Eye Health Upgrade: The Cook Islands Ministry of Health and Christian Blind Mission NZ signed a Health Collaboration Agreement to expand inclusive eye health and rehabilitation, including a dedicated refractive error vision centre at Rarotonga Hospital and stronger disability support and workforce capacity. Tourism + Health Systems: The Asian Development Bank backed Cook Islands recovery with a US$2 million grant to support safer travel and tourism, including upgrades to airport facilities and a health facility for hospital-like services plus COVID-19 screening and distancing improvements. Youth in the Election: The Cook Islands National Youth Council will run a youth-led candidate dialogue series, giving young people a respectful space to ask questions and shape civic education ahead of the 12 August General Election. Regional Fisheries Watch: Cook Islands fisheries officer Saiasi Sarau took part in back-to-back regional maritime operations, inspecting licensed vessels and reinforcing compliance and shark protection rules. Pacific Heart Screening Tech: Vanuatu launched the HeartCare app to help community health workers screen for heart disease risk earlier, aiming to connect people to care before serious events. Community-Led Conservation: A Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange in Rarotonga is bringing Indigenous leaders and youth together on community-led conservation, including customary marine governance and Rāhui. Health + Lifestyle from Renewables: Cook Islands accelerated its renewable energy push with a solar project aimed at cutting diesel reliance and boosting renewable supply by 2030, with benefits for outer island life. Obesity Reality Check: A feature highlights how obesity rates vary sharply across countries, with Nauru singled out for the world’s highest adult obesity burden and the diet-and-economy shifts behind it. Ocean Cleanliness: A Cook Islands-focused piece reports high levels of beach litter on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with plastics dominating, and recalls recent clean-up results.