Palau Politics & Courts: Palau House Speaker Sabino Anastacio was charged with misconduct in public office and violating the Unified Tax Act, tied to alleged failure to obtain a business license for a Chinese-linked land lease deal connected to a proposed Wyndham Globat Resort in Aimeliik. Ngerulmud Governance: A supplemental budget fight between President Surangel Whipps Jr. and the Olbiil Era Kelulau escalated into retaliatory line-item cuts after the Senate denied Whipps’ office request, leaving the president’s office without the proposed increase. Pacific Security: China’s July 6 submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile test sparked renewed regional alarm, with Palau President Surangel Whipps warning it landed “right between our EEZs,” as Pacific leaders and analysts push for stronger Pacific-led security. Forum Prep in Palau: With the 55th Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting about 51 days away, Palau officials say security planning is underway and accommodation is being coordinated, including calls for residents to list rooms. U.S. Migration & Service: Two more third-country nationals arrived in Palau under the Palau-U.S. migration agreement, while the Peace Corps returned after an eight-year absence to place nine volunteers teaching English literacy in elementary schools.