Roadworks Disrupt Honiara CBD: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development warns of traffic delays along Mendana Avenue from Hot Bread roundabout to the Honiara City Council roundabout, with lane closures and shifting works through July 2026. Local Procurement Pressure: Pacific bidding rules are sidelining local firms, with “tick-box” qualification criteria and high turnover/personnel demands making it hard for companies like Hatanga Ltd to win donor-funded infrastructure contracts. Mining & Jobs: Gold Ridge Mining Limited welcomed Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale, reiterating Gold Ridge’s role in taxes/royalties and long-term economic benefits. US Investment Framework: The Solomon Islands and the United States signed an Investment Incentive Agreement in Honiara, enabling DFC-backed private capital for infrastructure, ICT connectivity and energy. Agriculture Support: SIART is rolling out an Environmental Code of Practice with ABPOs, including piggery projects in Malaita, to manage environmental and social risks. Regional Security & Trade: PNG PM Marape says Lombrum is a sovereign PNG base despite Australia stepping up presence; meanwhile the Quad plans a Fiji port push, raising Pacific geopolitics questions. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons’ 50+ years of PATA membership was honoured, and Honiara’s Aelan Riddim Festival returns with artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu.