By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A leadership meeting convened by President Surangel Whipps Jr. yesterday, January 22, 2026, to discuss Palau’s agreement to accept third-country nationals under a memorandum of understanding with the United States went forward this week without the participation of the Senate of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau and the Council […]
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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 they followed a formal process in approving a U.S. agreement to house up to 75 deportees, but the Senate and Council of Chiefs dispute that claim. Whipps said a working group—including representatives from Rubekul Belau, Mechesil Belau, state leaders, […]
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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 often lags, Palau’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) leans hard on human networks and community smarts to blast life-saving alerts to the vulnerable—especially people with disabilities and non-English-speaking immigrants during crises like droughts and typhoons. NEMO Director Waymine Towai, […]
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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 […]
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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 island bond that’s equal parts strategy and shared seafaring soul. Chen, a diplomatic veteran on his seventh posting after stints in Jordan, the U.S., Philippines, […]
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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. A new playground opened last week at Koror Elementary School, giving students a safer and […]