Pacific diplomacy: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale met Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape in Port Moresby, signing a five-year Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030) covering trade, investment, infrastructure, security and regional engagement, with both leaders also discussing mining reforms and Pacific stability. Regional security debate: Australia’s Pacific affairs minister Pat Conroy says strategic competition with China is “permanent,” while stressing Pacific countries should choose their own paths; he also pointed to Australia’s Solomon Islands road partnership that requires local company participation. OFC Women’s Champions League (Honiara): Henderson Eels (hosts) and other teams are set for the tournament’s kick-off, with coaches and captains outlining ambitions ahead of group matches at the National Stadium. Local economy & farming: East Guadalcanal cocoa and copra farmers praise CEMA for rural buying points that cut transport costs and help improve earnings. Health & training: Australia-backed waste management training prepares staff for the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, while 29 health and emergency responders completed disaster rehabilitation training at NRH. Climate pressure: Honiara markets report reduced slippery cabbage supplies as El Niño-driven dry weather suppresses harvests.