Samoa Governance: Parliament has endorsed Samoa’s 2026/2027 $1.5 billion budget under “AIGA – Accelerating Inclusive Growth and Access,” with spending priorities across health, education, infrastructure, district development, and social protection, plus a projected cash deficit of about 3.1% of GDP. Ombudsman Update: Vui Clarence Nelson’s swearing-in as Samoa’s new Ombudsman was cancelled after he had to leave Samoa overseas, with a new date to be confirmed. Health & Policy: New reporting raises fresh questions about Robert F Kennedy Jr’s 2019 Samoa visit, linking it to a vaccine-related “mission” ahead of a measles outbreak. Tech & Community Learning: A Samoa-accessible parenting app, Bebbo Pacific, was launched with UNICEF support, offering guidance from pregnancy through early childhood and offline access. Pacific Navigation Culture: Traditional waka navigators are encouraging people to “look up” at Matariki, sharing how star knowledge supports voyaging without GPS. Skills & Innovation: Savai‘i students showcased a vehicle built from unused metal at the National PSET Exhibition, highlighting hands-on automotive engineering learning. Regional Tech/Science (Neighboring): Palau’s giant clam comeback project is scaling community hatchery production and farmer training, but faces next tests around CITES legislation and long-term momentum.