Deep-Sea Mining: Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. renewed calls for a moratorium and precautionary pause at the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica, urging protection of the deep ocean first and invoking Palau’s traditional bul. Health & Community: Taiwan’s 16-member GRACE Practicum youth team wrapped up a 14-day public health mission in Palau with free screenings for diabetes, oral health, and chronic disease, building on long-running Taiwan-Palau medical cooperation. Food & Lifestyle: Palau Conservation Society’s “Grow Local for a Healthy Palau” workshop series drew 50+ participants, with the latest session focusing on compost, soil, and portion-size nutrition to support healthier home gardening. Sports: Team Palau started strong at the 2026 Oceania Volleyball Championships in Guam—women won twice and men notched their first win—setting up another key match against host Guam. Culture & Local Skills: A new School Chef Cooking Competition in Palau, backed by Taiwan Technical Mission, PCAA, and JICA, trained school chefs to use locally grown produce for healthier, child-friendly meals. Aquaculture: PCC-CRE hatchery reported a rabbitfish breeding milestone—brood-stock spawned naturally for the first time, supporting local fingerling supply. Regional Security: Reports say U.S. Pacific Command is considering moving a major infrastructure investment away from Yap after negotiation disputes, underscoring how big-power competition keeps reshaping Pacific life. Diplomacy: Palau appointed Taiwanese scholar Chen Kai-siang as a special adviser to the health and human services minister to help coordinate medical resources and public health policy.