Port Investment & Geopolitics: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says the US–NZ co-funded Penrhyn (Tongareva) port upgrade is a “lifeline” for Omoka and a wider Pacific connectivity boost, with the US putting in US$50m (subject to processes) and NZ about NZ$17.5m, while Greenpeace Aotearoa warns it could become a gateway to deep-sea mining and “resource grabbing.” Local Business & Transport: Smartie Rides has launched a home-grown ride-hailing app in Rarotonga, aiming to undercut taxi costs and offer visitors a single app for rides and food delivery. Maritime Compliance: Maritime Cook Islands says the China-owned fishing vessel Kema has been deregistered after a Cook Islands High Court fine of $400,000. Climate Risk: ChildFund New Zealand warns Pacific communities to prepare for a strengthening El Niño, with drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, stressing safe water and child health. Legal/Infrastructure Security: Finland’s appeals court has reopened the anchor-dragging case involving the Cook Islands-flagged tanker Eagle S, with implications for prosecutions tied to subsea cable damage. Sports Economy Signal: PNG Chiefs and Bank South Pacific (BSP) have signed a landmark NRL sponsorship deal through at least the 2030 season.