Youth Jobs Crunch: Samoa’s newly qualified graduates say landing a first job is taking months, with limited openings in the public sector pushing some into temporary work, family help, or unpaid internships. Asset Stewardship in NZ: Samoa’s PM met the High Commission in Wellington and urged a more commercially minded approach to managing Government assets abroad while keeping consular services front and centre. CHOGM Plastic Win: A Commonwealth clean-up campaign hit a milestone of removing over one million pieces of plastic from waterways, including work linked to Samoa’s CHOGM 2024 launch. Crypto Community Push: Phemex launched a $30,000 “Invite & Earn” futures referral drive running July 16–23, rewarding both referrers and new users for trading activity. Samoa Airways Upgrade: Samoa Airways welcomed back its oldest Twin Otter after a major Canada overhaul, with refurbishment funded from airline revenue to extend service life by about 30 years. Border Capacity Building: Samoa Customs completed a high-level study tour in New Zealand focused on strengthening border management, intelligence sharing, and capability against transnational crime. Budget Risk Warning: The Central Bank cautioned that delays in implementing Samoa’s budget could slow economic recovery and reduce growth outcomes. SNPF CEO Appointed: Cabinet approved Lealali Faletoese Asaua as SNPF chief executive for a three-year term, tasked with investment and long-term retirement sustainability. Plastic Backlash: Communities are again pushing back after Coca-Cola shifted Samoa from refillable glass to single-use plastic bottles, arguing it worsens pollution where recycling options are limited.