GENEVA (June 5, 2025) — The South-West Pacific experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, with warming oceans, rising sea levels, and more intense storms threatening the very survival of low-lying island nations, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The State of the Climate in the South-West Pacific 2024 […]
Author Archives: Leilani Reklai
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Chinese national robbed, shot at Ngatpang quarry; investigation ongoing
Koror, Palau — Authorities are investigating the robbery and shooting of a Chinese national at the Ngatpang Quarry, following two separate attacks on the victim within a week. On May 29, 2025, at around 5:30 a.m., two masked men dressed in black reportedly approached the victim, known as Charlie by the locals, not his official […]
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Palau passes $7M Supplemental Budget, restores most requested funding
President Surangel Whipps Jr. has signed into law the first supplemental budget for fiscal year 2025, approving nearly all of the funding he requested in the original proposal. The bill, RPPL 12-1, allocates $7.035 million to fund 59 budget items, after a Conference Committee of the Olbiil Era Kelulau resolved differences between the Senate and […]
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Palau’s Pristine waters choked by Foreign Marine debris
KOROR, Palau — Palau’s once-pristine waters and iconic rock islands are drowning under a rising tide of plastic and marine debris, much of it drifting in from neighboring countries. With no end in sight, the problem continues to grow, despite ongoing cleanup efforts. “Our rangers and community groups are out there every day and every […]
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Palau Red Cross appeals for Congressional support after loss of U.S. Aid funds
KOROR, Palau — The Palau Red Cross Society (PRCS) is appealing to the Olbiil Era Kelulau (Palau Congress) for supplemental funding after losing nearly $600,000 in U.S. government aid due to executive orders signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. In a letter addressed to Speaker Gibson Kanai, PRCS National Governing Board Chairperson Jefferson Thomas […]
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Two States clash over reef damage from grounded Japanese Fishing Vessel
KOROR, Palau — The Airai and Koror state governments are at odds over jurisdiction and damages after a Japanese fishing vessel ran aground on a disputed reef earlier this year, sparking a legal battle that has now drawn in both states. The Supreme Court of Palau’s Trial Division on Monday granted Koror State’s motion to […]