Commonwealth Games (Weightlifting): Malaysia’s Muhamad Aznil Bidin made history with a hat-trick of gold at Glasgow 2026, setting three Games records in the men’s 65kg (299kg total), while PNG’s Morea Baru won bronze with 282kg and India’s Raja Muthupandi took silver. Commonwealth Games (Swimming): PNG swimmers took on Glasgow’s IRN-BRU street challenges at Barras Market after heats, even though they missed out on the evening medal spots. Maritime & Training: Steamships will invest K100 million to modernise Pacific Towing’s fleet, including two new tugboats and upgrades, to strengthen safer port operations and grow PNG’s maritime workforce. Women in Leadership: Westpac PNG honoured seven women at the 2026 Outstanding Women Awards, with Stella Ipang named overall winner for work advancing gender equality and inclusive healthcare. Classical Music (Youth): Two Queen of Paradise Orchestra students from Vanimo, Domitila Aidan and Margela Wasemo, were farewelled as they head to the Philippines for a two-year classical music diploma. Culture & Festivals: Ambunti in East Sepik is gearing up for the 18th Sepik River Crocodile and Arts Festival (5–7 August), spotlighting Sepik traditions, crafts, music and canoe racing. Rugby League (PNG Chiefs): Zac Lomax says joining the PNG Chiefs is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” while Treyvon Pritchard has reportedly turned down a Chiefs offer to stay in Rugby Australia. Rugby League Development (Sepik): East Sepik’s Agmark school rugby league plans to expand into West Sepik next year, building pathways from schools to junior and senior competitions. Arts & Heritage (Film): A “race against time” effort is underway to preserve PNG’s fragile film collection, with Australia’s National Film and Sound Archive partnering to save at-risk reels.