World Bank Focus: A senior World Bank delegation met Samoa’s Deputy PM/Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo to discuss growth prospects, development priorities and how to speed up delivery on projects, including the Samoa Climate Resilient Transport Project. PSIDS at the UN: Samoa has taken over the chair of the Pacific Small Islands Developing States grouping at the United Nations in New York, succeeding Fiji. Police & Courts: Fourteen defendants from a recent police drug raid remain in custody after appearing in the Supreme Court; bail was denied for one and cases were set for hearings in late August. Regional Fisheries Watch: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, with surveillance across about 27.5 million sq km and more than 3,000 fishing vessels. Online Safety Warning: Samoa Police/Prisons & Corrections warned the public about AI-generated fake posts and impersonation using police logos, urging people to verify before sharing. Governance Clarification: The LTA says a vehicle used for the Prime Minister’s Principal Adviser still belongs to the Government, even after the registration plate was changed for safety and security. Politics: Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi was charged over alleged defamation/harassment via electronic communication tied to comments made at a press conference. Samoa-France Talks: PM La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt met France’s ambassador on cooperation covering education exchanges, maritime/security and illegal drugs, plus possible air connectivity links. Sports (Samoa ties): Samoa’s beach volleyball men’s duo Eneliko Tui and Neval Stowers kept their winning streak, beating Palau 2-0 at the Apia Waterfront.