Cook Islands Election: Parliament has been adjourned sine die and the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, has set the Cook Islands general election for Wednesday, 12 August 2026, with the government entering 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, as scrutiny grows around delivery and spending. Seabed Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society renews the argument that deep-seabed mining is a high-risk, high-cost bet for Cook Islanders, pointing to cost and technology uncertainties and questioning claims of likely economic viability. Regional Fisheries Governance: South Pacific Group ministers met in Wellington to reaffirm cooperation on sustainable management of oceanic fisheries, with Cook Islands among the five member states. Fuel Crisis Context: A Pacific-wide review details how the fuel crisis drove sharp increases in diesel and electricity prices and pushed governments toward renewable energy support. Business & Finance Spotlight: Metis Global Group’s Cook Islands subsidiary, Metis Global (Cook Islands) Limited, was recognised again at the Bloomberg Businessweek Financial Institution Awards, highlighting its asset protection and resilience focus. Local Life: A Pukapuka fisherman, Apiuta Apiuta, was found alive after a week at sea, while Arorangi Flames and Avatiu Dragonflies set up the netball premier final.