Pre-COP31 Climate Diplomacy: Australia and Turkey are taking heat for hosting COP31 talks while still tied to coal, as Fiji and Tuvalu prepare a leaders’ pre-summit in Nadi and Tuvalu ahead of Antalya in November. Tuvalu’s Climate Reality Check: Scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave killed about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s reef-building coral, with rising seas already swamping atolls and leaders warning it’s a present reality, not a future threat. Pacific Negotiators’ Red Lines: Vanuatu’s climate officials say the region will not accept a weak deal—no decision is better than a weak decision—and stress that “just transition” must come with real finance. Integrity at COP31: Transparency International urges Pacific governments to push for independent ethics oversight, conflict-of-interest rules, and disclosure of fossil-fuel ties during COP31, including in engagement with Australia as President of Negotiations. Maritime Security & Fisheries: Australia backed a September Pacific patrol operation (Operation Nasse) with navy assets, liaison staff, and intelligence support to detect and deter illegal fishing across multiple Pacific states including Vanuatu. Governance Watch: An ABC investigation reports a senior Northern Territory public servant linked to child and family services also ran and held shares in an NDIS provider, with a conflict-of-interest complaint referred to integrity processes. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund is adding $25m+ for ocean protection across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to support larger marine protections beyond national waters. Vanuatu in the Spotlight (Sports): Fiji and Vanuatu are set for the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup finals on home soil, while Vanuatu’s women’s team claimed a historic title over PNG.