Fuel Crisis Fallout: Pacific leaders say the fuel shock is now an economic security threat, with inflation and higher transport costs squeezing business and jobs, while governments weigh emergency conservation and longer-term energy transition. Tourism & Border Rules: PM Mark Brown says Cook Islands will only accept vaccinated tourists when travel bubble resumes, and outlines conditions around alert levels and managed returns. Business Rights Clarified: Brown also clarified that permanent residents have equal business rights to Cook Islanders, while foreign nationals need approval to operate amid local competition concerns. Ocean Monitoring Launch: Climate Change Cook Islands begins an oceanographic survey on the Kaharoa II, building a baseline for climate impacts and plastic pollution analysis. Regional Diplomacy: The U.S. says its Pacific summit was “collaborative” and focused on listening, with pledges on infrastructure, climate funding, and public health. Health Policy Push: A letter urges stronger action on non-communicable diseases, from easier healthy choices to community gardens. Fisheries Cooperation: Cabinet endorsed an MoU for sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna among Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. Local Environment Milestone: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years with renewed focus on waste sorting and conservation education. Medicinal Cannabis Access Gap: A letter argues the new medicinal cannabis law doesn’t help residents because there’s no local supply and medicines can’t be posted. Regional Security & Drugs: Cook Islands Health Secretary Bob Williams calls for a tougher, coordinated Pacific response to drug trafficking that links health, climate, peace and security.