Assault Charges: A Fijian businessman in the Cook Islands has been charged with multiple counts of assault after police arrested him on Monday and issued a Police Safety Order to de-escalate an earlier dispute; the alleged theft charge against the other party is also set for court. Medicinal Cannabis Access: A letter says the Cook Islands’ medicinal cannabis law is failing local patients because there’s no local pharmacy supply and the law blocks overseas posting, forcing repeated travel abroad for many residents. Fuel Crisis & Resilience: Pacific leaders at the 2026 Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue linked rising fuel costs to broader economic security risks, pushing for regional cooperation and faster energy transition. Tuna Cooperation: Cabinet endorsed an MoU to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, bringing Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga closer on fisheries negotiations. Border Security Upgrade: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs and donated drug test kits, boosting enforcement capacity for transnational threats. ADB Crisis Funding: The Asian Development Bank is deploying a $4b package for Middle East conflict fallout, including trade finance for energy and food imports, with Cook Islands support expected. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna has been appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, following Brian Mason’s resignation. Local Business Skills: The Cook Islands Business Hub has closed after years supporting youth learning and career pathways. Public Health: Free cervical screening continues with outreach clinics scheduled across Rarotonga, starting at Kavera today.