Digital Rights & Identity: Papua New Guinea is asking for feedback on new digital ID and data protection laws, including a national ID and digital wallet plus new regulators and rules for digital government services, social media age limits, and expanded credential access through SevisWallet. Women’s Leadership: NCD Provincial Health Authority marked National Women’s Day with Miss PNG Iampela Popena, spotlighting justice, action, and stronger legal protections for women and girls in health and beyond. STEM & Youth Mobility: PNG’s STEM scholarship programme has now supported 470 students overseas since 2023, with another 137 scholars preparing to leave—part of a push to build future skills in medicine, engineering, and more. Climate & Community Resilience: The World Bank has agreed in principle to unlock up to K300 million in disaster financing for El Niño impacts, targeting crop loss, water shortages, and transport disruption. Culture on Screen: Bougainville communities celebrated the restored return of the historic film Tukana- Husat I Asua after more than 40 years, with screenings and restoration support. Immigration & Travel Rules: PNG is tightening entry with a mandatory Digital Arrival Card, while the government continues talks with the US over a visa bond policy affecting PNG travellers. Sports & Identity: The PNG Chiefs’ historic NRL push continues with Samoan star Brian To’o signing on a three-year deal, framed as more than talent—about family, culture, and a Pacific identity. Science & Folklore: Researchers say a rare bolete mushroom, Lanmaoa asiatica, may explain “tiny people” hallucinations reported across PNG and other regions, linking modern science to long-held local knowledge.