Public Finance & Pacific Games: A special audit into the 2023 Pacific Games procurement found “serious” failures by the National Hosting Authority, including poor budget control over 16 procurement samples worth SBD$222.4m, missing approved budgets for over half the sample value, weak procurement and record-keeping, and concerns like bypassed competition and inadequate conflict-of-interest controls. Rennell Bauxite Probe: The Attorney General’s update on 33 bauxite shipments from Rennell Island says key export records (2019–2021) are missing or incomplete, there are no Central Bank records of royalty payments despite company claims, refinery certificates/assay reports can’t be found, and customs documentation remains incomplete. Malaria Drive: Health officials launched Solomon Islands’ National Roadmap for Malaria Elimination 2026–2040, targeting elimination by 2038 and WHO certification by 2040, with leaders saying progress is still achievable despite constraints. Sports (OFC Champions League): Central Coast FC are one win away from history, facing Auckland City FC in the OFC Men’s Champions League final in Fiji after a run of victories including a dramatic extra-time semi-final win. Governance (Tax Policy): The GREAT Government released a draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028 for public consultation, outlining proposed tax priorities and inviting feedback. Regional ties: Japan’s ruling party policy chief said there’s room for closer Japan-Pacific economic cooperation as China’s influence grows.