U.S.-Cook Islands Ties: President Joe Biden met Pacific leaders for a second White House summit, formally recognising the Cook Islands and Niue and backing new infrastructure funding, including US$40 million for secure, resilient regional projects and internet connectivity via undersea cables—while Cook Islands PM Mark Brown said it’s a chance to build partnerships for prosperity. Election Update: Preliminary results point to Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party retaining parliament with 12 of 24 seats, with voting delayed on remote Nassau due to bad weather; Brown is expected to lead a second term, but the narrow majority means coalition-building is likely. Campaign Focus: Voters are weighing cost of living, inflation and water tariffs, with opposition pushing changes to residential and agricultural water use charges. Deep-Sea Mining & China: The election is also framed around deep-sea mining and the Cook Islands’ expanded dealings with China, after a diplomatic rift with New Zealand over agreements signed without consultation. Cyber Safety: The Cook Islands is rolling out a Cyber Safety Awareness Programme aimed at residents and businesses to tackle scams and financial fraud. Environment Governance: SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa reviewed Pacific environmental priorities amid the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.