Tourism & Energy Shock: Prime Minister Mark Brown says Cook Islands has avoided a worst-case GDP hit despite Middle East-driven fuel price fears, pointing to record visitor numbers (187,018 arrivals in 2025, +10% on 2024) and only limited flight cancellations. Regional Finance Diplomacy: Pacific finance ministers will meet in the Marshall Islands to discuss the Middle East crisis and regional economic resilience, including the Pacific Resilience Facility. US-Pacific Engagement: A White House summit with Pacific leaders is described as “collaborative” and focused on listening, with pledges for infrastructure investment and climate funding. Border Policy for Business Continuity: Government says future Cook Islands tourists aged 12+ must be fully vaccinated, with quarantine-free travel from New Zealand only when there’s confidence of no community transmission. Health & Security: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams calls for a tougher, coordinated Pacific approach to drug trafficking, warning harm often starts in families and communities before police see cases. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years, highlighting landfill pressure and the need for better waste sorting across homes, businesses and tourism. Local Economy & Governance: Apex Advice appoints Bronwyn Kirwan as CEO; a letter raises concerns about missing vendor seating at the new Te Tapora Kai market. Regional Trade & Fisheries: Cabinet endorses an MoU for sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna among Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga.