Deep-Sea Mining Push: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. renewed calls for a moratorium and precautionary pause at the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica, warning the deep ocean is “common heritage” and urging stronger safeguards over short-term gains. Local Infrastructure Clarity: The Office of Capital Infrastructure Projects corrected earlier reporting on Malakal’s damaged sewage pipeline, saying it was not beneath Minatobashi Bridge; PPUC says repairs were completed July 30 and the swimming ban has been lifted. Health & Community Services: Koa Moana 26 dental outreach in Koror drew far more demand than expected, with U.S. Marine Corps teams treating 351 patients and delivering 1,014 procedures by day four. Hospital Site Debate: The Office of the President recommends Airai for the new Belau National Hospital, but lawmakers are questioning whether the study’s scope and information are enough to justify relocation. Biosecurity Upgrade: Osebelel a Charm Animal Care donated a microchip scanner to Palau’s Division of Biosecurity, supporting pet ID and vaccination record checks for imports and exports. Food Systems & Skills: Taiwan Technical Mission, PCAA, and JICA ran Palau’s first School Chef Cooking Competition to boost school meals using locally grown produce. Aquaculture Milestone: PCC-CRE hatchery reported natural rabbitfish brood-stock spawning for the first time, supporting local fingerling supply. Energy Project Move: Solar Pacific’s Palau solar-plus-BESS augmentation is being financed via AIFFP/EFA/DFAT, with legal teams advising on the expanded hybrid system. Shipping Emissions Policy: Palau joined other Pacific states urging the IMO Net-Zero Fund as a “functional requirement” for mid-term shipping emissions measures.