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Palau Senate Presses U.S. for Details on Action Involving Senate President, Cites Sovereignty Concerns
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 24, 2026) — The Palau Senate has asked the United States for more information about a recent U.S. State Department announcement that mentioned Senate President Hokkons Baules while stressing that Palau remains a sovereign nation responsible for its own government affairs. In a Feb. 16 letter to U.S. Ambassador Joel Ehrendreich, Senate Vice President Stevenson…
National Security staff authorized to act as police under new presidential order
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 24, 2026) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has issued a directive giving the National Security Coordinator and staff the authority to act as law enforcement officers, saying the move is needed to strengthen Palau’s ability to fight money laundering, transnational crime and foreign interference. Presidential Directive No. 26-70, dated Feb. 9, formally designates the…
Rain Doesn’t Slow Action in PML Opening Round
By: Ngeldei Tulop KOROR, Palau — As of February 18, 2026, the 2026 season of the Palau Major League Baseball (PML) is underway, with six teams competing in a highly anticipated start to Palau’s premier baseball league. Despite weather interruptions, players and fans alike are enjoying a competitive opening round that is already showing early surprises in the standings. League officials…
Japan faces ‘most significant structural changes since WWII,’ Foreign Minister Motegi tells Diet
TOKYO, 23 FEBRUARY 2026 (PACNEWS) — Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has warned that the world is undergoing its most significant structural changes since the end of World War II, pledging a “Responsible Japanese Diplomacy” to safeguard peace and prosperity. Addressing the 221st Session of the Diet on Friday, Motegi said the global security environment is shifting rapidly amid intensifying conflict…
Swine Reproduction Training Strengthens Local Pig Production Efforts
By: Summer Kennard Local pig farmers and Bureau of Agriculture livestock officers recently took part in a swine reproduction training aimed at strengthening Palau’s pig industry and improving long-term food security. The training, led by Dr. Kevin Lee, a livestock specialist with the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM), focused on artificial insemination techniques, accurate heat detection, and proper farrowing management to improve…
Bill Seeks Tax Relief on Mortuary Services to Lower Funeral Expenses in Palau
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Feb. 24, 2026) — “Exempting mortuary services from the 10% PGST will stop additional tax burdens from being passed on to grieving families,” a House delegate said Tuesday as lawmakers advanced a bill aimed at reducing funeral costs in Palau. House Bill No. 12-43-5S, introduced by Delegate Soalablai of Peleliu during a special session of…
Cheldebechel Forum to Spotlight Community-Led Solutions
By: Ngeldei Tulop Koror, Palau — National and community leaders are set to convene on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center for the upcoming Cheldebechel Forum, an event focused on strengthening collaboration and advancing practical solutions to key national concerns. Held under the theme, “Keeping People Safe, Supported, and Connected in Palau: Community Solutions in Practice,” the forum…
Palau Honors Chief Ngirakebou Andres Madraisau with National Flag Observance
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 24, 2026) — Palau is honoring the life and service of Chief Ngirakebou Andres Madraisau of Ngchesar State with a national flag-lowering observance on February 23, 2026, recognizing his contributions as a community leader, traditional chief, and public servant. Born June 16, 1939, to Madraisau Tiou and Tomoisang Madraisau in Ngchesar, Ngirakebou Andres Madraisau was…
Palau Builds Climate Funding Pipeline at National Writeshop
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Feb. 23, 2026) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. on Tuesday described a national climate finance workshop as a critical step toward helping Palau secure international funding to address the growing threats of climate change. The three-day Palau Climate Finance Pipeline Writeshop, held Feb. 17–19 at the Palau Royal Resort, brought together government officials and technical…
Palauans Urged to Join Cheldebechel Forum on Community Safety, Support
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Feb. 23, 2026) — “My expectation is that this Cheldebechel Conference could spark greater public engagement in civic duties,” said Kambes Kesolei, the event chairman. What happens after the hospital visit? After the police response? After the meeting ends? The Cheldebechel Forum invites everyday Palauans — caregivers, youth, leaders, service providers, and anyone who calls this…
Politics as Parasites: Leaders Who Pretend to Care
Dear Editor, In Palau today, politics has become theatre. Our leaders appear on television during hearings, or show up at funerals, acting as though they are serving the people. But behind the cameras and ceremonies, they are playing politics in the worst sense of the word. Poli means “many,” and tics means “tiny blood‑sucking pests.” Playing politics, then, is nothing more…
Fiji anti-corruption body urged release Charters, apply UNCAC protection for whistleblowers—PFF
HONIARA/SUVA, 23 FEBRUARY 2026 (PFF) — The Fiji anti-corruption body, FICAC is being urged by the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF, to release former journalist Charles Charters from remand. The PFF also want to see Fiji support its UNCAC commitments to protect whistleblowers and those who publish their information. PFF Chair Robert Iroga of the Solomon Islands, and co-chairs from Tonga and…
Marshall Islands launches first universal basic income scheme to stop outward migration
MAJURO, 23 FEBRUARY 2026 (ABC PACIFIC) — Iohaan Anjolok remembers when a bowl of ramen and a bottle of water together cost just US1$.50 in the Marshall Islands. “Now the boiled egg alone is a dollar apiece,” he said. “It used to be 10c.” The pre-COVID-19 prices feel like a distant memory for Anjolok, who lives pay cheque to pay cheque…
Blacklisting squeeze hits Vanuatu families and businesses, the regulator VFSC warns
PORT VILA, 20 FEBRUARY 2026 (PMN) — Vanuatu’s place on international financial blacklists is not just a political issue, it is making life harder for families, businesses, and workers across the country. The Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) says global pressure and tighter banking rules are slowing investment, making simple bank processes more complex, and limiting how easily money can move…
King Charles III says the law must take its course after former Prince Andrew arrest
LONDON, 20 FEBRUARY (AP)— Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British prince who was stripped of his royal titles because of his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. While Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with his friendship with Epstein, concerns about Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to the late financier have dogged…
Aimeliik Passes Law Requiring Legislature Approval for Major Resource Projects
Koror, Palau (Feb. 20, 2026) — The Aimeliik State Government on Thursday passed a new law mandating legislative approval for any agreement involving the state’s “major resources,” a move supporters say strengthens conservation efforts but critics warn could spark legal and administrative challenges. The Act, which implements Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Aimeliik Constitution, requires that contracts, leases, use-rights, deeds,…
