Plastic crisis push: Kiribati is calling for stronger global “upstream” action as plastic pollution keeps piling up locally—about 13% of the waste stream is plastic, with studies estimating 9.7 tonnes generated every day, while limited land and treatment options leave landfilling as the main option. Pacific health focus: Fiji and Kiribati are working together to cut infant deaths and improve care for pregnant mothers, with talks on maternal health, nutrition, and social protection systems. Economy under pressure: The World Bank warns Pacific growth is losing momentum, with uncertainty and rising inflation expected to keep growth below 3% in 2026. Care in climate plans: A new push argues climate adaptation must include care services in national planning, since El Niño risks hit children, older people, and people with disabilities hardest. Ongoing justice fight: A Camp Lejeune water contamination survivor is using AI and music to keep pressure on U.S. compensation efforts.