Author: TMC Palau

The FC Barcelona roller hockey side fell to a 2-0 defeat against Portuguese team Porto on match day six of the Champions League at the Palau Blaugrana. Two first half goals from the visitors was enough for victory despite the blaugranes having plenty of chances to get on the scoresheet.  Porto now leapfrog above Barça into top spot in group A in the competition but with still four games to go in the initial phase. Ricard Ares’ team face their next challenge in the Champions League with an away trip to SCRA St. Omer v Barça on Thursday 26 February. …

Overview: Palau has long been seen as one of the Pacific’s strongest defenders of media freedom—but in today’s digital world, is that still enough? As misinformation, social media and AI reshape how news is created and consumed, the definition of press freedom is evolving. Despite strong legal protections, new global pressures reshape the meaning of media freedom By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 4, 2026) — In a country where press conferences are frequent, congressional sessions are broadcast live, and news flows daily across radio, print, television and social media, Palau often points to itself as a model of media…

“It’s wonderful for our mission to return to Palau, where we look forward to working alongside our multinational allies, partners, and friends as we prepare in calm for possible future time of crisis,” said Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, mission commander for Pacific Partnership. “It’s exciting to be here, as our nations share a rich history of collaboration and cultural ties. We look forward to strengthening that mutual cooperation and friendship in the days and years ahead.”Pacific Partnership mission includes stops in the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Palau, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Philippines.“I’m excited to…

Overview: A growing number of Palau families are quietly dealing with the fallout of online scams — with some victims losing thousands of dollars to people they’ve never met. Authorities say the problem is worsening, and many cases go unreported. Families report growing losses as overseas scammers exploit trust through social media By: L.N. Reklai “She really believes this to be real,” a niece said, describing how her elderly aunt in Palau sent more than $10,000 to a man she has never met — a stark example of the growing wave of online scams now affecting families across the country.…

An explosion at Zam Zam Restaurant in Samabula has left staff shocked and injured. The incident happened this afternoon in the kitchen area, forcing staff and customers to flee the building. Customer Service Manager Dileleah Grace described the terrifying experience, saying she was upstairs in the restaurant when the explosion occurred. She says people ran outside for safety as the blast erupted from the kitchen.Article continues after advertisement Grace told FBC News that about five to eight kitchen staff suffered burns during the incident. Authorities are currently at the scene, while those injured have been taken to hospital for treatment.…

Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. is taking his campaign against deep-sea mining to a global stage, and his message for the Marianas is personal.Speaking to The Guam Daily Post on Monday, a few days after delivering a keynote address at the World Ocean Summit in Montreal, Whipps said any deep-sea mining near the Marianas would directly harm Palau and the broader Pacific community.”Although we love our neighbors from Guam and (the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), but if you start deep-sea mining there, it will impact us,” Whipps said. “If we’re our Pacific brothers, then let’s make sure…

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka making a case for the 20 percent salary reduction for all 55 MPs in parliament last week. 30 April 2026 Photo: Facebook / Parliament of the Republic of Fiji Fijian lawmakers voted last week for a 20 percent mandatory pay cut for all 55 members of parliament, making the island nation one of the first to take such action amid the global fuel supply crisis created by the Iran war. The proposal, put forward by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, passed unanimously – although the opposition leader proposed a more agressive amendment to increase the cut…

Athletes will be allowed to take part in three individual events at next year’s Fiji Finals after it was passed at the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association Annual General Meeting. At the moment, an athlete is eligible to feature in two individual events and one team event. Another motion that was agreed to at the AGM was that in 2027, athletes who only take part in team events can feature in two. FSSAA secretary, Biu Colati, says, for example, some athletes only run in one team event like the 4×100 meters relay; however, from next year they can run in…

Insider SpotlightPhilippine Airlines to open direct Manila–Palau (Koror) route in March 2026Twice-weekly night flights timed for easy Asia and domestic connectionsSpecial roundtrip fares from $499 economy and $1,239 business Philippine Airlines (PAL) is adding Palau to its Pacific network, launching new nonstop flights between Manila and Koror starting March 29, 2026.  The flag carrier will operate the service twice weekly, further expanding its presence in Micronesia and the broader Western Pacific.Why it mattersThe route links Manila to one of the region’s most sought-after dive and beach destinations, giving Philippine and Asian travelers easier access to Palau’s lagoons, reefs, and marine…

[Photo Supplied] Fiji’s Aerobic Gymnastics scene continues to rise, with young talent Ayden Akbar set to make his mark on the international stage. The Lautoka youngster will become Fiji’s first male Youth AER International athlete from Flight Club when he competes at the Australian National Clubs Carnival on the Gold Coast this September. The milestone moment signals a significant step forward for the sport in the country. Ayden, who turns 11 in July, only began gymnastics in December 2023 during holiday classes before quickly progressing into the Level 3 squad in 2024.Article continues after advertisement His rapid development earned him…