Hospital Contract Accountability: Samoa’s Health Minister Va’aaoao Solamalemalo Alofipo directly addressed questions over a SAT$2.33m national hospital cleaning contract, saying he cancelled it after the provider failed to meet expectations, after cleanliness lapses left maternity areas uncleaned. Sports Ministers in Glasgow: Associate Sports Minister Fiu Ponifasio Vasa led Samoa’s delegation at the Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting while the Sports Minister was scheduled to attend. RSE Worker Welfare in Focus: Samoa’s PM wrapped up a major consultation with 700+ Samoan RSE workers in Blenheim, with discussions covering welfare, healthcare, accommodation and future scheme improvements, after a nurse raised serious health cases and treatment gaps. Commonwealth Games Team Samoa: Samoa is among 11 Pacific nations heading to Glasgow 2026, with the Games opening amid a reduced sports programme. Energy Costs Watch: Oil prices surged past US$100 a barrel on renewed Middle East tensions, raising fresh concerns about higher fuel and living costs that can ripple into Samoa. Culture & Recognition: Opetaia Foa’i received a “Billions Award” for Moana’s “We Know The Way,” highlighting Samoan and Tokelau languages reaching global audiences. Youth Climate Push: COP31 youth climate champion Sally Higgins visited Samoa to back youth-led climate action and resilience ahead of major UN talks. Justice & Courts: Justice Nelson was sworn in as senior justice of Samoa’s Supreme Court under new constitutional restructuring. Digital Safety: A Samoa-linked regional challenge is drawing students from Tonga and Samoa to tackle digital inclusion and online safety across the Pacific.