Port Development: Ngatpang State has conveyed 404,369 square meters of reclaimed land and adjacent waters to the national government for a proposed multipurpose port supporting fisheries, aquaculture and tourism, with the handover witnessed by President Surangel Whipps Jr. Water Safety: Palau’s Ministry of Health ordered a recall of Ralm Bottled Water and Palm Spring Bottled Water after bacteriological contamination was found in routine testing, urging consumers and businesses to stop using the brands. Banking Oversight: The Financial Institutions Commission ran a three-day training to strengthen bank supervision, focusing on risk-based examinations and off-site monitoring. Government Compliance: EY delivered training for about 40 Palau government and nonprofit auditees on federal compliance requirements and updates to Uniform Guidance and GASB standards. Business Skills & AI: Palau SBDC expanded community training for women, farmers and small businesses, teaching practical AI use alongside financial recordkeeping. Climate Watch: Forecasters say Palau faces a very high chance of unusually dry conditions from September through November as El Niño strengthens. Regional Unity & Security: Palau is preparing to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with unity tested by disagreements over how to respond to China’s recent missile test; ministers also backed new AI and safer digital space principles. Maritime Tensions: Palau officials again raised concerns after a Chinese research vessel entered Palau’s EEZ uninvited, while Australia joined a US-led call for at least 24 hours’ notice of missile launches.