Maritime Security: Royal New Zealand Navy sailors joined Cook Islands crew aboard Te Kukupa II for a regional patrol targeting illegal fishing, helping inspect vessels during Operation Kurukuru. Pacific Unity: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown welcomed an agreement to keep Micronesian members in the Pacific Islands Forum, saying the family stays together. Climate Readiness: Rarotonga is hosting Pacific weather services and media for training on getting climate information to communities as El Niño intensifies. Women’s Rights: Punanga Turuturu Vaine is urging stronger gender-based violence laws, better-funded support and improved legal aid for survivors as the Cook Islands undergoes a UN review. Community and Culture: A Cook Islands tour is bringing First Nations Australians and local knowledge holders together to share traditional approaches to caring for land and sea. Youth Achievement: The under-15 football team celebrated its first win at the FIFA U-15 World Cup, beating St Lucia 2-1. Stranded Traveller: A Sri Lankan woman remains stuck in the Cook Islands after years of visa difficulties, with a Wellington charity offering to help her get home.