Cook Islands Election: Preliminary results show Prime Minister Mark Brown’s Cook Islands Party likely retaining power, winning 12 of 24 seats, with voting delayed on the remote island of Nassau due to bad weather; Brown thanked voters and candidates after the poll, while opposition figures signal they may need to unite as independents could decide government if no party reaches 13 seats. Cost of Living & Water: Campaign focus remains on inflation and household bills, including fuel, power and housing, alongside debate over water tariffs and the structure of the water utility. China, Deep-Sea Mining & NZ Ties: The election is also framed by voters’ concerns about expanded dealings with China and the push for deep-sea mining, in a context of strained relations with New Zealand after earlier China-linked agreements. Regional Environment: In Samoa, SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting is underway, with Pacific leaders stressing the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, and Wallis-et-Futuna chairing the board for the first time. Pacific Diplomacy: US President Joe Biden met Pacific leaders at a second White House summit, announcing recognition for the Cook Islands and Niue and new infrastructure support, including internet connectivity via undersea cables. Football Governance: In Oceania football politics, the OFC backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino while New Zealand broke ranks, and the confederation welcomed FIFA’s withdrawal of the Forward Enterprise plan for review. Community & Skills: CITTI is running sewing courses for beginners and making full garments, aiming to help residents manage rising clothing costs.