Deep Sea Mining & Health: An anti-deep sea mining group warns radioactive material could enter the marine food chain if seabed mining disturbs particles, raising risks for seafood eaters including people. El Niño Outlook for the Pacific: SPREP says the declared El Niño can bring both dry and wetter-than-normal impacts, with southern Cook Islands among areas to watch. Ocean Survival Story: Cook Islands fisher Junior Apiuta Apiuta was rescued after eight days lost at sea following engine failure on a solo trip from Pukapuka. Holiday Homes & Payments: MFEM’s Te Pa’ata initiative targets gaps in digital financial literacy for holiday home operators, aiming to smooth e-payments from OTA platforms like Airbnb. Film Challenge Across the Pacific: Fiji’s FBC has been selected as host broadcaster for the POP48 Film Challenge, running simultaneously across Cook Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Fiji in September. Rarotonga Health Visit: Australian ENT specialists are in Rarotonga this week for clinics and complex surgeries with Te Marae Ora, supported by Australia’s partnership funding. Road Safety: Cook Islands Police report a 9% rise in reported road crashes in the first half of 2026, with carelessness and distraction flagged as key factors. Local Heritage Restoration: The Avana Nui Maruarua project in Ngatangiia is nearing completion, with workers highlighting strong ancestral ties to the landmark. Sports Spotlight: A Cook Islander, Maxime Teremoana Crocombe, made World Cup history as the first Cook Islander to play for the New Zealand All Whites.