Pacific Islands Forum turmoil in Palau: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale cut short his trip and left Koror after a no-confidence motion was filed against him at home by Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga, while several other leaders also pulled out, leaving key seats empty as the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting gets underway under the “B.E.L.A.U.” theme. Governance and pay questions: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare demanded answers over Attorney-General Gabriel Suri’s reported $35,000 fortnightly pay, asking what law authorised the package and why it is far higher than the PM’s basic salary. Housing hit by court action: Families in Lungga say they are left homeless after homes were demolished following enforcement of a High Court order over a disputed land parcel, with residents calling for urgent government shelter support. Mining law stakes: The Bills and Legislation Committee warned Guadalcanal landowners that proposed Mineral Resources Bill amendments could significantly change mining rules, including potential state participation and impacts on existing mining interests. Press freedom concerns: Transparency Solomon Islands condemned police questioning of investigative journalist Gina Maka’a and alleged intimidation of whistleblowers following a raid on In-depth Solomon Islands. Taiwan returns to PIF: Palau is allowing Taiwan participation again after last year’s exclusion, drawing Beijing’s objections and highlighting intensifying geopolitics around the forum.