Pacific diplomacy in focus: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale departs for Palau to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, where he will hand over the forum chairmanship and push discussions on future regional governance. Regional geopolitics and crime: PIF officials say the 55th summit faces a longer agenda shaped by geopolitical pressure, transnational crime and economic strain. SME finance restart: Government has reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), backed by an $18m commitment, aiming to unlock bank lending for micro, small and medium businesses—while CBSI warns youth- and women-owned firms still face low uptake and ongoing barriers like collateral. Mining law pushback: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee has warned Guadalcanal Gold Ridge landowners that proposed Mineral Resources Bill amendments would bring major changes, including state participation and impacts on existing mining interests; BLC has asked PM Wale to withdraw the bill for further parliamentary process. Press freedom and audits: Transparency Solomon Islands condemns RSIPF harassment of journalists and alleged intimidation of whistleblowers after a raid tied to an Inland Revenue audit involving SITCO. Health and climate actions: A TB preventive treatment mission in Isabel screened 220 contacts and started preventive therapy for eligible cases; meanwhile children will take climate voices to Government ahead of COP31. Energy and community safety: China-funded mini solar power continues with a second-phase agreement, and 400 solar street lights were handed over for East Honiara communities.