Cook Islands Election Focus: With the general election this week, voters are weighing stability after reopening and the cost of living. Water Tariffs: Opposition leader Tina Browne says, if elected, her party would remove water use tariffs for residential and agricultural users on Rarotonga and review the To Tatou Vai structure. Digital Inclusion: Maureen Hilyard says digital inclusion is “fundamentally a human issue,” urging connectivity that supports education, health, family ties and opportunity—drawing on Cook Islands lessons from outer-island access. Health & Leadership Debate: A letter raises concerns about whether political leaders model healthier lifestyles as non-communicable diseases remain a major public health challenge. Breast Screening Support: Stars are backing Cook Islands women to access life-saving breast screening. Deep Sea Mining Tension: Commentary highlights the regional fight over seabed mining, with Cook Islands exploration framed as jobs and revenue, while others warn about identity and environmental uncertainty. Deep Sea Research: NOAA’s ROV surveys near the Cook Islands continue, mapping deep-sea areas to guide future exploration. Regional Health Alert: Samoa travel advice is updated amid dengue risk, urging mosquito bite protection. Finance Appointment: American Ocean Minerals appoints Paul Warmé as CFO as it advances its critical minerals and rare earth plans.