Measles Alert: Samoa’s Ministry of Health says the measles situation is worsening, with 314 suspected cases, 146 lab results pending and three deaths now suspected to be measles-related, prompting closures of pre-schools and child day-care centres. Health & Governance: Cabinet withheld circulation of a $100 Tala commemorative note and approved 24-month contracts for medicine and pharmaceutical supply, plus overseas treatment for 16 patients. Education Politics: Samoa’s caretaker Education Minister Loau Keneti Sio resigned after a post-election challenge, triggering a by-election and shifting HRPP seat numbers. Digital Identity: Samoa launched the National Digital Identification (NDID) policy to create a trusted, verifiable identity system using the Samoa Digital Identification Number (SDIN). Water Security: Japan handed over a 100,000-litre water tank for Aufaga to improve storage, intake repairs and reliability for 90 households and the primary school. Women’s Economic Power: The M4C Fiji Pacific Women Makete 2026 in Suva brought together vendors from Samoa and across the Pacific to trade skills and grow businesses. Sport & Culture: Mercedez Taulelei-Siala won Rookie of the Year at the 2026 Dally M Awards and says her next goal is wearing the Fetu Samoa jersey at the Rugby League World Cup.