Tourism Cost Pressures: Even with a strong season, Muri Beach Hotel GM Liana Scott says Cook Islands families and businesses are still squeezed by power, water and imported goods costs, arguing the government should target longer-term relief like lower electricity prices and import duties. ADB Backs Local Fashion: The Asian Development Bank has made its first Cook Islands non-sovereign investment, putting US$130,000 into Manini Wear to cut supply-chain emissions and expand retail into Aitutaki. Tourism Recovery Funding: ADB and the Cook Islands government have signed a US$2m grant to support safe travel and tourism recovery, including upgrades to Rarotonga Airport facilities and health services. US Seabed Minerals Priority: New US ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is a top priority, pointing to cobalt supply concentration and hinting at potential pathways for US business involvement if allowed. Deep-Sea Tech Partnership: Deep Sea Minerals has signed an MOU with Impossible Metals to trial autonomous robotic nodule collection tech, aiming for lower-disturbance harvesting approaches. Rugby League Sponsorship: BSP has been confirmed as a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Cook Islands among the participating South Pacific teams. Youth Election Dialogue: The Cook Islands National Youth Council is set to run a youth-led candidate dialogue series ahead of the General Election, designed to boost young people’s participation in democracy. Regional Security Shock: China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific has drawn strong condemnation and renewed Treaty of Rarotonga concerns, with Cook Islands officials yet to comment publicly.