Cook Islands Border Security Boost: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs and donated drug test kits, as MFEM says the islands must stay vigilant on transnational crime. Medicinal Cannabis Access Gap: A letter argues the new medicinal cannabis law leaves local patients unable to fill prescriptions locally, forcing repeated travel abroad because medicine can’t be posted and there’s no local pharmacy supply. Te Tapora Kai Vendor Frustration: Vendors say chairs were removed from the new $10m market without notice, sparking concerns about communication and support for the people who make the marketplace work. Seabed Minerals Cooperation: SBMA attended a Suva workshop on deep-sea sustainable blue growth, focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance and future capacity building. Regional Tuna Governance: Cabinet endorsed an MOU to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga closer on science-based fisheries and advocacy. Fuel Crisis and Economic Security: Pacific leaders warned the fuel crisis is now an economic security threat, pushing for stronger supply chains and faster energy transition. HBO Max Launch in the Pacific: HBO Max went live in New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Tokelau, with local producers seeing a chance to pitch Pacific stories for wider licensing reach. Business & Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub closed after years supporting youth, while two local students graduated from Massey University with Hub support. Local Court Case: A Fijian businessman in the Cook Islands was charged with multiple counts of assault after a related-party incident.