Drug Policy & Youth Support: Samoa’s National Working Group for a Drug-Free Samoa held its inaugural meeting to set direction, governance, and priorities, with UNICEF support and partners including Health, Education, Justice, and Police—pushing a coordinated approach that links prevention, research, family support, mental health, rehabilitation, and enforcement. Regional Security & Training: ASPI’s “Fault Lines” looks at RIMPAC’s wrap-up and highlights South Korea’s growing maritime role, including a South Korean officer commanding the maritime component amid a massive multi-nation exercise. Public Health Research: A new push in Samoa is bringing Pacific leaders together for a Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium, aiming to keep genomics and precision medicine culturally grounded and equitable for Indigenous communities. Environment & Data Skills: GIS and spatial practitioners from across the Pacific gathered in Nadi for training to strengthen environmental data management and action amid the region’s biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution pressures. Tourism Tech & Branding: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the country’s destination brand, covering strategy, research, creative work, and digital rollout. Community Safety: Samoa’s child street vendor debate continues as police move to enforce the Education Act 2009, targeting school-aged vendors. Health Alert: New Zealand is warning about measles after an unexplained case, urging extra vigilance for people who were in Wellington/Palmerston North around mid-July. Ocean Protection: UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke renewed calls for Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, warning of irreversible ecosystem harm.