By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau (October 2025) — Palau’s households are earning steady incomes but continue to face mounting cost-of-living pressures driven by high import dependency, housing costs, and energy prices, according to the 2023–2024 Palau Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES). The report, conducted by the Bureau of Budget and Planning with support from […]
Category: Top Stories
Posted inTop Stories
Koror Celebrates 42nd Constitution Day with Historic Pathway Unveiling
By: Faith Chen KOROR, Palau — Koror State marks its 42nd anniversary of its Constitution on today, October 21, 2025, with a daylong celebration that honors its framers and looks ahead to a new chapter of community development. The official morning program will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ngeremlakl Long Island […]
Posted inTop Stories
Illegal Shark Fishing Persists in Palau Despite 2009 Ban
By L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Evidence of ongoing illegal shark fishing surfaced this week, reigniting concerns about poaching in Palau’s protected waters despite a 2009 law that established the country as a shark sanctuary. At around 9 a.m. Monday, a white foam cooler drifted ashore near Meyuns Causeway, drawing attention from passersby. Inside were […]
Posted inTop Stories
Government Denies False Claims of Reduced School Hours
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau — A viral Facebook post falsely claiming that kindergarten through third-grade students would begin attending half-day classes due to budget issues has prompted government officials to issue strong denials and warnings about the rise of misinformation in Palau. The post, made under the name “Concerned Mother 680,” alleged that the […]
Posted inTop Stories
Bill Seeks to Separate Health Care Fund from Social Security
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Island Times) — A new legislative proposal aims to separate the Palau Health Care Fund (HCF) from the Social Security Administration (SSA), a move lawmakers say will modernize the nation’s health financing system and improve financial accountability. Senate Bill No. 12-40 seeks to amend Chapter 9, Title 41 of the […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Senate Passes Nation’s First Comprehensive Cybersecurity Bill
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Island Times) — The Senate has unanimously approved Senate Bill No. 12-9, SD1, known as the Cybersecurity Act, marking the Republic of Palau’s first comprehensive national framework to strengthen digital security and data protection. The measure now moves to the House of Delegates for consideration. The bill seeks to establish […]