Cook Islands Election: Voting begins in a tight general election that’s become a referendum on cost of living, water tariffs and deep-sea mining, with Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party holding a narrow lead but polls showing no clear majority and a likely coalition. China–Deep-Sea Mining Stakes: Brown’s China deals and mining exploration plans are central fault lines, while challengers promise a referendum and critics warn the country is being pulled into a wider China–West contest. Deep-Sea Mining Scrutiny: A NOAA expedition reports megalodon teeth found as nuclei for nodule growth in the Cook Islands’ seabed, adding scientific detail to a debate already split by public concern. Regulatory/Deal Watch: A US$1billion merger involving American Ocean Minerals and Odyssey Marine has entered a new SEC phase, with revised timing and staged ownership changes tied to Cook Islands licence holders. Regional Climate Push: SPREP’s Samoa meeting highlights the “fight for our lives” from climate, biodiversity loss and pollution, while Forum foreign ministers back stronger COP31 momentum. Digital Inclusion: A Cook Islands internet governance expert says inclusion is “fundamentally a human issue,” not just connectivity. Business & Finance: Financial Secretary Garth Henderson dedicates the Leadership Mace to COVID-era teams, underscoring the economic pressures that shaped jobs and government support. FIFA Governance: OFC confirms it will issue an imminent statement on FIFA’s Forward Enterprise proposal, with Cook Islands among member associations.