Deep-Sea Mining Push vs. Local Voices: CNMI and regional groups are urging Gov. David Apatang to ask the U.S. to halt or suspend Marianas deep-sea mining lease steps, warning the ocean is not a “sacrifice zone” and calling for real public participation before any Dec. 16 sale. Micronesian Forum Momentum: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders backed stronger regional positions on oceans, fisheries, deep-sea minerals, and marine pollution—while also spotlighting climate-resilient reefs and ocean sovereignty. Climate-Resilient Schools: A new EU-UNICEF program will help Pacific governments upgrade schools so they can keep operating during and after disasters, including safer water and sanitation, renewable power, and training for teachers. Education Under Pressure: Pacific education leaders say heavy workloads, staffing gaps, absenteeism, and limited resources are stressing teachers—hurting learning and pushing wellbeing to the center of education planning. Community & Culture: A Guinness-record Twin Towers build at Micronesia Mall is powering hunger relief for hundreds of children, while local groups also keep pushing culture-forward initiatives like traditional navigation being recognized as living heritage. Citizenship & Rights Watch: A court block on a U.S. birthright citizenship order leaves Guam’s situation in focus, with island leaders warning the legal foundation for territories can be thinner than residents realize.