Fatal Traffic Crash in Airai Claims Life of Female Driver
By: L.N. Reklai AIRAI, Palau (Feb. 19, 2026) — A traffic accident claimed the life of a woman on Thursday near the entrance of Palau Mission Academy in Airai, authorities said.…
Rising costs hit Pacific families hard as interest rate decision nears
AUCKLAND, 18 FEBRUARY 2026 (PMN)—For Pacific families, rising bills aren’t just numbers, they’re trade-offs between feeding the children, paying rent, and keeping cultural obligations alive. Pasifika households are juggling higher bills,…
Taskforce moves to stop social media access for children under 16
SUVA, 19 FEBRUARY 2026 (FIJI TIMES) —The first meeting of the Taskforce on Social Media Deferment was held in Suva Wednesday, marking the start of work on measures aimed at delaying…
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The U.S neocolonial binge in the Compact States
By Edward Hunt WASHINGTON, 17 FEBRUARY 2026 (FOREIGN POLICY IN FOCUS)—The United States is quietly working to reassert its control over the compact states, three island states in the…
Olympic Village in crisis as condoms run out
By Henry Hanson and Reuters (ABC-Australia) Both on and off the ice, protective gear is in hot demand at the Milano Cortina Winter Games. And some of it is in perilously…
Alingano Maisu Voyage Update
Thursday, February 19 – 10:17 AM (Palau time) With favorable wind, big seas and steady hands, Maisu is moving steadily north, making excellent time on its 6,200 miles Pacific…
Taiwan Hospital Bolsters Palau’s Lifesaving Efforts with AEDs, CPR Training
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Feb. 19, 2026)— Imagine a heartbeat stopping in a crowded schoolyard or bustling community center. In those frantic first minutes, survival hangs on split-second…
Palau’s UN Ambassador Briefs Lawmakers on AOSIS Leadership, Climate and Ocean Initiatives
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Feb. 19, 2026) — Palau’s ambassador to the United Nations provided lawmakers with an update this week on the country’s leadership of a coalition…
Roblox on notice after ‘disturbing’ reports of child grooming
By political reporter Holly Tregenza Tue 10 Feb In short: (ABC-Australia) The government has written to popular online gaming site Roblox over reports of children being groomed and exposed to…
Mark Zuckerberg tells court Meta no longer designs apps to maximise screen time
In short: (ABC-Australia) Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has pushed back against a suggestion he misled Congress when he told a 2024 hearing that the company did not give…
South Korea’s ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life in prison over insurrection
In short: Former president for South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol has been found guilty of insurrection and sentenced to life in prison. Prosecutors sought the death penalty for Yoon…
Pacific leaders urge action on corruption
SUVA, 19 FEBRUARY 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) — Eradicating corruption across the region remains critical to securing a peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous Pacific, leaders say as they marked six years…
Guam Visitors Bureau defends off-island trips
HAGATNA, 18 FEBRUARY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—The island destination cannot market itself from behind the desk, the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) said in a bid to justify its off-island…
Palau States Challenge U.S.-Linked Radar Projects as Ngaraard Files TACMOR Lawsuit
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 20, 2026) — Ngaraard State has asked the Palau Supreme Court to immediately halt construction of a U.S.-related Tactical Mobile Over-the-Horizon Radar (TACMOR)…
Angaur Faces Third Governor in One Term as Special Election Results Challenged
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Feb. 20, 2026) — Former Angaur Gov. Kennosuke Abel Suzuky is leading in unofficial results from a special election to fill the state’s top…
Angaur State Protests Disturbance of WWII Mass Grave, Seeks Formal Apology
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 19, 2026) — Current Governor of Angaur State Steven R. Salii is calling on Minister of State Gustav Aitaro to issue a formal…
Palau Court Rejects Senate Bid to Block U.S. Migrant Deal
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (Feb. 17, 2026) — The Supreme Court of the Republic of Palau has denied an emergency request by the Senate and two citizens…
From Tradition to Technology: Palauan Scholar Promotes Community-Based Approach to AI Safety
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Feb. 19, 2026) — Palauan researcher Joleen Ngoriakl is calling for indigenous knowledge and local perspectives to be included in global…
Palau Health Care Fund Pushes for Independence from Social Security
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau (Feb. 17, 2026) — “The Health Care Fund committee proposes complete separation of the health fund from the Social Security…
Inabo Accuses Senate of Sidestepping Constitution in Cabinet Nomination Dispute
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb 17, 2026)— Senator Rukebai Kikuo Inabo is challenging how the Senate has handled two of President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s key…
Search and Rescue Effort Ends in Tragedy for Missing Peleliu Man
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Feb 16, 2026)— A 64-year-old Peleliu man who was reported missing last week was found dead Saturday following a multi-agency search…
Palau Seeks to Host Pre-COP Climate Meeting to Amplify Pacific Voice
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (AP) — Palau is seeking to host a key preparatory meeting ahead of the next United Nations climate conference, with President…
Palau High Students Unearth Ancient Village Secrets in Hands-On Dig
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — Imagine high schoolers knee-deep in jungle vines, mapping stone paths carved by ancestors and grilling elders on epic migration tales. That’s exactly what 18 Palau High…
Alingano Maisu begins six-month voyage celebrating legacy of Micronesian navigation
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Feb. 16, 2026) — The traditional voyaging canoe Alingano Maisu set sail from Palau on Feb. 15, embarking on a 6,200-mile, six-month journey across the Pacific to…
Palau makes Ship for World Youth debut with diverse team of young leaders
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — Palau marked a historic first on Feb. 13 as its inaugural delegation departed to join the Japan government-sponsored Ship for World Youth (SWY) program, a global…
THE MACHINE
Have you ever noticed this? You finally lie down to rest… And suddenly your brain turns into a 24/7 overthinking machine. Replaying conversations. Predicting worst-case scenarios. Getting stuck in “what if” loops…
A Quick reminder that… Food as Medicine
Dear Editor, Food is more than fuel. In Palau, food is memory, identity, and medicine. When we choose taro, breadfruit, coconut, fresh fish, and island fruits, we are not only nourishing our…
Angaur State Government Statement
Date: February 16, 2026 The Office of the Governor of Angaur State reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and constitutional principles. Governor Steven R. Salii has respectfully raised concerns regarding several financial…
Army CAT 84-10 Transfers Authority to Air Force CAT 356-02
By: Summer Kennard A transfer of authority ceremony was held Feb. 13, 2026, at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center, marking the transition of civic action team leadership in Palau as outgoing U.S. Army…
