Deep-Sea Skills for Local Control: Twenty-three Cook Islanders returned from China after a 10-day training programme on deep-sea resource management, run with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority and aimed at building local capability for the sector. Cost of Living & Housing Focus: Prime Minister Mark Brown says the Cook Islands Party-led government will prioritise fuel security and a cost-of-living review in its first 100 days, alongside pushing housing initiatives. Climate Finance Push: Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and to be lenient on debt servicing for small, disaster-exposed economies like the Cook Islands. Drugs Highway Crackdown: Australia announced a A$600m plan to target cocaine trafficking routes through Pacific islands, citing cases including cocaine found on a Cook Islands reef in July. Community Impact: Volunteers are set to repair vandalised graves at Nikao Cemetery after headstones were damaged or removed, with police saying they have a continuing lead. Governance & Power Supply: Cook Islands Investment Corporation announced leadership and director changes for the Te Aponga Uira electricity board to strengthen governance and support reliable power services. Penrhyn Port Upgrade Debate: A US–NZ plan to upgrade Penrhyn’s port is framed as a lifeline for Tongareva, but locals are calling for open discussion on social and environmental impacts. Local Tech Growth: Smartie Rides launched in Rarotonga as a home-grown ride-hailing app, positioning itself as a lower-cost alternative to international platforms. Regional Weather Readiness: Pacific Meteorological Council updates show Weather Ready Pacific progressing from strong foundations toward earlier outputs, including Cook Islands training and operational upgrades.