Solomon Islands Power Shift: Matthew Wale has been sworn in after winning a 26–22 parliamentary vote, moving fast to complete a full 24-member Cabinet and promising “discipline and prudent management” as the country navigates tough politics and global pressure. Dolphin Trade Crackdown: In a last-minute reversal before the handover, the caretaker government lifted then reinstated a ban on live dolphin exports—now framed by Wale as protecting fisheries standards and the tuna industry’s reputation. Infrastructure Push: Construction at the Santa Cruz (Lata) New Terminal Building is about 70% complete, while Australia-backed programs are training local construction leaders to raise on-site management and quality. Energy Deal: The Solomon Islands Electricity Authority and ADB have signed a transaction advisory agreement for the first large-scale grid-connected solar project in Honiara, aiming to cut heavy diesel dependence. Regional Geopolitics: The Pacific Islands Forum heads to Palau in late August, with leaders meeting under a theme of building economies—set against intensifying China–US competition across the Indo-Pacific.