Faleata No. 2 District Development: Samoa District Development Authority says SAT$1.8m (2025–26) was used for the SAT$150 Back-to-School Support Programme, reaching 9,769 beneficiaries (total SAT$1,465,350), with some late registrants and seasonal workers missing out; remaining funds covered district council operations and approved tourism/cultural work ahead of Independence, with SAT$1,017.70 still sitting in the council account as of July 21. Child Well-Being Benefit: Samoa has launched its Child Well-Being Benefit Program, starting payments for eligible children from birth to 35 months—SAT$200 at birth and SAT$100 monthly—aimed at health, safety and development support. IMF flags slowdown: The IMF says Samoa’s post-CHOGM recovery has lost momentum, estimating FY2025/26 growth at 0.4% (down from 4.2%), with weaker demand, higher global energy costs and structural issues weighing on the outlook. Manatua cable fault: Manatua Consortium reports a technical fault near Repeater 2 on the Manatua submarine cable, degrading internet services mainly for Niue and the Cook Islands while partners line up a specialist repair vessel. Fuel caps ease: Fuel price caps have dropped across parts of the Pacific; Samoa’s diesel is down 13.2% to SAT$2.49/litre, with the next cargo expected mid-August. Rugby governance shake-up: Lakapi Samoa’s Facebook page was removed, while governance turmoil continues—World Rugby-linked concerns and a newly launched Samoa Rugby Football Union add to uncertainty around rugby administration and funding.