Media Business Shift: A look at how newsrooms are cutting back climate desks in 2026, while some media firms are finding new profit models through events, writer-linked incentives, and worker-owned structures. Pacific Diplomacy: US President Joe Biden met Pacific leaders for a second summit, promising new infrastructure funding (including undersea cable connectivity) as Washington seeks to counter China’s growing influence. Mining Law & Community Benefits: The Government introduced a Mineral Resources Bill to modernise mining rules, putting landowners and communities at the centre via statutory Community Development Agreements and stronger access, compensation, and environmental safeguards. Honiara Port Upgrade: Construction for the International Berth 1 upgrade has entered the next phase, with temporary marine works underway to support a planned 30-metre seaward extension. Public Finance & Growth: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo told Parliament GDP growth is revised to 3.5% as mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries strengthen, while logging continues to decline; he also flagged manageable debt levels and revenue/spending figures. Rural Banking Plan: Cabinet approved work on a new National Bank with a rural banking component in partnership with the World Bank, aiming to bring formal services to communities outside commercial banking reach. Tax Reform Push: Government moves to tighten tax collection, tackle exemptions and prepare a broad-based consumption tax system including a proposed VAT. Energy Security: PM Wale outlined plans for a regional fuel hub in Northwest Guadalcanal to secure up to 12 months of supply and reduce freight costs across the Pacific. Health & Skills: The Ministry of Health is coaching frontline workers on diabetic foot wound care to reduce amputations and hospital admissions. Sports Governance: OFC welcomed FIFA’s pullback on its Forward Enterprise proposal, urging transparency and trust in football’s commercial governance. Governance Watch: Opposition questioned the Solomon Islands–US DFC deal claims and also raised conflict-of-interest concerns over the PM’s corporate links to the Attorney-General’s Panatina Chemists.