Third-country deportations: A new international investigation says the U.S. has deported at least 25,447 migrants to “third countries” under agreements involving about US$410 million in planned funding, with Mexico receiving roughly 20,000. Pacific diplomacy at UNGA81: Pacific Islands Forum leaders, led by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, are heading to the UN General Assembly with a united push on climate change, ocean governance, development finance and sea-level rise, including support for the Pacific Resilience Facility targeting US$500 million. Palau-Taiwan education push: Palau is expanding Mandarin classes taught by Taiwan-linked teachers, aiming to improve return rates of graduates who otherwise often study in the U.S. Tourism trade for Palau and neighbours: PTI Australia appointed Ben Urquhart as Senior North Pacific tourism advisor to help package and sell Palau, FSM, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Nauru through Australian channels. Health supply strain in Palau: Palau’s health system reports 48% of needed medicines, medical supplies and lab materials are out of stock due to overseas supplier disruptions and price spikes. Conservation finance: SPREP and Conservation International signed a five-year MOU to accelerate Pacific-led nature conservation and climate resilience, including conservation finance and community-led solutions. Palau legal staffing: Palau’s Ministry of Justice is recruiting four Assistant Attorneys General for civil and criminal divisions. Business licensing: Palau’s ABC board approved multiple alcohol license applications, including upgrades and new openings.