Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Prime Minister Matthew Wale departs Honiara for the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting, where he will hand over the chairmanship to Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr and discuss future governance and regional priorities. Geopolitics and crime on the agenda: Forum officials say leaders face a longer, tougher program shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime, economic pressure and the push for stronger regional unity. Taiwan returns to the forum: Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrives in Palau for the summit after last year’s exclusion, with China expected to keep applying pressure. Mining law backlash: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee has urged Guadalcanal landowners to press for withdrawal of the Mineral Resources Bill 2025, warning proposed amendments could overhaul state participation, licences and customary land/royalties. Press freedom concerns: Transparency Solomon Islands condemns RSIPF questioning and a raid on In-depth Solomon Islands, alleging intimidation tied to an Inland Revenue audit involving SITCO. SME finance restart: Government has reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, with $18m pledged to help small businesses access loans by reducing risk for banks. Women’s poultry boost: SIART support is helping Gold Ridge women farmers expand broiler production, with 300 chicks delivered and sales expected in about six weeks. Climate voices: Children from Makira, Malaita and Honiara will meet Government ahead of COP31 to feed lived climate experiences directly into national policy. Health and biosecurity: A TB prevention mission in Isabel screened 220 contacts and started preventive treatment for eligible cases; a Biosecurity (SI) Strategy 2026–2036 validation workshop is set for next week.