Climate Diplomacy: COP31’s Pacific process kicked off in Fiji’s Nadi, with communities, Indigenous Peoples, youth, farmers and chiefs pushing for climate action shaped by local voices. Tropical Weather Watch: Tropical Depression 17W is drawing closer to the Marianas; Guam faces a flood advisory and choppy seas as forecasters track possible typhoon impacts. Typhoon Updates: Another system, Saudel, is forming near Guam and heading north, with its path still uncertain as it could strengthen over warm waters. Public Health: Hawaiʻi reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven; officials urge residents to remove standing water, especially after recent flooding. Regional Aviation: Naoero’s Northern Pacific Connector contract ending has sparked complaints, while Nauru Airlines and a Micronesian start-up explore cooperation to improve connectivity. Local Governance & Community: Guam is gathering public input to set coral reef priorities for 2027–2032, and Saipan’s Atkins Kroll is running a back-to-school test drive campaign to fund local schools. Security & Environment: A regional illegal fishing crackdown flagged 16 vessels of interest across Pacific waters during OPIC26.
AGP Executive Report
Your go-to archive of top headlines, summarized for quick and easy reading.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
Tropical Weather Watch: Guam is dealing with flooded roads and heavy rain as Tropical Depression 17W forms south of the Marianas, with a flood advisory in effect through early afternoon and forecasters warning the soaking is tied to a separate convergence pattern. Regional Storm Updates: Tropical Depression Neneng continues to boost the southwest monsoon in the Philippines, while Typhoon Saudel strengthens north of Guam and could affect South Korea later. Health Alert: Hawaiʻi’s DOH confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, the state’s 7th in 2026, with officials urging residents to eliminate standing water as inspections and mosquito-control steps begin. Local Courts/Business: Max’s Restaurant Guam will not return to its Micronesia Mall space after a settlement ended a $348,000 eviction lawsuit. Aviation/Connectivity: Naoero’s minister says the end of the Northern Pacific Connector contract is a blow to Nauru Airlines and the region’s air links, as fresh tenders remain unclear. Micronesia in the News: A 5.3-magnitude quake hit the Western Caroline Islands, and Guam residents helped shape coral reef priorities for 2027–2032. Sports: Guam’s women’s team crushed Palau 142–37 to keep its path to the 2027 Pacific Games on track.
Pacific Science & Heritage: Ancient DNA from 72 people is helping map how major migration waves shaped the Pacific, including why one wave reached Fiji later than earlier spread—adding to research that voyagers also carried food systems like pigs. Health: Hawaiʻi DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven; officials say local transmission risk is low but urge residents to remove standing water after recent flooding. CNMI Governance & Budget: CNMI Governor David M. Apatang says furloughs may be needed under tight FY2027 budget options, with scenarios ranging from no furloughs to furloughing about 200–400 employees. Regional Security & Fisheries: FFA’s Operation Island Chief 2026 identified 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, with surveillance across 27.5 million sq km and more than 3,000 fishing vessels. Weather Watch: Tropical Depression 17W is forecast to pass north of Saipan and the Northern Marianas before heading toward Japan, while forecasters track Invest 92W as a possible next cyclone threat toward the Marianas. Earthquakes: Two 5.3 and 5.0 quakes hit the Western Caroline Islands, Micronesia. Community & Culture: Guam’s 38th Micronesia Island Fair returns Oct. 23–25, 2026 at Ypao Beach, celebrating “The Tides and Traditions of Micronesia.” Sports: Guam won the FIBA Women’s Micronesian Cup and qualifies for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti; FSM also secured qualification after a composed win over Palau.
Guam & Micronesian Sports: Guam’s women crushed FSM 110-44 and then topped Palau 142-37 to win the FIBA Women’s Micronesian Cup and lock in a 2027 Pacific Games berth in Tahiti, while FSM also advanced after a composed win over Palau. Regional Security & Fisheries: FFA’s Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, with surveillance across 27.5 million sq km and 3,000+ fishing vessels. Local Governance & Environment: Guam gathered public input to set coral reef conservation priorities and funding for 2027–2032, with more than 80 participants shaping the updated strategy. Disaster Watch: Two separate 5.3 and 5.0 magnitude quakes hit the Western Caroline Islands, according to GFZ. Aviation & Connectivity: New Zealand’s Winston Peters pointed to the Cook Islands’ airline success as a Pacific aviation model, while Nauru Airlines and a Micronesian start-up explored cooperation, and all PIF members were connected to undersea cable networks for the first time. CNMI Budget Pressure: CNMI Governor David Apatang said furloughs may be needed under FY2027 budget scenarios, potentially affecting hundreds of workers.
