Opposition vs government: Samoa’s Leader of the Opposition Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was arrested and charged over remarks about Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, with police citing defamation and harassment using electronic communication; he says the state is trying to “shut me up,” after earlier court orders restricted his social media comments. Court orders in focus: Separate coverage says Tuilaepa also faces alleged breaches of a 7 April court order, with the registrar pointing to recent adverse comments. Local governance accountability: The government responded to Samoa Observer reporting on District Development Programme account withdrawals, saying public money must be accounted for and officials held accountable, but that withdrawals alone aren’t proof of theft. Health services: Cabinet has ordered the reopening of Leulumoega District Hospital after an assessment found the earlier closure location was unsafe, with plans to bring back services for nearby communities. Education partnership: The Ministry of Education and Culture held a dialogue with mission and private schools to improve delivery through stronger collaboration. Environment & fisheries: Samoa put 30% of its ocean under protection and hosted the WCPFC Scientific Committee, calling for stronger science to guide tuna management. Regional diplomacy: Pacific unity faces a test ahead of Palau’s PIF leaders meeting after disagreement over how to respond to China’s missile test. Legal profession: The Samoa Law Society honoured 10 legal professionals at its Golden Jubilee awards.