Honours & Service: Samoa marked its 64th Independence Anniversary with 33 awards and medals, recognising sporting figures, civil servants, activists and culture/environment champions, while the Head of State urged a “new beginning” grounded in faith and sacrifice. Polynesian Priorities: Regional leaders met in Samoa with New Zealand’s Winston Peters to push shared Polynesian goals on climate resilience, security, migration, and language/culture ties. Youth & Safety: PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt warned that Samoa’s youth are being “used” by international drug rings after alleged Samoan hitmen were charged in Vietnam. Governance & Rights: A Samoa youth survey found frustration with how development benefits are shared and concerns that culture and tradition can block human rights protections. Language & Identity: Samoan Language Week kicked off across Aotearoa with church services, and a new “Sāmoan Made Simple” book aims to help people learn gagana Samoa in everyday life. Education Milestone: USP Samoa Campus graduated 224 students (161 women), celebrating “transformation” and Pacific unity. Fashion Spotlight: MENA founder Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni was appointed MNZM for shaping Pacific fashion from Samoa to global runways. Regional Sport: New Zealand moved to help save Moana Pasifika as Moana’s Super Rugby future faces financial uncertainty. Culture & Pride: A Pride soap label and LGBTQ+ rights support campaign highlighted solidarity and protection of queer culture.