Trump administration urges nations to call for the withdrawal of a UN climate proposal
NEW YORK/MUNICH, 26 FEBRUARY 2026 (AP) — The Trump administration is urging other nations to…
PNG’s first ever parametric insurance payments made following an earthquake
PORT MORESBY, 16 FEBRUARY 2026 (UNDP)—The first parametric insurance payments in Papua New Guinean history…
Season Opens Strong at Meyuns with Breakout Performances in 2026 Sprint Triathlon
Meyuns, Koror, Palau (Feb. 15, 2026) — New athletes made an immediate impact and relay…
A Quick reminder that… Food as Medicine
Dear Editor, Food is more than fuel. In Palau, food is memory, identity, and medicine.…
Public service media help anchor reliable information
By Prashanth Pillay, Jo Elsom SYDNEY, 16 FEBRUARY 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) —Across…
Population decline in FSM and RMI
By Stephen Howes MAJURO/PONPHEI. 13 FEBRUARY 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG)—The urge to survive…
‘The girl from Tahiti’: Pacific Islands in the Jeffrey Epstein files
Analysis by Johnny Blades, Senior Journalist, RNZ Pacific WELLINGTON, 16 FEBRUARY…
Baules Barred From U.S. After State Department Corruption Designation
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 13, 2026) — “I have…
Lawsuit seeks emergency halt to plan to accept U.S. deportees in Palau
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 13, 2026) — The Palau…
Philippine Airlines Expands Palau Access With Twice-Weekly Manila Flights Starting March 29
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026) — Philippine Airlines…
Thousands Eligible for PGST Refunds as Government Announces February Payout
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — About 4,600 Palauans are eligible to receive tax refunds later this month, according to Bureau of Revenue and Taxation Director Elway Ikeda. Refund distribution is scheduled for Feb.…
New Entry Rules: Visitors From 12 Nations Must Get Approval Before Traveling to Palau
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026) — Travelers from 12 countries will be required to obtain advance clearance or a visa before boarding flights to Palau under a new executive order strengthening…
Community Invited to Send Off Alingano Maisu on 6,200-Mile Pacific Voyage
KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026)— The Micronesian Voyaging Society is inviting the public to attend the launch of the traditional sailing canoe Alingano Maisu as it begins its 20th voyage, a 6,200-mile journey across…
Palau Lawmakers Urge Return of Public Lands to States to Expand Agriculture
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026)— A House joint resolution introduced during the House of Delegates’ Fifth Regular Session is calling on President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. to direct the…
Palau Launches National Anti-Drug Task Force for 2026 “Just Say No” Campaign
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026) — President Surangel S. Whipps…
Ngchesar Inaugurates 12th Government, Sets Priorities on Roads, Housing, Education and Tourism
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026) — Ngchesar State officially inaugurated…
Palau Women train in giant clam farming to boost sustainability and local economies
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — Women from Melekeok and Aimeliik states are…
Japan donates motorcycles, equipment to strengthen Palau emergency response
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — The Government of Japan on Tuesday donated…
Airai Sets March 2 General Election as Governor’s Race and 23 Legislative Candidates Take the Field
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026) — Airai State will hold its 10th…
Tonga Customs intercept firearms, ammunition and restricted goods in latest border seizures
NUKU’ALOFA, 12 FEBRUARY 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA) — Tonga Customs officers have…
Angaur Interim Governor Halts Japan’s WWII Remains Recovery Citing Land Review
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 2026) — Angaur Interim…
Palau Junior Tennis Team Qualifies for Pacific Oceania Championships
Koror, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026) — Eight junior tennis players…
New league opens pathway opportunities for emerging Pacific basketballers
AUCKLAND, 12 FEBRUARY 2026 (PMN)—A new initiative aims to bridge…
Marshallese deported by ICE ‘having the hardest time’
MAJURO, 10 FEBRUARY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — People deported to…
CNMI’s hotel group appeals for U.S federal support amid possible shutdown of Korea-Saipan route
SAIPAN, 12 FEBRUARY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The Hotel…
Australian dollar reaches ’40-year high’ against Japan’s yen, as cheap holidays fuel tourism surge
By Doug Dingwall In short: (ABC-Australia) The Australian dollar reached a 40-year high against…
Innovative citizenship programme is already benefiting nation: Nauru President
YAREN, 12 FEBRUARY 2026 (NAURU GOVT) — Nauru President David Adeang says the…
American Bar Association backing Pacific territories’ fight against deep-sea mining
HAGATNA, 12 FEBRUARY 2026 (GUAM DAILY POST) — The American Bar Association threw…
Defense Delivers: Seahawks Claim Super Bowl LX as Palau Fans Cheer
KOROR, Palau (Feb. 9, 2026) – In Santa Clara, California, Super Bowl LX…
Palau Set to Host Regional Triathlon Camp, Pacific Cup in March
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Palau is set to welcome regional athletes…
Series of Crashes Raises Road Safety Concerns Across Palau
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau (Feb. 10, 2026) — A series of serious…
Angaur State Schedules Third Election in 14 Months
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — The Angaur State Legislature has appointed an…
Palau Senate Rejects Key Whipps Appointments, Deepening Executive-Legislative Rift
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — The Senate has again declined to advance…
Recipe for Daily Health — A Palauan Guide
Dear Editor, Recipe for Daily Health — A Palauan Guide Health grows from simple, repeated habits. Here is a Palauan‑focused recipe for daily wellbeing practical, cultural, and rooted in island life. These steps are not rules from outside; they are practices that fit our islands and faith. When repeated, they become culture. When culture supports…
PICRC publishes study on longnose emperor spawning aggregation
Since 2023, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) has been collaborating with the Koror State Government (KSG) to conduct research and monitoring aimed at providing essential baseline data to guide the Koror Southern Lagoon Coastal Fisheries Management Plan, a new fisheries management initiative for Koror State. The management plan identified several fish spawning aggregation…
Three-Peat: Mindszenty Cardinals Defend BIIAA Boys Basketball Title
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Feb. 9, 2026) — The 2025-26 BIIAA high school basketball season wrapped up Feb. 5 with a closing ceremony,…
Palau Athletics raises standards as team prepares for regional competition
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Feb. 9, 2026) — Palau’s national track and field athletes were urged to meet higher performance expectations during a…
From shelter to strength: How disaster refuges protect lives in Palau
KOROR, 09 FEBRUARY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — The small Pacific Ocean island of Palau…
A sliver of hope amid economic fragility: With economic ‘diversification’ still out of sight, CNMI clings on to tourism
