Broadband Upgrade Handover: China-aided national broadband infrastructure for Solomon Islands was officially handed over in Tenaru, with coverage rising from 56% to 86% via 161 3G/4G base stations across all nine provinces. Public Health Breakthrough: A world-first scabies control push using nationwide ivermectin mass treatment cut scabies rates in Solomon Islands from 23.2% to 3.9% after two rounds, with Fiji also seeing major declines. Aviation Infrastructure Progress: SIRAP2 is driving major works at Henderson International Airport, including the Aviation Complex Building and the Air Traffic Control Tower, both nearing completion. Digital Payments Update: BSP Cook Islands’ upgraded 4G EFTPoS terminals are speeding transactions, and the bank says similar upgrades will continue in Solomon Islands this year. Heritage & Museums: Tulagi opened the Nambawan Haus Museum, positioning it as a flagship heritage tourism and learning site. Road Works: Honiara’s Hot Bread roundabout road upgrade is in its final finishing stage after asphalt paving was completed. Safety Clarification: Police academy site works at Rove were geotechnical investigations only, with no immediate evictions planned. Marine Conservation Plan: Solomon Islands joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) initiative to expand transboundary marine protected areas. Mining Incident: More than 10 people are reported missing after a Gold Ridge Mining Limited ground collapse, with the area kept out of bounds pending engineering assessment.