Territory of the United States in Micronesia
The Sunshine Protection Act has passed the House to make daylight saving time permanent in most of the United States. Senate consideration is uncertain and health experts warn permanent DST could disrupt sleep, while some communities push for permanent standard time. The decision hinges on balancing public health, regional impacts, and the logistics of time-zone alignment.
China’s coast guard activities and disputed claims in the South China Sea continue to heighten regional tensions. The United States and Philippines reaffirm support for freedom of navigation as ASEAN accelerates talks on a binding code of conduct. New rules around Scarborough Shoal and demonstrations of maritime enforcement are intensifying the arguments over sovereignty and security in the region.
The Jones Act remains a focal point as critics argue the century‑old protectionist law has left US shipbuilding underdeveloped. New data show only 92 Jones Act‑eligible vessels and a shrinking domestic fleet, while costs to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and other ports remain high.
Families and lawmakers have raised alarms about living conditions and mental health aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been continuously at sea since November and has not made a port call for more than 240 days. Reports have cited food shortages, plumbing failures, water contamination and multiple attempted overboard incidents; senators have asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for answers.
President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders that narrow who can claim birthright citizenship, targeting birth tourism and expanding exclusions for certain foreign-affiliated parents. The measures follow a June Supreme Court ruling that struck down a broader Trump effort; legal experts and critics say the new orders will face immediate court challenges.
The US plans to auction exploration licenses for seabed blocks near Pacific territories, drawing opposition from island leaders who warn of consultations gaps and ecological risks. Territorial governments seek clarity and a temporary ban amid concerns over food security and fisheries. Norfolk Island participates in Australia’s census as governance adapts.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has made a brief port call at Laem Chabang, Thailand, allowing about 5,000 sailors and Marines to rest after a record, months-long deployment supporting US operations against Iran. Thai authorities are managing transport, security and restrictions in Pattaya while US officials deny widespread failures in shipboard conditions.
Pacific Islands Forum opens in Palau as Beijing objects to Taiwan’s attendance. Pacific leaders press for autonomy in agenda; China warns of consequences. Taiwan’s foreign minister attends, sparking diplomatic friction.
The USS Lincoln has arrived in Thai waters after a record-breaking deployment of 286 days at sea, amid reports of crew stress and food shortages. Sailors are heading home as another port stop nears, while vendors and locals in Pattaya react to the visit.
US ambassador to China David Perdue has said President Donald Trump asked Xi Jinping whether China would like to buy US weapons. The State Department has reiterated that US law prohibits arms sales to China and there is no plan to sell. The comments come as Washington has paused a roughly $14bn arms package to Taiwan.
Trudy has strengthened and is moving toward the southwestern and west-central Pacific coast of Mexico. Authorities have issued hurricane warnings from Manzanillo to Cabo Corrientes. The center of Trudy is forecast to pass near the coast this weekend, bringing heavy rain and potential flooding and landslides in Colima, Jalisco, Michoacán and nearby areas.