Diplomacy & Tourism: Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. reiterated strong support for Taiwan during Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s visit, arguing Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic values deserve international recognition. Sports & Community: The 2026 Belau Games are leaning on a growing volunteer force, training locals in event management, media, officiating and logistics while opening sports-career pathways. Baseball Friendship: Palauan teams swept two of three games in the Taiwan–Palau Baseball Goodwill Series at Asahi Field, mixing competition with long-running people-to-people ties. Regional Sports Spotlight: Palau’s 2025 Pacific Mini Games hosting success earned praise at the ONOC annual assembly in Auckland. Arts & Culture (Local Interest): A Palau-linked whaling survival story is getting new attention in a newly released book, “The Wreck of the Mentor,” drawing fresh interest in the island’s maritime past. Volcano of News Elsewhere: A deadly 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings and major damage across the region.