Pacific Banking Watch: Pacific leaders met in Majuro to push ahead with a project to protect correspondent banking links, a key lifeline for payments, trade, tourism and remittances, with a focus on anti-money laundering, payment systems support and resilience planning. Drug Crime Fallout: Two Samoan men have been charged in Australia after AFP seized a record 2.7 tonnes of cocaine hidden in underground bunkers in Londonderry, with police alleging the drugs were imported via North Queensland and tied to an organised crime network. Media & Culture Links: Tavuli News signed a cooperation deal with Guizhou Today Convergent Media Group to boost journalism exchanges, joint reporting and training between Solomon Islands and China’s Guizhou Province. Film Challenge: Solomon Islands will take part in the inaugural People of the Pasifika 48-Hour Film Challenge, with local teams selected by Tavuli News ahead of a September regional competition. Health & Training: Australia-backed waste management training has prepared staff for the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, while 29 health and emergency responders completed disaster rehabilitation training at NRH. Local Economy & Food: CEMA support is helping rural copra and cocoa farmers cut costs through local buying points, and Honiara markets report fewer slippery cabbage supplies as El Niño-driven dry weather bites. Sports Spotlight: The OFC Women’s Champions League is underway in Honiara, with Henderson Eels hosting and teams from across the Pacific chasing the title. Regional Diplomacy: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea signed a five-year framework agreement for development and economic cooperation, covering trade, infrastructure, security and regional engagement.