Marshall Islands Emergency Response: The Marshall Islands government declared a 90-day state of emergency after a fast-moving fire on Ebeye left more than 100 people homeless and destroyed key homes and businesses, with emergency powers and funding to speed recovery. Clean Shipping for the Pacific: Seven Pacific transport ministers signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership in Majuro, aiming to coordinate a fair shift to low-carbon shipping, modern fleets, and climate-resilient ports across Oceania. COP31 Pacific Climate Leadership: The Pacific Islands Forum formally appointed Marshall Islands’ Kristina Eonemto Stege (Oceania/1.5°C), PNG’s Ruel Yamuna (climate finance), and Fiji’s Inia Seruiratu (ocean protection) to elevate regional priorities at COP31. Gulf Shipping Strain and Seafarer Safety: A peace deal is said to ease conditions for thousands of seafarers trapped near the Strait of Hormuz, but reports also show continued attacks and near-zero visible traffic during peak operational pressure. Local Governance & Skills: A U.S. performance audit links population out-migration and economic decline to staffing shortages that are raising costs for schools and medical services in the Marshall Islands and other Micronesian states. Coral Research in Majuro: Woods Hole scientists used an unmanned surface “dive buddy” robot to revisit reefs as record marine heat waves drive widespread coral bleaching and uncertain recovery. Corporate Shipping Moves: Euroseas announced orders for two additional 1,800 TEU feeder containerships, signaling continued fleet modernization in a tight market.