Education & Pay Equity: Elementary teacher-trainers from the 1997–2000 CET programme say they’ve been denied proper salary fixation for decades, calling for an urgent audit to correct pay grades, regularise status, and clear entitlements. School Safety & Discipline: The Education Minister backs police action against violent students in NCD, stressing “schools are for learning, not fighting,” with suspensions or expulsion for repeat offenders. Women’s Health: Western Highlands women and girls are getting better access to cervical cancer screening, treatment, and HPV vaccination through a PNG–Australia elimination programme using rapid GeneXpert testing. Digital Education: PNG launched its first Integrated ICT Policy and AI-powered EduNex platform to connect schools and modernise teaching and administration nationwide. Music & Festivals: Veteran musician Dika Dai was named President of the Central Music Association ahead of the 2026 Central Music, Arts and Culture Festival, while East Sepik received K500,000 support for major cultural events. Sports for Culture & Inclusion: PNG’s Pawa Meri Round unites rugby league competitions under a women-support message, and PNGFA with FIFA ran instructor courses to strengthen coaching and officiating. Culture, Identity & Business: A Bougainville entrepreneur is using apparel to preserve culture, and Miss Bird of Paradise is rotating its national pageant host province—Western Highlands will lead in late 2026. Health & Rights Backlash: Advocates warn HIV progress is being undermined by funding cuts and anti-rights, anti-gender backlash.