NUS Discipline Push: Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt confronted more than 4,000 National University of Samoa students after a violent campus brawl, with police confirming four arrests and charges tied to assault, bottle-throwing and disorderly conduct. Border Security Upgrade: A new K9 unit at Faleolo International Airport—funded with Australian support—was opened to boost detection of illegal drugs and restricted items. District Funds Scrutiny: Samoa’s government defended how Faleata No. 2 used its SAT$1.8m district allocation, saying SAT$1.46m went to a Back-to-School Support Programme for 9,769 beneficiaries, while some residents missed out due to registration timing. Courtroom Update: The Supreme Court refused former Manu Samoa coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger’s bid to delay sentencing while his appeal proceeds, though sentencing was adjourned pending the Court of Appeal. Child Benefits Rollout: Details were outlined for Samoa’s Child Wellbeing Benefits—covering a SAT$200 newborn bonus and monthly support for eligible children up to 35 months, with registration opening in September. Drug-Free Samoa Plan: Samoa launched a national working group to coordinate a Drug-Free Samoa initiative focused on prevention of drug-related harm among children and adolescents. Tourism Branding: Samoa Tourism Authority is seeking a lead brand and creative agency to refresh the destination brand, with proposals due Aug 31. Online Safety Warning: Samoa’s new Ombudsman flagged unregulated social media and risky online platforms as a growing threat to children’s rights and safety.