Storm Readiness: Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands raised alerts to Condition of Readiness 3 as Typhoon Bavi nears, with governors urging residents and businesses to use remaining fair-weather hours to secure homes, gather supplies, and finalize storm plans. Maritime Safety & Hostage Crisis: The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment chair warned of a worsening humanitarian situation aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT HONOUR 25, where 17 crew have been held for over two months after a hijacking; reports say food is down to rice and drinking water is unsafe. Reef Protection: Marine scientists confirmed a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak in Koror’s Ngederrak Conservation Area, prompting calls for urgent monitoring and community action to protect coral ecosystems. Local Agriculture & Food Security: The Palau Livestock Association held a forum at Ngetmeduch Park focused on food security, agritourism, and strengthening local piggery and poultry production. Telecom Buildout: PNCC is advancing Palau’s biggest network upgrade, replacing mobile infrastructure and rolling out $34.9m fiber-to-the-premises under the U.S. ReConnect program. Aquaculture Growth: Palau opened its first community-managed satellite giant clam hatchery to boost reef restoration and create sustainable livelihoods. Media Capacity for PIF: A Palau-hosted PIF Reporter Workshop trained journalists and media teams ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.