Coral Conservation Planning: Guam gathered resident and expert input to set coral reef priorities and funding for 2027–2032 as it updates its Coral Reef Resilience Strategy. Earthquakes in the Region: Two quakes struck the Western Caroline Islands, a 5.3 and a 5.0 magnitude event, both reported by GFZ. CNMI Budget Pressure: Northern Mariana Islands Gov. David Apatang says furloughs may be needed under competing FY2027 budget scenarios, potentially affecting 200–400 employees. Regional Fisheries Crackdown: FFA’s Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, monitoring 3,000+ fishing vessels across 27.5 million sq km. Connectivity Milestone: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to undersea cable networks for the first time, boosting digital access. Sports — Micronesian Cup: Guam dominated the women’s tournament, beating FSM 110–44 and Palau 142–37 to qualify for the 2027 Pacific Games; FSM also advanced after a composed win over Palau. Aviation Link-Up Watch: Nauru Airlines and Micronesian start-up One Pacific Airways are exploring cooperation after talks in Singapore. Weather Watch: NWS Guam is tracking Invest 92W near Pohnpei/Kosrae, with a possible later development toward the Marianas.
University of Guam Leadership: The UOG Board of Regents rated President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez “better than satisfactory,” its top mark, citing progress on student success, research, workforce development, and long-term sustainability. Regional Fisheries Enforcement: FFA’s Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, covering about 27.5 million square kilometres and monitoring 3,000+ fishing vessels across 11 FFA members. Pacific Connectivity Boost: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, with Australia helping deliver 10,300+ km of new cable and expanding links including in Kosrae. Sports—Micronesian Cup & Pacific Games: Guam swept the FIBA Women’s Micronesian Cup, beating Palau 142-37 and booking Tahiti 2027; FSM also advanced after a composed win over Palau, while Guam’s men secured Pacific Games qualification with big wins over FSM and Palau. Courts & Language Access: Guam’s Judiciary and Superior Court are recruiting bilingual interpreters for an on-call registry, paying $28 an hour, with training set for Aug. 17 and Aug. 24. Weather Watch: NWS is tracking Invest 92W near Pohnpei and Kosrae, with forecasters warning it could later develop and potentially affect the Marianas. Deep-Sea Discovery: Researchers documented two rare bigfin squid in Micronesian waters near 9,000 feet down.
Regional Security & Fisheries: Operation Island Chief 2026 (OPIC26) identified 16 vessels of interest across about 27.5 million sq km of Pacific waters and apprehended four, with surveillance involving 3,000+ fishing vessels and support from Pacific QUADs and fisheries analysts. Housing Aid Scrutiny (CNMI): Right to Democracy says nearly 4 in 5 Sinlaku housing-aid referrals weren’t awarded, citing occupancy and ownership problems, with a 21.5% success rate versus 65.3% after Yutu. Basketball—Micronesian Cup: Guam swept the women’s tournament, beating FSM 110-44 and Palau 142-37 to win gold and qualify for Tahiti 2027; the All-Star Five was announced. Basketball—FSM Men’s Breakthrough: FSM won gold at the Micronesian Cup and qualified for the 2027 Pacific Games after securing the aggregate edge over Palau. Courts—Interpreter Drive (Guam): Guam’s Judiciary and Superior Court are recruiting bilingual on-call interpreters, paying $28 an hour, with training Aug. 17 and Aug. 24. Ocean Science: Deep-sea missions in Micronesian waters spotted two rare bigfin squid near 9,000 feet down, including a rare “sink-fishing” behavior. Weather Watch (Kosrae/Marianas): A new system (Invest 92W) is bringing heavy rain and flooding in Kosrae, with forecasters monitoring whether it could shift toward the Marianas next week.
Deep-Sea Science in Micronesia: Ocean researchers documented two rare bigfin squid sightings in Micronesian waters near 9,000 feet down, using Nautilus’ mission gear and noting rare clues about how the elusive squid hunts. Typhoon Disruption at Sea: Super Typhoon Dolphin pushed the Nautilus more than 1,000 miles off its planned route, forcing the expedition out of Guam/CNMI waters while crews continued work under changed conditions. Guam Court Interpreters: Guam’s Judiciary and Superior Court are recruiting bilingual on-call interpreters, paying $28 an hour, with training set for Aug. 17 and Aug. 24 and a focus on Philippine and Micronesian languages. Coast Guard Search Update: The Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing man swept beyond the reef line at Gun Beach, Tumon, after a multi-day effort. Sports—Micronesian Cup Momentum: Guam’s women crushed FSM 110-44, while Guam’s men also advanced to the 2027 Pacific Games with big wins over FSM and Palau at the FIBA Micronesian Cup in Guam. Hospitality Jobs Fair: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first job fair of 2026, drawing 50+ job seekers and running 70+ on-site interviews.
