Regional Sports & Community Pride: Palau’s men’s volleyball team booked a 2027 Pacific Games berth in Tahiti after a key win over American Samoa at the Oceania Zonal Volleyball Championship in Guam, while Palau’s women showed promise and referees earned certification. Local Education & Youth Sports: The Department of Education says the Athletics Office is gone, with sports now under the Secondary Division and ASHAA, but FY2027 has no sports-event funding—so DOE is seeking help from businesses and NGOs while parents wait for a schedule. School Readiness: DOE’s Tautua Wellness Program is pushing repairs, maintenance, and clean-up across campuses ahead of the Aug. 24 school start, with most schools about 85% ready. Public Safety: Lupelele Elementary’s crosswalk issue is back in focus as a faipule urges a raised, marked crossing after years of delays and past incidents. Health & Inclusion: A new Samoa Otisi Society is getting a boost after a Paint and Audio car show raised $30,350 to support families raising autistic and neurodivergent children. Environment & Policy: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting is underway in Samoa, with leaders reviewing Pacific environmental priorities amid climate, biodiversity loss, and pollution pressures. Church Voice on Deep-Sea Mining: Bishops of the Pacific urge caution on deep-sea mining, warning that lack of certainty can’t justify proceeding without due care—especially as concerns include waters around American Samoa. Immigration Changes Loom: The Senate approved a 12-month moratorium on American Samoa’s special immigration provision, limiting new approvals to ASG or federal sponsors, while related Immigration Board confirmations are on hold.