Earhart Search Update (Nikumaroro, Kiribati): A new fall expedition is set to investigate the “Taraia Object,” a plane-shaped anomaly in Nikumaroro’s lagoon, with Purdue University and the Archaeological Legacy Institute saying they’re “very confident” it could be Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra 10E. Space & Astronomy (Venus): Scientists note Venus is becoming unusually easy to spot in daytime during its current cycle, echoing past military confusion when the planet’s brightness was mistaken for a threat. Indigenous Knowledge (USP, Kiribati links): University of the South Pacific researchers are documenting Indigenous languages and ocean knowledge, including work with Banaban and Kiribati speech communities, to support climate resilience and cultural continuity. Climate–Peace Policy: A Pacific policy brief argues the region should move from a “climate–conflict” focus to climate–peace planning grounded in social cohesion, culture, and ecological stewardship. Regional Climate Push (COP31): Forum foreign ministers backed stronger climate action ahead of COP31, including more climate finance, renewable energy investment, and Pacific-led Pre-COP31 meetings. Missile Safety Call: 41 countries urged at least 24-hour notice before long-range ballistic missile launches, citing Pacific testing practices that can raise miscalculation risks. Solar Skills (PNG): The International Solar Alliance will set up a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby to train installers and technicians. El Niño Impacts (Fiji/PNG): El Niño is tightening water and food pressures, with Fiji preparing contingency measures and Port Moresby planning pipeline repairs amid drought forecasts. Tuna Governance (PNA): The Parties to the Nauru Agreement opened applications for a new CEO to strengthen sustainable tuna fisheries and ocean resource management. Moana Oceania Culture: A major Indigenous-led exhibition, “Our Ocean of Islands,” opens 15 August in New Zealand, featuring Kiribati shark-related cultural work among other island contributions.