Friendly Schools & Human Rights in Classrooms: Samoa’s Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson met Education and Culture Minister Aiono Alec Ekeroma to strengthen the Friendly Schools Programme, aiming to boost human rights awareness for students, including online safety and children’s rights. US Politics, Samoa Measles Fallout: New documents have reignited calls for a criminal probe into US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., after reports say his 2019 Samoa trip was linked to studying MMR vaccines—contradicting what he told Congress, amid renewed debate over the measles outbreak that killed 83. Education & Global Skills: Five Samoans were selected for the 2026 JICA SDGs Global Leader scholarships to study in Japan, with plans to return and apply new skills in areas like environmental science, social development, public management, business, and policy. Culture & Art with a Purpose: Fa’afafine artist Lindah Lepou unveiled a new exhibition drawing on her family history and the legacy of “human zoos,” using couture and digital imagery to confront colonisation and exploitation. Culture on Stage in the Pacific: South Island rangatahi connected to Pacific identity through the Māfana show, featuring Sāmoan sāsā and Tongan ta‘olunga, with performers representing multiple islands. Regional Leadership Watch: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are set to meet in Palau, with missing leaders raising questions about unity as climate, security, and narcotics trade stay on the agenda. Local Community Safety & Trust: A Samoa Observer report highlights how a ship mystery near Aleipata grew from poor local information sharing, feeding rumours about an ADB-funded port expansion. Tourism & Lifestyle: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings, while travel and culture features ranged from Pacific navigation stories to new ways to experience places.