OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara: The tournament is underway with Auckland United FC starting their title defence in style, while Henderson Eels FC and other clubs hold high hopes at home and across the Pacific. Regional football build-up: Ba FC Women’s faced a last-minute travel snag after 119 bags failed to arrive, forcing players to share kit as they prepare for their opener. Sports beyond football: Solomon Islands Chess Federation is pushing chess participation beyond Honiara with a free Gizo mini tournament this weekend. Agriculture and cost pressures: Copra and cocoa farmers in East Guadalcanal and West Guadalcanal say CEMA’s rural buying points and support are cutting transport costs and improving earnings. Health and services: A Chinese medical team at NRH carried out a successful minimally invasive kidney stone surgery, while Australia-backed waste-management training is helping staff prepare for the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre. Climate impacts: Honiara shoppers report slippery cabbage shortages as the prolonged dry season and El Niño suppress harvests. Pacific diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale and PNG PM James Marape signed a five-year development and economic framework, with talks also touching trade, security and regional cooperation. Maritime focus: Solomon Islands marked International Day of the Seafarer with renewed calls for maritime investment and workforce development.