Local Business: Raju’s Restaurant has opened a new Lautoka branch on Vakabale Street, opposite the bus station, investing about $85,000 to expand its Indian and Chinese menu across Fiji and reward early customers with a complimentary palau plate. Palau Governance: Palau’s Office of the Attorney General is installing a dedicated computer to let the public access the sex offender registry on-site, while lawmakers continue to press for clarity on when the required online database will go live. Health Infrastructure: The Office of the President has recommended Airai for Palau’s new Belau National Hospital, but some members of Congress are questioning whether the $2.3m site-selection study gave enough detail to justify relocating from Koror. Deep-Sea Mining: President Surangel Whipps Jr. renewed Palau’s call for a moratorium and precautionary pause on deep-sea mining at the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica, arguing protection should come before short-term gains. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test, with New Zealand accusing some members of siding with “outsiders,” leaving the issue for leaders in Palau. Digital Connectivity: Australia says all 18 PIF members are now connected to the global undersea cable network, including reliability upgrades supported for Palau. Women & Coastal Restoration: Four Palau states launched the Kiwa Initiative Women’s Work Project, unlocking nearly $195,000 for women-led coastal restoration and food security while renewing the Dmakeiukl partnership.