Medicaid eligibility shake-ups: New federal rules are already stripping Medicaid coverage from some noncitizens in multiple U.S. states, with Virginia warning work requirements and more frequent reviews could hit tens of thousands, and other states reporting large numbers of people expected to lose coverage this fall. Local health access for Palau veterans: A new U.S. GAO report says VA care for Palau veterans is limited by lack of local facilities and costly travel, but VA is moving toward a narrower expansion that could include local care reimbursement, telehealth, medicine delivery, and travel benefits. Tobacco health warning: A major global study links chewing tobacco to about 251,000 deaths in 2023, with the burden heavily concentrated in South Asia and Palau showing high age-standardized prevalence. Pandemic preparedness boost: WHO and partners unveiled a Western Pacific Pandemic Fund project (including Palau) aimed at strengthening disease surveillance, labs, and emergency response. Palau healthcare support: Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital sent a 13-member team to support the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau and treated 200+ local patients, donating medicines and supplies. Palau community health news: The Palau Judiciary’s first Independence Day essay contest recognized student winners, highlighting community values and responsibilities.