Guam–China Security Tension: FSM President David Panuelo urged Solomon Islands PM Manasseh Sogavare to reconsider a proposed security deal with China, warning it could make the Pacific an “epicentre” of great-power confrontation. Military Buildup, Local Planning: On Guam, Joint Task Force Micronesia commander Rear Adm. Joshua Lasky said the U.S. Department of Defense views Guam’s proposed economic adjustment committee as “not necessary yet,” even as Marines are expected to come and the military footprint grows. Veterans’ Health Access: A new GAO report says VA care gaps persist for veterans in the Freely Associated States, with no VA facilities locally and costly travel to Guam or Hawaii; VA is moving toward limited expansion like reimbursement, telehealth, and travel benefits. Environment vs. Military Practice: Eighteen community groups filed a Supreme Court amicus brief urging the Air Force to follow environmental and community engagement rules for open detonation of dangerous explosives, citing contamination risks on Guam. Climate & Ocean Governance: Pacific leaders at a virtual island summit pushed for stronger collaboration and finance on climate adaptation and ocean governance, highlighting Guam’s circular-economy and food-security efforts. Regional Health Funding: WHO and partners unveiled a Western Pacific Pandemic Fund project to strengthen surveillance and emergency response across 12 countries, including Palau. Medicaid Shockwaves (US, incl. COFA): New federal Medicaid eligibility rules are already taking effect, with thousands of lawfully present immigrants in multiple states losing coverage; COFA-related groups (Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands) are among those affected or carved out depending on status.