SAIPAN, 06 FEBRUARY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Grandvrio Resort will temporarily close in April…
2025 confirmed as one of the warmest years on Record in the Western Pacific
APIA,06 FEBRUARY 2026 (SPREP) — New climate data shows that 2025 was the fifth warmest year ever…
‘We don’t care what you think’: Panel says deep-sea mining, more show issues with U.S territorial status
HAGATNA, 09 FEBRUARY 2026 (GUAM PACIFIC DAILY NEWS) — A push to mine waters around American Samoa…
Japan PM Sanae Takaichi leads coalition to landslide election victory
In short: (ABC-Australia) Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner…
Health officials say no local Nipah virus cases detected, urge vigilance for travelers
By: L.N Reklai KOROR, Palau (February 6, 2026)— Health authorities in Palau…
Demok Festival Brews Bigger Legacy in Ngaraard
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau—The Demok Festival of Ngaraard State kicked off…
Koror Introduces New Access Fee for Fish Spawning Sites
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Koror State has passed a new law that creates a $100…
Lawmakers Move to End Post-Election Delay for Absentee Ballots
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau — Lawmakers move to end the post-election delay before counting absentee…
A Most Modest Proposal for Palau’s Leaders
Dear Editor, Ranting Satire is good way to say hello… A Most Modest Proposal for Palau’s Leaders…
Fostering Educational Pathways—A Harvard University-Palau Partnership
Access to higher education plays a crucial role in national development, particularly for small island nations like…
Taiwan-Palau Friendship Association Delegation Concludes Three-Day Visit
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau — A four-member delegation…
Applying Indigenous wisdom to deep-sea mining
By Angelo Villagomez WASHINGTON, 02 FEBRUARY 2026 (LAS VEGAS SUN)…
SPREP regrets U.S exit, warns Pacific still in Climate emergency
APIA, 05 FEBRUARY 2026 (PACNEWS)—The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has expressed regret over the United States’ decision to…
Germany recognises Niue as a sovereign state by formalising diplomatic relations
AUCKLAND, 04 FEBRUARY 2026 (PMN) — Germany has formally recognised Niue as a sovereign state, signing a declaration to establish…
Renewed chapter’: Marshall Islands President Heine meets PM Albanese in Canberra
CANBERRA, 03 FEBRUARY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine has met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese…
Meet the Pacific Islanders who will play in Super Bowl LX
By Penina Momoisea (ABC-Australia) NFC Champions, Seattle Seahawks will take on the AFC Champions, New England Patriots this weekend in San…
UN says It’s in danger of financial collapse because of members’ unpaid dues
NEW YORK, 02 FEBRUARY 2026 (THE NEW YORK TIMES)—The United Nations said on Friday that it was facing imminent financial…
‘Bloodbath’ at Washington Post as massive layoffs announced
In short: (ABC-Australia) The Washington Post is set to cut jobs across all of…
Whipps: Low-Interest ADB Loans Offer Path to Stabilize Palau’s Economy, Reduce Debt
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. said Palau has a…
Koror Passes Fishing Rules With New Licensing and Conservation Measures
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Feb. 3, 2026) Koror State has passed an updated…
Koror State Legislature makes history with first woman Speaker
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau — The 13th Koror State…
February Declared Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Palau
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps…
Whipps Declares January–March as Red Ribbon Campaign Period Under OMKAR Initiative
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps…
Japanese Embassy Checks In on 5-Year-Old School Buses Boosting Palau Kids’ Commutes
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau – Embassy of Japan officials…
How Precious Life Is…
Dear Editor, Brothers and sisters, life is precious. None of us knows the hour or the day…
Significant rise in sea Surface temperatures and marine heatwave conditions in parts of the Pacific
SUVA, 02 FEBRUARY 2026 (SPC)—Recent satellite data show that sea surface temperatures have risen significantly across parts…
From deepfakes to grooming: UN warns of escalating AI threats to children
NEW YORK, 27 JANUARY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — The staggering amount of harmful AI-generated online content…
Pacific DNA research could change how diabetes and obesity are medicated
AUCKLAND, 02 FEBRUARY 2026 (PMN)—Doctors may one day prescribe diabetes and obesity treatment differently for…
Guam, CNMI indigenous values at odds with U.S national security priorities on deep-sea mining
WASHINGTON, 02 FEBRUARY 2026 (GUAM PACIFIC DAILY NEWS)—Industry leaders recently testified before a U.S House…
U,S territories brace for Trump’s deep sea mining
HAGATNA, 02 FEBRUARY 2026 (ABC PACIFIC) —For the tiny island called “the tip of America’s…
Inside Donald Trump’s ICE detention centre boom — and the families caught in the crackdown
By Phoebe Hosier in Washington DC (ABC-Australia) Attorney Eric Lee was waiting to see a client inside…
Senate Oversight Hearing Exposes Deep-Rooted Problems at Koror Jail, Police Force
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau (January 30, 2026)— Chronic overcrowding at the Koror jail, staffing shortages driven by low police pay, security lapses that allow drugs and…
Search Ends for Missing Passenger After Angaur Boat Capsizing
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau (January 30, 2026) — The search for the missing passenger from a boat that capsized near Angaur officially ended Wednesday, Jan. 28, after…
Whipps Announces $5.5M ADB Grant to Finish Long-Delayed KASP Project
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau (January 30, 2026)— The long-delayed Koror–Airai Sewer Project (KASP) is expected to be completed by November 2026 following the approval of a $5.5…
Community Rallies to Support Families of Filipino Workers Lost in Angaur Boat Incident
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau — Members of Palau’s Filipino community will hold a public fundraising event Sunday, Feb. 1, to help support the repatriation of four Filipino contract workers who died in a tragic boat…
Cancer Remains Third Leading Cause of Death In Palau: February Declared Cancer Awareness Month
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has proclaimed February as Cancer Awareness Month, drawing attention to cancer as the third leading cause of death among Palauans and urging individuals to take greater…
U.S. Donates New Ambulances, K9 Support Packs to Strengthen Palau Emergency Response
By: L.N Reklai KOROR, Palau (Jan. 29, 2026) — Palau’s emergency response capacity received a boost Thursday with the delivery of two new ambulances and K9 support packs donated by the United States government. President Surangel S.…
Deportees, Sovereignty, and the Return of Accountability
The Silent Majority by Dudalm Kelulau alkahalic6801@gmail.com Dear Editor, The Palau U.S. memorandum to accept up to 75 deportees for $7.5 million has exposed a fracture in…
Palauan Women Forge Homegrown Leadership Path with Rooted & Rising
By: Laurel Marewibuel Koror, Palau – In a region flooded with imported leadership playbooks, Palauan women are crafting their own: the Rooted & Rising Mentorship Program, set…
Palau Cuts Ribbon on New Airai Substation, Boosting Power for 7,500 Customers
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — The Palau Public Utilities Corporation commissioned its long-awaited New Airai Substation on Jan. 21, 2026, capping a JICA-funded upgrade that promises…