Micronesian Cup Basketball (Guam): Guam’s men crushed FSM 92-63 and then beat Palau 102-75 in a home double-header, securing a berth to the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti. Women’s Micronesian Cup (Guam): Team Guam dominated FSM 110-44 with Joylyn Pangilinan and Mia San Nicolas leading the rout; FSM’s Arlinda Panuelo had 16 rebounds. Court Interpreters (Guam): Guam’s Judiciary and Superior Court are recruiting bilingual residents for an on-call interpreter registry, paying $28 an hour, with upcoming training Aug. 17 and Aug. 24 and a push for Philippine and Micronesian languages. Search Update (Gun Beach, Guam): Coast Guard Forces Micronesia suspended the search for Nico Camacho after a five-day effort covering more than 1,100 square nautical miles. Pacific Diplomacy: President Biden met Pacific island leaders for a second summit, including recognition of Cook Islands and Niue and new infrastructure support tied to undersea cables. Environment & Resilience (SPREP): SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa focused on the triple planetary crises—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—while Pacific ministers urged stronger fisheries protection and ocean governance. Weather Watch (Kosrae/Marianas): A new system is bringing heavy rain and flooding impacts to Kosrae, with forecasters monitoring whether it could shift toward the Marianas next week.
Court Interpreter Drive (Guam): Guam’s Judiciary and Superior Court are recruiting bilingual residents for an on-call interpreter registry, paying $28 an hour. Training is set for Aug. 17 and Aug. 24 (8 a.m.–5 p.m.), and officials say they especially need help with Philippine languages beyond Tagalog and Micronesian languages. Search Update (Guam): Coast Guard Forces Micronesia suspended the search for Nico Camacho, swept beyond the reef line at Gun Beach on Aug. 14, after a five-day effort covering 1,100 square nautical miles. Jobs (Guam): Atkins Kroll Guam held its first 2026 job fair at the Micronesia Mall, drawing 50+ applicants and completing 70+ on-site interviews, with more than a dozen moving to formal interviews. Sports (Micronesian Cup): Guam’s men swept the Micronesian Cup home stand, beating FSM 92–63 and Palau 102–75 to qualify for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti. Regional Security (Pacific): Palau and the Marshall Islands backed a U.S.-led push for 24-hour notice before missile tests after China’s South Pacific launch sparked concern. Weather Watch (Kosrae/Marianas): A new system, Invest 92W, is bringing heavy rain and flash flooding to Kosrae, while forecasters watch whether it could affect the Marianas next week.
FIBA Micronesian Cup (Guam): Guam’s men roared through a home double-header, beating FSM 92-63 and Palau 102-75 to clinch a spot at the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti. Regional Sports: Palau’s men’s volleyball team also booked its Pacific Games berth after qualifying in Guam, while Palau and FSM teams are set to compete in the Micronesian Cups this week. Pacific Diplomacy: President Joe Biden met Pacific leaders for a second summit, announcing U.S. recognition for the Cook Islands and Niue and new infrastructure support, including internet connectivity via undersea cables. Security & Defense: Palau and the Marshall Islands joined a global call for 24-hour notice before missile tests, after China’s recent launch raised alarm across the region. Weather Watch: A new system is dumping heavy rain on Kosrae, with forecasters monitoring whether it could drift toward the Marianas next week. Environment & Policy: SPREP’s executive board meeting in Samoa is focused on the “triple planetary crises” and setting priorities, with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing the board for the first time.
Storm Watch: A weak disturbance that fell apart has been replaced by Invest 92W, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to Kosrae, with flash flooding, flooded homes, and small landslides; forecasters say the wet pattern should linger across Kosrae, Pohnpei and Chuuk into the weekend. Health Policy: In the U.S., lawmakers and advocates are warning that hundreds of lawfully present immigrants could lose Medicare coverage in January, including people from Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands. Missile & Defense: New reporting on U.S. missile shortages is renewing questions in Guam about whether its missile shield is ready for a wider conflict. Regional Security: Palau and the Marshall Islands backed a push for 24-hour notice before missile tests after China’s July launch drew criticism. Sports: Guam hosts the 2026 FIBA Micronesian Cups (Aug. 14-16) with Palau and FSM competing, while Palau’s men qualified for Tahiti 2027. Environment & Governance: SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa continues work on the “triple planetary crises,” with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing for the first time. Coral Restoration: PICRC shared Palau’s climate-smart coral restoration work at a Taiwan coral symposium. Maritime Investment: A new Pacific database estimates US$3.7 billion in maritime investment over the past decade.
SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting for the first time, with Jean Paul Mailagi saying the role is about ensuring smaller territories’ environmental concerns are heard as the board reviews priorities, funding, and partnerships. Triple Crisis Focus: SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities are “up against the fight for our lives” as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks intensify. Fisheries and Ocean Governance: Forum foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries and strengthen ocean governance and maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035. Missile Test Notice Push: Palau and the Marshall Islands joined a U.S.-led call for 24-hour notice before missile tests, criticizing opaque launches that disrupt regional peace. Maritime Investment Map: A new Pacific database estimates US$3.7 billion in maritime investment across 115 projects since 2016, aiming to help policymakers plan decarbonisation and transport upgrades. CNMI Audits Clarification: Former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres disputed claims of $1.2 billion in debt, saying audits report liabilities and deferred inflows, not the same thing as debt. Guam Weather Alert: NWS issued a high surf advisory for Guam’s west-facing beaches with dangerous rip currents through Thursday. Coast Guard Search Ends: The Coast Guard suspended a 10-day search for nine missing boaters near the FSM after covering more than 33,000 square miles. Palau Wayfinding Loss: Palau mourns Grand Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur, honored by presidential proclamation for preserving traditional wayfinding.
SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis and Futuna took the SPREP Executive Board chair for the first time as the 5th meeting opened in Apia, with members reviewing priorities, funding, and the next strategic plan. Ocean & Fisheries Push: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and secure maritime boundaries, backing a new regional fisheries strategy framework. Climate Fight, With Women at the Center: Pacific leaders told CSW66 that women and girls must be central to climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, linking gender equality to safer communities. Triple Crisis Warning: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra said Pacific communities face the brunt of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution despite tiny emissions. Guam Weather Alert: Hazardous surf and rip currents continue on Guam’s west-facing beaches through Thursday afternoon. Palau-China Concerns: Palau questioned a Chinese icebreaker’s reported incursion into its EEZ, raising security worries. CNMI Audits Dispute: Former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said audit talk is mixing liabilities and debt, disputing claims of $1.2 billion in debt. Sports: Saipan swimmer Kouki Watanabe heads to Arcadia University; Palau’s women’s team and Micronesia-linked swimmers also set for major competitions.
Hazardous Weather: Guam’s west-facing beaches are under a high surf advisory with 8–11 foot waves and dangerous rip currents continuing through Thursday afternoon, as forecasters track a slow-moving disturbance approaching from the Marshall Islands. Maritime Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its 10-day search for nine missing boaters near the Federated States of Micronesia after covering more than 33,000 square miles. Pacific Environment: SPREP’s Executive Board is meeting in Samoa (Aug. 12–13) to tackle the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, with Pacific leaders warning they’re bearing the brunt despite tiny emissions. CNMI Audits: Former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres says public debate over CNMI audits is mixing up liabilities and debt, arguing the audited statements show about $1.254 billion in liabilities plus separate long-term debt figures. Regional Security: Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the region, highlighting widening threat perceptions. Coastal Resilience: The Rotary Club of Saipan is organizing community partners to address worsening coastal erosion and climate impacts through a new coastal resilience collaboration. Local Health: A free back-to-school immunization clinic is set for Wednesday at Micronesia Mall for uninsured children and those on Medicaid/MIP.
CNMI Audits Clarification: Former Gov. Ralph DLG Torres pushed back on claims he left the Commonwealth with “$1.2 billion in debt,” saying the audits use “liabilities” instead, and breaking down figures including pension and federal grant-related amounts. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment, and Pacific leadership at Pre-COP31 meetings. SPREP Warning: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra told leaders Pacific communities are “bearing the brunt” of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Palau Sports: Palau’s women’s team heads to Guam for the FIBA Women’s Micronesian Cup led by 18-year-old Kierra Ketebengang. Safety & Weather: NWS is tracking two tropical disturbances and says the monsoon pattern will bring sun, showers, and breezy winds across the Marianas, with hazardous surf advisories. Search Update (FSM): The U.S. Coast Guard suspended a 10-day search for nine missing boaters near the Federated States of Micronesia. Guam Security: Allied partners met in Guam for a SHORAD symposium focused on the growing threat from small drones. Culture & Health: A free back-to-school immunization clinic is set for Wednesday at Micronesia Mall.
