Customs Crackdown: US Homeland Security Investigations trained Cook Islands Customs officers and handed over drug test kits, as officials warn transnational crime targets the “weakest link” despite the islands’ lower threat assessment. Drug Sentencing Debate: A columnist says a lenient sentence in a major drug case exposes legislative gaps, calling for stricter, weight-based narcotics laws to better protect communities. Border & Security Boost: Australia’s RAAF C-27J Spartan carried out aerial surveillance near the Cook Islands and Tonga under Operation Solania, identifying 12 vessels of interest to support fisheries enforcement. Regional Finance Pressure: The Asian Development Bank is deploying $4b for Middle East fallout, with trade finance for energy and food imports; Cook Islands support is expected to be part of the wider response. Water Governance: Former PM Henry Puna appointed chair of Rarotonga’s water authority, To Tatou Vai, after Brian Mason’s resignation. Public Health: Free cervical screening outreach continues in Rarotonga, with a clinic at Kavera today and further dates across the island. Environment Planning: Work is underway on a Cook Islands National Action Plan to tackle plastic pollution, aiming to cut waste and strengthen recycling and behaviour change. Seabed Minerals Capacity: SBMA attended an ISA-backed deep seabed workshop in Suva on environmental governance, data management and future capacity-building. Sports & Community: CIFA sponsors live FIFA World Cup match broadcasts on Vaka TV, while Cook Islands women beat Afghanistan United 1-0 and 3-0 in Auckland.