Central Banking Watch: Samoa’s Central Bank warns that delays in implementing the 2026/27 budget could slow the economy’s recovery, with growth forecasts dropping if spending and projects drag. Public Services & Justice: Samoa’s morgue has reopened after refrigeration failure, but questions remain over why new mortuary fridges are still idle while tenders and extensions stall. Finance Leadership: Cabinet appoints Lealali Faletoese Asaua as the new CEO of the Samoa National Provident Fund for three years, tasked with safeguarding retirement savings and social security delivery. Climate & Nature Data: Samoa begins ground-truthing mangroves for carbon storage data, aiming to turn local ecosystems into credible climate finance assets. Tourism & Regional Business: Radisson Hotel Group expands its South-east Asia and Pacific pipeline, adding new signings and boosting its regional portfolio. Trade & Diplomacy: Pacific leaders push to turn climate finance commitments into investment-ready projects, building a pipeline of “bankable” initiatives. Sports & Economy: All Blacks captain Ardie Savea arrives in Samoa after Eden Park, while Samoa’s Team Samoa gears up for Glasgow 2026 with government support. Community & Culture: Pacific designers and entrepreneurs showcase culture and small business at Life-Con Pacific, with Samoa featuring alongside neighbours. Digital Safety: PNG’s AI deepfake scams using celebrity photos highlight the growing need for public awareness as governments move to criminalise misuse.