Drug Policy & Youth Support: Samoa’s National Working Group for a Drug-Free Samoa held its inaugural meeting to set direction and priorities, with UNICEF support and partners from Health, Education, Justice and Police—pushing a coordinated approach that links prevention, research, family support, mental health, rehab and enforcement. Regional Security & Training: ASPI’s “Fault Lines” looks at RIMPAC’s 24 July–6 Aug developments, highlighting South Korea’s growing naval role as the maritime component commander and the scale of the Indo-Pacific drill. Public Health (Skin Disease): A New Zealand-focused report warns scabies isn’t “just an itch,” linking it to serious infections and conditions—relevant for Pacific prevention messaging. Tourism Branding: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh Samoa’s destination brand, covering strategy, research, digital work and rollout. Digital Health Research: A Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia is bringing Pacific health leaders together to push equitable, culturally grounded genomics and precision medicine participation. Environment (Deep-Sea Mining): UNICEF Pacific Ambassador Moemoana Schwenke urges Pacific Islanders to oppose deep-sea mining, calling it an irreversible threat to ecosystems and culture. Child Protection: Samoa’s child street vendor debate continues as police move to enforce the Education Act 2009 to stop school-aged vending.