Energy & Industry Leadership: PNG CORE appoints Richard Kassman as executive director, tapping his long career across energy, governance and stakeholder engagement. LNG & Investment Pipeline: Prime Minister Marape leads a Kikori visit ahead of the Papua LNG Development Forum, signalling a decade-long construction and production run tied to Papua LNG and follow-on projects. Mining Revenue: Porgera dividends reach about K1.7 billion, with Marape citing the renegotiated JV structure and outlining broader resource-sector updates. Gold Exploration: K92 expands high-grade Arakompa zones with new drilling results ahead of a maiden resource estimate mid-2026. Timber Governance: PNGFA pushes strong stakeholder coordination to implement the timber legality standard and roadmap for a timber legality verification system. Infrastructure Spend: Government reports K11.93b spent on roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure since 2019, with K17.5b allocated over seven years. Connectivity & Costs: Research finds mobile internet prices in PNG stayed stable through 2025 amid ongoing cable build-outs. Fuel Relief: PNG keeps June fuel prices at March levels under the Fuel Relief Assistance. Water & EU Funding: EU and EIB back a Water Wise Communities project to expand drinking-water access for 400,000 people. Agribusiness & Jobs: NVS plans volunteer deployment in Central Province to support cocoa, coffee and other cash-crop extension via LLGs. Disaster & Food Security Risk: A 7.8 quake and tsunami hit the southern Philippines, while PNG faces coastal disruption from floating pumice in Manus that threatens fishing and supplies. Marine Conservation: PNG moves to protect 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a total fishing ban, aiming for a major sanctuary.