Cyber & Governance: Palau is moving to shore up government cybersecurity after recent breaches and scam/phishing surges, with a proof of concept funded at no cost by U.S. firm Forward Edge-AI testing post-quantum encryption and defensive tech ahead of full deployment targeted before the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. Budget & Services: Palau’s Senate and House of Delegates are close to agreeing on a long-delayed supplemental budget after two days of conference talks, with a final vote expected soon; the package includes residential electricity subsidies, more school operations funding, public safety boosts and support for the Belau Games. Disaster Readiness & Finance: As Super Typhoon Bavi strengthens toward the Marianas, Guam and CNMI are in Condition of Readiness 3 and Bank of Hawai‘i will temporarily close its Guam and Saipan branches from July 6, while keeping Palau’s Koror branch open. Maritime Justice: An Indonesian fishing vessel, Sinar Arindo-6, has finally left Palau after a Supreme Court settlement freed the ship and 28 crew, but one crew member died in the process, renewing scrutiny of how foreign fishermen are treated during maritime disputes. Reef & Food Security: Scientists confirmed a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak in Koror’s Ngederrak Conservation Area, prompting calls for urgent monitoring and community action. Blue Economy & Livelihoods: Palau is expanding giant clam farming, including a community-managed satellite hatchery in Koror aimed at restoring reefs and creating livelihood opportunities, especially for women shifting from wild harvesting to aquaculture. Connectivity: A Guam underground fiber cut disrupted Palau internet and mobile services for some customers, but BSCC said its network was unaffected and service was restored after rerouting. Regional Security: Forum Troika leaders, including Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., are pushing regional governance reforms ahead of the Palau-hosted PIF Leaders’ Meeting, while Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale backs a Pacific-wide security agreement.