Qantas’ Brisbane-Palau Route Surges as Whipps Pushes for Second Weekly Flight
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. huddled Tuesday with Qantas executives in Brisbane to celebrate booming traffic on the airline’s Brisbane-Palau route…
350.org on the U.S’ second formal exit from the Paris Agreement
SUVA, 29 JANUARY 2026 (350.ORG) — A year after U.S President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, the United States officially exited…
Microplastics found in one-third of surveyed Pacific Island fish
CANBERRA. 29 JANUARY 2026 (AFP) — Microplastics were found in a third of hundreds of fish surveyed in the coastal waters of several Pacific Island nations, researchers said in a study published on Thursday. The scale of contamination varied significantly across locations however, and the researchers warned against “alarmist” interpretations. “We have to accept that…
Health agency flags concern following rise in vaping across Pacific
CANBERRA, 29 JANUARY 2026 (NIT) — Vaping is on the rise across the Pacific, according…
Trump threatens Iran with ‘major destruction’ as US fleet arrives in Gulf
By Middle East correspondent Matthew Doran In short: (ABC-Australia) US President Donald Trump is urging Iran…
Palau’s First Homegrown Think Tank Unveiled
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Palau has launched its first locally based think tank,…
Search Resumes for Missing Passenger After Deadly Angaur Boat Capsizing
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Jan. 27, 2026)— The search for a missing passenger from…
Palau Education Bill Rekindles Debate Over Student Testing Standards
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau — Palau lawmakers are moving to reshape how student…
New lending rules aim to protect consumers, but questions remain
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A proposed bill before the Olbiil Era Kelulau, Senate…
Aimeliik Opens Visitor Center Showcasing Palau’s Monumental Earthwork Landscape
By: L.N. Reklai AIMELIIK, Palau — The Republic of Palau on Thursday marked the opening of…
Palau Leaders Clash Over Talks on Third-Country Nationals Agreement
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A leadership meeting convened by President Surangel Whipps Jr. yesterday,…
Palau Executive Defends Process on U.S. Deportee Agreement, Senate and Chiefs Dispute
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau – Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. and his cabinet say…
People Over Technology: How Palau Ensures Disaster Alerts Reach the Most Vulnerable
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (January 22, 2026)— In a Pacific island chain where cutting-edge tech…
Palauans Weigh In On Proposed Referendum Over U.S. Deportees
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau — As the Palau Senate moves to block the transfer of third-country nationals deported from the United States, public discussion is intensifying over proposed legislation that would put the issue to a national referendum. Community members from across the country are sharing strong and often differing views — not only…
Taiwan’s New Envoy to Palau Vows to Boost Tourism, Tech Investment in Pacific Ally
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — Taiwan’s freshly minted ambassador to Palau, Andy Kang-i Chen, arrived with a playbook straight from Taipei: turbocharge tourism, lure high-tech investors and cement an…
Caroline Sumang Skebong is the Longest Serving PNSB Member
Honoring Caroline S. Skebong Caroline Sumang Skebong was recognized as the longest-serving board member of the Palau National Scholarship Board, having dedicated her service from January 1988 to July 2024.…
KOROR: KOSHIBA accepted to JIca KCCP training
Administrative Officer, Jeralda Koshiba, of Aimeliik State Government, will be participating in the Sustainable Tourism Resource Management and Development (Natural Resources). The program is created for the participants to learn…
First Networking Mixer by Palau Chamber of Commerce
Koror-Palau – The Palau Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its first Networking Mixer for the 2026 calendar year, marking the beginning of a series of monthly events designed to foster…
Sisterhoods, Relationships, and Friendships ♡
Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Often applied to sisterhood) Ruth 1:16: “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay.…
“Economic Growth for Whom? Palauans Still Struggling”
Dear editor, We must ask the hard question: Does this so-called “economic growth” actually trickle down to our people? Millions are being negotiated with the U.S., yet Palauans are still struggling. Food is expensive. PPUC is costly. Housing is unaffordable. Small businesses are closing. Drug abuse continues. Prisoners are dying. People with disabilities are still…
NCDs in Palau: Growing Health, Growing Hope
Palau in Motion By Tutii Chilton tutiichilton@gmail.com Dear Editor, The concern for politics without addressing Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) in Palau is quite alarming. NCDs are the leading cause of death in Palau, responsible for…
New Zealand and Palau eye the next two Pacific Forums
WELLINGTON, 21 JANUARY 2026 (MFAT) — New Zealand and Palau have agreed to cooperate closely on Pacific regional issues, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “As the next two hosts of the Pacific Islands Forum,…
Donald Trump drops Greenland tariffs threat as he heralds ‘future deal’ with NATO
By Riley Stuart in London and Brad Ryan in Washington DC In short: (ABC-Australia) An escalating feud between the US and Europe over ownership of Greenland appears to have been settled for now. US President…
Deep sea mining is the next geopolitical frontline – and the Pacific is in the crosshairs
By Viliame Kasanawaqa CANBERRA, 22 JANUARY 2026 (THE CONVERSATION) —i When the United States recently escalated its confrontation with Venezuela – carrying out strikes in Caracas and capturing President Nicolás Maduro – the moves were…
FSM aims for a self-reliant future with growing Compact Trust Fund
PALIKIR, 22 JNAUARY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The Federated States of Micronesia’s Compact Trust Fund reached a $2 billion mark at the end of fiscal 2025, prefiguring…
U.S visa crackdown leaves Pacific families in limbo, experts warn
WELLINGTON, 22 JNAUARY 2026 (PMN) — Pacific political analyst Tess Newton-Cain says new United States visa bonds and travel restrictions risk reshaping how Pacific people move, migrate, and…
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Koror Elementary Students Celebrate New Playground Built Through Local and Global Collaboration
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Jan. 21, 2026) — A new playground opened last week at Koror Elementary School, giving students a safer and more durable place to play after years of wear and tear rendered the previous structure unsafe. The project was made possible through a collaboration between the Palau Rotary Club, the U.S.…
South Korea’s WBC hopefuls assemble in Saipan as Dodgers’ Kim leads early camp
SAIPAN, 20 JANUARY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Los Angeles Dodgers utility infielder Kim Hye-seong is among a group of South Korean professional players training on Saipan as the national team begins its preparations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). The Korean Baseball Organisation says the Saipan camp, running from 10 to 21 January, is…
Palau Senate Moves Swiftly to Block U.S. Deportee Transfers Under MOU
