Palau Budget Watch: Palau lawmakers are nearing a compromise on the long-delayed supplemental budget after two days of Senate–House conference talks, with a final vote expected soon and President Whipps’ signature still required; the package would cover electricity subsidies, boosts for school operations and public safety, and funding for the Belau Games. Cybersecurity & Governance: Palau is testing post-quantum encryption gear to harden government systems after major breaches and a surge in scams and phishing, with a proof of concept funded at no cost by a U.S. firm and officials aiming for full rollout before the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. Courts & Public Safety: The Palau Supreme Court sentenced Burton Wenty to 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine for repeat methamphetamine possession. Regional Governance: Pacific Islands Forum Troika leaders met in Suva to push reforms to keep regional institutions “fit for purpose” ahead of the Palau-hosted leaders’ meeting in September. Traditional Leadership: Koror’s House of Traditional Leaders installed a new Ngerkebesang chief (Espangel Johnny Debedebk Esebei), leaving only one hamlet title still vacant. Environment: Scientists confirmed a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak in Koror’s Ngederrak Conservation Area, urging urgent monitoring and community action to protect coral reefs. Maritime Humanitarian Crisis: International maritime states renewed calls for action over the deteriorating conditions aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT HONOUR 25, where 17 crew have been held since April.