Pacific Connectivity for Timor-Leste: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked by undersea cables, including a primary connection for Timor-Leste—aimed at faster, cheaper digital services and stronger economic and public services. Sports Diplomacy: Asian Athletics president Dahlan al-Hamad wraps up a three-day visit to Timor-Leste, meeting President José Ramos-Horta and ministers to boost grassroots and kids’ athletics, coach development, and support for the Dili International Marathon 2026. ASEAN Spotlight: As ASEAN marks its 59th anniversary with Timor-Leste joining as the 11th member, leaders stress unity, resilience, and ASEAN centrality—while India reiterates its Act East push on connectivity, trade, digital links, defence, education and culture. Regional Security Talk: Ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting, foreign ministers are set to debate security pressures and great-power competition in the Indo-Pacific. Global Policy Watch: Brazil’s election rules now bar AI chatbots from ranking or recommending candidates, a reminder that AI can shape politics even without false claims.