Cook Islands Football: The men’s national team has been named for historic Tahiti friendlies, returning to international action after 2024, with matches set for Sat Sept 26 (6pm) and Wed Sept 30 (4pm) under new coach Rhys Ruka. Tourism & Community: Tourism Corporation has named Jackey Tanga (Atiu Villas) as 2026 Tourism Woman of the Month, while CIIC has launched public consultation surveys to shape the future of Punanga Nui Market after Stage 1 upgrades. Environment & Health: NES director Halatoa Fua and two colleagues graduate with Masters in Environmental Management, and the Te Marae Ora mammogram programme has flagged women needing repeat scans, ultrasounds and follow-up. Governance & Media: A Pacific Media Summit urged AI to support journalism without replacing human judgement, and a letter warns United to think carefully before welcoming Maggie into Opposition. Infrastructure & Outer Islands: Feasibility work begins on the NZ$101.5m Omoka Wharf project for Tongareva/Penrhyn, with US and NZ officials involved. Regional Business & Security: A non-binding LOI links Deep Sea Minerals and Westwin to evaluate US processing routes for polymetallic nodules.