Regional Security Talks: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers meet in Suva with Solomon Islands pushing a regional security treaty, while New Zealand weighs joining the Ocean of Peace alliance amid heightened China tensions and defence treaty talk. Maritime Sovereignty Debate: Solomon Islands-US Shiprider Agreement signed in Honiara sparks opposition claims of sovereignty risk, while legal experts and the Independent Group say the focus should be on parliamentary oversight and national interest. Infrastructure Progress: Kirakira Wharf in Makira-Ulawa hits 90% completion, with remaining works on approach roads and protection; Ahanga Wharf on Bellona resumes after CCECC brings specialized piling equipment. Governance & Pay: Transparency SI blasts public service absenteeism as “No Work, No Pay,” and MP Rollen Seleso proposes a reduced tax alternative to the planned public servant pay rise. Digital & IDs: China hands over a concessional broadband loan project; government moves toward national ID cards via a new Civil Registration Bill. Economy & Services: PM Wale pledges fee-free education nationwide by 2027, justice reforms, and a reform drive against “elite capture,” while agriculture plans target 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut and deploy officers to all 50 constituencies. Business & Finance: M-SELEN partners with Rocket Remit to speed remittances from Australia, NZ and the UK. Tourism Update: Mendana Hotel to close from 1 September for major renovation. Local Life: Honiara faces calls for urgent fixes on sanitation, waste and municipal services; mangroves are planted to protect the Malu’u market coastline.