Climate & Science: Samoa signed a new long-term partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) to boost climate research capacity, including better methods for assessing climate loss and damage, data collection, monitoring and lab capability. Immigration & Family Links: Labour’s election pledge would expand visa-waiver travel for Pacific Islands Forum citizens to New Zealand via NZeTA/ETA-style access, aiming to cut costs and barriers for weddings, funerals and family visits. Women in Parliament: Samoa’s Electoral Commission says a constitutional process will add a sixth woman MP after two by-elections, with an “Article 44” additional member due to be announced on 21 September. By-Elections: FAST candidates Nonu William Mauia and Seumafaleupolu Aperila Vaalotu lead preliminary results in Vaimauga No. 3 and Falealili No. 1, with results still preliminary. Health Infrastructure: Samoa and Japan broke ground on a major National University of Samoa Faculty of Health Science upgrade, while a new private specialist hospital is also set for Salelologa, Savai‘i. Justice & Security: Samoa Police charged two men with conspiracy to murder linked to the Vietnam killing of Australian gang figure Lorenzo Lemalu, as the case continues with international cooperation. Regional Weather & Early Warning: Pacific Ministers renewed commitment to stronger, integrated weather and climate early warning services under the Weather Ready Pacific programme. Fisheries: Pacific countries pushed for stronger support for Pacific-led fisheries solutions at COFI37 in Rome. Sports (Samoa): Scott Sio says his Cardiff move and switch to Samoa aim to spark World Cup success.