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Nauru - diabetes
Deputy Minister for Public Health Minister Rennier Gadabu says diabetes is a national crisis in the country.
The government paper reported Rennier Gadabu attended the World Diabetes Day earlier this month.
Gadabu said diabetes weakens Nauru's workforce and drains its health system.
He said Nauru has one of the highest diabetes rates in the world, with more than one in five adults living with the disease.
The minister urged citizens to choose healthier meals, reduce sugar intake and stay active.
He also called on the government to increase and dedicate funding for non-communicable diseases, saying it is an investment in Nauru's future.
Cook Islands - registry
Maritime Cook Islands has reiterated that its ship registry complies with international sanctions.
The ship registry has come under increased scrutiny of late, after Cook Islands-flagged tanker Eagle S was seized by Finnish authorities about a year ago on suspicion of ripping up sub sea cables.
The ship was also thought to be part of Russia's shadow fleet used to avoid international oil sanctions.
A Maritime Cook Islands spokesperson said vessels under the nation's flag comply with all UN sanctions and are prohibited from trading in Russian, Iranian, or Venezuelan petroleum products.
Cook Islands - medals
Families of Cook Islanders who served in the Cook Islands Local Defence Force (CILDF) but never received their Second World War medals can now apply for them.
While more than half the CILDF personnel were issued medals in the early 1950s, others were deemed ineligible, largely due to being discharged from service before the end of the war for minor disciplinary infractions.
After reviewing past medal-issuing processes, the New Zealand Defence Force has confirmed that these veterans, or their next of kin, should be eligible.
Researchers identified 85 Cook Islanders who qualify for medals, including the War Medal 1939-1945, the New Zealand War Service medal, and for some cases, the Defence Medal.
Surviving CILDF members or their families can request an application form, and families must agree on who will claim each medal and provide the required documentation.
New Zealand/Pacific - climate
Climate Minister Simon Watts has called on other states to back a Pacific COP hosted by Australia next year.
It is still unknown who will host COP31 in 2026, with both Australia and Turkey wanting to host.
Watts said climate change in the Pacific is not a distant threat but a lived reality.
He said having the climate meeting in Australia will be an opportunity to deliver global climate solutions.
United States - visas
The United States is strengthening health screenings for immigrant visas, including for conditions like obesity and diabetes.
The US Embassy in Wellington said they are doing strict vetting to prevent immigration of those who cannot cover their own living expenses, including medical costs.
NPR reported a new directive to embassies, which expands the criteria by which a visa may be denied to include more health issues and age.
The embassy said each application will continue to be subject to individual review from consular officers.
