Deep-sea mining rules stall: The UN International Seabed Authority wrapped up its July meeting with no Mining Code adopted and no commercial mining approved, while NOAA’s Okeanos Explorer continues baseline deep-ocean research in Cook Islands waters to fill the science gap regulators say they need. Local lagoon governance: Aitutaki’s Lagoon Management Plan is in public consultation, with a co-management model built around ra’ui, stronger enforcement, refreshed bylaws, and a formal implementation and financing structure. Trade & payments push: Bank of the Cook Islands Trade Days drew a record 111 vendors at Punanga Nui Market, while BSP rolled out upgraded 4G EFTPoS terminals to speed up merchant transactions. Tourism business support: Te Pa’ata, a new digital support programme, is helping holiday home operators strengthen resilience with practical tools and expert advice. Water tariff misinformation corrected: To Tatou Vai says social media posts wrongly claim a residential tariff jump; the current $1.40 per cubic metre rate remains unchanged for the coming year. Asset protection demand: Southpac Group says US tech founders are increasingly seeking offshore asset protection as AI, cybersecurity and data privacy disputes rise. Regional sovereignty debate: Pacific experts warn deep-sea mining is becoming a new test of Pacific sovereignty as global powers intensify interest. Aitutaki culture & youth: A young Cook Islander urges traditional leaders to reconnect with youth, arguing culture survives only when the next generation understands its role.