Parliament & Budget: Samoa’s Parliament has passed the 2026/2027 Appropriation Bill, approving a $1.5b budget under the “AIGA – Accelerating Inclusive Growth and Access” theme, with spending priorities including district development, health, education, and social protection. Government Accountability: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has axed weekly press conferences for all media, saying it’s for “peace,” while also pointing to a leaked Cabinet directive tied to nearly $1m in payments to Bluewave Wireless. Land & Environment Governance: The Lands, Surveys and Environment Amendment Bill cleared its second reading, formally separating land/survey functions from environmental functions under MNRE. Justice & Courts: The Land and Titles Court has responded to Parliament’s inquiry into its judges’ work, and the Justice Minister has criticised election laws as “stupid,” with a commission of inquiry set for the 2025 election. Ombudsman Update: Vui Clarence Nelson’s swearing-in was cancelled after he had to leave Samoa overseas, but his appointment as Ombudsman remains in motion. Security & Health: Women graduates from Samoa’s border and security agencies completed a programme focused on tackling transnational organised crime, and a father from Faatoia received successful heart surgery in Fiji and has returned home. International Scrutiny: New reporting alleges US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. lied about his 2019 Samoa visit being vaccine-related, reigniting questions after Samoa’s measles outbreak. Rugby & Local Sport: The NZ Rugby Players’ Association rejected claims it was involved in the Moana Pasifika bid process, as the franchise’s future fallout continues.