Cook Islands Election: The King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, has set the 2026 general election for Wednesday, 12 August, with Parliament dissolved and the government moving into caretaker mode ahead of the poll. Aitutaki Infrastructure: Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas has issued an ultimatum to the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) to complete the Arutanga Harbour project within the next fiscal year, or continue at CIIC’s own cost. Maritime Safety: A Pukapuka fisherman, Apiuta “Pone” Apiuta, missing for about a week, was found alive in a tiny 13-foot boat after RNZAF located him and a Taiwanese fishing vessel rescued him. Deep-Sea Resources: American Ocean Minerals Corporation has completed a major Cook Islands seabed research mission, collecting 4,059 samples across 53 sites to support future environmental baselines. Ocean Monitoring: Climate Change Cook Islands has started an oceanographic survey using the Kaharoa II to build a baseline for climate impacts and plastic pollution analysis. Business & Trade: Prime Minister Mark Brown clarified business rights for permanent residents and the need for approval for foreign nationals amid local competition concerns. Regional Security/Economy: Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana urged Pacific-led economic resilience and stronger regional energy cooperation at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva. Global Trade Risk: A wider report warns the next maritime crisis may come from Russia/China’s “shadow fleet,” threatening shipping and subsea cables even as the Strait of Hormuz briefly reopens.