Digital inclusion: Maureen Hilyard says digital inclusion is a human issue, urging connectivity that supports real needs like education, health, and family links—less “tech first,” more “people first.” NCD leadership & public health: A letter challenges political leaders to model healthier lifestyles as non-communicable diseases remain a major Cook Islands concern, arguing accountability should include what candidates do, not just what they promise. Breast screening support: Stars are uniting to help Cook Islands women access life-saving breast screening, with community momentum building around earlier detection. Language revival: Cook Islands Māori Language Week highlights a push to reconnect families with te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani, as experts warn language loss has reached a critical point. Dengue travel warning: Australia’s Smart Traveller urges extra mosquito protection for visitors to Samoa amid a dengue outbreak, citing thousands of confirmed cases across the Pacific and warning that severe disease can follow after initial infection. Scabies as a health priority: A commentary argues scabies isn’t just an itchy nuisance—linking it to serious complications like skin infections and rheumatic fever, calling for it to be treated as a public health priority. Deep-sea mining debate: The region continues to weigh deep sea mining risks and benefits, with Cook Islands exploring potential economic gains while others push for moratoriums.