Tourism & Cost of Living: Muri Beach Hotel GM Liana Scott says Cook Islands tourism may be booming, but families and businesses still feel the pinch as power, water and imported goods costs bite—calling for longer-term relief beyond the minimum wage rise, including lower power prices and import duties. Accommodation Payments Scrutiny: A letter to the editor questions Te Pa’ata transparency, asking why the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management is leading it rather than Tourism Cook Islands, and urging clarity on what data is collected and how it’s used. Hospitality Recognition: Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium and Sanctuary Rarotonga-on the beach celebrated standout staff at annual awards, highlighting guest-facing service that visitors remember beyond souvenirs. Health Workforce Boost: University of Auckland nursing experts delivered advanced training in Rarotonga for 15 nurses, strengthening clinical skills and Pacific partnerships. Youth & Democracy: Cook Islands National Youth Council launches a youth-led candidate dialogue series ahead of the General Election, aiming to lift young people’s civic participation. Regional Security Watch: Government is monitoring China’s South Pacific ballistic missile test and reiterating calls for nations to respect regional peace treaties. Passport Travel Angle: Pakistan’s passport ranks 100th on the Henley index, with visa-free/VOA/ETA access including the Cook Islands—useful for summer travel planning. El Niño Alert: Pacific communities brace for stronger El Niño impacts as storms may intensify and shift eastward. Skills Partnership: La Rose Noire Foundation and Swissôtel Clark signed an MOA to expand on-the-job training for underprivileged youth in hospitality trades, with alumni links to the Cook Islands.