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Jan. 19, 2026) — Palau’s Senate has moved rapidly to block the transfer of third-country nationals deported from the United States, approving sweeping amendments to the country’s immigration laws amid concerns over humanitarian impacts, legal safeguards and national preparedness. In a rare three-day legislative sprint, senators advanced and passed…
Belau National Hospital Not Out of Antibiotics, Health Officials Say
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (January 20, 2026)— Reports circulating in the community that Belau National Hospital has run out of critical antibiotics are false, according to Palau’s Chief Pharmacist Claret Matlab of the…
U.S. and Palau Promote Local Business Participation in Landmark Port and Harbor Project
By: Summer Kennard The United States of America and the Republic of Palau, in partnership, coordinated a Construction Industry Forum to introduce a major infrastructure project focused on the Palau Port and Ice Box…
Bill Proposes Turning Unused Sick Leave Into Medical Savings Benefits
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Jan. 19, 2026) — A bill introduced in the Senate last week would allow government employees to convert a portion of their unused sick leave into healthcare benefits…
Roland Merar Confirmed as Palau’s Inaugural Ambassador to Australia
By: L.N. Reklai NGERULMUD, Palau (January 19, 2026) — The 12th Senate of the Olbiil Era Kelulau on Friday unanimously confirmed Roland Merar as the Republic of Palau’s Ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia, marking the first time Palau…
Palau Declares 2026 the Year to ‘Just Say No to Illegal Drugs’ on National Day of Prayer
By: Laurel Marewibuel Koror, Palau —President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., Vice President Oilouch and members of Whipps’ Cabinet gathered with the Olbiil Era Kelulau, Council of Chiefs, justices, religious organizations, students and community members Monday at Palau Community College’s…
Military Bases, Money, and the Soul of Palau
Dear Editor, Military Bases, Money, and the Soul of Palau As Palau enters 2026, the debate over military bases and foreign aid grows louder. Our leaders continue to sign agreements that bring money into the country, but at what…
PICRC extends sincere thanks to supporters–$140,000 raised at Gala to support mission
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) celebrated its 25th anniversary on Thursday, January 15,…
FSM president facing investigation over unreleased funds allocated for prosecutor’s office
PALIKIR, 19 JANUARY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — It has been more than two years…
Philippines star Alexandra Eala sends Australian Open crowds into a frenzy
By Luke Pentony at Melbourne Park (ABC-Australia) It is rare a player ranked 49th in the world…
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix’s season-ending ankle injury throws Super Bowl race wide open
Sun 18 Jan In short: (ABC-Australia) Denver quarterback Bo Nix has suffered a season-ending ankle…
Bonds, blockings and bans: a massive new-year shakeup to Pacific-U.S travel
WELLINGTON, 19 JANUARY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — From heavy visa…
China supports strengthening climate change resilience and environmental protection in the Pacific
APIA, 19 JANUARY 2026 (SPREP) — The Government of the…
BBNJ Agreement comes into force, marking milestone for global ocean governance
SUVA, 19 JANUARY 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The Pacific Ocean…
Angaur State faces leadership and financial crisis after recall election
By: L.N. Reklai Jan. 16 4:00 pm Update: Former governor Steven Salii, who was also the second highest votegetter at the last Angaur State…
Whipps Renominates Udui, Jenkins and Orrukem for Senate Review
By: L.N. Reklai NGERULMUD, Palau (January 16, 2026)— President Surangel Whipps Jr. has resubmitted the names of former ministers and a former ambassador to…
300 Free AIS Devices Offered to Improve Safety for Palau’s Fishermen and Boaters
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (January 16, 2026)— Three hundred Automatic Identification System (AIS) devices are now available free of charge to local fishermen…
Senate Proposes National Referendum on Accepting U.S. Deportees
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (January 16, 2026) — Lawmakers have introduced a bill in the Olbiil era Kelulau that would ask voters…
Women’s Volleyball League Launches Pathway to Pacific Games Glory
By: Laurel Mariwebuel KOROR, Palau — A new Women’s Open Volleyball League promises Palauan athletes a fast track to national and regional stardom, organizers announced Thursday, riding the wave of the country’s Pacific Mini…
2 PCC Students to Participate in JENESYS Program
Palau Community College students Ms. Svenja H. Yosinao and Ms. Sydney D. Francisco have been selected to participate in the JENESYS Program in Japan from January 13 to January 20, 2026. The JENESYS Program,…
US to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Fiji
In short: (ABC-Australia) The US is suspending processing of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, including Fiji, Cambodia, Thailand, Nigeria and Brazil. It will not apply to applicants seeking non-immigrant visas, temporary tourist…
Denmark, US fail to agree over Greenland after high-level talks at White House
By correspondent Rachel Clayton in Washington DC In short: (ABC-Australia) Foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland have met for talks with the White House. Danish minister Lars…
Sowei Clan files lawsuit challenging sale of Peleliu land for U.S. defense site
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Contending members of the Sowei Clan of Peleliu have filed a lawsuit in Palau’s Supreme Court challenging the sale of clan…
New Year Starts of Health with Family Fun Ride
Belau Triathlon Federation sponsored a Family Fun Ride, a bike ride for families from Ernguul Park to Belau National Hospital and back on Saturday, January 10th, 2026. …
Palau Senate Moves to Restore PICRC, Power Subsidies Cut From FY2026 Budget
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau (January 13, 2026) The Palau…
Ngaraard Governor Sharp Sakuma Sworn In for Second Term
KOROR, Palau — Ngaraard Gov. Sharp Sakuma was sworn in…
Palauan Women Launch ‘DiReNg’ Sisterhood for Health and Heart
By: Laurel Marewibuel Ngoriakl said. “We’re starting small to test…
Nine Habits for Change
Palau in MotionBy Tutii Chiltontutiichilton@gmail.com Dear Editor, to begin 2026,…
Pacific Media Workshop highlights Climate Mobility Framework
Training in Fiji strengthens regional reporting on climate-driven migrationand human security A regional media training workshop on climate change, migration and human security recently brought together journalists from across the Pacific in Fiji, with Palau among the participating countries. The three-day workshop was held under the Pacific Climate Change Migration and Human Security Programme, which…
Accused scam kingpin Chen Zhi arrives in China after extradition from Cambodia
In short: (ABC-Australia) High-profile businessman Chen Zhi has been extradited to China after being accused of running an online scam network in Cambodia. Mr. Chen was indicted by the United…
At least 500 killed in Iran protests as Trump weighs up intervention
By Victoria Pengilley, Nandini Dhir, and Middle East Correspondent Matthew Doran In short: (ABC-Australia) At least 500 people have been killed as nationwide protests challenging the Iranian regime continue, according to activists. US…
Search Suspended for Missing Palau Fisherman After Boat Found Near Angaur
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (January 8, 2026) — Authorities have suspended the search for local fisherman Kailang Asanuma after seven days…
