Maritime Safety & Defence: Australia’s HMAS Leeuwin is working with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force on a five-week hydrographic survey around the Siassi Islands to improve nautical charts and safer navigation. Infrastructure Upgrade (Honiara): The Honiara Road upgrade between Hot Bread Kitchen and HCC Roundabout is in its final stage, with asphalt paving finished and final works underway before early-next-week opening. Mining Safety Crisis (Gold Ridge): A landslide at the Gold Ridge gold mine on Guadalcanal has killed at least one person, with police and mine staff still searching after reports of 10+ missing; authorities point to illegal miners entering restricted areas and are urging the public to stay clear. Business & Labour Reform: The GREAT Coalition is holding consultations to modernise Solomon Islands business, immigration and labour rules, including e-passports/visas and changes to foreign investment and wage policy. Ports & Regional Influence (Bina Harbour): The U.S. is in advanced talks to help finance Bina Harbour, with an assessment team expected by late August to move the project toward a development-ready package. Agribusiness Grants: MALD has handed over SBD 1.34m in grants to four indigenous enterprises to boost downstream processing and farmer-to-market access. Women in Leadership: WELSI’s Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program (8th delivery) is underway in Honiara to build pathways into CEO and board roles. Seaweed Jobs (Isabel): Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm have signed a partnership to expand seaweed production, storage, equipment and support for workers. UXO Clearance Boost: The U.S. has added US$6m to Solomon Islands UXO clearance, with government saying it has signed a release to speed up operations.