Gold Ridge Mine Disaster: Police in Honiara say they’ve recovered the first body from the Gold Ridge gold mine landslide near Honiara, with search and recovery continuing and officials warning it’s too early to confirm how many people remain buried. Mining Reform: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the government is pushing a major mineral sector overhaul, including seven amendments to the Mineral Resources Bill and a planned sovereign wealth fund to turn mining revenue into long-term services. Maritime Security: The Solomon Islands government has signed the U.S. Shiprider maritime law-enforcement agreement aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane, but the deal has sparked sharp opposition claims about sovereignty and foreign influence; the cutter arrived ahead of the signing. Bina Harbour Push: Wale says a U.S. assessment team is due in late August to help move the Bina Harbour Project in Malaita from concept to a development-ready, “bankable” package. UXO Clearance Funding: The U.S. will add US$6m (SBD$50m) for unexploded ordnance clearance, with the government signing a release to bypass regulatory bottlenecks and scale up local contractor involvement. Digital Payments Upgrade: BSP says it’s rolling out upgraded 4G EFTPoS terminals across the Pacific, with Solomon Islands listed for continued upgrades this year. Rural Jobs & Trade: Australia and Keto Seaweed Farm (Isabel Province) have partnered to expand seaweed production, including storage, equipment, and improved accommodation for workers. Public Finance: CBSI reports improved June results, with higher revenue collection and lower spending lifting the provisional operating surplus and reducing debt stock slightly. Health Policy Training: Solomon Islands’ Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office launched its 2026 tobacco control training programme via webinars, drawing 900+ professionals across the WHO Western Pacific region. Culture & Tourism: Solomon Islands opened its second national museum, the Namba Wan Haus Museum in Tulagi, to preserve heritage and boost research and visitor learning.