SME Finance Boost: Solomon Islands has officially reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), with Government and CBSI saying the $18m-backed relaunch is meant to help MSMEs access loans by sharing lending risk with banks—especially for rural, women and youth businesses. Women’s Poultry Push: SIART support is helping Gold Ridge women farmers in Guadalcanal expand broiler production, with improved housing now able to hold up to 500 birds and the first batch of 300 chicks delivered for sales in about six weeks. Mining Law Tensions: Guadalcanal landowners at Gold Ridge are warning they need more time to consult on proposed changes to the Mineral Resources Bill, including concerns over state participation and how mining licences and royalties could be affected. Press Freedom Under Fire: Transparency Solomon Islands and OCCRP have condemned RSIPF questioning and a raid on an investigative journalist’s office, linked to an Inland Revenue audit alleging major tax discrepancies involving SITCO. Pacific Games Accountability: TSI is calling for public answers over Auditor General findings on 2023 Pacific Games spending, while opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare says he accepts political responsibility and urges follow-up investigations. Biosecurity Planning: MAL and Biosecurity Solomon Islands will hold a validation workshop next week for the Biosecurity (SI) Strategy 2026–2036, focusing on financing, partnerships, workforce and risk reduction. Climate Voices Ahead of COP31: World Vision says child delegates will take climate concerns to Government in Honiara on Sept 2, including input on the draft National Policy for Loss and Damage. Energy for Honiara: China’s RSDP has handed over 400 solar-powered street lights to East Honiara communities, aimed at improving safety and daily life. Regional Politics Watch: Pacific leaders are heading to Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with a longer agenda shaped by geopolitics, transnational crime and economic pressures, while Taiwan’s return to the forum is also in focus.