Legacy munitions disposal in Palau: U.S. Army EOD specialists carried out a complex operation to safely dispose of World War II-era White Phosphorus munitions during Exercise Tenacious Archer 26, with close coordination involving Palau, the U.S. Embassy Koror, Norwegian People’s Aid, and Joint Task Force–Micronesia. Pacific security and missile pressure: Pacific foreign ministers in Fiji failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable ballistic missile test, underscoring widening threat perceptions ahead of the PIF leaders meeting in Palau. Weather watch across Micronesia: The NWS is tracking two tropical disturbances and says the monsoon pattern will keep bringing breezy winds, sun-and-showers, and isolated thunderstorms, with stronger winds and rougher seas farther north. Search suspended near Micronesia: The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended a 10-day search for nine missing boaters near the Federated States of Micronesia after covering more than 33,000 square miles. Palau wayfinding tribute: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. issued a proclamation honoring Grand Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur, a key keeper of traditional star-and-ocean navigation knowledge. Local health and community: A free back-to-school immunization clinic is set for Wednesday at Micronesia Mall for eligible children and teens.
Weather Watch: NWS says two tropical disturbances are being tracked, but neither is expected to develop much soon; Guam and CNMI stay under a monsoon pattern with breezy winds, sun and showers, and isolated thunderstorms, while stronger winds and rougher seas affect farther north islands. Search Update: The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended a 10-day search for nine missing people aboard a skiff near the FSM after covering more than 33,000 square miles; the USCGC Vincent Danz joined the effort and a welcome ceremony was postponed. Regional Security: Guam hosted the second Multilateral SHORAD Symposium, focused on defending against small drones and unmanned aerial threats, with partner nations and U.S. forces discussing gaps and shared responses. Local Culture & Health: Palau mourns Grand Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur, honored by a presidential proclamation for keeping traditional wayfinding alive; Guam also announced a free back-to-school immunization clinic at Micronesia Mall. Pacific Connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked by undersea cables, including new connections reaching Kosrae in FSM. Community & Events: Micronesia Mall will host a Taekwondo poomsae and tile-breaking tournament on Sunday, Aug. 16.
Regional Security: Allied partners gathered in Guam for the Multilateral SHORAD Symposium, focusing on how to defend against small drones and closing capability gaps across the Pacific. Digital Connectivity: Australia says every Pacific Islands Forum member is now linked to undersea cables, including new connections for Naoero (Nauru), Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Tarawa (Kiribati) and Kosrae (FSM). Micronesia Coast Guard Search: The USCGC Vincent Danz joined the search for a missing skiff near FSM; a planned welcome ceremony was postponed as the hunt continues. CNMI Tourism & Culture: Marianas Visitors Authority will take over the Arts Council under a new executive order, aiming to better tie cultural funding and grants to tourism promotion. Guam Hospitality: PHARE 2026 is back—set for Aug. 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency Guam after Super Typhoon Sinlaku delayed the expo. Ocean Protection (Samoa): Pristine Seas begins a Samoa survey to support protection of 30% of the country’s ocean, using local partnerships and deep-sea research. Travel & Trade: Mitsui Ocean Cruises announces its first Australia visit in Feb. 2027, including stops in Micronesia such as Saipan and Chuuk.
Storm Watch for the Marianas: Four tropical systems churned north of the islands, keeping Guam under a high surf advisory through Thursday with 8–11 foot waves and dangerous rip currents, while a missing swimmer search near Tumon was complicated by the rough seas. Search & Rescue Update: The Coast Guard cutter Vincent Danz joined a widening search for a skiff missing near the Federated States of Micronesia, with a welcome ceremony postponed as aircraft and ships continue the hunt. Micronesia Connectivity Boost: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked by undersea cables, including major connections reaching Naoero and the Federated States of Micronesia—aimed at faster, cheaper digital services across the region. Legal/Community Impact: A federal judge allowed a Saipan resident’s NAP benefits lawsuit to proceed, while families of Mariana crew members won more time to file wrongful-death claims after the capsizing during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Tourism & Culture: Guam’s PHARE 2026 hospitality expo is set for Aug. 19–20 at the Hyatt Regency Guam after typhoon delays, and Mitsui Ocean Cruises announced its first Australia visit in Feb. 2027 with a route that includes Saipan and Chuuk. Regional Security Talk: Pacific foreign ministers meet in Suva amid rising China-related tensions and defense treaty discussions.
Sign up for:
Micronesia Today
The daily local news briefing you can trust. Every day. Subscribe now.
Check Your Email!
We sent a one-time activation link to: .
Confirm it's you by clicking the email link.
If the email is not in your inbox, check spam or try again.
Welcome back!
is already signed up. Check your inbox for updates.