Community & Service: Marist Old Boys farewelled Sapa’u Lilomaiava Lolesio Vitale, a 99-year-old former police officer and MP whose rugby and public service legacy spans decades. Gender & Leadership: Maluseu Doris Talifau has been appointed Commonwealth Foundation Civil Society Advisory Governor for the Pacific, pushing for real decision-making power beyond “representation.” Safer Politics Online: Fiji’s Face Forward initiative is set to protect women and gender-diverse candidates across Samoa and the region from online abuse, aiming to keep more leaders in the race. Regional Partnerships: Samoa’s Deputy PM Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o joined UNGA-side talks on digital connectivity, while India-Pacific meetings highlighted renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education and healthcare. Health & Faith: A Samoan grandmother recovered in Fiji after bloodless open-heart surgery, offering hope to Jehovah’s Witness patients across the Pacific. Education & Culture: Samoa’s Manaaki scholarship success story continues, and Dr Sean Richards became the first Samoan PhD Physics graduate at the University of Auckland. Sports & Influence: Commentary on PNG Chiefs “sport diplomacy” frames the NRL deal as strategic influence in the Pacific. Governance: 14 CEOs of Samoa’s ministries and state bodies took their oath of service, with a clear call to stay accessible to the public.