Commonwealth Games in Glasgow: The 2026 Commonwealth Games officially kicked off at the OVO Hydro with an indoor, culture-forward opening ceremony featuring King Charles III arriving via a “TARDIS” style moment, plus a big Pacific presence as Tonga and other Pasifika teams entered the stadium. Sport diplomacy: Days around the opening, Pacific leaders and athletes used sport as a friendly bridge, with Oceania cultural performances spotlighting unity and shared identity. Pacific sport results: On day one, Tonga’s bowlers and other Pacific teams saw mixed outcomes, including early wins in women’s pairs. Climate and education: SINU researchers from the Solomon Islands showcased climate innovation at a regional forum, urging Pacific universities to pair science with traditional ecological knowledge and stronger youth participation. Autism and culture: A 14-year-old rangatahi with autism is celebrated in an art exhibition that reframes autism through a strengths-based takiwātanga lens, pushing for better support for families. Women’s livelihoods in Tonga: A tourism graduate is building a thriving vanilla farm with FAO support, using mixed-cropping to create steady income and new opportunities for women and youth. Human rights spotlight: A public exhibition at the Games highlights Commonwealth countries where homosexuality remains criminalised, including Tonga. Community safety in Tonga: Reports describe rising tensions in Tonga, Mpumalanga, as residents demand stricter enforcement over alleged expired goods and undocumented trading.