Samoa Agriculture: Farmers in Aleisa, Upolu are worried about a spreading banana disease. A local farmer says Panama disease (Fusarium wilt) has already wiped out most of his banana trees, and he’s calling on the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for an update on how to stop it. Ocean & Climate Monitoring: New research is tracking ocean acidification risk in Samoa’s Savaia marine protected area on Upolu. Scientists report seawater chemistry measurements over a year, with lower total alkalinity and slightly lower pH that could affect coral reefs and fishery livelihoods. Youth Mental Health Research: A Pacific-led study co-run by researchers in Samoa is exploring whether better sleep and circadian rhythms can help reduce anxiety and depression in Pacific youth, with community feedback pointing to screen time, artificial light, and overcrowding as key disruptors. Regional Diplomacy: Samoa is set to join other Pacific states opening embassies in Jerusalem later this year, with experts linking the push to deep religious conviction and biblical interpretation. Public Safety: Samoa’s Ministry of Police has terminated three employees after drug tests came back positive, including marijuana and methamphetamine, as part of an anti-drugs awareness push.