Election & Courts: Tonga’s Lands Minister Dr Taniela Fusimalohi has been found guilty of electoral bribery after donating a Starlink terminal to his constituency, joining other convictions tied to the 2025 election; Tourism Minister Semisi Sika was also found guilty over an undeclared $10,000 payment, while Finance Minister Lata Tangimana resigned but remains an MP pending appeal, and Deputy PM Dr Viliami Latu was acquitted—rulings now raise the prospect of MPs being unseated and by-elections/cabinet reshuffles. Drug Trafficking Watch: PM Lord Fakafanua says Tonga’s “proximity” to Fiji makes it vulnerable to regional drug trafficking, pointing to a surge in large-scale busts and pushing a networked approach to share intelligence and tighten enforcement, alongside wastewater testing to track drug use. Land & Justice: The Land Court has rejected a Tonga Development Bank bid to strike out a land claim, keeping a dispute over Lease No. 5442 in Ma‘ufanga alive for trial. Public Safety & Disaster Prep: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific including Tonga, with coastal agencies urged to inform and guide communities. Regional Policy: Pacific legal officials meeting in Fiji are finalising a handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses across the region, including Tonga. Immigration & Migration: Tonga’s immigration minister warns that conflict, economic shocks and climate change are reshaping Pacific migration patterns and increasing pressure on border and security systems.