Ocean Protection Research: National Geographic Pristine Seas is surveying marine life across Samoa’s newly protected areas to build a scientific baseline for the country’s push to protect 30% of its ocean. Pacific Education Leadership: Faalogo Aganoa Dr Jacoba Matapo has been appointed AUT’s first Pacific professor for Pacific ECE, spotlighting Pacific knowledge and language in early childhood learning. Digital Growth & Wayfinding: A new Pacific-focused piece argues AI and Digital Public Infrastructure can act like “wayfinding” for inclusive digital transformation across Pacific Island countries. Drug Prevention for Youth: Samoa’s Drug-Free Samoa initiative moves from planning to action with a national working group to coordinate prevention, research, family support, mental health, and enforcement. GIS for the Environment: Pacific GIS and spatial practitioners gathered in Fiji to strengthen environmental data management and tools for climate, pollution, and biodiversity action. Tourism Branding: Samoa Tourism Authority seeks a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the destination brand and strengthen global competitiveness. Crypto Transparency: Phemex released an August Proof of Reserves report claiming full asset backing with an average reserve ratio of 138.39%. Child Vendors Pressure: Samoa continues debating child street vending as police move to enforce the Education Act 2009.