Pacific Funding Race: The US and Australia announced a combined US$738m (US$580m) package for Pacific Island nations at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with Washington also flagging US$60m for fuel storage and grid stability plus US$17m to tackle illegal fishing. Penrhyn Port Upgrade: The US and New Zealand pledged about US$60m (NZ$101m) to upgrade Penrhyn’s WWII-era port on the Cook Islands’ northern atoll, with the US putting in US$50m and NZ about NZ$17.5m, aiming to improve shipping links for outer islands and support future deep-sea mineral development. Energy Security Push: A separate US$150m+ support package at the forum targets energy security, illegal fishing, infrastructure, digital tech and law enforcement. Deep-Sea Mining Caution: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says the government will stick to science and avoid moving from exploration to extraction until risks are understood, as Pacific leaders face legal and environmental warnings. Tuna Policy Update: The Cook Islands’ MMR returned from WCPFC Scientific Committee SC22 in Samoa, advancing the country’s tuna sustainability agenda ahead of the December commission session. Local Business/Services: The government will decide the long-term management model for its new state-operated domestic shipping vessels after a three-year data-collection transition for the Pa Enua. Weather Watch: Strong wind warnings for the Southern Cooks were lifted, but swells remain at alert level for exposed areas.