Solomon Islands leadership shake-up: Matthew Wale has been elected prime minister after a no-confidence vote ousted Jeremiah Manele, winning 26–22 in a secret ballot and promising “change” while urging Solomon Islanders to stay united amid global geopolitical pressure. Wale has previously criticised China’s 2022 security deal, though he now says he will review it before deciding what to do. Energy and power: The Solomon Islands Electricity Authority and the Asian Development Bank have signed on for the country’s first large-scale grid-connected solar PV project for Honiara, aiming to cut heavy diesel dependence (98% of generation) and assess whether battery storage is needed. Pacific economic pressure: The World Bank warns growth across Pacific island states is slipping, with 2026 forecast around 2.8–under 3%, as Middle East-linked fuel and shipping costs hit import-dependent economies. Business on the ground: SICCI welcomed a move to relocate east Honiara buses away from the Central Market to ease congestion and improve trade flow. Environment and protection: PNG is pushing a major “no-take” marine protected area under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, while new research shows whale sharks travel far across Indo-Pacific waters.