Green Finance Push: Samoa’s banks are exploring more financing for solar and other green projects after a Central Bank of Samoa workshop with UNDP brought together lenders and key financial institutions to discuss demand, capacity gaps, and managing climate-related risks. Ocean Protection & Research: Pristine Seas has begun a Samoa expedition to survey biodiversity across newly protected marine areas, using dives, deep-sea cameras, and environmental DNA to build the science behind Samoa’s plan to protect 30% of its ocean. Internet Reliability: The Manatua submarine cable fault near Samoa has degraded services in Niue and the Cook Islands, with a permanent fix now depending on securing a specialist repair vessel. Health Targets: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to cut non-communicable diseases by 5%, covering diabetes, cancer, obesity and related conditions. Child Support Rollout: Families can soon apply for the Child Wellbeing Benefits programme, including a $200 newborn bonus and $100 monthly support for eligible children up to 35 months, with registration opening in September. Scam Warning: A mother shared how an “investment” scam using a Facebook page and claims of bank-linked deposits tricked her out of $200, urging others to be cautious. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a statement condemning China’s missile test, with Samoa’s representative among those pushing for a clear regional position.