Super Typhoon Bavi: Bavi has intensified to Category 5 with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and could peak near 175 mph before a slow weakening. The projected track shifted slightly south, putting Rota and Tinian in the crosshairs, with typhoon-force winds spreading across the Marianas even if the eye doesn’t directly hit. Banking Continuity: Bank of Hawai‘i will temporarily close its Guam and Saipan branches from Monday, July 6, while keeping its Palau branch open; call centers and online/mobile banking remain available. Local Readiness: Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have entered Condition of Readiness 3, with shelters ordered and officials urging residents and businesses to use the remaining fair-weather hours to secure homes and supplies. Palau Court & Fisheries: Palau’s Supreme Court settlement has freed the Indonesian fishing vessel Sinar Arindo-6 after nearly four months, but one crew member died in custody. Cyber & Public Safety: Palau is moving to strengthen government cybersecurity after recent breaches, including a proof of concept using post-quantum encryption devices ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting. Budget Watch: Palau lawmakers are nearing a compromise on a long-delayed supplemental budget that would fund electricity subsidies, school operations, public safety, and the Belau Games. Reef Health: Scientists have confirmed a crown-of-thorns starfish outbreak in Koror’s Ngederrak Conservation Area, prompting calls for urgent monitoring and community action. Telecom Disruption: A fiber cut in Guam disrupted Palau Mobile and Palau Telcom services, with BSCC’s network unaffected and service later restored. Health Alert: Palau’s Ministry of Health confirmed a whooping cough (pertussis) case in Koror and is urging vaccination checks and vigilance. Regional Governance: Forum Troika leaders, including Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., are pushing regional reforms ahead of the Palau-hosted Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting.