Japan–Samoa Aid: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Schmidt returned from Japan after co-chairing PALM 8 and receiving Japan’s “Grand Cordon” honour, with Japan pledging 200 million yen (about T$4.6m) for Samoa’s medical equipment and support. Ombudsman & Justice Capacity: The Attorney General’s Office welcomed lawyer Christopher Lange back to Samoa for a two-year capacity-building push for government lawyers, while Samoa also saw fresh court activity around election petitions and sentencing summons. Vaimauga 3 Corruption Ruling: Samoa’s Supreme Court declared the Vaimauga 3 seat void after finding both Lautimuia and petitioner Taioali’iseu guilty of corrupt electoral practices, triggering another by-election and barring both from the next race. Falealili 1 Election Upheld: The Court of Appeal dismissed Toelupe Onesemo’s bid to overturn the Supreme Court’s voiding of his Falealili 1 election, keeping the seat invalid. PM Medical Leave: The Prime Minister left for a routine medical check-up in New Zealand for about a week, with the Deputy Prime Minister acting in his absence. Cyber & Finance Security: Samoa and the wider Blue Pacific faced renewed focus on rising cyber threats and efforts to protect correspondent banking links. Education & Violence: The Education Minister condemned a brutal attack on a mother outside a school and said school-ground violence prevention policies will be reviewed. Moana Pasifika Fallout: Moana Pasifika’s legacy was defended by talent manager Kevin Senio as the franchise’s Super Rugby exit continues to spark debate.