Climate diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ Matthew Wale will join pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and a Tuvalu day trip to show firsthand sea-level rise impacts, as Pacific negotiators push for stronger loss-and-damage finance and tighter 1.5°C action. Weather and livelihoods: El Niño-linked strong winds and continuous rain are disrupting Western Province seaweed farming, while communities report longer low-tide periods and knock-on income losses. Fisheries policy: The beche-de-mer fishery is set to close from 31 October, with enforcement and stock-take steps underway. Power and tariffs: Solomon Power says the 2026–2028 non-fuel electricity tariff framework will cut the non-fuel component while protecting investment in renewables and reliability. Public finances: Government’s operating deficit widened to SBD$37m in August as revenue fell sharply, alongside updated CPI inflation data showing a 1.3% monthly rise. SINPF retirement fund: The fund declared a 5.5% crediting rate (down from 8%), citing strong cash income but weaker overall performance from revaluation losses; SINPF also plans to sell Tavanipupu as a liability. Education and jobs: Teacher reforms target improved salaries and conditions from 2027, while SINU highlights responsible AI use and graduation figures showing women lead overall but remain underrepresented in science and TVET. Business sector: Reeves Envico confirmed as a sponsor for the Building and Construction Award at the 9th Business Excellence Awards.