US-Pacific Resilience Framing: A new US-led “Perspectives on Pacific Resilience” series argues partners must make engagement more consistent and less like a constant US-vs-China tug-of-war, while broadening what “security” means for Pacific priorities. Diplomacy & Critical Minerals: New US Ambassador to New Zealand Jared Novelly says Cook Islands seabed minerals are “1a or 1b” on his priority list and plans to spend time in the Cooks to connect US firms to opportunities, as Washington pushes to reduce China-linked supply-chain risk. Local Environment & Ports: The National Environment Service has released the Avarua Harbour dredging EIA for public review until July 26, with the Cook Islands Ports Authority seeking improved safe access as sediment build-up reduces navigational depth. Fisheries Monitoring: Cook Islands renewed its MoU with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency to keep the Regional Aerial Surveillance Programme operating in its EEZ, supporting patrols against illegal fishing. Cook Islands Politics: Opposition leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand could wait until after both countries’ elections, with the Cook Islands vote set for 12 August. Governance & Finance: A forensic report into USP Student Associations alleges misconduct and governance failures leading to $172,667.91 in losses, with police investigation recommended. Tourism Data Skills: The Pacific Tourism Organisation wrapped a New Zealand-funded workshop in Nadi, training Cook Islands and other Pacific tourism officers to better analyse visitor and business data for planning.