Green Finance Push: Samoa’s banks and partners are exploring more financing for solar and other green projects after a Central Bank of Samoa and UNDP workshop, with demand rising but capacity and public awareness still lagging. Public Funds Accountability: The Government responded to concerns over District Development Programme withdrawals, saying the DDP is governed by strict rules and rejecting claims of corruption in the IMF Article IV process without clear evidence. District Spending Details: Faleata No. 2 says SAT$1.46m of its SAT$1.8m allocation went to the SAT$150 back-to-school support, reaching 9,769 beneficiaries, with remaining funds covering approved district projects and council operations. Child Support Rollout: Families can soon apply for the Child Wellbeing Benefits programme, including a SAT$200 newborn bonus and SAT$100 monthly support for eligible children up to 35 months, with registration opening in September. Internet Disruption: The Manatua submarine cable fault near Samoa is degrading internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands while repairs depend on securing a specialist repair vessel. Ocean Protection Science: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a Samoa expedition to survey biodiversity across new marine protected areas, aiming to strengthen the evidence base for protecting 30% of Samoa’s ocean. Health Targets: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to reduce non-communicable diseases by 5%, tracking diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and obesity. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a statement condemning China’s missile test, with Samoa represented at the Forum meeting in Suva.