Port & Safety Updates: The U.S. Coast Guard reset Port Heavy Weather Condition WHISKEY for Saipan, reopening the Port of Saipan to 24/7 commercial traffic from 9 a.m. ChST July 8, while crews keep clearing hazards like a displaced buoy and damaged day boards. Marine Warnings (Palau): NEMO issued a Small Craft Warning for Kayangel and Angaur and a Small Craft Advisory for the rest of Palau, urging boaters to avoid rough conditions and residents to secure loose items and stay off coasts during bad weather. Budget & Utilities: President Whipps signed Palau’s FY2026 supplemental budget, funding the Belau Games and loan payments but cutting proposed increases to Congress and reducing PPUC subsidy funding. Development Finance: ADB approved $12.5 million for Palau to strengthen fiscal resilience and public financial management, with support for shocks from extreme weather. Belau Games: The Belau Games open July 9 (Belau Constitutional Day) and run July 9–19, adding badminton for the first time. Disability Rights Milestone: Palau’s Congress honored Villaney “Lany” Remengesau after her election to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Culture & Education: Angaur Elementary School will serve as custodian for Angaur’s newly transferred archaeological artifacts under Palau’s first school-based archaeological exhibition. Regional Security Watch: Pacific leaders reacted to China’s short-notice missile test in the region, with Solomon Islands PM Wale calling it “not the act of a friend.” Maritime Security: IMO leaders warned piracy is rising again off Somalia and Yemen, urging action for the release of 44 seafarers held by pirates.**