Palau Establishes Persecution Review for U.S. Deportees, but Gaps Remain on Status, Authority and Oversight
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, PALAU (January 9, 2026) — President Surangel Whipps Jr. has issued a new executive directive establishing procedures to…
Angaur Voters Remove Governor Natus Misech in Recall Election
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang ANGAUR, Palau (January 9, 2026) — Angaur Gov. Natus Misech was recalled from office Wednesday after voters approved a gubernatorial recall election by a margin that exceeded the legal threshold required under state law. Election officials said 137 of the state’s 470 registered voters participated in the recall, casting ballots on…
Jackson Doktok Chosen as Ngchesar Governor in Unanimous Council Vote
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGCHESAR, Palau (January 9, 2026) — Newly sworn-in council members of Ngchesar State on Wednesday elected Jackson “Olato” Doktok as governor during an…
Palau Tourism Rebounds Sharply in 2025, Sets Stage for Further Growth in 2026
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (January 9, 2026) — Palau’s tourism industry posted a strong, broad-based recovery in 2025, with international arrivals climbing sharply across Asia, North…
Peace in the Taiwan Strait Matters to All of Us
H.E. Jessica Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Palau Over the past several days,…
PICRC celebrates 25 Years with Anniversary Gala dinner
Live performances, and Fine Dining, co-hosted by President Surangel Whipps Jr. The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is fully…
Strengthening Pacific partnerships for coral reefs through Great Barrier Reef learning Exchange
Representatives from the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), the Palau Governors’ Association, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) recently concluded a learning exchange visit to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, deepening regional collaboration and strengthening collective efforts to build resilience for Pacific coral reefs and the communities that depend on them. Hosted by the Great Barrier…
NATO faces unpredictable threat from Donald Trump as US eyes Greenland
By Europe correspondent Elias Clure in London (ABC-Australia) Air Force One was cruising over the Atlantic towards a NATO summit in June last year when Donald Trump announced his country’s U-turn. The plane kept travelling towards The Hague, but the US president’s words signalled an abrupt departure from decades of White House foreign policy norms. Trump was…
Google to build undersea cables in Papua New Guinea under Australia defense treaty
In short: (ABC-Australia) Google will build three undersea cables in Papua New Guinea, which have been funded by Australia as part of mutual defense treaty. The cables will provide a key upgrade to PNG’s digital backbone and are a part of the Pukpuk Treaty. What’s next? Australia is expected to also finance a new international…
ICE agent fatally shoots woman amid US immigration crackdown in Minneapolis
By Daniela Pizzirani with wires In short: (ABC-Australia) A US immigration officer has shot and killed a woman in her car in Minneapolis, triggering nationwide protests. The mayor says the Trump administration’s claim the incident was self-defense is not true, and told Immigration and Customs Enforcement to “get the f*** out of Minneapolis”. What’s next? A Minnesota…
US seizes more oil tankers as it lays out three-phase plan for Venezuela
By Thomas Morgan in London and Brad Ryan in Washington DC, with wires In short: (ABC-Australia) US forces…
Three NFL teams sack coaches on league’s traditional Black Monday
In short: (ABC-Australia) Three NFL teams have sacked their coaches on what is traditionally…
New Law Eases Bonding Requirements for Palauan-Owned Construction Firms
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, PALAU (Jan. 6, 2026) — “We need to reform our…
Escaped inmate recaptured as prison safety concerns grow in Palau
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau — An inmate who escaped from custody late last…
Senate, Council of Chiefs Silent After Whipps Signs U.S. Deportee MOU
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (AP) — Weeks after formally opposing a U.S. proposal…
Palau Orders Flags at Half-Mast to Honor Late Aimeliik Leader Kalistus Ngirturong
KOROR, Palau (Jan. 6, 2026) — Calling his passing a moment of “utmost homage…
Angaur Voters Decide Fate of Governor in Second Recall Attempt Within First Year
By: L.N. Reklai ANGUAR, Palau (January 6, 2026) — “This recall is…
Palau Assures Shipping Registry Services Continue Without Interruption
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau (January 6, 2026) — “All registry services…
Palau–Taiwan Partnership Enhances Maritime Safety Through AIS Emergency Response Under the Coastal Fisheries Project
On December 27, a maritime emergency involving a small fishing vessel north…
Kaizen for Palau: Small Steps, Lasting Change for Body, Mind, and Environment
Dear Editor, Kaizen for Palau: Small Steps, Lasting Change for Body, Mind,…
Call for a National Referendum on the Acceptance of Refugees into Palau
Dear Leaders of the Republic of Palau, Members of the Olbiil Era…
‘Seeing Their Smiles Made It Worthwhile’: CAT 84-10 Delivers Christmas Cheer to Palau’s Schools
By: Summer Kennard In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Civic Action Team (CAT) 84-10 partnered with the nonprofit organization Spirit of America to bring holiday cheer to elementary school students across Palau, delivering more than 500 Christmas presents to children in multiple communities. The outreach effort reached schools in Angaur, Ngarchelong, Aimeliik, Ngaraard, Airai,…
Palau Media Council Names Baklai Temengil-Chilton Most Impactful Person of the Year 2025
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (January 6, 2026) — The…
From Flooded Courts to Safer Roads, Taiwan-Funded Projects Transform Community Life Across Palau
By: Laurel Marewibuel Koror, Palau (Jan. 5, 2026) Capital improvement…
Walking with Moai: Unlocking the mysteries of Easter Island stone statues
By Luke Cooper Friday 2 January (ABC-Australia) The extent of…
Death toll rises in Iran as anti-government protests spread
Jan 4, 2026 In short: (ABC-Australia) Various groups say at least 16 people have died and hundreds have been arrested in a week of…
After Decades of Abandonment, Beluu er a Ngchesechang Reclaims Its Place in Palau’s Cultural Landscape
By: Summer Kennard AIRAI, Palau (December 29, 2025) — “People may have left the village physically, but their hearts and minds remained there,” Airai…
PALAU REACTS TO WHIPPS’ DEPORTEE DEAL AS QUESTIONS MOUNT OVER PROCESS, COSTS AND TRANSPARENCY
By: L.N. Reklai & Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Dec. 29, 2025) — Shock, anger and unease have dominated public reaction in Palau following President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s decision to sign a memorandum of understanding on Dec. 24 agreeing to accept up to 75 deportees from the United States in exchange for $7.5 million in U.S.…
Palau Jail Inmate Dies After Being Set on Fire, Raising Fresh Questions About Prison Safety
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (December 29, 2025) — An inmate who was set on fire inside Koror Jail last weekend died in the hospital on Saturday, Dec. 27, despite earlier statements by Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) Director Elobt that his burn injuries were not serious, intensifying scrutiny of safety, oversight and transparency at…
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Palau’s Dignity Is Not For Sale but YOU SOLD IT for 7.5 million.
