Road & transport upgrades: Sealing works at Yacht Club Junction on Mendana Avenue are finished and the upgraded section is now open, but drivers should expect further congestion as crews move to Heritage Park Roundabout, SIPA Intersection and the final stretch toward the MID–HCC Roundabout, with one carriageway kept open as a two-way single lane. Climate finance for farmers: Rural Solomon Islanders have started receiving payouts under TrigaCash, the country’s first parametric microinsurance, with about 35 policyholders paid SBD$8,800 after heavy rainfall triggers. Jobs and local value-add: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the GREAT government will push resource processing locally to create jobs and raise export value, with Noro flagged as a key growth target. Education sovereignty: SINU Vice Chancellor Transform Aqorau challenges heavy reliance on foreign consultants in curriculum changes, arguing children’s futures can’t be “outsourced.” Regional infrastructure diplomacy: The Quad’s renewed push highlights ports, cables and minerals, including a Fiji port plan that could reshape Pacific supply chains. Mining & investment signals: Gold Ridge Mining welcomed Wale’s appointment, pointing to Gold Ridge’s large GDP and tax/royalty contribution and pledging continued partnership with government and landowners. Governance: Gabriel Suri was sworn in as Solomon Islands Attorney General, as reforms in mining, forestry and anti-corruption move ahead. Tourism leadership: New Culture & Tourism Minister James Bonuga met the tourism team and reviewed visitor arrival figures, aiming for tighter industry collaboration. Procurement pressure on locals: Local firms say donor bidding rules and qualification “tick-box” criteria are blocking them from major infrastructure contracts despite strong bids.