OFC U-19 Football: Solomon Islands’ 23-player U-19 squad and seven officials have arrived in Samoa for the OFC U-19 Championship, with Samoa, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea in Group A; the top two qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027. Labour Rights: Pacific workers on Australia’s PALM and New Zealand’s RSE schemes raised fresh concerns in Vanuatu about salary deductions, overcrowded housing, restrictive conditions and what happens after serious complaints. Foreign Affairs: Samoa’s top foreign affairs chief, Peseta Noumea Simi, has resigned with about two years left on her contract, after leading the ministry since 2016. Politics & Governance: FAST Party deputy Leota Laki Lamositele Sio has been appointed Chief Adviser to the Prime Minister in a new Cabinet role worth SAT$129,393. Education & Scholarships: JICA has announced five Samoa recipients of its 2026 S.D.G.s Scholarship programme to study in Japan. Culture & Language: A new short film, “4 Tha Lumana’i,” puts Samoan oratory face-to-face with battle rap to explore language, identity and AI’s impact. Health: Calls are growing for flu vaccines to be free for under-fives as hospitalisations rise. Sports (Rugby League): Samoan centre Simi Sasagi says he wants to delay shoulder surgery to push for Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup campaign. Arts & Tourism: The Measina Arts & Cultural Festival 2026 logo was launched, with the event running from Sunday 30 August and Taxi named a Gold sponsor.