Dear Editor, I wanted to start in January 2026 to write about all…
Reported Jail Escape Adds to Turmoil at Palau’s Bureau of Public Safety
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (December 29, 2025) — The Bureau of Public…
Palau terminates ship registry operator amid sanctions, oversight failures; lawmakers debate interim authority
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (December 29, 2025) — Palau has terminated the…
Top Stories
Bill to Lower Bonding Requirements for Palauan Contractors Stalled by Registry Provision
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau — A bill intended to ease construction bonding requirements for Palauan-owned companies bidding on government projects has been deferred in the Senate, after lawmakers raised concerns over an unrelated shipping registry provision added by the House of Delegates. Senate Bill 12-22, which reached its third and final reading last…
‘Whole-of-Society’ Approach: Palau Showcases Anti-Corruption Efforts at UNCAC Session
By: L.N. Reklai DOHA, Qatar — “Strengthening collaboration among government, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, the private sector and the media is critical to building a resilient and accountable nation,” Palau told the international community this week as it outlined its expanding efforts to combat corruption at home and abroad. The statement was delivered by…
Palau Ends 2025 Facing Fiscal, Ocean, and Social Pressures
By: L.N. Reklai Palau closes 2025 at a delicate junction where ocean policy, national sovereignty, and fiscal discipline are no longer abstract themes, but urgent, interconnected tests of the country’s future path. From the budget brinkmanship that twice brought government to the edge of shutdown, to high‑stakes debates over asylum deals and the marine sanctuary,…
Travel from Japan to Palau This Holiday Season
Travel from Japan to Palau This Holiday Season This festive season, travelers from Tokyo and Osaka have the opportunity to visit Palau, connecting via Hong Kong. Palau is known for its clear lagoons, diverse marine life, and calm, tropical environment. Greater Bay Airlines offers direct connections from Hong Kong to Palau, making it possible to…
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Taiwan boosts support as Palau prepares to host Pacific Islands Forum
Kelvin Chen Taiwan News, Staff Writer TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Dec. 21, 2025— Taiwan is…
Palau delegation advances “One Micronesia” Tourism Collaboration at PATA Micronesia Tri-Annual Meeting in Guam
Guam | December 8–12, 2025 — The Palau delega tion participated in the Pa…
Women Lead Revival of Giant Swamp Taro in Palau Through Climate-Smart Farming
KOROR, Palau ( Dec. 19, 2025) — “When women are involved from the beginning,…
From Alonzo Kahalic to Dudalm Kelulau: A Deeper Current in the Silent Majority
Dear Editor, From Alonzo Kahalic to Dudalm Kelulau: A Deeper Current in the Silent…
Palauans Reflect on Christmas 2025: Family, Faith, and Quiet Joy Define the Holiday Season
“Seeing my siblings here made the holidays so much more fun,” says Dub da…
“Legislative Strengthening Clinic for the 12th Ngchesar State Council”
Koror, Palau – Today, December 18, 2025, the Bureau of Domestic Affairs, Ministry of…
What Trump’s inexplicable plan to mine the Mariana Trench could mean for the Pacific
By Andrew D. Thaler WASHINGTON, 22 DECEMBER 2025 (SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE) — Can you…
Tenorio-Barnes set to launch campaign for 2026 Guam elections amid PUA scandal
HAGATNA, 19 DECEMBER 2025 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio will officially…
France denies ‘false information’ it plans to cede Pacific Islands
PARIS, 19 DECEMBER 2025 (AFP) — France on Thursday denied it was planning to…
Taipei Metro stabbing attack leaves at least three people dead
Saturday 20 December In short: (ABC-Australia) A man has killed three people after throwing…
Palau Postal Service Grounded by U.S. Tariff Order, Stranding Packages for Months
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (December 18, 2025) — For…
Widow of Johnston Etpison Calls for Prisoners’ Rights Reform in Palau on her journey of healing.
KOROR —The widow of Johnston “Ton” Etpison has spoken publicly…
Big boost for Palauan students as scholarship awards increase in 2026
By: L.N. Reklai Palauan college students are getting a major…
OEK finally approves $15M Saudi loan to expand housing loans in Palau
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Dec. 17, 2025) — After…
OEK moves bill to ease construction bond rules, raises limits for Palauan contractors
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A bill designed to…
From Paper to Digital: Palau Moves Toward Legal Framework for Online Transactions
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau (Dec. 18, 2025) — Palau…
World
PICRC and BlueTrend Announce Collaboration to Advance Marine Ecotourism in Palau
In addition to its research and outreach efforts, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is committed to supporting sustainable tourism and marine-focused ecotourism in the country. As part of these initiatives, PICRC has recently partnered with the Oceanholic Company Limited (BlueTrend)—a Taiwan-based company that connects travelers with unique destinations while promoting responsible tourism and ocean stewardship. Formalized with the signing of a Memorandum…
Taiwan’s Green Port Diplomacy: Wind, Shore Power, and Pacific Engagement
By Mohammed Afsal K H TAIPEI, 18 DECEMBER 2025 (GLOBAL TAIWAN) — Taiwan’s latest diplomatic push in the Pacific has come with developments in maritime infrastructure. Between 2024 and 2025, Taiwan pushed the number of high-voltage shore power systems at its ports to 11, relaunched a solar-powered research yacht for Palau, and helped finance Tuvalu’s first international submarine internet cable. These initiatives underscore a…
Breaking Barriers: Palauan Powerlifter Jaime Nagata Claims Bronze on World Stage
By: Summer Kennard “I came in hoping to place in the top five, so finding out I placed third was incredible,” Jaime Nagata said, reflecting on a breakthrough moment that capped her rapid rise in international powerlifting. KOROR, Palau (Dec. 18, 2025) — Palauan powerlifter Jaime Nagata earned a bronze medal in the women’s raw 90-kilogram division at the 2025 IDFPA World Championships on…
Palau, Micronesia Highlighted in ‘Ocean of Peace’ Art Exhibition on Maui
December 18, 2025 KAHULUI, Maui — Palau and Micronesian artists are at the center of Ocean of Peace, a new group exhibition opening Dec. 6 at the Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, bringing contemporary island perspectives into dialogue with culture, history and regional geopolitics. The exhibition runs through Jan. 29, 2026, and features six artists of Micronesian heritage whose…
Guam establishes Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Task Force
HAGATNA, 18 DECEMBER 2025 (PACIFICI ISLAND TIMES) — Guam will establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regulatory Task Force that will study the emerging AI landscape and assess its potential impact on government operations, economy and daily living. “The use of AI demands careful consideration and strategic foresight,” acting GovernorJoshua Tenorio wrote in a transmittal letter to the legislature. He noted that the rapid advancement…
US strikes on three suspected drug boats kill eight people in eastern Pacific
Tue 16 DecTuesday 16 December In short: (ABC-Australia) Eight people have been killed following strikes on three alleged narcotrafficking vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, according to the US military. US Southern Command describes the people killed as narcoterrorists. At least 95 people have died in 25 known boat strikes since early September. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-16/us-strikes-on-three-vessels-in-eastern-pacific-kill-eight/106150752 The US military says it has attacked three…
US approves largest ever multi-billion-dollar arms package for Taiwan
Dec. 18, 2025 In short: (ABC-Australia) The US has approved an arms package for Taiwan that includes drones, howitzers and more. Taiwan also plans $60 billion in extra defence spending. What’s next? US-Taiwan arms sales often strain US-China relations. The United States has approved $US11.1 billion ($16.68 billion) in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest ever US weapons package for the island which is…
Palau President Dives WWII Wreck, Hails Cleanup of 429 Depth Charges as Safety Win
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Monday, Dec. 15, 2025) — President Surangel Whipps Jr. peered into the empty hatches of the long-sunken Helmet Wreck on Monday, a stark contrast to the explosives-packed hazard he first dove more than 30 years ago. The WWII-era ship, just off Malakal Harbor, once held 472 leaking depth charges — a ticking time bomb threatening the island nation’s main…
Meth, gun seized in Ulimang raid; suspect later arrested, assaulted by convicted killer in jail
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau (Dec. 15, 2025) — Police seized more than 113 grams of methamphetamine, a handgun and ammunition after executing a search warrant at a residence in Ulimang, Ngaraard, early Thursday morning, authorities said. Officers raided the home of Burton Wenty at about 5:45 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. Wenty was not at the residence at the time of the…
Utility customers, state projects face impacts as funds are redirected
By: L.N. Reklai Utility customers and state governments will feel effects from President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s decision to reduce and veto portions of Palau’s FY 2026 national budget, actions that eliminate a proposed $2 million utility rebate, cut electricity subsidies and halt several state-funded capital projects. Whipps signed the budget into law as Republic of Palau Public Law 12-3 after invoking his constitutional authority…