Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Palau President Surangel Whipps renewed calls for a moratorium and precautionary pause at the International Seabed Authority, arguing the deep ocean is “common heritage” and invoking bul to protect resources. US Auction Controversy: A US plan to auction seabed areas near Pacific territories has sparked anger over “no consultations,” with leaders warning of threats to food security and ocean livelihoods. Shipping Emissions Funding: Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu urged the IMO to make the Net-Zero Fund a “functional requirement” so the shipping transition doesn’t leave small states behind. Local Infrastructure: Palau’s Office of the President recommends Airai for the new Belau National Hospital, while lawmakers question whether the site study justifies the move; meanwhile CIP clarified Malakal sewage pipeline damage details and said repairs are complete. Health & Food Security: Koa Moana 26 dental outreach in Koror drew far more demand than expected (about 150 patients/day). Palau also advanced school nutrition via a School Chef Cooking Competition using locally grown produce, and PCS pushed home gardening and composting through its “Grow Local for a Healthy Palau” workshops. Biosecurity & Aquaculture: A donated microchip scanner will help verify pet records for imports/exports, and PCC-CRE reported rabbitfish brood-stock spawned naturally for the first time, boosting local breeding capacity. Sports: Guam swept Palau in both men’s and women’s Oceania Volleyball matches, setting up key semifinal and placement outcomes.