Tourism & Energy Shock: Prime Minister Mark Brown says Cook Islands has avoided a worst-case GDP contraction despite Middle East-driven fuel price fears, pointing to record visitor numbers (2025 arrivals peaked at 187,018, up 10% on 2024) and only limited flight disruptions. Regional Finance Coordination: Pacific Finance Ministers head to the Marshall Islands for the 2026 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting, with Middle East risks and a new Pacific Resilience Facility on the agenda. US-Pacific Engagement: A White House summit with a dozen Pacific leaders is described as “collaborative,” with Washington stressing it’s listening and not forcing countries to choose between the US and China. Border Policy: Cook Islands says future NZ quarantine-free travel will require full vaccination for visitors aged 12+, with exemptions only via medical certificate, and borders staying closed until NZ is confident there’s no community transmission. Health & Security: Cook Islands Secretary of Health Bob Williams calls for a tougher, more coordinated Pacific approach to drug trafficking, arguing health, climate, peace and security must be tackled together. Business Leadership: Apex Advice appoints Bronwyn Kirwan as CEO, taking over from Craig Mulholland; Apex has offices including one in the Cook Islands. Environment & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society marks 30 years of conservation work and highlights ongoing waste sorting problems through school visits to the landfill and conservation areas. Regional Trade: Cabinet endorsed an MoU for sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna among Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. Medicinal Cannabis Access: A letter argues Cook Islands’ medicinal cannabis law still leaves residents without local pharmacy access, forcing travel abroad for supply.