Deep-Sea Minerals & Regulation: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) sent a team to a Suva workshop with the International Seabed Authority and Pacific Islands Forum on State responsibilities, regional environmental governance, data management and future capacity-building for deep seabed “blue growth.” Public Health & Community Services: A free cervical screening outreach is underway, with a clinic at Kavera today (4.30pm–7pm) as Rarotonga screening continues through the month, supported by CIFWA and the Ministry of Health. Plastic Pollution Policy: The National Environment Service is developing a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, aiming to cut marine litter and landfill waste while improving recycling, procurement and practical alternatives. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Maritime Security: New Zealand Defence Force support backed Cook Islands fisheries patrols and later air searches for vessels of interest across the region, feeding follow-up to authorities. Finance & Offshore Structuring: Wealth Web says demand for Cook Islands trusts and offshore asset protection is rising, citing litigation risk and greater public visibility of wealth, alongside record Cook Islands Finance registrations and renewals. Deep-Water Mapping: NOAA will lead a 28-day expedition this July–August to map deep waters around the Cook Islands, with live streaming and public release of data and samples. Cybercrime Cooperation: Cook Islands is among regional legal teams in Fiji working on a Pacific handbook to strengthen cybercrime laws and implementation. Fuel Shock Warning: Pacific fuel crisis coverage highlights how renewable targets can lag delivery, leaving economies exposed to global oil price spikes.