki Lavemaau (Finance) and Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola (Health)—as vacancies followed bribery-related court findings and a wider portfolio reshuffle. Election 2026 strategy: Te Pāti Māori launched its campaign in Gisborne, with Haley Maxwell front and centre, and co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi pushing a clear “candidate vote” message to grow Māori representation while directing party votes to the left bloc. Parliament project: University of the South Pacific students got an update on the Tonga Parliament complex at Mataki’eua, including expected early-2028 completion and discoveries at the site. Media access dispute: Tonga’s 88.1FM says a reporter was blocked by security at a Government press conference, raising questions about press freedom and due process. Public service delivery: Government began a coordinated push to improve public-sector data collection and sharing across ministries, aiming to strengthen monitoring for national priorities. Regional connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, boosting trade and service access. Health policy: Tonga launched its first breastfeeding policy at Vaiola Hospital, targeting NCD prevention with WHO/UNICEF “Ten Steps” commitments. Infrastructure delays: PM Lord Fakafanua linked further Fangaʻuta Lagoon Bridge delays to project management weaknesses and unresolved land issues. Drug response: King Tupou VI called for an urgent, integrated national response to illicit drugs, including rehabilitation capacity and stronger border cooperation.