Digital Payments Boost: The Bank of the Cook Islands has launched new payment options for local merchants, with TakuEcom now available and TakuPOS due mid-August—turning compatible Android phones into contactless payment terminals and enabling online selling without costly EFTPOS hardware. Connectivity Disruption: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs now dependent on securing a specialist cable repair vessel; providers have contingency plans but customers may see reduced capacity and slower speeds. Investment Corporation Governance: Fletcher Melvin has been reappointed CIIC Board chair, with Olivia Heather-Halston named deputy chair, as the government signals continuity in the Cook Islands Investment Corporation’s leadership. Regional Fisheries Cashflow: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says it has delivered a second 2026 payout of US$50.42m under the US-Pacific Tuna Treaty, supporting Pacific Island Parties’ fisheries management. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Pacific leaders are raising fresh concerns about US moves to auction ocean areas for deep-sea mining, while the Cook Islands continues exploring seabed minerals under strict standards. Fuel Prices Watch: Fuel price caps across several Pacific islands have eased, though costs remain high due to supply uncertainty—relevant for regional logistics including routes serving the Cook Islands. Culture & Language: Cook Islands communities in Aotearoa are marking Cook Islands Māori Language Week with a renewed push to protect te reo Māori Kūki ’Āirani for future generations.