Pacific Islands Forum turmoil in Palau: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale cancelled his appearance after a no-confidence motion filed by Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga, who says Wale acted without proper Cabinet consultation; Maelanga denies being offered the PM post and says he only moved the motion, with Peter Kenilorea Jr and Rick Hou to represent SI. Geopolitics at the summit: Leaders are set to tackle drug crime, renewable energy, food security and climate change, but Taiwan–China tensions are spilling into the agenda as Palau invites Taiwan’s diplomats and China protests. SME finance boost in Honiara: Government has reopened the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme, with CBSI noting collateral shortfalls block bigger loans; the scheme is backed by an $18m guarantee to help MSMEs start or expand. Women’s poultry production grows: SIART support is helping Gold Ridge women farmers expand broiler capacity and sell birds after six weeks. Energy and local infrastructure: China-funded RSDP delivered 400 solar street lights worth $1.5m to East Honiara communities, and a second-phase mini solar cooperation agreement was signed. Land and mining pressure: Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee warns Guadalcanal landowners that Mineral Resources Bill amendments could significantly change mining rules, including State participation, prompting petitions for more consultation. Community impacts: Lungga homes were demolished under a High Court order, leaving at least 10 households homeless and calling for urgent shelter support. Conservation momentum: WCS says consultations are complete for the Kavachi Seascape National Park plan in Marovo Lagoon, with communities backing protection from overfishing and deep-sea mining.