US–Cook Islands Minerals: New US ambassador Jared Novelly says critical seabed minerals are now a top priority, warning Pacific states about China’s growing influence and “debt traps,” as the Cook Islands weighs exploration partnerships. Fisheries Monitoring: The Cook Islands renewed its FFA aerial surveillance partnership under the Regional Aerial Surveillance Programme, boosting EEZ patrols to deter illegal fishing. Cook Islands–NZ Politics: Opposition leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand could wait until after the Aug 12 election and New Zealand’s own election, while ruling out a separate Cook Islands passport. Tourism Data Skills: The Pacific Tourism Organisation wrapped a New Zealand-funded workshop in Nadi, training Cook Islands and other Pacific tourism officers to better use visitor and business survey data. Census Countdown: The 2026 Cook Islands Census reaches its reference day July 1, with household visits running through July 24 to guide planning and policy. Blue Economy Debate: New reports renew scrutiny of deep-sea mining risks, including concerns about unaddressed radioactivity impacts on marine food chains. Digital Payments for Tourism: MFEM’s Te Pa’ata initiative targets holiday-home operators’ digital financial literacy to improve e-payments and e-commerce access. Business & Wealth Services: Avenue CI and Metis Global (Cook Islands) both picked up Bloomberg Businessweek trust/financial awards, highlighting continued growth in local trust and asset protection services.